Now that the UK has moved to digital immigration status, there is no physical card to hand over when you need to prove your right to work or rent. Instead you generate a share code — a secure code from your online account that lets an employer, landlord or other checker confirm your status directly with the Home Office. This guide explains exactly what a share code is, how to get the right one, and how it is used.
What is a share code?
A share code is a secure code generated from your UKVI account (eVisa) that proves your UK immigration status online. You give the code (plus your date of birth) to whoever needs to check your status; they enter it on a GOV.UK service and see a real-time confirmation pulled straight from Home Office records. You never have to hand over a passport, card or any other document.
The three types of share code
Share codes are purpose-specific, and you must generate the right one for the situation. You can tell them apart by the first letter:
- W — prove your right to work (for employers)
- R — prove your right to rent (for landlords in England)
- S — prove your status for something else (for example, applying for benefits or services)
A right to rent code cannot be used to prove your right to work, and vice versa, so always pick the correct reason when you create it.
How to get a share code
You generate a share code from your UKVI account at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status. To sign in you’ll use one of the following, along with the phone number or email linked to your account:
- your passport or national identity card,
- a biometric residence card (valid or expired),
- an expired biometric residence permit, or
- your UKVI customer number.
Once you’re in, choose the reason you need to prove your status — work, rent, or something else — and the service produces your code. It’s completely free.
How long a share code lasts
A share code is valid for 90 days. Within that window you can use it as many times as you need, and you can generate a fresh code whenever you like. Because codes expire, it’s best to create one when you’re actually asked for it rather than far in advance.
What the other person sees
When someone uses your code they only see the details relevant to that check — not your full eVisa. You’ll be told exactly what will be shown before you share the code. They also need your date of birth to complete the check.
How an employer checks your right to work
Your employer enters your share code and your date of birth at gov.uk/view-right-to-work and receives an instant result from Home Office records, which they keep as evidence of a compliant check. Landlords in England use the equivalent right to rent service.
Who needs a share code?
Most people who are not British or Irish citizens use share codes to prove their status — including EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, visa holders, students and family visa holders. British and Irish citizens normally prove their right to work or rent with their passport instead. If you’ve just been granted a visa, set up your eVisa and UKVI account first — that’s where every share code comes from.
Frequently asked questions
What is a share code?
A secure code from your UKVI account (eVisa) that lets an employer, landlord or other checker confirm your UK immigration status online, without you handing over any documents.
How do I get a share code?
Sign in to your UKVI account at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status, choose the reason (work, rent or something else), and the service generates your code.
What is the difference between a right to work and right to rent share code?
They are purpose-specific: a work code starts with “W”, a rent code with “R”, and a general status code with “S”. You cannot use one type for another, so always generate the correct one.
How long does a share code last?
90 days. You can use it as many times as you need within that period, and generate a new one whenever you need to.
Is a share code free?
Yes. Getting and using share codes through your UKVI account is free.
What does my employer or landlord see?
Only the details relevant to the check, not your full eVisa. You give them the code and your date of birth.
How does an employer check my share code?
They enter your code and date of birth at gov.uk/view-right-to-work to get a real-time result from Home Office records.
Do British or Irish citizens need a share code?
No. British and Irish citizens normally prove their right to work or rent with their passport.
