Share Code for UK Immigration Status – How to Get One

A share code is an official way to prove your UK immigration status to employers, landlords, or government services. If you have a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, you can generate a share code online to confirm your right to work, rent, or access benefits. This digital verification replaces physical immigration documents in many cases.

Who Can Get a Share Code?

You can generate a share code if you have a UKVI account, which you’ll have if you:

• Applied to the EU Settlement Scheme
• Used the UK Immigration: ID Check app when applying for a visa
• Created a UKVI account during your visa application
• Have an eVisa (a digital record of your immigration status)

How to Get a Share Code

To generate a share code, you’ll need:

• The identity document linked to your UKVI account (passport, national ID, or biometric card)
• Your date of birth
• Access to the mobile number or email linked to your UKVI account for authentication

Once generated, the share code is valid for 90 days and can be given to an employer, landlord, or authority to check your immigration status.

Proving Your Right to Rent in England

Before renting a property in England, you must prove your right to rent. This is not required in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

If You Are a British or Irish Citizen

You can prove your right to rent by showing your:

• British passport (current or expired)
• Irish passport or passport card
• Certificate of naturalisation or registration as a British citizen

Alternatively, you may use an identity service provider (IDSP) if your landlord offers this option.

If You Are Not a British or Irish Citizen

You can prove your right to rent by:

• Providing a share code (generated online)
• Showing original immigration documents

Landlords cannot refuse your application if you choose to provide an eligible immigration document instead of a share code. If you cannot prove your right to rent, the Home Office may conduct a right-to-rent check.

Get a share code to prove your right to rent online

Proving Your Right to Work in the UK

Employers must verify your right to work before hiring you. How you prove this depends on your nationality.

If You Are a British or Irish Citizen

You can prove your right to work by providing:

• A British or Irish passport (current or expired)
• A UK birth or adoption certificate (along with a government-issued document showing your National Insurance number)

If You Are Not a British or Irish Citizen

You can prove your right to work using:

• A share code (generated online)
• Original immigration documents

Employers cannot reject your application if you provide an immigration document instead of a share code. If you cannot prove your right to work, they may request a Home Office right-to-work check.

Get a share code to prove your right to work online

What If You Cannot Get a Share Code?

If you do not have a UKVI account, you may need alternative documents to prove your status. If you’re a Commonwealth citizen, you may qualify for documentation under the Windrush Scheme.

A share code is a quick and secure way to verify your immigration status in the UK. Whether you need to prove your right to work, rent, or claim benefits, generating a share code online is a simple process.

Source / Ref.: Gov.uk  Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.