UK Share Code & Right to Work Check: What Every Immigrant Must Know

Since the UK replaced physical BRP cards with eVisas, the Share Code has become the main way immigrants prove their right to work and right to rent. If you are applying for a job or renting a flat in the UK, you will almost certainly need to generate a Share Code. This guide explains exactly what it is, how to create one, and how employers use it.

What is a Share Code?

A Share Code is a unique 9-character code (e.g. W4B 9X7 K2Q) generated from your UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) online account. It allows an employer, landlord, or other organisation to view your immigration status — specifically, whether you have the right to work or rent in the UK. It replaces the need to physically show your BRP card or passport stamp.

• Share Codes are generated at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
• Each code is valid for 90 days
• There are two types: one for work (showing right to work), one for renting (showing right to rent)
• You can generate a new code at any time — old codes become invalid once you generate a new one
• The code is free — there is no charge
• Only share your code with organisations that have a legitimate reason to check your status

Step-by-step: How to generate a Share Code

• Step 1: Go to gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status or open the UKVI app
• Step 2: Sign in to your UKVI account (email and password you set up when registering for eVisa)
• Step 3: Click "View and prove your immigration status"
• Step 4: Select the purpose — "Work" (for employers) or "Renting" (for landlords)
• Step 5: A 9-character Share Code is generated on screen, along with the URL for employers to check it
• Step 6: Share the code and your date of birth with the employer or landlord
• Step 7: They go to gov.uk/check-immigration-status, enter your code and date of birth, and see your status

Right to work checks: what employers must do

UK law (the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) requires employers to check that every employee has the right to work before they start work. Employers who employ someone illegally face fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker (as of 2025). There are two ways employers can carry out this check:

• Online check (using Share Code): the employer enters your Share Code and date of birth at gov.uk/check-immigration-status. This is the standard method for eVisa holders.
• Manual check: for British or Irish citizens, or people with physical documents not linked to an eVisa. The employer checks original documents (passport, birth certificate + NI card).
• Employers must keep a record of the check — a screenshot of the online result or a copy of the physical documents
• Employers must repeat the check before your permission to work expires (they will see the expiry date in the online check)
• Employers cannot perform a more thorough check on non-UK nationals than on UK nationals — this is discrimination. Report to the Equality and Human Rights Commission if this happens.

What to do if your right to work check fails

If the online check shows a problem with your right to work, do not panic. There are several common reasons this happens and most can be resolved quickly.

• Your passport number has changed (new passport not updated in UKVI account): log in to your UKVI account and update your passport details immediately
• Your eVisa has not yet loaded into the system after a recent visa grant: contact UKVI on 0300 790 6268
• You have not yet set up your UKVI account: go to gov.uk/evisa and create your account now
• Your visa has genuinely expired: if so, you need to renew before you can work
• Your name in the UKVI system does not match your passport exactly: contact UKVI to correct this
• The employer or landlord has entered the Share Code or date of birth incorrectly: double-check both and try again