People with an eVisa no longer need a passport or residence card to take the Life in the UK test. On 15 April 2025 the Home Office updated the test’s identification rules to say that an eVisa share code can be used as proof of identity.
Key facts
- What eVisa share code accepted as proof of identity
- From 15 April 2025
- How Share code from your UKVI account
- Fee £50 per test (unchanged)
How it works
The candidate signs in to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and creates a share code, choosing the option to prove immigration status for anything else. That code is used when booking the test, and the test centre checks identity against the eVisa record. A candidate who booked with a share code does not have to bring the physical document that would otherwise be required.
The change came as the Home Office replaced biometric residence permits (BRPs) with eVisas. A few weeks earlier, on 27 March 2025, it had also allowed expired BRPs and residence cards to be used as ID for a limited period, for people who could not yet get into an eVisa.
Rules that have not changed
The test still costs £50 and must be booked online at least three days ahead. Other accepted ID remains a valid passport, an in-date travel document (not an emergency travel document) and an in-date EU, EEA or Swiss identity card. Whatever ID is used, the name on the booking must match it exactly. Changes to the date or time are free up to 72 hours before the test; within 72 hours there is no refund, and a candidate turned away at the ID check also loses the fee.
What this means
If you have an eVisa, check that you can sign in to your UKVI account and that your details there are correct before you book. Generate the share code at the time of booking and keep a note of it. If your eVisa details are wrong, ask UKVI to correct them first, because a mismatch on test day can cost you the £50. The full rules are in the identification requirements.