Share Code UK: The Complete Guide to Proving Your Immigration Status Online

Introduction

If you have recently moved to the UK, applied for a visa, or are helping someone navigate the UK immigration system, you have likely come across the term “share code.” The UK is moving towards a fully digital immigration system, and share codes are at the heart of this transformation.

A share code is a secure, time-limited code that allows you to prove your immigration status to employers, landlords, universities, and other organisations. Instead of showing physical documents like a passport or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you can generate a share code online and share it with anyone who needs to verify your right to work, rent, or study in the UK.

This guide explains everything you need to know about share codes in the UK. We will cover what they are, who needs them, how to get one, how to use them, common problems, and what to do if things go wrong.

What Is a Share Code?

A share code is a randomly generated, time-limited alphanumeric code that allows a third party to view a person’s immigration information through the Home Office’s secure online service.

Think of it as a digital key. Instead of handing over your passport or visa document to an employer or landlord, you give them a code. They enter that code, along with your date of birth, into a government website. The system then shows them the specific information they need to verify, such as your right to work or right to rent.

Key Features of a Share Code

Feature	Details
Format	9-character alphanumeric code (e.g., SB9 3NG ZKE)
Validity	90 days from the date of generation
Purpose	Proves right to work, right to rent, or immigration status
Issued by	UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Access	Through a UKVI online account

What a Share Code Shows

A share code provides access to specific immigration details depending on the type of code generated. For a right to work share code, employers will see confirmation of work permissions. A right to rent share code shows landlords’ confirmation of rental eligibility. A status share code provides access to visa type, conditions, and expiry dates.

Importantly, each code type reveals only the information relevant to the specific check. A right to work code will not show right to rent information, and vice versa.

Why the UK Government Introduced Share Codes

The Home Office developed the share code system to simplify the verification process for employers, landlords, and institutions. Previously, they had to manually review passports, BRPs, or other physical documents, which were prone to delays and errors.

The digital system offers several advantages:

Benefit	Explanation
Speed	Verification can be completed in minutes online
Security	No physical documents are exchanged, reducing fraud risk
Convenience	Accessible from anywhere, anytime
Transparency	You can see exactly what information is being shared

This shift is part of the UK’s broader move towards eVisas. Most people with UK visas now hold digital immigration records instead of physical documents.

Who Needs a Share Code?

Individuals Who May Need a Share Code

You may need a share code if you are a non-British or non-Irish national who needs to prove your immigration status in the UK.

Specifically, you will need a share code if you have:

• Applied to the EU Settlement Scheme for pre-settled or settled status
• Used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app during a visa application
• Created a UKVI account when applying for a visa or accessing your eVisa
• A biometric residence permit (BRP) or biometric residence card (BRC)
• A digital immigration status

Who Does NOT Need a Share Code

British and Irish citizens do not need a share code. They can prove their right to work or rent using their UK or Irish passport.

When You Might Be Asked for a Share Code

You may be asked for a share code in these situations:

• Applying for a job (right to work check)
• Renting a property in England (right to rent check)
• Enrolling at a university or college (right to study check)
• Traveling abroad or proving your status at the border
• Verifying your settled or pre-settled status
• Contacting the Home Office or immigration authorities

Types of Share Codes

There are three main types of share codes, each serving a different purpose.

1. Right to Work Share Code

This is used when applying for a job in the UK. Employers use this code to verify an individual’s immigration status before employment. A right to work share code usually begins with the letter ‘W.’.

2. Right to Rent Share Code

This is used when renting a home in the UK. Landlords and letting agents use this code to confirm that a tenant has the legal right to rent property in the UK. A right to rent share code usually begins with the letter ‘R.’.

3. Immigration Status Share Code

This is used for other purposes, such as travel, study, or accessing public services like the NHS.

It is important to ensure you generate the correct type of share code for your specific need.

How to Get a Share Code: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your UK share code is a straightforward process that takes less than five minutes.

Step 1: Visit the Official UK Government Portal

Go to the official government page: www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

This is the only official site. Avoid third-party websites that might collect your personal information.

Step 2: Log In to Your UKVI Account

You will need to sign in using:

• The email address or phone number linked to your immigration application
• The password you created during your visa or immigration application

If you do not have a UKVI account, you will need to create one first.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

You may be asked for additional details, such as:

• Your date of birth
• Your passport number
• Your BRP number

You will receive a one-time code via text message or email. Enter it to confirm your identity.

Step 4: Select What You Want to Prove

Choose from one of the following options:

• Right to work in the UK
• Right to rent property in the UK
• Other purposes (e.g., study, NHS access)

Step 5: Generate Your Share Code

Click ‘Get share code’. The system will generate a nine-character alphanumeric code (example: J7B-3LQ-P4R).

Step 6: Share the Code

Send your code to the person or organization that requested it, along with your date of birth.

How to Use a Share Code

For the Person Sharing the Code

1. Generate the correct type of share code for your purpose
2. Note down the code or take a screenshot
3. Share the code with the requesting party, along with your date of birth
4. The code is valid for 90 days and can be used multiple times within that period

For Employers, Landlords, and Other Third Parties

1. Go to the appropriate government verification portal:
   • For right to work: www.gov.uk/view-right-to-work
   • For right to rent: www.gov.uk/view-right-to-rent
2. Enter the share code and the person’s date of birth
3. Select who is doing the check and the reason
4. The system will display the person’s immigration status, including:
   • Type of visa or leave they hold
   • Expiry date
   • Work and study conditions

What the Third Party Will See

The person who uses your share code will see some of your personal details. When you generate the share code, you will be told exactly what information they will see.

Validity and Expiry of Share Codes

A share code remains valid for 90 days from the date it is generated.

Important Points About Validity

• You can use the share code as many times as you need before it expires
• You can get a new share code whenever you need one
• The code will be invalidated if your immigration status changes after it is generated
• If the code expires, you will need to generate a new one

What Happens When a Share Code Expires?

Once a share code expires, it can no longer be used to verify your immigration status. You will need to log back into your UKVI account and generate a new share code.

What to Do If Your Share Code Is Not Working

If someone tells you that your share code is not working, here are the most common causes and solutions.

Common Reasons a Share Code Might Not Work

Issue	Solution
Expired code	Share codes are only valid for 90 days. Generate a new one
Incorrect code type	Ensure you generated the right type (work, rent, or other)
Status changes	If your immigration status changed after generating the code, the code is invalidated
Incorrect date of birth	Double-check that you provided the correct date of birth
Account issues	You may need to update your UKVI account details

How to Get Help

If you are unable to access your account or generate a share code:

• Call the UKVI Resolution Centre: 0300 790 6268 (from outside the UK: +44 203 875 4669)
• Use the webchat: Available through the UKVI website
• Check your UKVI account: Make sure your details are up to date

You will need your UKVI customer reference number when you call.

Share Codes for Employers: A Compliance Guide

Employers in the UK are legally obligated to verify that all employees have the right to work before employment commences.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to verify an employee’s right to work can result in significant penalties:

• Fines up to £60,000 per illegal worker
• Criminal sanctions, including unlimited fines or imprisonment for up to five years
• Revocation of the employer’s Home Office sponsor licence

How Employers Should Use Share Codes

1. Request a share code from the job applicant
2. Enter the code and the applicant’s date of birth on the government portal
3. Review the displayed immigration status, including any work restrictions
4. Keep a record of the check for compliance purposes

Who Needs to Provide a Right to Work Share Code?

Not everyone needs to provide a share code. Generally, anyone who cannot prove their right to work with a UK or Irish passport will need one.

This includes:

• EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens without a physical immigration document
• People with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Visa holders (Skilled Worker, Graduate, Health and Care, Student)
• Anyone with a biometric residence permit or biometric residence card
• Anyone using a digital immigration status

Share Codes for Landlords: Right to Rent Checks

Landlords in England are required to check that tenants have the right to rent property in the UK.

How to Use a Share Code for Right to Rent

1. Ask the tenant to generate a right-to-rent share code
2. The tenant provides you with the code and their date of birth
3. Visit the government’s right to rent checking service
4. Enter the code and date of birth to confirm the tenant’s eligibility

If a Tenant Cannot Get a Share Code

If a tenant has trouble getting a share code, they can also prove their right to rent by using their passport or immigration document that shows their immigration status.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

For Individuals

Generating the wrong type of share code
Always select the correct purpose (right to work, right to rent, or other) when generating your code.

Sharing an expired code
Check the expiry date before sharing your code. If it is close to expiring, generate a new one.

Not updating UKVI account details
If your phone number or email address changes, update your UKVI account. Otherwise, you may not receive verification codes.

Forgetting your date of birth
The person checking your share code will need your date of birth. Make sure you provide the correct one.

For Employers and Landlords

Not checking the expiry date
Always verify that the share code is still valid (within 90 days).

Not recording the check
Keep a record of the check for compliance purposes.

Relying on the code alone
The code must be used with the person’s date of birth on the official government portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a share code in the UK?

A share code is a 9-character alphanumeric code generated through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online system. It allows third parties such as employers, landlords, or universities to check your immigration status online.

How long is a share code valid for?

A share code is valid for 90 days from the date it is generated.

Who needs a share code?

Non-British and non-Irish nationals who need to prove their immigration status to employers, landlords, universities, or other organisations.

How do I get a share code?

Visit the official government portal at www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status, log in to your UKVI account, verify your identity, select the purpose, and generate your code.

What is a share code used for?

A share code is used to prove your right to work, right to rent, or immigration status for study, travel, or other purposes.

Can I use a share code multiple times?

Yes. You can use the same share code as many times as you need before it expires.

What if my share code is not working?

Check that the code has not expired (90 days), that you generated the correct type, and that your UKVI account details are up to date. If problems persist, call the UKVI Resolution Centre on 0300 790 6268.

Do British citizens need a share code?

No. British and Irish citizens can prove their right to work or rent using their UK or Irish passport.

What happens if my immigration status changes after I generate a share code?

The share code will be invalidated to ensure that the most current status is displayed.

Is a share code the same as an e-visa?

No. An eVisa is your digital immigration record. A share code is a code that allows others to view specific information from your eVisa.

Actionable Recommendations

For Individuals

1. Create a UKVI account as soon as possible. If you do not have one, set it up at www.gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account.[reference:91. [reference: 91]
2. Keep your UKVI account details up to date. Update your phone number and email address if they change.
3. Generate share codes only when needed. Codes are valid for 90 days, so generate them close to when you need to share them.
4. Save your share codes securely. You can write them down, screenshot them, print them out, or email them to yourself.
5. Check the expiry date before sharing. Make sure the code is still valid.

For Employers

1. Integrate share code checks into your onboarding process. This reduces the risk of hiring someone without the right to work.
2. Train HR staff on how to use the government verification portal. Ensure they know how to enter codes correctly and interpret the results.
3. Keep records of all right to work checks. This is essential for compliance.
4. Stay updated on immigration rules. Rules can change, so check the latest guidance regularly.

For Landlords

1. Always conduct right-to-rent checks before allowing a tenant to move in.
2. Use the share code system for tenants with digital immigration status. It is faster and more secure than checking physical documents.
3. Keep records of right to rent checks. This protects you if your compliance is questioned.

Conclusion

The UK share code system represents a significant step forward in how immigration status is verified. It replaces outdated physical document checks with a secure, fast, and transparent digital process. Whether you are an individual proving your right to work, an employer checking a new hire, or a landlord verifying a tenant’s eligibility, share codes make the process simpler and more reliable.

Understanding how share codes work is essential for anyone navigating the UK immigration system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can generate, share, and verify share codes with confidence.

Remember: always use the official government website, keep your UKVI account details up to date, and generate the correct type of share code for your specific need. If you encounter problems, the UKVI Resolution Centre is available to help.

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