Key Takeaways

• Share code checks are carried out by employers to verify that an individual has the right to work, and by landlords for the right to rent, in the UK.

• In the UK, employers carry out share code checks to verify an individual’s right to work, and landlords to verify their right to rent. Share codes have become the default method for checking digital immigration status for many non-British, non-Irish status holders.
• Organisations rely heavily on share code checks to secure their statutory excuse against civil penalties for illegal working. Any breaches of this system can result in fines of tens of thousands of pounds, as well as broader consequences.
• It is crucial for both employers and landlords to understand the limits of the share code system and what steps to take if someone is unable or unwilling to provide a share code. Understanding these procedures and limitations is essential to avoid costly and potentially damaging repercussions.

Share code checks have become the primary method for verifying the digital immigration status of most non-British, non-Irish workers, as well as many prospective tenants.

Although the process may appear simple, Right to Work share code checks carry significant compliance risks for employers if they are not completed correctly, carried out at the required time, and supported with proper record-keeping.

Where the Home Office investigates and concludes that an employer has made an error during a share code check, the consequences can be substantial. Organisations may face civil penalties running into tens of thousands of pounds, together with potential sponsor licence action and other operational repercussions.

In this guide, I outline how to conduct compliant Right to Work share code checks to help reduce the risk of breaching your obligations under the prevention of illegal working regime.

Taking a proactive approach—by ensuring that these checks are fully embedded into your recruitment and onboarding procedures—is the most effective way to manage compliance risk. If your organisation requires tailored support, our compliance specialists are available to assist.

Section A: What is a Share Code?

A share code is a unique alphanumeric identifier generated through the UK government’s digital immigration system. It allows an individual to give temporary, controlled access to their current immigration status so a third party can view it online. Instead of relying on physical documents, the checker uses the share code to see the status directly from the Home Office system, together with any conditions that apply such as work limits or no recourse to public funds.

Share codes were introduced as part of the UK’s wider shift to digital immigration status. They first appeared for EU Settlement Scheme status-holders and have since become the standard way many non-British, non-Irish nationals prove their right to work, right to rent and other immigration-related entitlements. British and Irish citizens do not receive or use share codes for right to work or right to rent. They rely instead on passports, other acceptable documents or approved digital identity verification services.

Each share code is valid for 90 days from the date it is created. Within that period, the same code can be used for multiple checks. Once the 90 days have passed, the code expires and a new code needs to be generated if further checks are required.

As the system has matured, the Home Office has introduced different “purposes” for share codes. When an individual generates a code, they select whether it is for work, rent or “something else”. The code type then controls what the checker sees and which online service they should use to run the check.

1. How Share Codes Work

In practice, a share code functions as a temporary digital key linking the checker to a specific individual’s UKVI status record. The individual logs into their UKVI account via the View and Prove Your Immigration Status service, selects the purpose of the check, and generates a nine-character alphanumeric code. The checker then accesses the relevant gov.uk service for the type of check required, enters the share code together with the individual’s date of birth, and views the information returned by the Home Office system.

For example, in a right to work check, the checker uses the “Check a job applicant’s right to work: use their share code” service and can view:
a. the individual’s name and photograph
b. the type of permission they hold
c. any work restrictions or expiry dates that apply

Because the information is retrieved in real time from the Home Office database, the share code check reflects the individual’s current recorded status at the time of the check. Share codes remain valid for 90 days; however, the underlying data may change during this period—for example, if the individual’s application is decided, permission is curtailed or extended, or additional conditions are applied.

Individuals with digital-only immigration status, such as many Skilled Workers and EU Settlement Scheme status holders, generate share codes using their passport details or other identifiers registered to their UKVI account. Certain individuals who hold, or previously held, a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) may continue to use their BRP details within the UKVI account to access their digital record and generate a share code, even where the physical BRP card is no longer valid for right to work or right to rent checks.

2. How Share Codes are Used

Share codes are used wherever a third party needs to see an individual’s current immigration status directly from the Home Office system rather than relying on documents. The two most common scenarios are right to work and right to rent checks, but banks, universities, local authorities and some travel providers also use share codes in certain situations to confirm that a person holds the status they claim.

When an individual generates a share code, they choose whether they are sharing their status for:

a. work, so an employer or recruiter can check their right to work
b. rent, so a landlord or letting agent can check their right to rent
c.  some other purpose, for example a bank, university, local authority or airline that needs to confirm the person’s status or conditions

The share code must be verified through the appropriate gov.uk service corresponding to its intended purpose. Screenshots of the code or of the individual’s UKVI account do not constitute sufficient evidence to establish a statutory excuse against a civil penalty.

a. Employers

UK employers are legally required to carry out prescribed right to work checks before employment begins in order to establish a statutory excuse against liability for civil penalties related to illegal working. For many non-British, non-Irish candidates, a valid share code is now the primary method of evidencing their immigration status and right to work.

Where an individual provides a right to work share code, the employer should:

a. Use the official “Check a job applicant’s right to work: use their share code” service on gov.uk.
b. Enter the nine-character code along with the individual’s date of birth.
c. View the online profile while the person is physically present or via a live video call.
d. Verify that the photograph matches the person in front of them.
e. Review any restrictions, such as limits on hours or specific types of work.
f. Retain a clear copy of the profile page and record the date of the check.

Only a check conducted in this prescribed manner will provide the employer with a statutory excuse against a civil penalty if the Home Office later alleges illegal working. Screenshots provided by the worker, edited printouts, or checks conducted via non-official portals do not confer the same protection.

Share codes are not issued to British or Irish citizens. For these workers, employers must rely on passports or other acceptable documents, or on approved identity service providers operating digital identity verification. Employers should also note that where an individual previously presented physical documents, many categories have now moved to digital-only status, and share codes are generally the expected method to confirm status.

Worker Type	Check Required?	Notes	Type of Check
British citizens	Yes	Typically evidenced with a current or expired British passport, or a combination of full birth or adoption certificate and National Insurance evidence. Share codes are not issued for British citizens.	Manual document check or approved digital identity check
Irish citizens	Yes	Irish passport or passport card accepted. No visa or share code is required for right to work purposes.	Manual document check or approved digital identity check
EEA and Swiss nationals with digital status	Yes	Use a right to work share code generated through the UKVI View and Prove service to evidence immigration status and work conditions.	Online right to work check using share code
Non-EEA nationals with eVisa or BRP-linked digital status	Yes	Many workers now hold digital status that is accessed using a share code. Some may still hold a BRP, which can be used within their UKVI account to generate a share code even where the card itself is not acceptable for a manual check.	Online right to work check using share code in most cases
Students on Student or equivalent routes	Yes	Employers need to confirm study and work permissions, including term-time work limits, using a share code where the student holds digital status.	Online right to work check using share code plus evidence of study where required
Temporary or casual staff	Yes	All engagements require valid checks, even if short term or ad hoc. Share codes are used where the individual holds digital status.	Online or manual check, depending on the person’s status
Contractors and agency workers	Yes	Responsibility for the check depends on who is the actual employer. Both end-users and agencies should be clear who is carrying out the prescribed check and how share codes are handled.	Online or manual check, depending on the person’s status and the contractual arrangements
Gig economy workers	Yes for employment in substance. Current consultation on extending mandatory checks.	Currently no general legal requirement to carry out statutory right to work checks on genuinely self-employed gig workers. However, the government is consulting on extending the right to work scheme to the gig economy and other non-traditional working arrangements.
Volunteers and unpaid interns	Sometimes	Where the role is genuinely voluntary and does not resemble paid work, a formal check is not always required. Where duties look similar to employment or may lead to paid work, a right to work check, often using a share code, is strongly recommended.	Online or manual check where carried out
Existing employees hired before digital checks	No, if previous check was valid	If a compliant right to work check was completed at the time of recruitment and employment has remained continuous, there is usually no need to repeat checks solely because share codes have been introduced.	No further check, unless there is a change in immigration status or follow-up is required
Employees with time-limited permission	Yes, on an ongoing basis	Where permission is time-limited, employers are expected to carry out follow-up checks before the permission expiry date. For digital status-holders, this usually involves a new share code check.	Online right to work check using updated share code

 

b. Landlords

Landlords and letting agents use share codes to verify the right to rent of prospective tenants who hold digital immigration status. The tenant generates a right to rent share code via the UKVI View and Prove service and provides it to the landlord, who then uses the gov.uk “Check a tenant’s right to rent” service in conjunction with the tenant’s date of birth.

The online profile indicates whether the individual has an unlimited or time-limited right to rent and highlights any expiry dates or conditions. Landlords are required to view the profile directly from the Home Office system, confirm that the photograph matches the individual, retain a copy of the profile, and record the date of the check. Where the tenant’s permission is time-limited, follow-up checks must be conducted before the expiry date.

c. Government agencies and other organisations

Share codes are also used outside the core right to work and right to rent regimes. Banks and building societies may use them as part of their know-your-customer and anti-money laundering checks where immigration status is relevant. Universities, colleges and other educational institutions may request a share code from sponsored students or staff to confirm the type and length of permission granted.

Local authorities may use share codes when assessing eligibility for certain services or support that depends on immigration status. Airlines and other carriers may request a share code generated for “something else” from eVisa holders prior to travel to confirm that the individual holds the required status to board.

In each case, the organisation should use the appropriate gov.uk service, enter the nine-character code and the individual’s date of birth, and review the status information presented. They must not rely on screenshots or documents that could have been altered, as these do not provide the same level of assurance as a direct check against the Home Office system.

UKVI’s transition to digital immigration status requires organisations to move away from legacy, document-based processes when an individual holds digital immigration permission. For these workers, a share code check is now the standard and expected method, as it provides a live view of the individual’s current status and any associated conditions directly from the Home Office.

Document-based checks remain applicable for British and Irish citizens and for other non-digital cohorts; however, where digital status applies, the online share code check should be treated as the primary method of verification.

Section B: How to Do a Share Code Check

Checking a share code online is a prescribed legal process, not merely a cursory review of a website. Employers, landlords, and other organisations are required to use the official gov.uk services, enter the code and the individual’s date of birth themselves, and review the status information in real time. Screenshots provided by the individual or copies of their UKVI account do not meet Home Office standards and will not provide an employer with a statutory excuse against a civil penalty.

For right to work checks, the correct service is “Check a job applicant’s right to work: use their share code” on gov.uk. For right to rent checks, the correct service is “Check a tenant’s right to rent in England: use their share code”. For other purposes, the organisation should use the service indicated to the individual when they generate a code under “something else”.

Step 1: Access the Official Website

The first step is to go directly to the official gov.uk site. For right to work checks, use the service that allows employers to “check a job applicant’s right to work using their share code”. For right to rent checks, use the service labelled “check a tenant’s right to rent in England using their share code”.

It is important to access these services from the gov.uk domain rather than through search engine adverts, third party links or embedded widgets. That reduces the risk of phishing and ensures the check is carried out on the correct Home Office platform.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Option

Once on gov.uk, select the option that corresponds to the type of check being carried out. Employers should choose the right to work share code service. Landlords or letting agents should select the right to rent share code service. Organisations carrying out checks for other purposes, using a code generated for “something else”, should follow the instructions provided by the individual or use the general View and Prove signpost to access the appropriate service.

Using the incorrect service may result in incomplete or misleading information, as each service presents immigration status in a format specifically tailored to the relevant legal check.

Step 3: Enter the Share Code

On the verification page, enter the share code exactly as it appears. Share codes are nine characters long and alphanumeric. Enter them exactly as shown, without adding spaces or punctuation. It can be helpful to copy and paste the code from the email or message, then visually confirm it matches.

If the code is rejected, check carefully for common character errors, such as confusing O and 0 or I and 1. If the code still does not work, it may have expired or been entered for the wrong service, in which case the individual will need to generate a new code with the correct purpose.

Step 4: Enter the Individual’s Date of Birth

You also need to enter the individual’s date of birth. This acts as a second piece of information to link you to the correct record and helps prevent misuse of share codes. Ask the person to confirm their date of birth rather than relying on what appears in other documents.

Any mismatch between the date of birth and the share code will prevent you from viewing the profile. Where the system reports a mismatch, double check what has been entered. If the details remain inconsistent, raise this with the individual before proceeding.

Step 5: Submit the Information

After entering the share code and date of birth, select the button to continue or check. The system will then retrieve the person’s current status details from the Home Office database. The time this takes is usually short, but it can be longer during busy periods or if the service is experiencing technical issues.

If you receive an error message or the site times out, repeat the process once. Persistent errors may indicate a wider outage and you may need to try again later or check the gov.uk service status page.

Step 6: Review the Results Carefully

When the profile appears, review it with care. For employers, the right to work profile will normally show:

a. the person’s name and photograph
b. the type of permission they hold and the route
c. whether they have an unlimited or time-limited right to work
d. any restrictions, such as limits on hours, types of work or specific sponsor details

You should check the photograph against the person in front of you, either in person or on a live video call, and confirm that the profile details match the information you have from the individual. Pay close attention to any end dates and to any conditions that limit the role, hours or employer they can work for.

For landlords, the right to rent profile will show whether the person has an unlimited or time-limited right to rent in England and the relevant expiry date where applicable. Check that the photograph matches the prospective tenant and note any date after which a follow-up check will be required.

Other organisations will see a version of the profile tailored to their purpose, but the principle is the same. The checker needs to be satisfied that the record belongs to the correct person and that the conditions support the activity being arranged.

Step 7: Print or Save the Results and Record the Date

Once you are satisfied that the profile is accurate and supports the proposed employment, tenancy or service, save an electronic or printed copy for your records. Employers should keep a clear copy of the profile that shows the person’s photo, immigration status and any conditions, together with a record of the date on which the check was carried out. Landlords should keep equivalent records for right to rent checks.

The copy must be clear and legible. Digital records should be stored in a secure system that allows easy retrieval if the Home Office requests evidence. Paper copies should be filed in a manner that links them to the relevant individual and allows prompt production if required.

Carrying out the share code check in this prescribed manner and maintaining the required evidence enables employers and landlords to rely on a statutory excuse if the Home Office subsequently questions an individual’s status. Where permission is time-limited, organisations should diarise the expiry date and schedule follow-up checks in advance, which will typically involve requesting a new share code from the individual once their status has been extended or varied.

The legal defence against any allegations of illegal working, including share code check mistakes, comes from following the prescribed check process itself, not from the outcome. A compliant share code check requires using the correct GOV.UK service, viewing the live profile, and capturing and retaining the evidence in accordance with the rules. Organisations should not deviate from the prescribed process. Screenshots provided by the worker will not be accepted during an inspection, making it as important to standardise how and where checks are carried out as it is to complete them.

Section C: Benefits of Online Share Code Checks

Checking immigration status via the share code system provides advantages beyond convenience. For employers and landlords, the benefits include accuracy, legal certainty, and the assurance that the information is sourced directly from the Home Office. The digital process also mitigates the risk of forged documents, low-quality scans, or misinterpretation of an individual’s immigration conditions. As more workers and tenants transition to eVisas and away from physical documents, the share code check has become the default and expected method for verifying status in a legally compliant manner.

1. Speed and Convenience

The share code system delivers instant access to real-time immigration data. Employers and landlords no longer rely on sending documents back and forth, arranging in-person checks or waiting for individuals to locate old paperwork. The online service is available around the clock, which helps organisations progress recruitment and tenancy decisions quickly and prevents unnecessary delays when roles or accommodation need to be filled at short notice.

The design of the gov.uk checking pages is straightforward and does not require specialist IT skills. Even where someone is unfamiliar with immigration processes, the system guides them through each stage clearly. Because the information is pulled directly from the Home Office, the organisation receives a definitive view of the person’s status rather than conflicting versions from various documents. This can save time and reduce administrative effort, particularly in fast-moving recruitment environments.

2. Accuracy and Reliability

One major advantage of using share codes is that the data presented is drawn directly from the Home Office database. This avoids common problems such as outdated BRPs, mismatched passport stamps or digital documents that no longer reflect the person’s true status. The checker sees the precise status and conditions recorded at that moment, including start and end dates, any restrictions on work or rent and whether follow-up checks are needed.

Automating the check through the Home Office service significantly reduces scope for human error. Manual document checks can lead to mistakes if a visa endorsement is misread or if a document is accepted when it does not meet the required format. The online system removes those risks by presenting the information in a consistent, standardised format. This reliability is especially important for employers, because a small error in a manual check can result in exposure to illegal working fines that could have been avoided through a compliant online check.

For individuals, the service offers assurance that third parties are viewing an accurate and up-to-date record of their status. There is no risk that an employer or landlord will rely on an expired BRP or make assumptions based on documents that do not fully reflect the individual’s rights.

3. Security Features

The digital checking system is designed to protect both the individual’s data and the organisation carrying out the check. Share codes expire after 90 days, which limits the window during which someone can access the status. Even within that period, a share code cannot be used without also entering the correct date of birth. This dual requirement helps prevent misuse and ensures only authorised people can view the record.

The Home Office stores and transmits data securely, using encrypted servers to protect the information displayed through the service. Checkers do not see unnecessary personal details or application history; they only see information relevant to that specific check. This approach preserves privacy while still providing organisations with the information they need to meet their legal obligations.

The risk of forged documents or tampered scans is also eliminated. Because the information is accessed directly from the Home Office system, employers and landlords can be confident that the status is accurate and unaltered. This significantly reduces the risk of compliance disputes.

As digital status gradually replaces most physical documents, the share code system offers a secure, government-backed method to verify status—one that is controlled by the individual and reliable for organisations.

Digital checks remove ambiguity, but they also create increased traceability. Every action taken during a share code check is captured by the Home Office system, including the date of the check, the service that was used and the version of the profile that was viewed or saved. The Home Office can access this information without needing to contact the employer.

This level of transparency may work in your favour if your process is clean, but any error, like a rushed check or an incomplete record, will stay on your record, and be visible and fully traceable. All share code checks should be completed on the basis that they could well be reviewed during a future audit.

Section D: Common Issues with Share Code Checks

The share code system is generally straightforward, but issues can still arise in practice. Some are related to the code itself, while others come from misunderstandings about what the system can show or how to carry out a proper check. Employers and landlords should be aware of these potential pitfalls, as relying on an incomplete or incorrect check could cause them to lose their legal protection and leave the organisation at risk of fines. This section outlines the issues most commonly reported and how they are usually resolved.

Issue	Description	Solution	Additional Tips
Invalid Share Code	The share code inputted is incorrect, expired or was generated for a different purpose.	Check the characters carefully, confirm the purpose, request a new code if needed.	Look out for letter–number mix-ups such as O/0 or I/1.
Incorrect Date of Birth	The date of birth does not match the code.	Reconfirm the DOB with the individual and re-enter it accurately.	Keep a clear record of the information the individual provides.
Technical Difficulties	The gov.uk site may not load or may time out.	Retry, change browser, clear cache, check the service status page.	Access outside peak hours if possible.
Access Denied	The checker cannot view the status because the wrong service has been used.	Use the correct gov.uk checker for work, rent or “other”.	Confirm the code purpose before starting the check.
Outdated Browser	Older browsers or settings can prevent the service from displaying correctly.	Update the browser and ensure JavaScript is enabled.	Keep systems updated across the organisation.
Server Errors	Home Office systems occasionally run maintenance or experience downtime.	Retry later or monitor the gov.uk service status page.	Plan checks in advance where deadlines matter.
Status Not Showing for Pending Applications	The individual may not yet be able to generate a code because their application or administrative review is outstanding and their digital profile is not enabled	First confirm whether their status can be checked online with a share code. If their digital profile is not enabled or guidance says their status must be verified by the Home Office (for example certain Certificates of Application or ARCs), use the Employer Checking Service for right to work, or the equivalent Home Office route for right to rent.	Do not insist on a share code where the system cannot generate one.

 

Issue 1: Invalid Share Code

One of the most common issues is an invalid code error. This usually happens when the code has expired, was generated for a different purpose, or a character has been entered incorrectly. Because share codes are alphanumeric, even a single wrong character will prevent access. Make sure the code is entered exactly as provided and that the correct type of code is being used—a right to rent code will not work on the right to work service, and vice versa. If the code is more than 90 days old, the individual will need to generate a new one. If the code and date of birth are correct but the error continues, it is usually best to ask the individual to log into their UKVI account and generate a fresh code.

Issue 2: Incorrect Date of Birth

If the date of birth does not match the Home Office record linked to the share code, the system will not allow the check to proceed. In most cases, this is simply a data-entry error, so confirm the date directly with the individual and enter it carefully. If the details still do not match, ask the individual to check their UKVI account. If the date of birth in their UKVI account is incorrect due to an error in their original application, they will need to request a correction from UKVI, and the check cannot be completed until the information matches.

Issue 3: Technical Difficulties

The Home Office digital services occasionally experience periods of slow performance or unexpected outages. If the site fails to load, times out or displays an error message, retry the check after a short pause. Try switching browser, clearing cache and cookies or testing a different device. If the issue persists, check the gov.uk service status page to see if the Home Office has reported a wider problem. Employers and landlords carrying out checks close to start dates or tenancy deadlines should factor in possible delays and build in time for repeat attempts.

Issue 4: Access Denied

“Access Denied” means that the checker has reached the wrong service or the system cannot link the share code to the type of check being attempted. It does not mean that you are personally prevented from carrying out the check. The most common cause is trying to use a right to work code on the right to rent service, or vice versa. Confirm which purpose the individual selected when generating the code. If a code for “something else” has been issued, the organisation should follow the link provided by the individual or use the route indicated through the View and Prove service.

Issue 5: Outdated Browser

The checker pages rely on modern browser functions. Older systems, disabled JavaScript, or certain corporate security settings can prevent the pages from loading or displaying correctly. Updating the browser usually resolves the issue. Organisations that carry out frequent right to work checks should ensure their HR or compliance teams use up-to-date systems to avoid unnecessary disruption.

Issue 6: Server Errors

Home Office systems occasionally go offline for maintenance, and service interruptions can also occur without warning. If you receive a “service unavailable” or similar message, wait and try the check again later. Persistent errors may indicate a wider outage, so it is useful to consult the service status page. When conducting time-sensitive checks—especially those tied to fixed start dates—organisations should build in flexibility to allow for potential delays.

Issue 7: Status Not Showing for Pending Applications

Some individuals with outstanding in-time applications, pending administrative reviews, or certain types of 3C leave may temporarily be unable to generate a share code because their updated digital profile has not yet been enabled. The first step is to check whether their status can be verified online with a share code. For many eVisa holders, the online right to work service now supports checks even while an in-time application is pending, providing a six-month statutory excuse. If you are unable to complete an online or manual check in line with the guidance—such as when the individual holds a non-digital Certificate of Application or an Application Registration Card—you should request an Employer Checking Service response and a Positive Verification Notice instead. The same processes apply for right to rent checks.

Share code checks don’t always go as planned, and there are still factors that can cause delays. Our advice is not to leave the check until the day before employment is due to start. If the individual needs to contact UKVI to access their account, correct information, or if a different type of check is required, it’s best to allow time to resolve these issues while staying within the rules. Waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions when there’s pressure to get the worker into the role. That’s a situation that could lead to illegal working, and it’s not worth the risk.

Section E: Summary

Share codes have become a central part of the UK’s digital immigration system. They give employers, landlords and other organisations a direct and reliable way to confirm a person’s status from the Home Office record rather than relying on documents that may be out of date or open to misinterpretation. Because the check is carried out against the official system, it removes the uncertainty that often comes with manual documents, especially now that many physical documents have been phased out.

For employers, a compliant share code check helps establish the statutory excuse against illegal working penalties, provided the right steps are followed and the copy is kept with the date of the check. For landlords, the online right to rent check plays an equivalent role by confirming whether a tenant has an unlimited or time-limited right to rent. For individuals, the system offers a controlled way to share their information securely and ensure organisations see an accurate version of their current immigration position.

The move towards digital-only status means share codes will continue to feature heavily in right to work and right to rent compliance. Understanding how they operate, the differences between the types of share code and the common issues that arise will reduce delays, prevent errors and help organisations meet their legal duties with confidence.

Section F: FAQs

What is a share code?

A share code is a unique nine-character alphanumeric code generated through the Home Office’s digital immigration system. It allows an employer, landlord, or other organisation to temporarily access and view your current immigration status directly from the UKVI database. The code does not replace your status; it simply allows someone to view what UKVI has on record for you.

How long is a share code valid?

A share code is valid for 90 days from the date it is created. Within that 90-day period, it can be used for multiple checks. After the 90 days have passed, the code expires and will no longer work. If an employer, landlord, or other organisation needs to check your status again after the code expires, you will need to generate a new one.

Who can use a share code to check my status?

Employers can use a right to work share code to confirm your permission to work in the UK. Landlords and letting agents can use a right to rent share code to confirm your right to rent in England. Banks, universities, local authorities and some travel providers can use a share code generated for “something else” where they need to confirm your status for their own checks. These organisations should always use the official gov.uk checker services and enter your code and date of birth themselves rather than relying on screenshots.

Who can get a share code?

Share codes are available to individuals who hold digital immigration status with UKVI, such as many Skilled Workers and EU Settlement Scheme status-holders. By logging into your UKVI account, you can generate a code for right to work, right to rent, or other purposes. British and Irish citizens do not receive share codes for right to work or right to rent and instead rely on their passports, other acceptable documents, or approved digital identity verification.

How do I get a share code?

You can generate a share code by logging into your UKVI online account through the “View and Prove your immigration status” service on gov.uk. After signing in with the document or details linked to your status, you can choose whether to prove your right to work, right to rent, or another purpose. The system will then generate a nine-character code, which you can share with the organisation that needs to verify your status, along with your date of birth.

What should I do if my share code does not work?

If your code does not work, first ensure that the organisation is using the correct gov.uk service for the purpose you selected when generating the code. For example, a right to rent code will not work on the right to work checker. Next, confirm that the code has not expired and that your date of birth has been entered correctly. If the code is more than 90 days old or still gives an error, log back into your UKVI account, generate a new code, and share the updated details.

Is it safe to use share codes?

Share codes are designed to give controlled and time-limited access to your status. The organisation checking your status must have both your share code and your date of birth, and the code automatically expires after 90 days. The information is displayed through secure Home Office services and shows only what is needed for the relevant check, such as your identity details, type of permission and any conditions. It does not give access to your full case history or application documents.

Can I use the same share code for multiple checks?

Yes. While the code is within its 90-day validity period, you can give the same code to more than one organisation for the same purpose. For example, you can use one right to work code for several job applications if you wish. Once the code expires you will need to generate a new one. If you prefer to keep tighter control, you can choose to generate a fresh code for each organisation instead of reusing an existing one.

What information will an employer or landlord see when they check my share code?

When an employer checks a right to work share code, they will see your name, photograph, the type of permission you hold, whether you have an unlimited or time-limited right to work and any work restrictions that apply. When a landlord checks a right to rent code, they will see whether you have an unlimited or time-limited right to rent in England and any relevant end dates. They will not see your full case history or copies of your application forms.

What information is needed to check a share code?

The organisation needs your nine-character share code and your date of birth. They then use the appropriate gov.uk checking service and enter both pieces of information. They should not rely on you sending screenshots of your UKVI account or a printout of your status, because those do not meet Home Office requirements for a compliant check.

Can I revoke or cancel a share code?

There is no general feature for cancelling a specific share code once it has been generated. Codes expire automatically after 90 days, which limits the time they can be used. If you no longer want an organisation to use a particular code, stop sharing it and, if needed, generate a new code and give that only to the people you choose. If you suspect misuse of your details, you should seek advice and consider contacting UKVI.

Can share codes be used for travel?

Some carriers and travel providers may ask eVisa holders for a share code generated for “something else” before travel so they can confirm that the person holds the appropriate status to enter the UK. If you are asked for proof of status before travel and you hold digital immigration permission, you can usually provide a share code alongside your passport details. Always follow the airline or carrier’s instructions and allow time to resolve any issues before your departure date.

Do I need to pay to generate or check a share code?

No. Generating a share code through your UKVI account is free. Employers, landlords and other organisations do not pay to use the official gov.uk services to check a share code. If a third party tries to charge you to generate or use a share code, treat this with caution and use the official government services instead.

Section G: Glossary

Term	Definition
Share code	A unique nine-character alphanumeric code generated through the Home Office’s digital system. It allows an individual to give an employer, landlord or other organisation temporary online access to view their current immigration status directly from UKVI’s records.
Right to work	The legal permission for an individual to work in the UK. Employers are required to carry out prescribed right to work checks, using share codes for digital status-holders or other accepted documents and services for British, Irish and non-digital workers.
Right to rent	The legal permission for an individual to rent residential property in England. Landlords and letting agents are expected to complete right to rent checks, which for many digital status-holders involve a share code.
Home Office	The UK government department responsible for immigration, security and law and order. It oversees UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), manages the digital status system and provides the online services used for share code checks.
Immigration status	The legal basis on which a person is in the UK, such as Skilled Worker permission, EU Settlement Scheme status or limited leave as a student. Status determines what the person is allowed to do, including work, rent and access to services, and is what the share code displays.
Online verification	The process of using the official gov.uk checking services to view an individual’s immigration status with a share code and date of birth. The checker sees a live view of the status held on the Home Office system rather than relying on documents.
Temporary access	The time-limited access a share code gives to an individual’s status record. The code is valid for 90 days and then stops working, which limits how long an organisation can use it to view the record.
Encryption	The technical process used to protect data as it is stored and transmitted. Encryption helps ensure that information shown through the Home Office’s online services cannot be read or altered by unauthorised parties.
Alphanumeric	Made up of both letters and numbers. Share codes are alphanumeric, which increases the number of possible combinations and makes them harder to guess.
Expiration date	The point at which a share code stops working. Codes are valid for 90 days from creation. After that period they cannot be used and a new code needs to be generated if another check is required.
Dual verification	The need for both a share code and the individual’s date of birth to access an online status record. This combination helps ensure that only someone with accurate information can view the profile.
Real-time data	Information pulled directly from the Home Office database at the moment the check is carried out. Real-time data reflects the person’s current recorded status, including any recent decisions or changes.
User-friendly interface	The design of the gov.uk checking pages, which are intended to be clear and straightforward to use so that employers, landlords and other organisations can complete checks without specialist technical knowledge.
Compliance	Meeting the legal requirements set out in Home Office guidance, including using the correct online service, carrying out checks in the prescribed way and keeping appropriate records to secure a statutory excuse.
Automated system	The digital process that retrieves and displays immigration status information from the Home Office database. Automation reduces scope for human error that can arise when reading and interpreting physical documents.
Secure servers	Computer systems used by the Home Office to host the online checking services. They are configured with technical and organisational safeguards to protect the confidentiality and integrity of immigration status information.