How long is a Right to Work share code valid for?

Share codes are valid for 90 days from the date the worker generates them. If the code has expired, ask the worker to generate a new one at gov.uk/prove-right-to-work.

Where do I check a Right to Work share code as an employer?

Go to gov.uk/view-right-to-work, enter the 9-character share code and the worker's date of birth. You do not need to create an account.

What records do I need to keep after a share code check?

Keep a screenshot or PDF of the check result showing the worker's name, photo, immigration status, and any expiry date. Record the date you carried out the check. Retain these records for the duration of employment plus two years.

Can British citizens use a share code?

No. British and Irish citizens prove their right to work using a passport, birth certificate, or other physical documents. They do not have an immigration status in the UKVI system and cannot generate a share code.

What happens if a share code check shows no right to work?

Do not employ the person. Contact your immigration legal adviser before taking any further action.

Do I need to repeat Right to Work checks for sponsored workers?

Yes, for workers with time-limited permission. Carry out a follow-up check when their visa expires or at the date shown in the original check result. SMS System tracks these deadlines automatically.

Right to Work Share Codes: A Complete Guide for UK Employers

A Right to Work share code is a 9-character alphanumeric code that a worker generates from the UKVI online service at gov.uk/prove-right-to-work. UK employers use it to check a worker's immigration status online rather than checking physical documents. Share codes are valid for 90 days from the date of generation.

What is a Right to Work share code?

Generated by the worker at gov.uk/prove-right-to-work using their UK Visas and Immigration account.
9 characters, alphanumeric, valid for 90 days.
Gives the employer online access to the worker's immigration status via the Employer Checking Service.
Covers workers with Biometric Residence Permits, EU Settlement Status, digital immigration status, and Skilled Worker visas.

Who can use a share code?

Workers who have a digital immigration status (most overseas nationals, and EU/EEA nationals with settled or pre-settled status).
Workers who hold a BRP, BRC, or eVisa.
Workers who have applied for or been granted leave under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Note: some workers cannot generate a share code and must show physical documents instead — for example, British and Irish citizens with a passport do not have an immigration status in the UKVI system to check online.

How to check a Right to Work share code — step by step

Ask the worker to generate a share code at gov.uk/prove-right-to-work.
The worker shares the 9-character code with you.
Go to gov.uk/view-right-to-work as the employer.
Enter the share code and the worker's date of birth.
The service shows their immigration status, whether they have the right to work, and any time limit on their permission.
Take a screenshot or save the response — this is your statutory excuse record.
Record the date you carried out the check.

What the check result shows

Name and photo of the worker (confirm it matches the person in front of you).
Whether they have the right to work in the UK.
Any conditions on their right to work (e.g. restricted to certain occupations, maximum hours).
Expiry date of their permission (if time-limited).
For sponsored workers: confirmation they are sponsored by your organisation.

What to do if the check fails

"Unable to display" — the share code may have expired (valid 90 days only), been entered incorrectly, or the worker's status may not be confirmed. Ask the worker to generate a new code.
Status shows no right to work — do not employ this person. Contact your legal advisor before taking any action.
Share code works but status is time-limited — set a follow-up check reminder for the expiry date. SMS System tracks this automatically.

Statutory excuse — what records to keep

As a sponsor, you must keep a dated record of every right to work check. For share code checks, keep:

A screenshot or PDF of the online check result showing the worker's name, photo, status, and expiry date.
The date you carried out the check.
Your name (who conducted the check).

This record must be kept for the duration of employment plus two years after the worker leaves.

Share codes and sponsored workers

For workers you sponsor under the Skilled Worker route, the share code check confirms their sponsored status with your organisation specifically. This check should be carried out:

Before employment begins (pre-employment check).
When the worker's visa is renewed.
At the follow-up check date shown in the original check result.

Repeat checks — when are they required?

Time-limited permission: carry out a follow-up check when the permission expires.
Indefinite leave to remain or settled status: no repeat check required.
EU pre-settled status: follow-up check required before the permission expiry date shown in the check result.

What share codes cannot do

They cannot be used by British or Irish citizens (they prove right to work via passport or birth certificate).
They do not replace the need to verify the worker's identity — always confirm the photo matches the person.
A share code check alone is not sufficient if the worker's status is unclear — seek legal advice.