Share Code UK Visa – Complete Guide to Get and Use Your Digital Code

A share code is a 9-character alphanumeric identifier generated through the UKVI eVisa system. It allows individuals to prove their immigration status digitally to employers, landlords, border officials, and others without showing physical documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). Since 2025, share codes have become the standard method for most non-UK or non-Irish nationals to confirm their right to work, rent, study, or travel in the United Kingdom.

The shift to digital proof is part of the Home Office’s long-term strategy to move away from physical documents. Share codes are free to generate and can be obtained through the official GOV.UK service. They are not visas themselves but rather secure, time-limited tokens that let a third party view a person’s immigration information online.

Anyone with a UKVI account and an active eVisa can generate a share code in a few minutes. The process requires a passport or BRP number, date of birth, and access to the account. No app or download is needed – the entire process runs through a web browser.

How to get a share code for your UK immigration status

How to check your immigration status using a share code

Once you have a share code, any authorised third party can verify your status by entering the code and your date of birth on the appropriate GOV.UK checker. There are different checkers depending on the purpose: right to work, right to rent, or general immigration status.

Which checker to use

Employers should use the View a job applicant’s right to work service. Landlords in England must use the View a tenant’s right to rent service. For any other purpose – including study, benefits, or travel – verifiers can use the general Check someone’s immigration status service.

What information is revealed

The checker displays the individual’s name, immigration status, expiry date, and any conditions attached, such as restrictions on working or studying. It does not show the individual’s full immigration history or personal data beyond what is necessary for the verification.

How to prove your right to work or rent with a share code

For right to work, the process is straightforward: log into your UKVI account, navigate to your eVisa, click “Get a share code”, and select “Prove right to work”. You will receive a 9-character code that you give to your employer. The employer then enters that code plus your date of birth into the GOV.UK right to work checker.

For right to rent in England, the same principle applies. You select “Prove right to rent” when generating the code, and the landlord uses the dedicated rental checker. The code is valid for 30 days and can be reused with multiple landlords within that window.

Can you use a share code for international travel?

Yes, share codes are increasingly used for travel, though the requirement is not yet fully mandatory at all borders. The Home Office advises that anyone with an eVisa should generate a share code before travelling abroad and be prepared to show it at the UK border on return.

The share code for travel is generated by selecting “Something else” in the UKVI portal. It is linked to your digital immigration status and allows border officials to verify your permission to enter the UK. Unlike work or rent codes, travel codes are valid for a single journey – you need a new code each time you travel.

According to the EERC travel advisory, you may also be asked to show your eVisa record on your phone. It is wise to save a screenshot of your status page as a backup, but the share code remains the primary digital proof for most border checks.

What is a share code and how long is it valid?

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, as described by Free Movement.

Validity depends on the purpose. For right to work and right to rent, the code lasts 30 days. For travel, it is valid for a single journey. Once expired, you must generate a new code from your UKVI account. There is no limit on how many codes you can create.

1. 2022: UKVI launches digital ‘View and prove’ service for EU Settlement Scheme holders.
2. 2024: Home Office announces phasing out of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) by 2025.
3. 2025: Most new visa holders receive eVisas; share codes become the standard way to prove status.
4. 2026 (expected): Full digitalisation – no more physical immigration documents.

What happens when a share code is rejected or expires?

If an employer or landlord cannot verify a share code, the individual should first check that their UKVI account details are correct, especially their date of birth and passport number. If the account is accurate but the code fails, the next step is to contact UKVI for support.

Why are share codes replacing physical documents?

Share codes are part of the UK Home Office’s ‘Digital by Default’ strategy. They are designed to make immigration status verification faster, more secure, and less dependent on physical documents. The move aligns with global trends towards digital identity management. However, the transition has caused confusion, especially for those unfamiliar with online government services. Understanding how share codes work is essential for millions of visa holders and for employers, landlords, and airlines.

The shift also reduces the risk of lost or forged documents. Because share codes are checked online in real time, verifiers always see the most up-to-date status, including any changes or revocations.

What do official sources say about share codes?

“You can get a share code to prove your immigration status to people such as employers or landlords, or when you travel.”

GOV.UK – eVisas guidance

“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.”

Free Movement (independent legal resource)

“A share code is a unique code you can use to prove your permission to travel or enter the UK, even if you don’t have a physical visa.”

EERC (travel advisory)

What’s next for share codes and digital immigration?

The UK is moving towards a fully digital immigration system. Visa holders should monitor the official phase-out of BRPs and ensure they have a UKVI account before their physical permit expires. Keep your UKVI account details secure and never share your password. If you are applying for a new visa, you will likely receive an eVisa and must use share codes for all status checks. Employers and landlords should familiarise themselves with the digital system – the UK share code guide provides a full walkthrough of the process.

Frequently asked questions

For more details on generating and using share codes, see our guide on how to generate a share code for UK visa.