This post first published: 14 March 2025
The Home Office introduced a digital data share on the 24th of October 2024 and is no longer issuing physical status evidence.
A HODS check allows SLC to carry out a check with the Home Office to validate the student’s status digitally. A valid HODS check can be accepted as proof of identity and status.
A Home Office Data Share check can be carried out for EU and ROW categories.
When applying, online or by paper, the student will be asked to provide:
- Document Type
- Document Number – number on a valid Passport, ID Cared, HOBRC or HOBRP*
- Date of Birth
- Document Issuing Nationality
* HOBRC or HOBRP are Biometric residence permits
If the student is applying through a family members status, the student will also be asked to provide all of the above for their family member. In addition to this the student will need to provide proof of relationship evidence.
Note that Irish nationals are not required to apply for the EISS share code, therefore the Home Office may not hold details on them.
SLC is working to a 15 working day SLA. If the digital system does not provide the relevant information a manual check, if required will be undertaken.
