How to Get UK Right to Work Share Code in 2026

Key Takeaways

• A share code is a 9-character code that proves your right to work in the UK.
• It’s valid for 90 days and can be used with multiple employers.
• You can get it online using your UKVI account, passport, or BRP number.
• The UK is replacing physical documents like BRPs with digital eVisas.
• Employers can be fined up to £60,000 for hiring someone without the correct right to work.
• Employers can use the Home Office Employer Checking Service to verify right to work if a share code or documentation is unavailable.
• Individuals under the EU Settlement Scheme or asylum seekers can use their appropriate Home Office documents or reference numbers to prove their right to work

As of February 13 2024, the fine for hiring an illegal worker just tripled to £60,000? As an employer, this can destroy your business. As a professional, not having the right documents can cost you a job offer. The UK's move to digital immigration means you now need a share code for work to prove your status. Find out more about digital taxes here.

Proving right to work in the UK has become more important than ever, not just with its sharply risen penalties, but also with employer national insurance increase causing job market to be extra picky.

Feeling overwhelmed by Home Office rules? You're not alone. If you're trying to figure out how to get a share code, you've come to the right place. We'll show you exactly how to get your share code so you can get back to business.

What is a Share Code?

A work share code is a 9-character alphanumeric code generated through the government's online service. It allows non-British and non-Irish citizens to digitally prove their legal right to work in the UK to a prospective employer.

Every right to work sharecode begins with the letter 'W'. This is highly specific, as a share code right to live or rent will start with a different letter (such as 'R' for rent). When you provide this code to your employer along with your date of birth, they can log into the employer portal to see your photograph, the types of work you are permitted to do, and how long your visa is valid.

Who Needs a Visa Share Code?

If you are a British or Irish citizen on a payroll, you do not need a share code UK. You can simply show your valid passport. However, you will need to get a share code if you hold a digital immigration status. This applies if you:

• Have a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
• Hold an eVisa (the digital record of your immigration status).
• Have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• Hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC).

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

Generating your gov uk share code is free, completely digital, and only takes a few minutes. Here is exactly how to get a share code right to work.

1. Gather Your Details

Before you head to the gov.uk website, make sure you have your identity document handy. You will need the document you used to create your UKVI account, which is usually your passport, national identity card, or BRP number.

2. Access the Gov.uk Portal

Navigate to the official "Prove your right to work" page on the gov.uk website. Select the option that matches your current immigration status (such as having a UKVI account or a BRP).

3. Verify Your Identity

Enter your document number and your date of birth. The system will send a 6-digit security code to the phone number or email address linked to your account. Enter this code to log in.

4. Generate Your Share Code UK Visa

Once logged in, you will see your digital profile. Scroll down and select the option to prove your right to work. The system will generate a 9-character ukvi share code.

5. Share with Your Employer

Give this sharecode gov.uk to your employer, alongside your date of birth. Remember, the code is valid for exactly 90 days. If it expires, you can simply log back in and get a share code again for free.

How Employers Check the Share Code UK

If you are an employer, receiving the right work share code is only half the battle. You must actually perform the check to secure your "statutory excuse" against those £60,000 fines.

The 2026 Shift to eVisas: What You Must Know

The UK phased out physical immigration documents in 2025; BRP cards and passport vignette stickers are being replaced entirely by eVisas.

If you are still relying on physical cards, you need to set up a UKVI account immediately to access your digital status. Moving forward, the gov.uk share code will be the absolute standard for proving your legal status to employers, landlords, and border control. Do not wait until your physical card expires to set up your digital profile.

How To Share Code: Using Immigration Documents

Using a Home Office Endorsement

If you have a Home Office endorsement, you can use it to prove your immigration status. These documents are official confirmations from the Home Office and may already include details regarding your status. For example, a wet stamp from the Home Office that indicates your skills endorsement as part of the Global Talent Visa.

However, for a more streamlined process, it is highly recommended to generate and share your digital status through a gov.uk share code.

Immigration Status Document

Immigration status documents issued by the Home Office, such as those for refugees or individuals in the UK under humanitarian protection schemes, can also be used to verify your status.

While these physical documents prove your eligibility, the UK is moving towards digital verification. For a smoother process when dealing with employers or landlords, it’s best to switch to a digital check by accessing your eVisa profile.

For Asylum Seekers or Employing Asylum Seekers

If you are an asylum seeker, or you are employing someone with asylum status, the individual will need to provide a document issued by the Home Office such as an Application Registration Card (ARC) that reads "right to work". You must obtain one to prove your right to work in the uk.

However, in many cases, you may also use a gov.uk share code if their digital status is available, making the process faster and more efficient.

When You've Applied to the EU Settlement Scheme

If you have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and have settled or pre-settled status, you can use your digital profile to generate a gov.uk share code. This is now the most reliable and official way to confirm your immigration status with employers and other institutions. Ensure your application details are up-to-date to avoid any discrepancies when sharing your code.

If You Are a Commonwealth Citizen

You can prove your right to work in the UK as an alternative to share code as a Commonwealth citizen only if you fit either of these categories;

You arrived in the UK from a Commonwealth nation before 1973. Alternatively, your parents or grandparents made their way to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973. Another possibility is that you came to the UK from any country before December 31, 1988, and are now permanently settled here.

If You Are a Ukrainian Citizen

If you are Ukrainian and currently residing in the UK, it is important to be aware of specific support programs and immigration pathways available to you. Under schemes such as the Ukraine Family Scheme (now withdrawn as of April 2026) or the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, you may be eligible for temporary residence, allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK. Ensure that you apply within the designated time frames and provide the necessary documentation to support your application.

Additionally, keep your immigration records up-to-date and seek out community support networks, charities, or government resources that can assist with housing, employment, or legal advice. For the most accurate and reliable updates, always refer to official UK Home Office guidance.

Employer Checking Service (ECS) – What It Is and When to Use It

The Employer Checking Service (ECS) is an essential tool provided by the UK Home Office that allows employers to confirm the right to work for individuals under specific circumstances.

I can confidently say that using the ECS correctly is crucial for ensuring compliance with legal obligations as an employer. Here, I’ll explain the service and outline when and how it should be used to make the process straightforward for you.

What Is the Employer Checking Service (ECS)?

The ECS is an online system designed to help employers verify the immigration status of potential or current employees. It is particularly useful in cases where an individual's documentation is temporarily unavailable or their right to work cannot be confirmed through standard checks.

The ECS provides a reassurance for employers by offering an official confirmation that you've undertaken the necessary steps to determine an employee’s eligibility to work, thus protecting you from working illegally and preventing potential penalties.

When Should Employers Use the ECS?

You should use the Employer Checking Service in the following specific scenarios:

• Pending Immigration Applications:
  • If the individual has an ongoing application for a visa, settlement, or an appeal with the Home Office, and their original documents are with the Home Office for processing.
  • Example: An employee applied to switch to a different visa type, and their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is being updated.
• Possession of a Certificate of Application or an Application Reference Number:
  • If the employee provides a Certificate of Application that is less than six months old and tells you they have the right to work under the EU Settlement Scheme, a CoA includes 16 unique digits that you could find in email confirmations.
  • If they provide an Application Reference Number, and you are unsure how to verify their right to work.
• Lost or Stolen Documents:
  • If an employee or potential hire does not have the necessary documentation due to a loss or theft but holds proof of temporary approval from the Home Office.
• Digital Right to Work Checks:
  • If a digital right-to-work check results in "Contact the Home Office" instructions.
• Status Under Special Circumstances:
  • If the individual has limited leave to remain, and their right-to-work status is unclear or expires soon.

How to Use the Employer Checking Service

Using the ECS is a straightforward process:

• Gather Required Information:
  • Obtain the individual’s full name, date of birth, and Home Office reference number or case ID (if available).
  • Keep details on their pending application or Certificate of Application handy.
• Submit the Online Request:
  • Access the official Employer Checking Service portal via the UK government website.
  • Complete the online form with the required details.
• Receive a Positive Verification Notice (PVN):
  • If the individual has the right to work, the ECS will issue a Positive Verification Notice (PVN).
  • This PVN will confirm the person’s eligibility to work in the UK for a specified period.
• Maintain Records:
  • Retain a copy of the PVN for your records. This serves as evidence that you conducted the necessary checks, protecting you from penalties in case of an audit.

Why Is the Employer Checking Service Important for Employers?

• Legal Compliance:
  • Verifying an employee’s right to work ensures you meet legal requirements and avoid fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.
• Protects from Risks:
  • Demonstrates due diligence in case the employee’s immigration status is questioned.
• Simplifies Complex Cases:
  • It is especially useful in resolving ambiguous cases where documentation is insufficient or delayed.

By correctly using the Employer Checking Service and keeping thorough records, you can ensure compliance while building a reliable workforce. Remember, always refer to the latest Home Office guidelines to stay up to date with changes to immigration rules and right-to-work procedures.

TL;DR

• To prove your right to work in the UK, you need to generate a 9-character 'share code' from the gov.uk website.
• This process is quick, taking about five minutes, and requires your passport or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) number.
• The share code, which starts with the letter 'W', is valid for 90 days.
• Employers must use this code and your date of birth to verify your status via the official Employer Checking Service.
• It's crucial for employers to save a record of this check to prove compliance and avoid severe penalties, which can be as high as £60,000 per illegal worker.

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Struggling to keep up with eVisas, right to work checks, and HMRC regulations? A single mistake can lead to huge fines that could sink your business.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about Right to Work Share Code in the UK

1. What is a Right to Work Share Code in the UK?

A Right to Work Share Code is a digital code provided by the UK Home Office that allows employers to verify an individual’s immigration status and eligibility to work in the UK.

2. How do I get a Right to Work Share Code?

You can generate a Right to Work Share Code by visiting the UK government’s View and Prove Service, logging in with your details, and following the instructions.

3. How long is a Right to Work Share Code valid for?

A Right to Work Share Code is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued, after which a new code will need to be generated.

4. Who needs to provide a Right to Work Share Code?

Non-British or Irish citizens who hold a biometric residence permit, a visa, or settled/pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme need to provide a Right to Work Share Code to their employer.

5. Can employers still accept physical documents instead of the Share Code?

Since April 6, 2022, employers are required to use the online Right to Work Check service for most checks, using the Share Code instead of relying on physical documents.

6. What happens if an employee cannot provide a Right to Work Share Code?

If an employee cannot provide the code, employers should contact the Employer Checking Service offered by the UK Home Office to verify the individual’s eligibility to work.

7. Is there a penalty for not conducting Right to Work checks?

Yes, failure to carry out proper Right to Work checks using the prescribed methods, including the Share Code, can result in fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.

8. How does the Right to Work Share Code help my business stay compliant?

Using the Right to Work Share Code ensures your business complies with HMRC and Home Office regulations, minimizing risks of penalties and safeguarding your operations.