Check Share Code: User Guide

A share code is a temporary, alphanumeric identifier that enables individuals to share their UK immigration status for official purposes, such as verifying their right to work and right to rent, securely and efficiently.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about checking a share code, from how to generate and check your own share code, to how employers and landlords can check someone else’s share code as part of their compliance obligations.

 

Section A: What is a Share Code?

 

Share codes are issued by the UK Government when requested by individuals who need to securely share their UK immigration status for various legal and official purposes. It is a unique 9-character alphanumeric code that acts as a digital tool for verifying immigration details, such as the individual’s right to work or right to rent.

As a digital method, share codes are more secure and efficient than handling physical documents.

Each share code is valid for 90 days from the date of generation, and can be used multiple times within that period.

The system is designed to ensure that only those with a legitimate reason to view immigration status can access the information. Employers and landlords, for instance, are only allowed to use the share code system when verifying the immigration status of a potential employee or tenant. This controlled access provides an additional layer of privacy and security for individuals while ensuring authorised parties access accurate, real-time data directly from the Home Office.

 

1. Who Needs a Share Code?

 

Share codes are used by individuals from outside the UK and Ireland to verify their UK immigration status and demonstrate their right to work, right to rent and to access certain public services.

Individuals who may need to generate or check their share code include:

 

a. Those with a biometric residence card or permit or

b. Those with a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

 

A UKVI account is automatically created for those who have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to prove their identity during a visa application, or created an account while applying for a visa. Anyone who has received a confirmation email regarding their UKVI account or set one up to access an eVisa, which serves as an online record of immigration status, will also be able to use this service.

For those unable to access the service, the right to work can still be proven by providing original immigration documents directly to employers or relevant authorities. This ensures that individuals without access to the digital service are still able to demonstrate their immigration status when needed.

 

2. Why are Share Codes Needed?

 

Share codes are primarily used by employers, landlords, and public authorities to verify a person’s immigration status and eligibility for various services:

 

Table: Comparison of Share Code Uses

Use Case	Verification Required	Relevant Party
Right to Work	Share code and date of birth	Employer
Right to Rent	Share code and personal information	Landlord
Access to Public Services	Share code and other necessary identification	Public service providers

 

a. Right to Work Checks

One of the most common uses of share codes is for right to work checks. Employers in the UK are legally obligated to verify that all employees, including non-UK nationals, have the right to work. A share code allows job applicants to easily share their immigration status with potential employers during the recruitment process.

Employers use the share code, along with the individual’s date of birth, to access the government’s online system to confirm whether the person has the legal right to work in the UK. This process is vital to ensure compliance with UK employment laws and to prevent illegal working. Share codes make this process more efficient, reducing the reliance on physical documents like passports or residence permits.

 

b. Right to Rent Checks

Share codes are also used for right to rent checks, a legal requirement for landlords in England. Before renting out a property, landlords must verify that a potential tenant has the right to rent in the UK. The share code system allows tenants to provide landlords with a simple digital proof of their immigration status.

Landlords can use the code to access the government’s system, ensuring that the tenant has the legal right to rent a property. This process is particularly useful for tenants who might not have immediate access to their physical documents or whose immigration status is digitally recorded.

 

c. Public Services and Benefits

In some cases, individuals may need to provide a share code to access certain public services or benefits. For example, local councils, healthcare providers, or educational institutions might require proof of immigration status before offering services. A share code offers a secure and convenient way for individuals to share their status with these organisations.

This is particularly important for those accessing social services or seeking benefits where eligibility depends on immigration status. The use of a share code simplifies this process, ensuring that services can be accessed without delay.

 

3. How Long Are Share Codes Valid For?

 

Share codes are temporary and are only valid for 90 days from the date they are generated.

Once the 90-day window has passed, the code expires, and no further access is granted unless a new code is generated.

This limits how long personal data is accessible, ensuring better control over who can access immigration information and for how long.

 

Section B: How to Generate a Share Code

 

Generating a share code is a straightforward, online process. You will need to access the official UK Government Immigration Status Portal, where you can view and share your immigration status.

 

1. Information Needed to Generate a Share Code

 

To generate a share code in the UK, individuals need to provide specific personal information and have access to their online account with the UK government’s immigration services.

 

a. Government Gateway Account

To generate a share code, you will first need to log into your Government Gateway account. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one. This account is essential for accessing various online services, including generating share codes. The information needed to log into or create a Government Gateway account includes:

 

i. User ID: This is provided when an individual registers for the account.

ii. Password: The password created during the registration process.

 

If you have forgotten your login details, you can recover them using the “Forgotten your sign-in details?” link on the Government Gateway login page.

 

b. Personal Identification Details

To verify identity and generate a share code, you will need to provide your date of birth, as well as one of the following:

 

i. Identity card or passport number of the document used during your initial visa or settlement application

ii. Biometric residence permit number

iii. Biometric residence card number

 

2. Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Generate a Share Code

 

Generating a share code is a straightforward process that can be actioned online through the UK government’s official website.

 

Step	Action
Step 1: Visit the Official Website	Go to the UK government’s website to prove your right to work or share your immigration status.
Step 2: Start the Process	Click the “Start now” button to begin generating your share code.
Step 3: Log In or Register	Log in using your Government Gateway user ID and password, or create an account if you don’t have one.
Step 4: Enter Your Details	Enter your passport number or BRP number accurately.
Step 5: Generate the Share Code	Follow the on-screen instructions to generate your unique share code.
Step 6: Save the Share Code	Save the share code displayed on the screen. It is valid for 90 days. Write it down, save it digitally, or print it.

 

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the UK government’s official website for proving your right to work or share your immigration status.

 

Step 2: Start the Process

Click on the “Start now” button to begin the process of generating your share code.

 

Step 3: Log In or Register

You will be prompted to log in using your Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one by clicking on the “Create sign in details” link.

 

Step 4: Enter Your Details

Once logged in, you will need to enter your personal details, such as your passport number. Make sure all information is accurate to avoid any errors.

 

Step 5: Generate the Share Code

After entering your details, follow the on-screen instructions to generate your share code. The website will process your information and provide you with a unique share code.

 

Step 6: Save the Share Code

Your share code will be displayed on the screen. Make sure to write it down, save it digitally, or print it out. The code is valid for 90 days from the date of generation. It can be used multiple times during this period to share your immigration status securely.

 

Section C: How to Check Your Share Code

 

Checking your share code helps ensure that your immigration status is accurately reflected and can be verified by employers, landlords, or other relevant authorities. It also helps confirm that your code is still valid and that the information associated with it is correct before you provide the code to your employer, landlord or other relevant party.

Check your share code by following these steps:

 

Step	Action
Step 1: Visit the Official Website	Go to the UK government’s online service for viewing and proving your immigration status.
Step 2: Start the Process	Click the “Start now” button to begin checking your share code status.
Step 3: Log In or Register	Log in using your Government Gateway user ID and password, or create an account if needed.
Step 4: Enter Your Share Code	Enter the provided share code accurately.
Step 5: View Your Status	Your immigration status and details will be displayed. Verify that all information is correct.
Step 6: Check Validity	Confirm that the share code is still valid (codes are valid for 90 days). If expired, generate a new code.

 

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the UK government’s online service for viewing and proving your immigration status.

 

Step 2: Start the Process

Click on the “Start now” button to begin the process of checking your share code status.

 

Step 3: Log In or Register

Log in using your Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one by clicking on the “Create sign in details” link.

 

Step 4: Enter Your Share Code

Once logged in, enter the share code that you have been provided. Make sure to input the code accurately to avoid any errors.

 

Step 5: View Your Status

After entering the share code, your current immigration status and related details will be displayed on the screen. Verify that all the information is correct and up-to-date.

 

Step 6: Check Validity

Ensure that the share code is still valid. Remember, share codes are typically valid for 90 days from the date of generation. If your code has expired, you will need to generate a new one.

 

Section D: Common Issues and Troubleshooting

 

Generating and checking your share code is typically straightforward, but sometimes issues can cause delays or complications. The following are common problems people might face when checking their share code:

 

Error	Description	Solution
Incorrect Share Code	The share code entered does not match the one provided.	Double-check the code for any errors or generate a new code if expired.
Expired Share Code	The share code has passed its 90-day validity period.	Generate a new share code via the UK government portal.
Forgotten Login Details	Inability to log into the Government Gateway account.	Use the “Forgotten sign-in details” link to recover user ID or password.
Mismatch of Personal Information	The information entered does not match official documents.	Ensure that personal details (e.g., date of birth, passport) are correct.
Technical Website Glitch	Website downtime or malfunction when checking the share code.	Clear browser cache or try a different browser/device.

 

1. Incorrect or Expired Share Code

The share code entered might be incorrect or expired, leading to errors in verification.

Double-check the share code for any typos and ensure it is entered correctly. If the code has expired, generate a new one by following the steps outlined in the “How to Generate a Share Code” section.

Keep a record of when you generated the share code to avoid using an expired code. Set a reminder to generate a new code if needed.

 

2. Login Issues

Difficulty logging into the Government Gateway account due to forgotten credentials or account issues can prevent access.

Use the “Forgotten your sign-in details?” link on the login page to recover your credentials if you have forgotten your Government Gateway user ID or password. Follow the instructions to reset your password or retrieve your user ID.

Store your login details securely using a password manager to avoid future login issues.

 

3. Mismatch of Personal Details

Discrepancies between the details provided and those on record can result in failed verification attempts.

Ensure the personal details entered match exactly with those on your official documents. Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) help centre for assistance if there are any discrepancies.

Regularly check and update your personal details on the Government Gateway to ensure they are current and accurate.

 

4. Technical Glitches

Website downtime or technical errors may prevent the completion of the process.

If technical issues occur, wait for a while and try again later. Clear your browser cache and cookies, or try accessing the site using a different browser or device.

Check the UK government service status page for any known issues or maintenance schedules that might be affecting the service.

 

5. Weak Internet Connection

A slow or unstable internet connection can disrupt the process of generating or checking the share code.

Ensure your internet connection is stable and strong. If your connection is unstable, try using a wired connection or move closer to your Wi-Fi router.

Use a mobile hotspot if your primary internet connection is unreliable, or visit a location with a stable internet connection, such as a library or café.

 

Section E: How to Check Someone Else’s Share Code for Employment & Tenancy

 

A different process applies if you are an employer or landlord checking someone else’s share code.

As a landlord or employer in the UK, you are legally required to verify the immigration status of tenants and employees to ensure they have the right to rent or work in the country, respectively. This can be easily done by checking a share code provided by the individual.

A share code allows you to access the UK Government’s digital verification system, which confirms the person’s immigration status.

 

1. Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Someone’s Share Code

 

The process to check someone’s share code is as follows:

 

Step	Action	Details
Step 1	Obtain Share Code & DOB	Individual provides a valid share code and date of birth. Codes are valid for 90 days and required for checks.
Step 2	Visit Government Website	Go to the UK government website for verifying immigration status (right to work or right to rent).
Step 3	Start Verification	Click “Start now” on the relevant service page to initiate the status check.
Step 4	Enter Share Code & DOB	Input the share code and date of birth accurately. Share codes are case-sensitive and must be entered as provided.
Step 5	View Immigration Status	Review the individual’s immigration status, including work or rent rights and any restrictions or conditions.
Step 6	Check Code Validity	Verify that the share code is still valid (valid for 90 days). Request a new code if it has expired.
Step 7	Record for Compliance	Record the verified immigration status, check date, and any conditions for compliance and future audits.
Step 8	Follow Up if Necessary	Follow up on any restrictions or upcoming visa expirations (e.g., monitor visa expiry dates for employers).

 

Step 1: Obtain the Share Code and Date of Birth

If they are able to use the service, the individual (tenant or employee) should provide you with a valid share code and their date of birth. The share code is a unique alphanumeric code, valid for 90 days from the date it is generated, and is necessary to access their immigration status.

For right to work checks, employees will provide this information to demonstrate their legal right to work in the UK. For right to rent checks, tenants will provide the same to confirm they have the right to rent property in England.

 

Step 2: Visit the Official UK Government Website

Go to the official UK government website designed for verifying immigration status using a share code. There are two separate services; make sure you are on the correct service depending on whether you are conducting an employment or tenancy check.

 

Step 3: Start the Verification Process

Once you are on the relevant page, click on the “Start now” button to begin the process of checking the individual’s immigration status. This will take you to the verification page, where you will be asked to enter the share code and date of birth.

 

Step 4: Enter the Share Code and Date of Birth

You will be prompted to enter the individual’s share code and their date of birth. Ensure the details are entered correctly to avoid errors in the verification process. Share codes are case-sensitive, so it’s important to input them exactly as provided by the individual.

 

Step 5: View the Immigration Status

Once you have entered the correct details, the system will display the individual’s immigration status. This will include information relevant to the purpose of your check, such as:

 

a. For right to work checks: It will confirm whether the person has the right to work in the UK and any restrictions or conditions attached to their employment.

b. For right to rent checks: It will confirm whether the individual has the right to rent property in England, along with any restrictions or conditions.
Make sure to carefully review the information displayed and ensure it meets the legal requirements for the tenancy or employment you are offering.

 

Step 6: Check the Validity of the Share Code
Share codes are only valid for 90 days from the date of generation. Once a share code expires, it cannot be reused. If the code has expired, ask the individual to generate a new one and repeat the process. If the code is still valid, it will be displayed as such in the results.

 

Step 7: Record the Information for Compliance
For compliance purposes, it’s important to keep a record of the immigration status you verified, the date of the check, and any relevant conditions. This is essential for legal compliance and in case of any future audits by the Home Office. For employers, this is a requirement under the “right to work” legislation, and landlords are similarly required to retain evidence under the “right to rent” rules.

 

Step 8: Follow Up if Necessary
If any restrictions or conditions are shown, or if the individual’s immigration status is due to expire soon, follow up as necessary. Employers must monitor visa expiry dates, while landlords should be aware of any future changes in tenants’ immigration status.

 

2. Right to Work: Employer Issues When Checking a Share Code

 

If an employer encounters issues with a share code, such as it not working or showing that the individual is not legally entitled to work, it is important to follow a clear and compliant process to avoid legal risks and ensure the situation is handled appropriately.

 

a. Double-Check the Information

The first step is to ensure the share code and the individual’s date of birth have been entered correctly. Share codes are case-sensitive, and even a minor error in typing can cause the verification to fail. Asking the individual to confirm the details they provided can help rule out any simple mistakes.

 

b. Ask for a New Share Code

If the share code has expired (they are valid for 90 days), the individual will need to generate a new one. Employers should ask the individual to create a fresh share code through the UK government’s online service and then retry the check.

 

c. Check Original Documents

If the share code still does not work or the system shows the individual is not legally entitled to work, employers should ask the person to provide original immigration documents. This could include the biometric residence permit (if valid), visa, or any other relevant papers that can confirm their right to work.

 

d. Contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Helpline

In cases where there is uncertainty or persistent issues, employers can contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) helpline for guidance. They may offer support in verifying an individual’s status.

 

e. Take Appropriate Action if the Person is Not Entitled to Work

If the system or original documents confirm that the individual is not legally entitled to work in the UK, the employer must not hire or continue to employ them. Employers are legally obligated to ensure that all employees have the right to work, and failure to comply with this can lead to penalties, including fines or criminal prosecution.

 

f. Keep a Record of the Check

Regardless of the outcome, employers should document the steps taken to verify the individual’s right to work, including attempts to check the share code, communication with the employee, and any contact with UKVI. This provides evidence that the employer has met their legal obligations.

 

3. Right to Rent: Landlord Issues When Checking a Share Code

 

If a landlord encounters issues with a share code, such as it not working or indicating that the individual is not legally entitled to rent in the UK, it is important to handle the situation carefully to comply with legal obligations.

 

a. Double-Check the Information

The first step is to ensure that the share code and the tenant’s date of birth have been entered accurately. Share codes are case-sensitive, and even a minor error in entering the details can result in the system failing to retrieve the necessary information. The landlord should verify the details with the individual to rule out any simple mistakes.

 

b. Request a New Share Code

If the share code has expired, which can happen as they are only valid for 90 days, the landlord should ask the individual to generate a new one. The tenant can do this through the UK government’s online service, and the landlord can then retry the check with the new code.

 

c. Ask for Original Immigration Documents

If the share code continues to not work or the system shows that the individual is not legally entitled to rent, the landlord should request original immigration documents. This can include a biometric residence permit, visa, or other immigration papers that prove the tenant’s right to rent.

 

d. Contact the Home Office Landlord Helpline

In cases where the landlord is uncertain or continues to face issues with verifying the share code, they can contact the Home Office Landlord Helpline for assistance. The helpline can offer guidance on how to proceed and may be able to verify the individual’s status directly.

 

e. Do Not Proceed if the Person is Not Entitled to Rent

If the system or documents confirm that the individual is not legally entitled to rent in the UK, the landlord must not proceed with the tenancy. Renting to someone who is not legally allowed to rent can lead to serious penalties for landlords, including fines or legal action.

 

f. Keep Records of the Check

It is important for landlords to keep a detailed record of all checks conducted, including any issues with the share code and how they were addressed. This documentation should include attempts to check the share code, any communication with the prospective tenant, and any advice from the Home Office. Keeping these records will demonstrate that the landlord has followed the legal process in the event of any future audits or investigations.

 

Section F: Summary

 

A share code is a temporary, 9-character alphanumeric code issued by the Home Office that allows individuals from outside the UK and Ireland to share their immigration status digitally. It is commonly used by non-British residents to prove their right to work or rent in the UK, making the verification process more secure and efficient for employers and landlords.

When checking a share code, it is essential to ensure that the code is still valid and entered accurately, as typos and minor errors can cause verification issues.

It is also important to remember that share codes are temporary, and if they expire, the individual will need to generate a new code.

Employers and landlords may occasionally face issues when checking a share code, such as the code not working or indicating that the individual is not entitled to work or rent in the UK. Double-checking the accuracy of the details entered, including the share code and date of birth, is essential. If the code has expired, requesting a new one is recommended.

In cases where issues persist, employers and landlords should ask for original documents or contact the relevant government helpline for support. Keeping records of the checks is important for compliance and proving due diligence in case of future audits or inspections.

 

Section G: Need Assistance?

 

DavidsonMorris are UK business immigration specialists, working with UK employers to help meet their HR compliance obligations and to manage legal risk. For expert advice about checking share codes as part of your sponsor licence and right to work duties, contact us.

 

Section H: Check Share Code FAQs

 

What is a share code?
A share code is a unique, temporary identifier generated by the UK government that allows you to share your immigration status with employers, landlords, or other relevant parties. It helps verify your right to work, rent, or access certain services in the UK.

 

How long is a share code valid?
A share code is valid for 90 days from the date of generation. After this period, you will need to generate a new share code if required.

 

How do I generate a share code?
You can generate a share code by visiting the UK Government’s official website, logging in with your Government Gateway user ID and password, and following the prompts to generate a code.

 

How can I check if my share code is valid?
You can check the validity of your share code by visiting the View and Prove Your Immigration Status page on the UK government website, logging in, and entering your share code to view its status.

 

What should I do if my share code has expired?
If your share code has expired, you will need to generate a new one by following the steps provided on the UK Government’s website. Share codes are only valid for 90 days, so generating a new one will refresh the validity period.

 

Can I share my share code with multiple employers or landlords?
Yes, you can share your share code with multiple employers or landlords. The same code can be used by different parties to verify your immigration status within the 90-day validity period.

 

What if I forget my Government Gateway login details?
If you forget your Government Gateway user ID or password, you can use the “Forgotten your sign-in details?” link on the login page to recover your credentials. Follow the instructions to reset your password or retrieve your user ID.

 

What should I do if my personal details do not match?
Ensure that the personal details you enter match exactly with those on your official documents. If there are discrepancies, contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) help centre for assistance in updating your details.

 

What if I encounter technical issues while generating or checking my share code?
If you encounter technical issues, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, or use a different browser or device. If the problem persists, check the UK government service status page for any known issues or maintenance updates.

 

Can I use a share code for purposes other than proving my right to work or rent?
Yes, a share code can also be used to prove your immigration status for other purposes, such as accessing public services or benefits, as long as the relevant party accepts the share code for verification.

 

Section I: Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Share Code	A unique, temporary identifier issued by the UK government to share your immigration status.
Government Gateway	An online portal for accessing various UK government services, including generating and checking share codes.
Right to Work	Legal authorisation for an individual to work in the UK, which can be verified using a share code.
BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)	An official document issued to non-UK nationals, providing proof of their immigration status in the UK. From 1 January 2025, eVisas are replacing BRPs.
UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)	A division of the Home Office responsible for managing visa applications and immigration services in the UK.
Immigration Status	The current legal status of an individual regarding their right to live, work, or study in the UK.
Employer’s Guide to Right to Work Checks	A comprehensive guide provided by the Home Office to help employers verify the right to work of their employees.
Service Status Page	An online resource providing updates on the availability and maintenance of UK government services.
Right to Rent	Legal requirement for landlords to check the immigration status of tenants to ensure they have the right to rent property in the UK.
Prove Your Right to Work	An online service allowing individuals to share their right to work status with employers using a share code.
View and Prove Your Immigration Status	An online service where individuals can view and share their immigration status using a share code.
Forgotten Your Sign-In Details	A feature on the Government Gateway login page to help users recover their user ID or reset their password.
Register for Government Gateway	The process of creating a Government Gateway account to access UK government services online.

 

Section J: Additional Resources

 

Prove Your Right to Work
https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
Official service to prove your right to work in the UK by generating a share code.

 

View and Prove Your Immigration Status
https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
Service allowing individuals to view and share their immigration status using a share code.

 

Create a Government Gateway Account
https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services
Process of creating a Government Gateway account to access UK government services online.

 

General Visa and Immigration Information
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Official UK government page providing information on visas, immigration rules, and how to apply for various types of visas.

 

UKVI Help and Contact
https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk
Contact information for reaching UK Visas and Immigration for assistance with visa and immigration queries.

 

UK Government Service Status
https://www.gov.uk/service-status
Provides updates on the availability and maintenance of UK government online services.

 

Right to Rent Checks
https://www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents
Guidance for landlords on how to check a tenant’s right to rent property in the UK.

 

Home Office Right to Work Checks
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checks-employers-guide
A comprehensive guide for employers on how to conduct right to work checks.

 

Immigration Rules and Policies
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules
Official information on the immigration rules and policies in the UK.