Kenyan applicants who need to find their Home Office reference number for a UK visa application will use the Global Web Form (GWF) number, which the Home Office assigns when an applicant first submits their online application form.
This GWF number appears on the GOV.UK application confirmation, the VFS Global appointment confirmation for Nairobi or Mombasa, and the final UKVI decision letter. The GWF number is distinct from other identifiers like the UAN, share code, or BRP number, which serve different purposes.
The GWF Number and Its Location for Kenya Applications
The Global Web Form (GWF) number is the unique reference for an individual UK visa application. The GOV.UK website generates this number automatically when you submit the application form, before paying the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The GWF number stays with the application from submission to decision.
Kenyan applicants can find their GWF number, which starts with 'GWF' and has nine digits (e.g., GWF123456789), in several documents:
- GOV.UK Application Confirmation: After an online form is submitted, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) sends a confirmation email. The GWF number is in the subject line and body of this email and on the downloadable PDF of the application.
- VFS Global Appointment Confirmation: The appointment confirmation letter from VFS Global for a biometrics appointment in Nairobi or Mombasa includes the GWF number. VFS Global uses this number to identify the case at the appointment.
- UKVI Decision Letter: The decision letter from UKVI, for both successful and refused applications, quotes the GWF number as the main case reference.
GWF Number Versus Unique Application Number (UAN)
A Unique Application Number (UAN) is another identifier that is different from a GWF number. The UAN is a 16-digit number used mainly for applications made from inside the UK, such as for visa extensions or settlement. UKVI sometimes assigns a UAN to out-of-country applications later in the process, and it can appear on decision letters alongside the GWF number.
Kenyan applicants must use their GWF number for all initial tracking and enquiries. The UAN is an internal UKVI reference and is rarely needed for correspondence from applicants in Kenya.
UK Visa Application References and the Share Code
A share code differs completely from an application reference number. A share code is not for tracking an application. An applicant uses a share code to prove their immigration status to employers or landlords after a visa is granted and they are in the UK.
An applicant with a granted UK visa, managed as a digital eVisa, can generate a share code through the GOV.UK 'View and prove your immigration status' service. This code gives third parties temporary access to verify rights, like the right to work or rent. An applicant should not use a share code to check an application's progress.
Comparing GWF, UAN, Share Code, and BRP Numbers
The table below outlines the purpose, location, and relevance of these identifiers for applicants in Kenya as of 2026.
| Identifier | Primary Purpose | When/Where It Is Found | Relevance for Kenya Applicants (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWF Number | Tracking an out-of-country visa application. | GOV.UK confirmation email, VFS appointment letter, decision letter. | Main Reference. This is the number for tracking an application from Kenya. |
| UAN | Internal UKVI case reference, mainly for in-country applications. | Later UKVI correspondence, some decision letters. | Less common for initial applications but may appear later. Use the GWF unless asked for the UAN. |
| Share Code | Proving immigration status (e.g., right to work/rent) inside the UK. | Generated online via GOV.UK after a visa is granted. | Only relevant after a visa is approved to prove status to an employer or landlord in the UK. |
| BRP Number | Identifier on a Biometric Residence Permit. | On the physical BRP card or linked to a digital eVisa record. | Relevant for those with older grants of leave. New applicants receive a digital eVisa. |
Using the Correct Reference for Application Status Checks
The GWF number is the required reference for checking the status of a UK visa application from Kenya. Official tracking services, including the VFS Global portal, use this GWF number to locate an application file. Using other identifiers, like a passport number or UAN, will prevent the system from finding the application.
Applicants track their application on the official VFS Global tracking portal for Kenya or a GOV.UK status checker. The service will ask for the GWF number and personal details like date of birth.
An applicant communicating with UKVI or VFS Global in Nairobi or Mombasa by email or phone should provide their GWF number at the start of the enquiry. This ensures the case can be identified correctly.
Common Reference Number Mistakes by Kenyan Applicants
Simple administrative errors with reference numbers can cause delays for applicants. Avoiding common mistakes helps the application process move forward without unnecessary problems.
- Quoting a Passport Number: A passport number identifies a person, but the GWF number identifies a specific application. Official tracking systems are built around the GWF number.
- Using Share Code Screenshots: Applicants with a previous UK visa sometimes provide a screenshot of an old share code instead of an application reference. A share code cannot track a pending application.
- Relying on old BRP Numbers: The UK's transition to a digital eVisa system means physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer the main evidence of status for new applicants. A BRP number from a previous visa is not relevant for a new application processed in 2026.
- Not Saving the Initial Confirmation: The first email from GOV.UK after submission contains the GWF number. Failure to save this email or check junk folders can make finding the reference difficult.
Expert Assistance with Your UK Visa Application
Understanding the different reference numbers and stages of a UK visa application is important. An error in quoting the correct identifier can lead to delays. UK Visa Assist helps Kenyan applicants prepare and review their applications before submission, which includes managing all reference numbers correctly.
An applicant who is unsure about any part of their application can book a consultation for professional guidance before paying non-refundable Home Office fees. Our team provides support for UK visa applications from Kenya.