New UK Citizenship Test ID Rules from April 16, 2026: What eVisa Holders Must Know
Are you getting ready to take the Life in the UK Test or applying for British citizenship? A new update from the UK Home Office could seriously impact your test day preparations — especially if you’re an eVisa holder.
Starting April 16, 2026, new identity verification rules are in place. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure you’re not turned away at the test centre.
What’s Changing?
In the past, candidates could simply present a passport or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as proof of identity. However, as the UK moves toward a fully digital immigration system, eVisa holders must now verify their identity online using a share code.
Accepted ID Documents on Test Day
To sit your test, you must bring one of the following original, valid, and in-date ID documents — and it must match the ID you used when booking:
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
(Can still be used up to 18 months after expiry) - EU/EEA/Swiss National Identity Card (must be in date)
- Passport (must be valid and not expired)
- Travel Document (must be in date; emergency versions not accepted)
Photocopies, expired documents, and digital images (like screenshots) are not accepted.
Special Instructions for eVisa Holders
If you hold an eVisa, you won’t have a physical ID document to present. Instead, you must complete a digital ID check using a share code. Here’s how:
How to Generate a Share Code:
- Log in to your UKVI account: immigration-status
- Select the option to prove your status.
- Generate a share code.
- Bring that code with you to your test — staff will use it to confirm your identity and immigration status.
Important: Without this code, you will not be allowed to take the test.
Final Pre-Test Day Checklist
Make sure everything is in order before you head to your test centre:
- Your ID document is valid, original, and the same one used when booking
- Your name on the booking matches your ID exactly
- If you’re using an eVisa, your share code is ready
- You do not bring photocopies or expired documents
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules?
Failure to present valid ID or a share code (for eVisa holders) will result in you being refused entry to the test. That means:
- You lose your test fee
- You’ll have to rebook
- Your citizenship or settlement process could be delayed
For more details, please contact my team. Thank you.
Phone number
+ 91 6380692148
+ 91 6301550340
