Official Documents and Paperwork · Lesson 5 of 8 · 11 min

Proof of address and proving who you are

Banks, phone companies, landlords, doctors and employers all want to know two things: who you are and where you live. When you have just arrived in a new city, proving your address can feel impossible, but there are standard ways round it.

Why proof of address matters

Banks and other organisations use your address to check your identity and to send you letters, cards and statements.
A new arrival often has no utility bill or bank statement yet, which can block opening a bank account, the very thing that later produces proof of address.
Immigration systems also rely on your address: UKCISA says international students in the UK must keep the Home Office informed of their current address and contact details.
If letters go to an old address, you can miss important deadlines, so updating addresses is part of moving in.

What usually counts as proof

A letter from your university confirming your enrolment and term-time address is commonly used by students.
Other common documents include a tenancy agreement, a bank statement or a utility bill in your name; each bank sets its own list.
The University of York, for example, lists a passport, an offer letter, a university Letter of Introduction with your UK address, and proof of UK address for opening a bank account.
York also notes banks differ: some accept the university bank letter, one listed bank does not accept it as proof of an on-campus accommodation address, and some app-based banks ask for a video selfie.
Always check the bank's current requirements before you go, because they change.

Getting the right letter from your university

Most universities let you request a confirmation of study or bank letter through the student portal once you have enrolled.
Check the address on the letter carefully before using it: one wrong digit can mean a rejected application.
If the letter names a specific bank branch, York advises opening the account at the branch specified on your letter.
Request a few copies, or save the PDF, because you may need it for a phone contract, a doctor and an employer too.

Proving your identity and status

Your passport is the main identity document abroad; your local ID card (such as an Emirates ID) is the main one at home in the UAE.
In the UK, GOV.UK says you can prove your immigration status to employers or landlords with a share code, and they also need your date of birth; you do not need to show them the eVisa itself.
In the UAE, u.ae says the UAE PASS app lets you identify yourself to service providers using your smartphone and share digital documents.
Give only what is asked for: an employer checking right to work needs your share code, not your bank details.

Your change-of-address checklist

Bank and card provider.
University records (student portal) and, for UK visa holders, your UKVI account, which GOV.UK says should be updated when your home or postal address changes.
Doctor or health insurer, mobile phone provider and any employer.
Online shops and delivery apps (so parcels follow you).
Family: tell them your new address and keep a record of the date you moved.

Practise in real life

Tick each one off when you have done it.

Make a list of the five organisations that would need your address if you moved out tomorrow.
Find your target university's page on bank letters or proof of study and note how you request one.
Practise explaining your situation in one sentence, for example: 'I am a new international student; I have a university letter confirming my address. Will you accept it?'

Remember

New arrivals often lack proof of address: a university letter is the usual solution.
Each bank has its own list of accepted documents, so check first.
Keep your address up to date everywhere, including immigration accounts.
Share only the identity information an organisation actually needs.

Note: Accepted proof-of-address documents vary by bank, country and over time; the University of York list was checked in October 2026 and is one example only. Check your own bank and university.

Check yourself

1. According to UKCISA, what must international students in the UK keep the Home Office informed of?

2. In the University of York's guidance, what document can international students request to help open a bank account?

3. To prove UK right to rent or work with an eVisa, what does GOV.UK say the other person needs alongside the share code?

4. Which tip from the University of York applies if your bank letter names a specific branch?

5. What does u.ae say UAE PASS lets you do?