What is a Right to Work Share Code?
A Right to Work Share Code is a unique, digital code issued by the UK government that allows individuals to prove their legal right to work in the UK. Instead of relying solely on physical documents like passports or biometric residence permits, a share code provides a secure, online way to share your immigration status with employers.
The main purpose of the share code is to streamline and modernise the process of verifying work eligibility. Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, UK employers have a legal duty to confirm that all employees have the right to work before they start employment. Traditionally, this meant checking and copying original documents. However, with the introduction of the share code system, eligible individuals can quickly generate a code online and give it to potential employers, who can then verify the right to work using the government’s online checking service.
This digital approach offers several advantages:
- Convenience: You don’t need to carry or post original documents, which can be especially helpful if you’re applying for multiple jobs or if your documents are not easily accessible.
- Security: The share code is time-limited and unique to each request, helping to protect your personal information.
- Accuracy: Employers can view your current immigration status directly from the Home Office, reducing the risk of errors or misunderstandings.
Not everyone will need a share code. Typically, it is used by non-British and non-Irish citizens who hold immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme, have a biometric residence permit, or have been granted status digitally. If you’re unsure whether you need a share code or what documents you can use, you can find comprehensive guidance on the official Right to Work Share Code page provided by the government.
It’s worth noting that there are other ways to verify work rights in the UK, and some individuals may be eligible for different types of evidence, such as the “No Time Limit” endorsement. For more information on alternative verification methods and legal requirements, see our section on Checking and Verifying Work Rights.
By using a Right to Work Share Code, both employees and employers can save time and ensure they remain compliant with current UK immigration rules.
Who Can Use the Share Code?
Anyone who needs to prove their right to work in the UK may be able to use a share code, but eligibility depends on your immigration status.
Who Can Generate a Share Code?
Share codes are available to non-British citizens who have digital proof of their immigration status. You can generate a share code if you:
- Hold pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- Have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC).
- Are on a work visa, such as a Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, or Temporary Worker visa.
- Have indefinite leave to remain or indefinite leave to enter and can access your status online.
- Hold certain other immigration statuses that provide digital proof of your right to work.
If you fall into one of these categories, you can use the government’s online system to generate a share code, which you then provide to your employer so they can verify your right to work.
Who Cannot Use the Share Code?
Not everyone can use a share code. For example:
- British citizens do not need to use a share code. You can prove your right to work with your passport or birth certificate.
- People with physical documents only (such as an old-style vignette in their passport or a paper residence permit) cannot generate a share code. Employers must check these documents manually.
- Those with pending applications for immigration status usually cannot generate a share code until a decision is made.
If you do not have digital status and cannot use a share code, your employer must check your documents in person. For more about alternative ways to prove your right to work, see our section on Checking and Verifying Work Rights.
Immigration Statuses Covered
The share code system covers a wide range of immigration statuses, including:
- EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens with settled or pre-settled status.
- Non-EU nationals with a valid visa that grants work rights.
- Those granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or indefinite leave to enter (ILE), provided their status is registered digitally.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or your status, it is important to check the latest UK Immigration Rules, as these are updated regularly and set out who can work in the UK and how status is verified.
Practical Example
Suppose you are an EU citizen with settled status. You can log in to the Home Office online service, generate a share code, and give it to your employer. If you are a British citizen, you simply show your passport – no share code needed.
Key Points to Remember
- Only those with digital immigration status can generate a share code.
- British citizens and those with only physical documents use alternative proof.
- Always check the most recent government guidance to confirm your eligibility.
Understanding whether you can use a share code helps ensure a smooth right to work check and keeps both employees and employers compliant with UK law.
How to Generate a Share Code
Generating a Right to Work share code in the UK is a straightforward online process, designed to help you prove your eligibility to work to potential or current employers. Here’s a step-by-step guide, along with practical advice to ensure your information stays secure throughout.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Share Code
- Visit the Official Online Service
To begin, go to the government’s secure portal for share codes. The official How to generate a share code page on GOV.UK will guide you through the process and explain what documents or status you need. - Sign In with Your Details
You’ll need to log in using the identity details you used when you applied for your visa, settled status, or other immigration permission. This usually means your biometric residence permit (BRP), biometric residence card (BRC), passport, or national ID card. - Provide Required Information
The system will ask for: - Your date of birth
- The document number from your BRP, BRC, passport, or national ID card
- Access to the email address or phone number linked to your Home Office account (for verification codes)
Request and Receive Your Share Code
After verifying your identity, you’ll be able to generate a share code. This code can be shared with your employer, who can then check your right to work status online.
What You Need to Generate a Share Code
To generate your share code, have the following ready:
- Your immigration document (e.g., BRP, BRC, or passport)
- The personal details you used in your immigration application
- Access to your registered email or phone for security verification
If you have indefinite leave to remain, settled or pre-settled status, or another form of immigration permission, you can use this service. British and Irish citizens do not need to generate a share code, as their passport or ID is sufficient.
Validity and Renewal of Share Codes
A share code is valid for 90 days from the date it is generated. After this period, the code will expire and you’ll need to create a new one if your employer still needs to check your status. Always provide a current, unexpired code to avoid delays in your employment process.
Keeping Your Information Safe
- Use Only Official Channels: Always use the official GOV.UK website to generate your share code. Avoid third-party sites that may not protect your data.
- Protect Your Code: Only share your code with trusted employers or organisations who need to verify your work rights.
- Keep Your Login Details Secure: Never share your Home Office account password or verification codes with anyone.
- Watch for Scams: If you receive unexpected requests for your share code or personal details, verify the source before responding.
Additional Support and Related Topics
If you want to understand more about verifying work rights or have questions about different types of immigration status, see our guide on Checking and Verifying Work Rights. This can help you navigate related legal requirements and ensure full compliance with UK immigration rules.
By following these steps and safety tips, you can generate your Right to Work share code confidently and securely, helping both you and your employer meet legal obligations under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
How Employers Use the Share Code to Check Work Rights
When a job applicant provides a Right to Work Share Code, employers can use it to quickly and securely verify the person’s eligibility to work in the UK. This online system, provided by the Home Office, streamlines the process and helps employers meet their legal obligations under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
How to Use the Share Code
Employers should ask the candidate for their share code and date of birth. With this information, they can access the Home Office’s online checking service. This service displays the individual’s right to work status, the types of work they are allowed to do, and the period for which they are eligible to work. The process is straightforward:
- Visit the official online right to work check service.
- Enter the share code and the applicant’s date of birth.
- Review the results, which will confirm whether the person has the right to work, any restrictions, and the validity period.
This method replaces the need to manually check and copy physical documents for many non-UK nationals, reducing the risk of errors and making record-keeping easier.
For step-by-step guidance on the full process, including document checks for those who do not use share codes, see Checking a Worker’s Right to Work in the UK.
Benefits for Employers
Using the share code system offers several advantages:
- Legal Compliance: By following the correct procedure, employers obtain a statutory excuse against civil penalties if it later turns out the employee did not have the right to work.
- Reduced Risk: The online check is up-to-date and directly linked to Home Office records, minimising the chance of accepting forged or expired documents.
- Audit Trail: Employers can download and securely store a copy of the online check result, providing evidence that the check was carried out at the right time.
- Efficiency: The process is quicker and simpler than manual checks, especially for those with digital immigration status.
Employers must ensure checks are carried out before employment begins and, if the right to work is time-limited, repeat checks must be scheduled before the expiry date. For further details on maintaining compliance and avoiding fines, refer to the Employer’s Guide to Right to Work Checks on GOV.UK.
If a Share Code Check Fails
If the online check does not confirm the applicant’s right to work, employers must not proceed with employment. Sometimes, a failed check may be due to incorrect information or a technical issue. In such cases:
- Double-check that the share code and date of birth have been entered correctly.
- Ask the applicant if their immigration status has recently changed or if they have received updated documents.
- If uncertainty remains, contact the Home Office Employer Checking Service for further assistance.
Employers who knowingly employ someone without the right to work can face civil penalties of up to £20,000 per illegal worker, and even criminal prosecution in serious cases. It is crucial to follow the correct procedure and retain evidence of all checks.
For situations involving people with indefinite leave to remain or those applying for ‘No Time Limit’ status, see the section on Checking and Verifying Work Rights for additional legal considerations.
By using the share code system correctly, employers protect themselves from penalties and help ensure fair and legal recruitment practices.
Benefits of Using a Share Code
Using a Share Code to verify right to work in the UK offers a range of advantages for both employees and employers, making the process simpler, quicker, and more secure than traditional methods.
Digital Verification: Convenience Over Paperwork
Traditionally, proving your right to work meant presenting physical documents – such as a passport, biometric residence permit, or visa – often in person. With the introduction of the Share Code system, you can now prove your status digitally via the Home Office’s online service. This means you no longer need to send or hand over original documents, which can be especially helpful if you are applying for jobs remotely or if your documents are being used for another application.
Faster and Safer for Everyone
For employers, using a Share Code streamlines the recruitment process. You can check a candidate’s right to work online in real time, reducing delays that can occur when waiting to verify physical documents. This not only speeds up hiring but also reduces the risk of lost or damaged paperwork.
For employees, sharing a code is quick and secure. You control who has access to your status, and you don’t have to worry about your important documents being misplaced or copied without your consent. The online system is designed to protect your personal information, as employers only see the details they need to confirm your eligibility.
Supporting Legal Compliance
Employers are legally required to check every employee’s right to work in the UK, as set out in the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 and the Home Office’s Right to Work Checks guidance. Failing to carry out proper checks can result in significant fines or even criminal penalties.
Using a Share Code ensures that employers are following the latest legal requirements, as the online check provides an official record that the correct verification has taken place. This digital trail can be important in demonstrating compliance if questions ever arise.
Practical Example
Suppose you are a non-UK national who has been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Instead of presenting your residence card, you can simply generate a Share Code online and provide it to your prospective employer. They enter the code on the Home Office website, instantly confirming your right to work.
Explore Related Topics
If you want to learn more about checking and verifying work rights – including information about “No Time Limit” applications and other types of status – you can find further guidance in our section on Checking and Verifying Work Rights.
By embracing the Share Code system, both employees and employers benefit from a process that is not only more efficient but also fully aligned with UK law, helping everyone stay compliant and protected.
What to Do If You Can’t Generate a Share Code
If you’re unable to generate a share code to prove your right to work in the UK, don’t worry – there are still ways to confirm your eligibility. Below, we explain the most common reasons why you might not be able to obtain a share code, and what steps you can take to provide alternative proof to your employer.
Why You Might Not Be Able to Get a Share Code
There are several reasons why you may not be able to generate a share code online:
- Your immigration status isn’t held digitally: Some people have older forms of immigration status, such as indefinite leave to remain (ILR) granted before biometric residence permits were introduced, or a physical visa in their passport. These statuses may not be accessible through the Home Office’s online system.
- You don’t have the required documents: To generate a share code, you typically need details from your biometric residence permit (BRP), biometric residence card (BRC), or your online immigration status. If you don’t have these, you won’t be able to use the online service.
- Technical difficulties: Sometimes, issues with the government’s website or your own internet access can temporarily prevent you from generating a code.
- Lost or expired documents: If you’ve lost your passport or BRP, or if your documents have expired, you may not be able to access the online system.
If your situation involves a lost passport, see our dedicated guidance on Lost Passport? Verifying Your UK Work Rights for practical steps you can take.
Alternative Ways to Prove Your Right to Work
If you can’t generate a share code, you can still prove your right to work by showing physical documents to your employer. Employers are required by law (Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) to check that all employees have the right to work in the UK, and they must follow the official Home Office guidelines.
Acceptable physical documents include:
- A valid British or Irish passport
- A passport or national identity card showing you’re a citizen of the UK or Ireland
- A biometric residence permit (BRP) or card (BRC)
- A certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen, with an official document showing your National Insurance number
- Immigration status documents issued by the Home Office, with proof of your National Insurance number
For a full and up-to-date list of documents that employers can accept, consult the official List of acceptable documents for right to work on GOV.UK. This resource outlines which documents are valid, how long checks remain valid, and any recent changes to the rules.
What Employers Need to Do
Employers must check the original documents in the presence of the employee (either in person or via a live video link, if permitted under current temporary guidance). They should make and keep copies, and record the date the check was made. Failing to carry out proper checks can result in penalties for both employers and employees.
If your right to work is based on an older or indefinite status, you might also want to read about No Time Limit Applications for UK Work Rights, which explains how to upgrade your documentation and make your status easier to prove in the future.
If You’re Still Unsure
If you’re unable to provide any acceptable documents, or your employer is unsure about your status, you may need to contact the Home Office directly for further advice. Employers can also use the Employer Checking Service in certain circumstances, such as when your application is being processed or you have an outstanding appeal or review.
Remember, proving your right to work is a legal requirement, but there are several ways to do it if you can’t generate a share code. Make sure you and your employer follow the latest Home Office guidance to stay compliant.
More About Proving Your Right to Work in the UK
When starting a new job or hiring someone in the UK, it’s essential to prove the legal right to work. While generating a Share Code is a popular digital method – especially for non-UK nationals – there are several other ways to meet the legal requirements set out in the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 and the Home Office’s Right to Work checks guidance.
Other Accepted Documents and Methods
UK and Irish citizens can usually prove their right to work with a valid passport or birth certificate combined with an official document showing their National Insurance number. Non-UK nationals may need to show a biometric residence permit, immigration status document, or settled/pre-settled status confirmation. Employers must check these documents in person or, where permitted, use the Home Office online service.
Some individuals may have work rights due to indefinite leave to remain or “No Time Limit” status, which can be verified through specific application processes. For more on this, see Checking and Verifying Work Rights.
Legal Requirements for Employers and Employees
Employers are legally obliged to carry out right to work checks before employment begins, and to repeat them if an employee’s permission to work is time-limited. Failing to do so can result in civil penalties or even criminal charges. Acceptable documents and procedures are detailed in the Home Office’s guidance, and it’s important to keep clear records of all checks carried out.
For employees, being able to provide the correct documentation or share code is crucial for starting work promptly and avoiding delays.
Explore Further
Understanding the full range of ways to prove your right to work – and the legal obligations involved – can help prevent issues for both employers and employees. To get a comprehensive overview of all accepted documents, digital checks, and the latest regulations, visit Proving Your Right to Work in the UK. This resource covers everything you need to know about verifying work rights, ensuring compliance, and staying up to date with UK law.
