How to get your share code and prove your immigration status

A share code is a nine-character code generated from your UKVI account that lets an employer, landlord or someone else see your immigration status online. Since physical biometric residence permits expired on 31 December 2024, the share code and your eVisa are how you prove your status in the UK.

What you need

• A UKVI account. If you applied using the UK Immigration: ID Check app you already have one. If not, you create one on GOV.UK with your passport or your old BRP number (or your application reference), your date of birth, and the email address and phone number the Home Office holds for you. See your UKVI account and eVisa.
• Access to that email address or phone, because the service sends a security code each time you sign in.

This is not a complete list. What you need depends on your circumstances, and the documents vary from case to case. Your solicitor will tell you exactly what applies to you.

How to get the code

1. Go to the View and prove your immigration status service on GOV.UK and sign in to your UKVI account.
2. Choose Prove your status (or Get a share code).
3. Pick what the code is for: right to work (employers), right to rent (landlords in England), or something else (banks, the DVLA, universities, airlines, benefits and anything else).
4. The code is shown on screen and emailed to you. Give it to the person checking, together with your date of birth; they enter both on the GOV.UK checking service and see your name, photo, status and any conditions.

How long a share code lasts

A share code is valid for 90 days from the day it is generated and can be used as many times as needed within that period. After 90 days you generate a new one; there is no limit and no fee.

Common problems

• "Your details do not match." The passport or BRP number you entered is not the one on your account. Try the other document, or the application reference number (starting GWF or UAN).
• You no longer have the phone or email on the account. Use the recover access to your UKVI account option on GOV.UK; you will be asked to prove your identity again.
• The status shown is wrong (old conditions, wrong name, an expired grant when you have been given new leave). Use the report an error with your eVisa form on GOV.UK. Keep the reference; employers must accept your status once it is corrected, and we can write to the Home Office if the error is not fixed.
• Pending application. While a timely extension application is undecided your previous conditions continue (section 3C). A share code may show the old expiry date; an employer can use the Home Office Employer Checking Service instead, which confirms your right to work for six months.
• No share code needed: the NHS, the DWP and HMRC check your status directly. You should not be asked for a share code for NHS treatment.

Employers and landlords

A right to work share code must be checked by the employer on the GOV.UK service before you start; a screenshot or printed eVisa is not a valid check. Landlords in England use the right to rent service. If an employer or landlord refuses to use the online check and asks for a physical document you no longer have, that may be discrimination; ask a solicitor.

Need advice on your own case?

Guides are general information, not advice on your situation. Ask a solicitor and we will reply by phone or email.