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 operates as a temporary digital key that links the checker to a specific person’s UKVI status record. The individual logs into their UKVI account in the View and Prove Your Immigration Status service, selects the purpose of the check, and generates a nine-character alphanumeric code.
The checker then goes to the relevant gov.uk service for the type of check they need, enters the code together with the person’s date of birth and views the profile that the Home Office system returns. For a right to work check, for example, the checker uses the “Check a job applicant’s right to work: use their share code” service and will see:
a. the person’s name and photograph
b. the type of permission they hold
c. any work restrictions or end dates that apply
Because the information is pulled in real time from the Home Office database, the share code check reflects the person’s current recorded status at the point of the check. Share codes last for 90 days but the underlying data can change within that period, for example if the person’s application is decided, permission is curtailed or extended or new conditions are added.
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. Some people who hold or previously held a Biometric Residence Permit can still 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 code then needs to be checked through the correct gov.uk service for that purpose. Using screenshots of the code or of the person’s UKVI account is not enough to create a statutory excuse against a civil penalty.
a. Employers
UK employers are under a legal requirement to carry out prescribed right to work checks before employment begins in order to establish a statutory excuse against liability for illegal working civil penalties. For many non-British, non-Irish candidates, a valid share code is now the primary way to evidence 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 and the individual’s date of birth
c. view the online profile while the person is physically present or on a live video call
d. check the photograph matches the person in front of them
e. review any restrictions, for example limits on hours or specific types of work
f. keep a clear copy of the profile page and record the date of the check
Only a check carried out in this prescribed way will give the employer a statutory excuse against a civil penalty if the Home Office later alleges illegal working. Screenshots sent by the worker, printouts that have been edited or checks done through non-official portals will not carry the same protection.
Share codes are not available for British or Irish citizens. For those workers, employers rely on passports or other acceptable documents, or on approved identity service providers operating digital identity verification. Where an individual previously used physical documents, employers should be aware that many categories have moved to digital-only status and that share codes are now the expected route 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 check the right to rent of prospective tenants who hold digital immigration status. The tenant generates a right to rent share code through the UKVI View and Prove service and gives it to the landlord, who then uses the gov.uk “check a tenant’s right to rent” service together with the tenant’s date of birth.
The online profile shows whether the person has an unlimited or time-limited right to rent and highlights any expiry dates or conditions. Landlords are expected to view the profile directly from the Home Office system, verify that the photograph matches the person, keep a copy of the profile and record the date of the check. Where the tenant’s permission is time-limited, follow-up checks will be required before the end 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 sometimes use share codes when assessing eligibility for certain services or support that depends on immigration status. Airlines and other carriers may ask eVisa holders for a share code generated for “something else” before travel so they can confirm that the person holds the required status to board.
In each case, the organisation should use the correct gov.uk service, enter the nine-character code and the person’s date of birth, and review the status information presented. They should not rely on screenshots or documents that could have been altered, because those do not give the same level of assurance as a direct check against the Home Office system.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
UKVI’s transition to digital status means organisations need to move away from old document-based processes and habits when the individual has digital immigration permission. For these workers, a share code check is now the standard, expected method because it provides the Home Office’s live view of their current status and conditions.
Document checks still apply for British and Irish citizens and other non-digital cohorts, but where digital status applies, the online check should now be treated as the primary method.
Section B: How to Do a Share Code Check
Checking a share code online is a prescribed legal process, not just a quick look at a website. Employers, landlords and other organisations are expected to use the official gov.uk services, enter the code and date of birth themselves and review the status information in real time. Screenshots sent by the individual or copies of their UKVI account do not meet the Home Office standard and will not give an employer 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, 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 that the individual is signposted to 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 matches the type of check you are carrying out. If you are an employer, choose the right to work share code service. If you are a landlord or letting agent, choose the right to rent share code service. If you are another organisation checking a code generated for “something else”, follow the instructions provided by the person who gave you the code or use the general View and Prove signpost to the right checker page.
Using the wrong service can lead to incomplete or misleading information because each service presents the immigration status in a format tailored to the required 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 needs to be clear and legible. For digital records, store the file in a secure system that is easy to retrieve if the Home Office requests evidence. For paper copies, make sure they are filed in a way that links them to the relevant person and can be produced quickly if needed.
Carrying out the share code check in this prescribed way, and keeping the required evidence, is what allows employers and landlords to rely on a statutory excuse if the Home Office later questions a person’s status. Where permission is time-limited, you should also diarise the expiry date and schedule follow-up checks in good time, which will usually involve asking the individual for a new, updated share code once their status has been extended or varied.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
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 depends on using the correct GOV.UK service, viewing the live profile and capturing and keeping the evidence properly. Don’t deviate from the process. Screenshots sent by the worker will not be accepted if you’re inspected, so standardising how and where checks are done is now as important as completing them.
Section C: Benefits of Online Share Code Checks
Checking immigration status through the share code system offers advantages that go beyond convenience. For employers and landlords, the value lies in accuracy, legal certainty and the reassurance that the information comes directly from the Home Office. The digital process also reduces the risk of forged documents, poor-quality scans or misunderstandings around a person’s immigration conditions. As more workers and tenants move to eVisas and away from physical documents, the share code check has become the default and expected method for verifying status in a compliant way.
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 system provides reassurance that third parties are seeing an accurate and up-to-date version of their status. There is no risk that an employer or landlord will rely on an old BRP that is no longer valid or make assumptions based on documents that do not tell the full story.
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 uses secure servers and encryption to protect the data displayed through the service. The checker does not see unnecessary personal information or application history. They only see what is relevant for that specific check. This approach supports privacy while still giving organisations enough detail to meet their legal duties.
The risk of forged documents or manipulated scans is also removed. Because the information is accessed directly from the Home Office system, employers and landlords do not have to worry about whether a document is genuine or whether it has been altered. This gives organisations far greater confidence in the accuracy of the check and helps avoid compliance disputes later.
Digital status will eventually replace most physical documents. As that shift continues, the share code system provides a secure, government-backed route to verify status that is both controlled by the individual and reliable for the organisation.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
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
Although the share code system is designed to be straightforward, issues can arise in practice. Some problems relate to the code itself, while others stem from misunderstandings about what the system can show or how to carry out a compliant check. Employers and landlords should be alert to these pitfalls, because relying on an incomplete or incorrect check risks losing the statutory excuse and can expose the organisation to civil penalties. This section outlines the issues most frequently reported and the steps that typically resolve them.
| 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
An invalid code error is one of the most common problems. Errors usually occur where the code has expired, where it has been generated for a different purpose or where characters have been misread. Because share codes are alphanumeric, a single incorrect character will prevent access to the record. Confirm the code has been entered exactly as provided and check whether the correct type has been used. A right to rent code will not work on the right to work service, and vice versa. If the code is older than 90 days, the individual needs to generate a new one. Where the code and date of birth appear correct but the error persists, it is sensible to ask the individual to log into their UKVI account and produce 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 a simple data-entry issue, so confirm the date directly with the individual and re-enter it carefully. Where the details still do not match, ask the individual to check their UKVI account. If their UKVI account contains an incorrect date of birth because of an error in their original application, they will need to request a correction from UKVI, and the check cannot be completed until the data aligns.
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” indicates 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 you are personally barred from carrying out the check. The most common cause is trying to use a right to work code on the right to rent checker or vice versa. Check which purpose the individual selected when generating the code. If a code for “something else” has been issued, the organisation needs to follow the link provided by the individual or the route signposted 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 page from loading or displaying correctly. Updating the browser usually resolves the problem. Organisations that rely heavily on 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 retry later. Persistent errors may indicate a wider outage, so checking the service status page is helpful. Build some flexibility into your process when time-limited checks are needed, particularly for start dates that cannot be moved.
Issue 7: Status Not Showing for Pending Applications
Some individuals with outstanding in-time applications, pending administrative reviews or certain forms of 3C leave may temporarily be unable to generate a share code because their updated digital profile is not yet enabled. The starting point is to see whether their status can be checked online with a share code – for many eVisa holders, the online right to work service now supports checks while an in-time application is pending and will give a six-month statutory excuse. Where you cannot complete an online or manual check in line with the guidance – for example because the person 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. For right to rent, equivalent Home Office processes apply.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Share code checks don’t always go to plan. There are still factors that can cause delays, so our advice is not to leave the check entirely until the day before employment is due to start. If the individual needs to contact UKVI to access their account, to correct information or if an alternative type of check is actually needed, it’s better to have time to deal with this while staying within the rules. Leaving the check to the last minute can lead to poor decision making when the pressure is on to get the worker into the role. That is illegal working territory and 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: Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists, with expertise in compliance. We have extensive experience advising UK employers to comply with their Right to Work obligations, such as the correct use of share codes, through advice, e-learning solutions, training, audits and consultancy. For expert guidance, contact us.
Section G: 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 you to give an employer, landlord or other organisation temporary online access to view your current immigration status directly from the UKVI database. The code does not replace your status, it simply lets someone see what UKVI holds 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. During those 90 days it can be reused for multiple checks. Once the 90 days have passed, the code expires and no longer works. If an employer, landlord or other organisation needs to check your status again after that point, you will need to generate a new code.
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 people who hold digital immigration status with UKVI, such as many Skilled Workers and EU Settlement Scheme status-holders. When you log into your UKVI account you can generate a code for work, rent or something else. British and Irish citizens do not receive share codes for right to work or right to rent and instead rely on passports, 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, select whether you want to prove your right to work, right to rent or something else. The system then creates a nine-character code that you can give to the organisation that needs to check 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 check that the organisation is using the correct gov.uk service for the purpose you selected when you generated the code. 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 H: 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. |
