Share Code Right to Work – How to Generate and Check

A UK right-to-work share code is a unique nine-character alphanumeric reference generated through the UK Visas and Immigration online service. Non-British and non-Irish citizens use this digital credential to prove their immigration status, specific work permissions, and any employment restrictions to potential employers.

The code eliminates the need for physical documents such as biometric residence permits or passport stamps. Employers verify the code instantly through the official GOV.UK checking service, accessing live Home Office data rather than relying on physical paperwork.

Each share code remains valid for exactly 90 days from the moment of generation. Workers can use the same code for multiple job applications within this period, though every employer must conduct an independent verification.

How to get a share code UK for right to work

• The code consists of nine characters, mixing letters and numbers.
• Generation requires access to view-immigration-status.service.gov.uk or the main GOV.UK portal.
• Workers receive the code immediately after entering their identity details.
• The same code works for multiple employers during the 90-day window.
• Physical biometric residence cards are no longer necessary for verification.
• Students with Tier 4 visas can use codes to display term-time work hour limits.
• EEA and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status use the same system.

What is required to generate a work share code?

Workers need an active UKVI account linked to their passport or identity document. The account must reflect current immigration status, whether held through an eVisa, biometric residence permit, or EU Settlement Scheme documentation.

The generation process takes approximately five minutes. Applicants navigate to the official share code service, confirm their identity, and select the option to prove their right to work.

How long is a share code valid?

Codes expire exactly 90 days after generation. Citizens Advice confirms that employers cannot accept expired codes under any circumstances. If the 90-day window closes before an employer completes their check, the worker must generate a fresh code through the same UKVI portal.

Share code check: How to verify right to work

Employers use the GOV.UK employer checking service to validate share codes. This process confirms the worker’s identity against Home Office records and reveals specific employment permissions.

Steps for employers to check share code UK

1. Request the share code and the worker’s date of birth in writing.
2. Visit gov.uk/view-right-to-work.
3. Enter the nine-character code and date of birth exactly as provided, ensuring exact matching.
4. Review the results showing work permissions, restrictions, and validity dates.
5. Verify the worker’s identity in person on their first day.
6. Download and store the PDF confirmation for compliance records.

Right to work share code employer guide

The employer portal displays comprehensive immigration data. This includes the worker’s photograph for identity matching, specific job categories they may perform, and any time restrictions such as student visa term limits.

What employers see after entering share code

The results page presents four critical data points. Work permissions indicate whether the individual may work full-time, part-time, or in restricted roles. Validity periods show exact expiry dates that trigger mandatory follow-up checks. Specific restrictions detail sponsorship requirements or sector limitations. Finally, a digital photograph allows employers to confirm the applicant’s identity matches the immigration record.

For businesses managing multiple hires, integrating verification data with HR systems like Epos Now Back Office – Complete Guide to Features and Login can streamline compliance workflows.

How quickly can workers and employers complete share code verification?

1. Account access: Worker logs into their UKVI account at view-immigration-status.service.gov.uk.
2. Generation: System creates the 9-character code within five minutes.
3. Transmission: Worker sends code and date of birth to the employer.
4. Verification: Employer checks instantly via the GOV.UK service and receives immediate confirmation.

What is established and what remains uncertain?

Why did the UK introduce digital share codes?

The transition from physical biometric residence permits to digital immigration status marks a fundamental shift in UK border control. The Home Office now maintains live databases rather than static paper records, reducing fraud risks and administrative delays.

This digital-by-default approach aligns with broader eVisa implementation. By 2025, most visa holders access their status exclusively through online accounts, eliminating the need to collect physical cards or wait for postal delivery of documents.

For employers, the change mandates new compliance workflows. Specialist immigration guidance notes that the checking process now requires internet access and digital literacy rather than document inspection skills alone.

What official guidance governs share code use?

Get an online share code to prove your right to work.

— GOV.UK Official Guidance

Share codes are valid for 90 days.

— Citizens Advice

What are the essential steps for compliance?

Workers requiring digital status proof should generate their nine-character code through the UKVI portal, noting the 90-day expiry. Employers must verify this code within one working day using the official GOV.UK service, retain PDF evidence, and complete in-person identity checks. Those seeking employment opportunities can explore current openings through Tesco Jobs Near Me – Find Local Openings and How to Apply.

Frequently asked questions