How to prove settled status in the UK and when you may need an apostille
Settled status is now held digitally through the UK immigration system. Learn how to prove your status using a share code and when an apostille may be required if overseas authorities need evidence of your UK immigration status.
The UK's immigration system has undergone significant changes in recent years, with physical residence permits increasingly replaced by digital immigration records. For individuals holding settled or pre-settled status, proof of immigration status is now usually accessed online through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
While this digital approach simplifies many everyday checks, it can create challenges when proof of immigration status is required outside the UK.
What is settled status?
Settled status allows eligible individuals to live, work and study in the UK without any time restrictions. It was granted under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualifying EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members.
Unlike traditional residence permits, settled status is generally held electronically and can be accessed through the government's online immigration service.
How do you prove settled status?
Most people prove their immigration status by generating a share code through their UKVI account.
The share code can be used by:
- Employers carrying out right to work checks
- Landlords conducting right to rent checks
- Universities and colleges
- Government departments
- Other authorised organisations
Share codes are temporary and are generated specifically for the purpose for which they are needed.
Why is proof of settled status important?
You may need to provide evidence of your immigration status when:
- Starting a new job
- Renting a property
- Accessing certain public services
- Opening financial accounts
- Applying for benefits
- Travelling internationally
Keeping your UKVI account details up to date is important, particularly if you renew your passport or change your contact details.
Using proof of settled status outside the UK
Although the UK immigration system is digital, overseas authorities often require paper documentation rather than access to online records.
Foreign immigration offices, banks, lawyers and government agencies may request documentary evidence of your UK immigration status when dealing with:
- Residency applications
- Family immigration matters
- Overseas employment
- Property purchases
- International banking
- Visa applications
In these situations, a notary public may prepare a certified copy or formal declaration confirming your immigration status based on your UKVI record.
Apostille for proof of settled status
Once notarised, the document can often be legalised with an apostille certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The apostille confirms the authenticity of the notary's signature and allows the document to be recognised in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Depending on the destination country, additional embassy attestation may also be required.
Common issues with digital immigration status
Some individuals experience difficulties when accessing or proving their status.
Common issues include:
- Expired passport details linked to the account
- Forgotten login information
- Incorrect personal information
- Problems generating share codes
- Difficulties during international travel
Most issues can be resolved through the UKVI online service or by contacting the appropriate government support channels.
Fast apostille and legalisation services
At Orcap, we assist individuals who need UK documents prepared for international use.
Our services include:
- Same day apostille services
- FCDO apostille UK processing
- Notarised document services
- Fast apostille and legalisation services
- Embassy attestation
- Hague apostille services
- International document legalisation support
We work with experienced notaries and can help ensure your documents meet the requirements of overseas authorities.
Need proof of settled status legalised for use abroad?
If you need a notarised and apostilled document confirming your UK immigration status for use overseas, Orcap can help.
Contact our team today for expert guidance on apostille, legalisation and embassy attestation services throughout the UK.
