What Is a Share Code? Prove Your Right to Work with A Share Code in the UK

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The United Kingdom has become a highly desirable location for outstanding talent due to its thriving tech industry which tech professionals and entrepreneurs from all over the world are drawn to. As much as the job market in the UK is enticing for non-British or non-Irish citizens, there are rules and regulations one will need to follow to prove their right to work in the UK.

To work in the UK, individuals from other countries will need to submit a share code to verify their right to work, rent, or access services in the UK.

But what is a share code? This article will highlight everything you need to know about share code and how you can obtain one.

What is a share code?

A share code is a unique nine-character alphanumeric that allows individuals to share their immigration status details with employers, landlords, or other relevant parties online. This code can be used to confirm an individual’s right to work, study, stay, or access public services in the UK.

Introduced in 2021, a share code seeks to ensure compliance with UK immigration laws. To obtain a share code, one must log onto the UK government online service and follow the instructions given. Recipients of the share code can then use it to access the individual’s immigration status and associated rights.

Here’s an example of what a share code might look like:

AB1 C2D 3E4

The share code, issued by UK Visas and Immigration as part of the Home Office, remains valid for 90 days and allows employers to verify your right-to-work status online. This includes;

checking the types of employment you are authorised to undertake in the UK
the duration for which you are permitted to work in the UK
your photo
the date of the right-to-work check.

The decision to obtain a share code (if eligible) or present your immigration documents to prove your right to work is at your discretion. An employer cannot refuse your job application based on your chosen verification method.

Who can and cannot apply for a share code?

If you possess a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, you are eligible to apply for a share code. Having a UKVI account indicates that you have:

either applied to the EU Settlement Scheme
utilised the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app for identity verification during visa application
received a UKVI account confirmation email after creating an account for visa application
created an account to access an eVisa, which is an online record of your immigration status.

You cannot apply for a share code if:

You are British or Irish citizens. Citizens do not require a share code to demonstrate their eligibility to work or rent in the UK.
Those who do not have a UKVI account are unable to generate a share code.

It is prohibited for employers or agencies to seek share codes for people, rather every individual has to apply for a share code on her or his own.

What details must you submit to establish your eligibility to work in the UK?

Should you hold citizenship of either the United Kingdom or Ireland, you do not have to generate a share code to prove your right to work. All you have to provide is:

An up-to-date British passport that is still valid
An up-to-date passport card from Ireland that is still valid. A current and valid passport is acceptable whether they are up to date or outdated.

If you do not possess a passport, you can prove your right to work by presenting one of the following documents:

A UK birth or adoption certificate
An Irish birth or adoption certificate
A certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen

Additionally, you are required to provide your employer with an official letter or document from a previous employer or a government agency.

Non-British or non-Irish individuals must obtain a share code to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK. Additionally, they must possess

immigration-related paperwork, including a valid passport with a Home Office endorsement
immigration status document
an application registration card (for those awaiting a decision on an asylum application).

How to generate a share code in the UK?

1. Obtain all the requirements needed to secure a share code such as your BRP number, BRC number or passport, and chip card among others. A biometric residence permit BRP is issued for non-UK nationals as an ID card to those who reside, work or study in the UK. BRP features include:

Personal information such as name, date, and place of birth
Biometrics that include photographs and fingerprints
Places one can work, reside, and study in the UK
Entitlement to public funds, healthcare, and benefits

2. Log in to your account on the GOV.UK website and enter your Visa Application ID, followed by indicating your immigration status from the list provided below:

I have previously created an account with UKVI
I possess a biometric residence card or permit
I have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

3. Submit your identity documents. If you have a UKVI account or status under the EU Payment System, provide an identity document such as a passport, ID card, biometric residence card, or permit. If you have a biometric residence card or permit, you will need to input your BRC number or BRP number.

4. Please input your date of birth in the given space and select any option to get the security code for identity confirmation.

5. A six-digit combination code will be sent to your preferred means of contact you have previously selected. An SMS or an email will be sent containing the code to access your profile.

6. Check your immigration status after logging in to see if you are eligible to generate a clearance code.

7. Generate a clearance code if your immigration status permits. The system will create a 9-digit alphanumeric code for you.

8. Share the code and your date of birth with your employer to aid in the work permit verification and onboarding process.

How is a share code used?

To obtain the share code, the job seeker must use the UK government's online platform. This involves logging into their account on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.

After obtaining it, the individual must pass this code on to their potential employer. This code is exclusive and has a set time frame, guaranteeing security and current information.

The organisation can verify the accuracy of the code by utilising it along with the person’s date of birth to enter the online service for right-to-work verification. By using this service, the organisation can check the immigration status of the person in question and confirm the individual’s entitlement to work in the UK. The employer must assess the information provided by the online service, which encompasses details about the individual's work entitlement, any limitations, and the period of their work eligibility.

The GOV.UK website offers detailed guidance on accessing and confirming your immigration status through a share code. It describes the procedure for generating a share code and how employers can use it to check whether somebody is authorised to work in the country.

Why use right-to-work share code?

A share code is commonly utilised to securely exchange specific information or grant access between users. A share code offers several advantages, including:

Enhanced security: Share codes ensure that only authorised individuals can access particular information or services, effectively reducing the risk of unauthorised access.

Convenience: Share codes can be easily generated and shared, enabling swift access grants.

Tracking: This feature allows for monitoring and auditing purposes by keeping a record of who has previously accessed the information or service.

Simplicity: Share codes simplify the process of providing access without divulging sensitive information such as passwords.

Time-limited access: Access can be limited in time by creating share codes, providing temporary access without permanent security risks.

FAQs

1. What is a share code in the UK?

A share code is a specific and unique digital code issued in the United Kingdom. It allows non-UK and non-Irish residents to share their immigration status with employers or landlords.

2. How can I obtain a share code?

A share code can be obtained by visiting the UK government’s online service ‘View and prove your immigration status’ which requires some additional information including the user’s date of birth and either a passport number or a biometric residence card number.

3. Who can use my share code?

Employers, landlords, and other authorised individuals may use your share code to confirm your immigration status. You should only give it to reliable people or institutions.

4. How long is my share code valid?

Typically, a share code is valid for use for ninety (90) days from the time it was generated. Within such a period, the recipient may use it to view your immigration status online.

5. Is it safe to share my share code?

Yes, it is safe to share your share code. However, it is normally advisable to share your share code with the relevant individuals, particularly employers, or landlords, as this does not directly expose personal details. You should refrain from giving it out to anyone whom you do not trust.

6. What information can be accessed with my share code?

The sharing code lets other people check your immigration status including any granted settled status, pre-settled status, or valid visa you may hold. It does not allow access to any sensitive personal data such as one’s full name, date of birth, or address.

7. Can I revoke a share code after sharing it?

After generating a share code, it cannot be withdrawn. Besides, the code shall become invalid after 90 days. To avoid any unauthorised access, do not disclose your share code to anyone untrusted.

8. What should I do if I lose my share code?

In case you do not possess the existing share code, you can always opt to generate one using the online service of the UK government services provided that you have details about your residence in the country.

9. Can I use a share code for other purposes, like travel?

A share code is meant for checking your immigration status with your employer or a landlord within the United Kingdom. It cannot be used for traveling or crossing borders.

10. What should I do if my share code does not work?

If your share code is not working, check that it has not expired or that you are providing the correct details when it was generated. If problems persist, contact the relevant authorities or support via the UK government website for assistance.