UK Right to Work Share Code: How to Get & Use It in 2025
Right to work checks are a fundamental legal requirement that all employers are expected to undertake. Whether checking a job applicant’s eligibility to work or re-confirming an existing employee’s immigration status, these checks can feel like a huge hurdle that slows down the hiring and onboarding processes.
Luckily, there are ways to streamline these checks using a share code. This guide for employers walks you through everything you need to know about share codes and right to work, so that you can start using them right away.
What is a share code UK?
Share codes were first introduced in 2021 in a bid to speed up right to work checks. It is a unique code that is made up of 9 letters and numbers and allows eligible overseas employees to prove their right to work to their potential employer.
A share code is available to people who are able to view their immigration status online. Once an employee has generated this code, it will be valid for 90 days.
| Topic | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a share code? | A 9-character code that proves your right to work in the UK |
| Who needs one? | Non-UK nationals with online immigration status |
| Validity period | 90 days |
| Created via | GOV.UK ‘View and Prove Your Immigration Status’ |
| Used by | Employers, landlords, or service providers |
| Legal basis | Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 |
Right to work checks
Right to work checks are a UK employer’s legal responsibility under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. This is part of a legal duty to proactively prevent and act against illegal working in the UK.
Right to work checks must be carried out before hiring a prospective employee. And, where an employee has a time-limited immigration status, again shortly before their right to work is due to end.
These checks are required under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, which sets out an employer’s duty to prevent illegal working in the UK.
Though not available for all people, checking right to work using a code is certainly a fast and efficient option where available.
Right to rent checks
This code is also used by landlords to check whether the tenant has the right to rent a property in the UK before renting it out.
Access to public services
Individuals are often asked to show a verification code to access some public services or benefits.
Who has a share code?
As mentioned earlier, share codes are only available to people who can view their immigration status online. This means anyone who has a UKVI account (UK Visas and Immigration), has a biometric residence card or permit or has a visa status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
In 2025, physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being replaced with digital eVisas. Now, all immigration records are stored online, and share codes let employers check a person’s digital status directly.
What does a share code look like?
A share code is shown on a webpage on the gov.uk website after successfully requesting one. Employees typically create a copy as PDF which can then be shared with the employer.
How to create a share code?
In order to create a share code using the right to work service, your potential employee will need to have the details of the ID they used to open their UKVI account, their date of birth and access to either their phone or email address to verify their login.
- Step 1: Select the type of ID they used in their application
- Step 2: Enter the ID number
- Step 3: Enter their DOB
- Step 4: Verify login using email or phone
- Step 5: Click ‘Prove your status’
- Step 6: Click ‘Get share code’
- Step 7: Click ‘To prove my right to work in the UK’
- Step 8: Click ‘Create share code’ and then choose how they want to share the code with you (email, screen print, or simply noting it down and sharing it with you).
What if an employee can’t get a share code?
Some people might not be able to use the online service, for example, if they don’t have a UKVI account, have an old immigration document or their status is not yet digital. In these cases, employers can use the Home Office Employer Checking Service (ECS) to check the person’s right to work manually.
The applicant must give written permission before this check is done.
What information do you need to provide to prove your right to work?
If you are a non-UK citizen, you have to prove your right to work when applying for any job, benefits or any government service. To prove your right, you have to provide one of the following details:
- Biometric Residence Permit Number
- Biometric Residence Card Number
- Passport or National Identity Card
With these documents you can verify your identity and immigration status. Employers can check your right-to-work status online, which in return helps you to get the job easily and quickly.
How Employers Use a Share Code to Check Right to Work
A sharecode streamlines the right to work check process because you will not be required to check their documents as well. Ultimately, opting for a right to work code translates to faster hiring and onboarding, which will save you time.
Using the government’s online service, employers can check a job applicant’s right to work using their share code and date of birth. This will inform you not only of their right to work, but also of the types of work that they’re eligible to undertake and how long their visa lasts (where relevant).
Employer duties and penalties in 2025
In the UK, employers must check that a person has the right to work before hiring them. If the person’s visa or permission is for a limited time, the check must be done again later. Not doing this can cause serious problems, such as:
- A fine of up to £60,000 for each illegal worker (updated in 2024)
- Losing legal protection if checks are not done properly
- Possible criminal charges for hiring someone who does not have the right to work
To stay safe, always use the Home Office online right to work service or keep clear copies of documents checked by hand.
Streamlining right to work checks using zelt
Integrating right to work checks into your hiring and onboarding processes will ensure that you avoid liability and remain compliant across the board. Using an employee platform such as Zelt HR (partnered with Zinc) makes it easy to integrate RTW checks into your standard practices.
In fact, you won’t be able to add a new employee to your payroll until you’ve verified their right to work. Plus, you’ll be able to track (where relevant) employees’ visas expiry dates and get automated reminders when it’s time to re-check their immigration status.
Talk to an expert
Speak to us to learn how Zelt can simplify right to work and background checks.
If you’re currently applying for a job and want to prove your immigration status using your unique share code, here are the answers to some of the most common questions:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a share code right to work UK?
If you’re able to view your immigration status online, you can generate a sharecode to prove your eligibility to work to a potential employer. This is a unique code that your employer can enter into the online Employer Checking Service to verify your right to work in the UK.
How many times can I use my share code?
There is no limit to how many times your online status code can be used within the 90 day period that it is valid. However, you cannot use a code for a purpose different to that which you stated on the form when creating it.
If I’m a British citizen, do I need a share code?
If you’re a British citizen, you don’t need any code to prove your right to work. These codes are only for non-UK nationals that have an immigration status that can be viewed online.
How long does my share code last?
Once you’ve generated your right to work code, it will only last for 90 days. If your potential employer doesn’t use it within that 90 day period, you will need to generate another one for them to use.
How do I create my share code?
In order to generate a right to work code, you’ll need to log in to the government’s ‘view and prove your immigration status’. With all the relevant documents and information to hand, you’ll be able to login (as outlined above) and create your code to pass onto your potential employer.
What if I can’t access my UKVI account?
If you can’t log into your UKVI account, you can reset your password using your registered email or phone number. If that doesn’t work, contact the UKVI resolution team through the UK Visas and Immigration help service.
