Share Code for Employer – Full Guide to Right to Work Checks
A UK right to work share code is a 9-character code an eligible worker generates online so an employer can check their immigration status and work permission on GOV.UK. Employers use the share code together with the worker’s date of birth in the government checking service; British and Irish citizens cannot get a share code and are checked by other document routes instead.
The system is part of a broader move by the Home Office to digitise immigration checks. It lets employers view up-to-date right to work information online, including whether work is allowed and, in some cases, any restrictions or time limits.
For anyone navigating the hiring process, understanding what a share code is, how to get one, and how an employer uses it is essential to staying compliant and avoiding delays.
How to Get a Share Code
A temporary code issued by the Home Office to prove immigration status.
Non-UK nationals proving right to work; employers verifying applicants.
Use Gov UK ‘Prove your right to work’ service. Login with BRP, visa, or UKVI details.
Enter the share code on the ‘View a job applicant’s right to work’ page to confirm eligibility.
- Share codes are time-limited and should be used before expiry (typically 90 days).
- Employers must carry out the check using the official Home Office online service; a screenshot of the share code is not sufficient.
- The share code is tied to the individual’s immigration status and can only be used for one specific check per code.
- Not all immigration statuses are eligible for a share code; British citizens cannot use this system.
- The system confirms right to work status instantly.
- Employers should keep a record of the check as evidence of compliance.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free to obtain and use. |
| Validity | The share code itself is valid for 90 days; the check result is valid indefinitely. |
| Required for | Non-EEA nationals with biometric residence permits (BRP), EU Settlement Scheme holders, or those with a digital status. |
| Alternatives | Physical BRP card or passport (for certain categories) if online check is not possible. |
What is a Right to Work Share Code for Employer?
A UK right to work share code is a 9-character code an eligible worker generates online so an employer can check their immigration status and work permission on GOV.UK. Employers use the share code together with the worker’s date of birth in the government checking service; British and Irish citizens cannot get a share code and are checked by other document routes instead.
It lets employers view up-to-date right to work information online, including whether work is allowed and, in some cases, any restrictions or time limits. The code is used by people who have an online immigration status, such as many non-UK nationals and people with status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Who can use a share code?
It is used by people who have an online immigration status. GOV.UK states that British and Irish citizens cannot get one.
Common situations
- EU Settlement Scheme status / online immigration status: share code is used.
- Biometric residence permit/card holders: share code is used for the online check route described in the guidance.
- British and Irish citizens: no share code; employer uses documents or other permitted methods.
The code is typically valid for 90 days after generation. However, some third-party sources state 30 days. Always verify the current validity period on the official GOV.UK service before conducting a check.
How to Use Gov UK Share Code
Generating and using a share code involves two distinct sets of steps: one for the worker and one for the employer. The process is straightforward but requires access to the correct online service.
How the worker gets a share code on GOV.UK
The worker signs in to the relevant Home Office service and chooses the option to prove their right to work to an employer. They then verify their identity using the details linked to their immigration account, such as an ID document or contact details associated with the account. The system then generates the share code, which the worker gives to the employer along with their date of birth.
How the employer checks it on GOV.UK
The employer goes to GOV.UK’s “Check a job applicant’s right to work: use their share code” service. They enter the worker’s share code and date of birth. They review the result to confirm whether the person has the right to work and whether there are any limits on the type or length of work. If the result includes a photo, the employer should compare it with the person presenting for work. The employer should keep a record of the check as evidence of compliance.
GOV.UK states employers can also check original documents instead of a share code in some cases, and they can use an identity service provider (IDSP) for certain British and Irish citizen checks.
Practical employer checklist
- Ask the worker for their share code and date of birth.
- Check the code on GOV.UK before employment starts.
- Confirm the photo matches the worker if a photo is shown.
- Save evidence of the check for your records.
Some third-party guides say the code is 30 days valid, but the more consistent guidance across multiple sources states 90 days. The exact sign-in steps for generating a code can vary depending on the worker’s immigration status and the document they used to create their online account.
Timeline of the Share Code System
- : Digital right to work checks introduced; share codes become available for certain visa holders.
- : Expansion of online checks due to COVID-19.
- : EU Settlement Scheme holders can use share codes.
- : Ongoing updates to the Home Office digital status service.
What is Certain and What Remains Unclear
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Share codes are generated through the official UKVI online service. | Exact expiry duration for all share code types – some sources state 30 days, others 90 days. Verify on Gov UK. |
| Employers must check the code via the government website, not manually. | Whether share codes can be reused for multiple employer checks – generally no, each check requires a fresh code. |
| The system confirms right to work status instantly. | Process for non-digital status holders (e.g., paper documents) – not covered in standard share code guidance. |
Analysis and Context: Digital Right to Work Checks
Share codes are part of the UK government’s move to digitize immigration checks. They reduce fraud and simplify verification for employers. However, the system depends on a functional online service and requires both parties to have internet access. Some employees may face difficulties if their status is not yet digital (e.g., indefinite leave to remain via a vignette). Understanding when a share code is mandatory versus optional is key to compliance.
Key Sources and Quotations
“Use this service to get a share code to prove your right to work to an employer.”
GOV.UK
“A share code is a randomly generated, time-limited code that allows a third party to view a person’s immigration information through the Home Office online checking service.”
“A share code is used to verify a non-UK-national’s right to work in the UK, which proves a worker’s immigration status.”
What’s Next for Share Codes
The Home Office is phasing out physical documents and expanding the digital status system. By 2025, more visa categories will require online share codes. Employers should stay updated on changes to the right to work check process to avoid penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my share code expires?
You can generate a new share code at any time via the same online service. Employers must use a valid, unexpired code.
Can I use the same share code for multiple employers?
No. Each share code is for a one-time check. You must generate a new code for each employer.
Do I need a share code if I am a British citizen?
No. British citizens can prove right to work using a UK passport or other accepted documents.
What happens if the online service is down?
Employers should keep records and carry out the check as soon as the service is available. Temporary alternative checks may apply in very limited circumstances.
Is the share code the only way to prove right to work?
Not entirely. Those with physical documents (e.g., BRP) can still use them, but digital checks are increasingly preferred.
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