Prove Your Right to Work in the UK: Share Code Guide

If you’ve ever started a new job in the UK and wondered how your employer actually confirms you’re legally allowed to work, you’re not alone. The system has moved fully online since 2021, replacing physical document checks with digital share codes that the Home Office verifies in real time. Whether you’re an employee navigating immigration status or an employer trying to stay compliant, understanding how these codes work matters more than ever.

Official Provider: UK Government · Primary Method: Online share code · Top Resource: GOV.UK Prove right to work · Employer Access: View online service

Right to work share code

A right to work share code is a unique 9-character alphanumeric code issued by the UK Home Office for digital verification of immigration status. According to official government guidance, the code proves your right to work in real time through live government databases, showing your employment permissions, duration, and any work restrictions.

What is a right to work share code?

The share code system replaced physical document checks for most immigration statuses during the eVisa transition. It verifies types of work allowed, duration, and restrictions directly through GOV.UK View Right to Work. According to MGBe Legal (Immigration Law Firm), share codes confirm whether an employee can work full-time, part-time, or has restricted hours. The code generation requires SMS/email verification or security questions to ensure identity protection.

Who can get a share code?

Non-British and non-Irish citizens with a biometric residence permit (BRP) or existing UKVI account can generate a share code. According to GOV.UK, a UKVI account is created automatically if you’ve ever applied for a visa, leave, or settlement. British and Irish citizens cannot get an online share code and must instead use original documents like passports for verification.

“British and Irish citizens cannot get an online share code to prove their right to work.”

— GOV.UK Employer Guidance

Right to work check

Employers must conduct right to work checks for every new employee within one working day of their start date. The process combines the digital share code verification with in-person document checks to confirm the employee’s identity matches their digital record.

How do employers perform right to work check?

The employer enters the employee’s share code and date of birth into GOV.UK View Right to Work. The service returns instant confirmation of the employee’s right to work status, including any restrictions on working hours or types of employment. According to MGBe Legal, employers must also conduct in-person photo verification and store the PDF evidence from the check.

What details are needed for check?

Employers need the 9-character share code provided by the employee and their date of birth. The check can only be performed online through the official government service. Per GOV.UK’s official right to work checklist, employers should retain copies of any physical documents checked, including expiry date, nationality, photo, and immigration permission pages.

Right to work share code employer

For employers, the share code system means abandoning the old model of collecting and copying physical documents for most cases. The digital verification through GOV.UK View Right to Work provides real-time status information without relying on potentially expired documents.

How employers access share code results?

Employers visit the View Right to Work service, enter the share code and employee’s date of birth, and receive an instant result showing employment permissions. According to Citizens Advice (Consumer Advice Organisation), the result confirms whether the person has unlimited or limited leave to remain, and any work restrictions that apply.

What if share code is invalid?

If the share code check returns an invalid result, the employer should not proceed with hiring the individual until the status is resolved. GOV.UK guidance states that an invalid code may indicate the person does not have the right to work in the UK. Employers should request the employee generate a new code if the previous one has expired.

“If you proved your right to work before 1 July 2021, your employer shouldn’t ask you to prove it again.”

— Citizens Advice

Right to work check online

Generating a share code and performing the employer check both happen entirely online through official GOV.UK services. This digital-first approach eliminates postal delays and manual document handling that characterised earlier right to work verification processes.

Steps to generate share code online

Employees generate their share code by visiting GOV.UK’s online share code service. The process requires logging into the UKVI account, providing the BRP number or using passport details, and completing identity verification via SMS, email, or security questions. The system generates a unique 9-character code immediately upon successful verification.

Where to access online check?

The employer verification portal is available at GOV.UK View Right to Work. Both employee code generation and employer verification services are free to use. As noted by Humaans (HR Software Provider), the service connects directly to Home Office databases for live status confirmation.

Right to work documents

Despite the shift to digital verification, physical documents remain relevant for specific cases. Understanding when each method applies ensures both employees and employers stay compliant with Home Office requirements.

What original documents are accepted?

British and Irish citizens must use original documents such as valid passports. According to GOV.UK, Irish passports are accepted without a visa for right to work checks. For limited leave to remain cases involving student, work, or family visas, employees can present a valid passport with a Home Office stamp or use the digital share code instead.

When are physical documents still needed?

Physical documents are required when digital verification isn’t available or when an employee cannot get a share code. Per GOV.UK’s official checklist, original documents must always be checked in-person. Copies or photos are never acceptable. Asylum seekers with an Application Registration Card (ARC) and Positive Verification Notice can prove their right to work, as explained by Citizens Advice.

“You can get a share code to prove your right to work in the UK if: you’re not a British or Irish citizen.”

— GOV.UK Official Guidance

Special cases and visa types

Different immigration statuses carry different work permissions and verification requirements. Understanding these variations helps both employees and employers navigate the system correctly.

• Student visa holders: Use share code to confirm the 20-hour weekly work limit during term time, as detailed by MGBe Legal
• EU Settlement Scheme holders: Pre-settled or settled status holders need share codes; employers shouldn’t recheck those proven before 1 July 2021
• Family visa holders: Spouse visa and other family route holders must use the digital share code system
• EU family permit holders: The permit proves right to work for 90 days after issue; holders should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme for a certificate of application

The implication: work hour restrictions encoded in share codes give employers a clear picture of what employees can legitimately do, which is particularly important for sectors that rely heavily on student or part-time workers.

How to complete the verification process

Following these steps ensures both employees and employers meet their legal obligations under UK immigration law.

1. Employee generates share code at GOV.UK using UKVI account and BRP or passport details
2. Employee provides the 9-character share code and date of birth to employer
3. Employer visits GOV.UK View Right to Work and enters the code and date of birth
4. System confirms employment status, restrictions, and permission duration
5. Employer conducts in-person photo verification against digital record
6. Employer saves PDF confirmation and completes onboarding within one working day

Related reading: Blue Light Card Discounts – Full Guide for NHS and Frontline Workers

Employees generate the share code online via GOV.UK, which employers then verify alongside your date of birth using the generation and checking process detailed in official guidelines.

Frequently asked questions