Share Code for Employer – Complete Guide to UK Work Checks

The UK’s digital right-to-work check system relies on a short code known as a share code. This temporary, 9-character code allows employers to verify a person’s immigration status online without examining physical documents. Understanding how to obtain, use, and check a share code is essential for both job applicants and employers navigating the current hiring process.

Since the introduction of eVisas in 2024/25, the share code has become the primary method for proving the right to work in the UK. The system is part of a broader move away from physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). For employers, it offers a secure and streamlined verification process; for workers, it removes the need to hand over original immigration papers.

This article explains everything you need to know about the share code for employer right-to-work checks, from generation to troubleshooting, based on official GOV.UK guidance and independent immigration law resources.

What is a share code for right to work in the UK?

A share code is a temporary alphanumeric code that grants an employer access to view your immigration status through the Home Office’s online checking service. It is not a visa or a permit – it is a proof-of-status token. The code is generated via your UKVI account and is designed to replace the need to show physical documents like BRP cards.

Key insights about share codes

• Share codes were introduced to replace physical documents like BRP cards for right-to-work checks.
• The system is fully digital; you do not need to show your BRP card to an employer.
• A share code is not the same as a visa – it is a proof-of-status token.
• A new share code must be generated for each employer, even if your status has not changed.
• Screenshots or emails from applicants do not count as valid verification – the employer must check the code online.
• British and Irish citizens do not typically need share codes; they can prove their right to work with a passport or Irish passport card.

How do I get a share code for my employer?

Generating a share code is an online process that requires a UKVI account. You will need either a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) number, an eVisa account, or a Home Office reference number from a previous application. The official portal is at GOV.UK – Prove your right to work to an employer.

Getting a share code using a BRP

If you hold a valid BRP, you can log in to your UKVI account using the number on the card. After verifying your identity via SMS codes or email links, select “Prove your right to work to an employer” and the system will generate a 9-character share code. You then provide this code, along with your date of birth, to the employer.

Getting a share code using an eVisa

eVisa holders follow a similar process. Access your online immigration status through the GOV.UK eVisa guidance page. Navigate to the “Get a share code” section, choose the work verification option, and generate the code. Ensure your UKVI account is up to date before starting the process.

What to do if you don’t have a BRP or eVisa

Some people may not have a BRP or an eVisa account, for example if they hold a vignette sticker in their passport or a paper-based immigration document. In such cases, you cannot generate a share code directly. You will need to apply for a digital certificate of entitlement or call the Home Office Employer Checking Service to request a Positive Verification Notice. The process differs, and employers should be aware of these alternatives.

How does an employer check my share code?

Employers must use the official service at GOV.UK – Check a job applicant’s right to work to verify a share code. This is the only valid way to conduct a digital right-to-work check. The employer must enter the 9-character code and the worker’s date of birth exactly as provided, and the check must be performed within one working day of receiving the code.

Step-by-step guide for employers to check a share code

1. Request the share code and date of birth from the worker in writing.
2. Access the Employer Checking Service at the official gov.uk link.
3. Enter the share code and date of birth.
4. Review the verification results displayed on screen.
5. Conduct in-person identity verification on the worker’s first day (photo match).
6. Download and store the verification result as a PDF with clear naming conventions.

How long is a share code valid for and can I reuse it?

Share code expiration rules

According to official GOV.UK guidance, share codes are valid for 90 days from the date of generation. Some older summaries state 30 days, but the current service uses a 90-day window. Once a code is used by an employer, it expires immediately and cannot be reused for another check. A new code must be generated for each employer, even if your immigration status has not changed.

Reusing a share code: what you need to know

You cannot reuse a share code for multiple employers. Each employer verification consumes the code. If you need to prove your right to work to a second employer, you must return to the online portal and generate a fresh share code. The same rule applies if your code expires before the employer checks it – you will need to create a new one.

Evolution of the share code system

The share code system has developed in stages as part of the UK’s digital border and immigration strategy. Key milestones include:

1. 2020: Home Office introduces share codes for digital right-to-work checks.
2. 2022: BRP cards still used; share code adoption increases.
3. 2024: UK launches eVisa system; share codes become the primary method for eVisa holders.
4. 2025: All new right-to-work checks must use online share codes (no physical documents).

What if I lost my share code or it is not working?

Losing a share code or encountering errors can be frustrating, but the solution is usually straightforward. Since the code is ephemeral and not stored in your account once generated, you will need to create a new one. If the code does not work, common causes include an expired code, incorrect date of birth entry, or a system mismatch. Below is a comparison of established facts and areas where guidance remains unclear.

Why was the share code system introduced?

The share code system is part of the UK’s digital border and immigration strategy, moving away from physical documents like BRP cards. For employers, it provides a quicker, more secure verification process, but it can be confusing for applicants unfamiliar with the digital system. The introduction of eVisas in 2024/25 has made share codes more central, and by 2026 they are expected to become the only accepted method for right-to-work checks.

Where can I find official information about share codes?

Several authoritative sources explain the share code process. Below are key quotes from official and independent references:

“You can get a share code to prove your right to work to an employer online.”

GOV.UK – Prove your right to work to an employer

“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 (immigration law blog)

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

GOV.UK – eVisa guidance

For the official employer checking service, visit GOV.UK – Check a job applicant’s right to work. The View and Prove Your Immigration Status Service is the portal where workers generate their share code.

What should I remember about share codes?

The share code is a free, temporary digital token that replaces physical documents for UK right-to-work checks. Generate a new code for each employer, use it promptly within its 90-day validity, and never rely on screenshots. For a complete walkthrough, see the UK Share Code for Employer Right to Work: Complete Guide.

Frequently asked questions about share codes