Share Code: Prove Your Right to Work Free (2026)

To get a share code to prove your right to work:

1. Go to the GOV.UK "prove your right to work" page.
2. Sign in with your BRP number or passport.
3. Select the right to work option.
4. Copy the share code it gives you.
5. Send the code and your date of birth to your employer.

It is free. A share code is a digital code that lets an employer check your immigration status online, instead of a physical card.

Key Facts at a Glance

Quick Overview

✅ A share code is free — you never pay to generate one
✅ It proves your right to work without a physical card
✅ You give it to an employer with your date of birth
⚠️ A right to work code starts with "W" — a right to rent code starts with "R"
⚠️ Each code lasts only 90 days — an expired code will not work
📌 British and Irish citizens do not use a share code — they show a passport
📌 You need your eVisa or a UKVI account to generate a code
💡 Generate a fresh code the day an employer asks — do not reuse an old one
💡 Check your name and photo are correct in your account before you share

A share code is how you prove your right to work in the UK now that most people have an eVisa instead of a card. It is free, takes a few minutes, and works for any employer. This guide shows you how to generate one, what your employer sees, and the mistakes that cause delays. You will need access to your UKVI account first.

How to get a right to work share code

Follow these steps:

1. Go to the GOV.UK page "prove your right to work to an employer".
2. Sign in using your BRP number, or your passport or national identity card.
3. Select the reason: proving your right to work.
4. Check your details are correct — name, nationality, and photo.
5. Copy the share code shown on screen.

The code appears instantly. It is free to generate. You can make a new one any time.

What a share code is and how long it lasts

A share code is a set of 9 characters. A right to work code always starts with the letter "W". You give it to your employer so they can check your status on GOV.UK.

Each right to work share code is valid for 90 days from the day you create it. After 90 days it stops working. If your employer needs to check again later, you generate a new code.

There are different codes for different reasons. A right to work code starts with "W". A right to rent code — for landlords — starts with "R". Make sure you pick the right one, or the check will fail.

What your employer sees with your share code

Your employer enters your share code and your date of birth on GOV.UK. They then see:

• The types of job you are allowed to do
• How long you can work in the UK
• A photo of you, to confirm it is you

They do not see your full immigration history. The check is a legal record that they confirmed your right to work. Give them the code and your date of birth — the check will not run without both.

Who needs a share code

You need a share code if you are not a British or Irish citizen and you have:

• An eVisa or a UK visa
• Settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Indefinite Leave to Remain

British and Irish citizens do not use a share code. They prove their right to work with a passport. If your BRP has expired, you still use a share code — the old BRP card is not valid proof on its own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Sharing an old code close to 90 days
People reuse a code they made weeks ago. It expires mid-check and the employer cannot confirm your status. Generate a fresh code the day it is needed.

❌ Sending the code without your date of birth
The employer check will not run on the code alone. Always send your date of birth with the code.

❌ Using a right to rent code for a job
A right to rent code starts with "R" and does not work for employment. Pick the right to work option, which starts with "W".

❌ Not checking your photo and details first
If your account shows an old photo or wrong name, the employer may doubt the check. Update your details before you generate the code.

Expert Tips (What Most Guides Miss)

1. Generate the code in front of the employer if you can. A code made that day has the full 90 days left. It removes any doubt about expiry.
2. Save the GOV.UK link, not the code. Codes expire. Bookmark the "prove your right to work" page so you can make a new one in seconds.
3. Keep your UKVI account sign-in details safe. You need them every time you generate a code. Losing access delays every job and rental check.
4. Link your current passport first. If you have just renewed your passport, add it to your UKVI account before generating codes, so your details match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a share code free?

Yes. Generating a share code is completely free. You never pay to prove your right to work. Anyone asking you to pay for a code is not official.

How long does a right to work share code last?

A right to work share code is valid for 90 days from the day you create it. After that it stops working and you must generate a new one.

What does an employer see with my share code?

Your employer sees the types of job you can do, how long you can work in the UK, and a photo to confirm your identity. They enter the code and your date of birth to run the check.

Can I use the same share code for two jobs?

Yes, as long as it is still within its 90 days. Each employer enters the same code with your date of birth. If it has expired, generate a new one.

What if I do not have a share code yet?

You generate one on GOV.UK using your BRP number or passport. If you cannot access the service, first create a UKVI account to reach your eVisa.

Do British citizens need a share code?

No. British and Irish citizens prove their right to work with a passport. Share codes are only for people who are not British or Irish citizens.

How This Aligns With Official Guidance

The steps and rules here come from GOV.UK's "prove your right to work" and eVisa services. Immigration rules can change. Always check GOV.UK for the current process before you generate a code.

Official Resources

• Prove your right to work to an employer — get a share code — gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
• View and prove your immigration status — access your eVisa — gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

Preparing for settlement or citizenship too?

If you are working towards ILR or citizenship, you will also need the Life in the UK test. Start with free practice questions or a mock test, and check your dates with our free immigration tools.

Generate your share code the day your employer asks, send it with your date of birth, and keep your UKVI account details safe. That is all it takes to prove your right to work.

Last reviewed: August 2026 — based on GOV.UK guidance. Figures and steps correct at time of publication. Always check GOV.UK for the latest process before applying.