New UK Citizenship Test ID Rules Implemented on April 16, 2026: eVisa Holders Must Present Share Code

Are you preparing to take the Life in the UK Test or any other UK citizenship-related exam? Then this update could make or break your test day. The UK Home Office has issued new identity verification rules – and if you’re an eVisa holder, there’s a crucial new step you must follow.

Let’s walk you through everything you need to know, and how to avoid being turned away at the test center.

What’s Changing?

Previously, most candidates could show up with a passport or BRP card. But with the UK immigration system increasingly moving online, there’s now a mandatory digital identity verification process for eVisa holders.

If you have an eVisa, you now need to generate a share code to prove your identity on test day.

What’s an eVisa?
It’s your online immigration status, replacing a physical visa document or sticker. If you’ve applied through the EU Settlement Scheme, used the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or received a digital status confirmation, you probably have one.

✅ Acceptable Identification on Test Day

To sit your test, you must bring one of the following original and valid identification documents – and the same one you used to book your test:

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
  (Can still be used up to 18 months after expiration)
• EU/EEA/Swiss National Identity Card (in-date)
• Passport (not expired)
• Travel Document (in-date; emergency versions not accepted)

No photocopies. No screenshots. No expired IDs.

eVisa Holders: Here’s What You MUST Do!

If you’re using an eVisa, you won’t have a physical document to present. So instead, you’ll need to:

1. Log in to your UKVI account.
2. Generate a share code.
3. Provide this code at the test centre to prove your identity and status.

Tip: If your social media or test account is private, you may need to direct message your code to the organizers or follow other specific instructions given during booking.

⚠️ Don’t Risk a Missed Test!

If your ID doesn’t match your booking details or if you fail to bring the correct documentation, you will not be allowed to sit the test. That means wasted time, money, and potentially delaying your path to UK citizenship.

Final Checklist Before Test Day:

• Double-check your booking name matches your ID.
• Make sure your ID is valid and original.
• If you have an eVisa, log in to your UKVI account and get your share code.
• Bring the same document you used to register.

References

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-booking-and-taking-the-life-in-the-uk-test/identification-requirements-accessible-version
• https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status.