What ‘s a Share Code? A Guide for Right to Work Checks in the UK

When hiring, the UK government needs to confirm that candidates can work legally before taking them on. The rule helps in combating illegal work and ensures that companies are complying with UK immigration laws. Individuals can easily demonstrate their legal employment status with a share code. This guide aims to first clarify the term “share code” by explaining it to job applicants and employers. As of December 2025, with the ongoing transition to eVisas and expansions in right-to-work checks, understanding share codes is more crucial than ever, especially as the EU Settlement Scheme has processed 8.7 million applications by September 2025.

What Is a Share Code?

A share code is an unusual grouping of 9 letters and numbers. People who do not have citizenship in the UK receive this code from the UK Home Office. This code makes it possible to determine a person’s immigration status online. So they can use it as a basis for immigration checks and make the documentation process easier since the code can be verified by employers, landlords, and schools throughout the UK.

People no longer have to show themselves as visa or permit holders by using printed documents. Instead of this, a digital code is initially given to them. If jobs are related to the information technology industry and the companies are seeking software engineers, employers can check the code to know if the person is authorized to work, rather than waiting for the whole department’s approval. In 2025, amid the digital shift, share codes have become integral to online verifications, with the Home Office emphasizing their role in streamlining processes as eVisas replace physical vignettes by 2026.

To further illustrate, a share code is alphanumeric (e.g., A123B456C) and generated through a UKVI account. It links directly to the Home Office database, ensuring real-time accuracy. This digital approach reduces fraud risks and speeds up hiring, particularly in sectors like tech where quick onboarding is essential.

Who Can Get a Share Code?

Some people who are not UK residents and have specific immigration statuses can get a share code. These are the ones:

• EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who have either settled or pre-settled status
• Holders of biometric residence cards (BRC), biometric residence permits (BRP), or frontier worker permits
• Visa holders belonging to various UK immigration types (for example, students or skilled workers)

The share code serves as proof of immigration status on the internet. Citizens of the UK and indefinite leave to remain holders typically for physical documents. They do not need a share code.

Expanding on eligibility, as of the year ending June 2025, the EU Settlement Scheme granted 335,321 settled statuses, reflecting ongoing demand. Non-British or Irish citizens with permission to work must use share codes or eligible documents. In 2025, with invitations for UKVI accounts starting November 11, more individuals are setting up digital profiles to access these codes easily.

For instance, skilled worker visa holders in fields like healthcare or engineering often rely on share codes during job transitions. Students on Tier 4 visas can generate codes for part-time work, limited to 20 hours per week during term time.

Why Is the Share Code Important?

One of the advantages of the share code is that it gives them a simple, fast, and secure way for a person to prove the right to work. To get an entry-level position, job applicants do not have to send important papers. The employers only get information on the employee’s status from the Home Office.

This is one of the primary reasons why employers need to be careful when hiring people . In the worst case, the penalty for undocumented employment can reach large amounts or imprisonment. This is why it is so important to use government tools and share code. The consequences of not doing so could be severe, and in extreme cases, the whole company could be closed down.

In 2025, importance has heightened with fines up to £60,000 per illegal worker and increased Home Office audits. The digital system combats illegal employment more effectively, with share codes enabling instant checks. For businesses, compliance avoids civil penalties and reputational damage, while for workers, it ensures fair access to opportunities.

Moreover, in a post-Brexit landscape, share codes support economic growth by facilitating legal migration. Statistics show net migration for non-EU nationals at 383,000 in the year ending June 2025, underscoring the need for robust verification tools.

How to Get a Share Code

If you need a share code, the process is simple and free. Here’s how to get one:

1. Go to the official Govt site.
2. Log in with your identity details (biometric residence permit number, passport number, or other ID linked to your immigration status)
3. Generate a share code to confirm your right to work
4. Pass the code and your birth date to your employer (you will still have 90 days to use the code)
5. This is the way to prove your right to work fast and securely.

Updated for 2025: Access the site at https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status. Sign in to your UKVI account using a passport, national ID card, or biometric residence card. If you haven’t set up an account, invitations began November 11, 2025. The code remains valid for 90 days and can be regenerated.

Step-by-step tips: Ensure your device has a stable internet connection; use two-factor authentication for security. If facing issues, contact UKVI support. This process takes minutes, making it efficient for urgent job applications.

How Employers Use a Share Code

Once the job applicant gives a share code , the employer can check their right to work by:

1. Visiting the official Government Right to Work page.
2. Entering the share code and the person’s date of birth
3. Viewing the applicant’s right to work status, including any conditions (like the type of job allowed or working hours)

It’s a quick and legal way to confirm someone is allowed to work in the UK.

In 2025, use https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work. The Home Office guide updated June 26, 2025, applies to checks on or after July 12, 2025, emphasizing online methods. Employers must retain records for audits, with expansions proposed for gig workers via the Border Security Bill.

For example, in hospitality, employers can verify seasonal workers instantly, reducing onboarding time.

What Information Does a Share Code Show?

When an employer uses the share code, they will see:

• The person’s name
• Their immigration status
• Whether they can work in the UK
• Any restrictions (like only being allowed to work a certain number of hours)

For employers hiring candidates through the right-to-work process, especially for part-time or hourly roles, it’s equally important to estimate wages accurately. Using simple tools like an hourly wage calculator can help determine fair pay based on hours worked, break times, and agreed rates, ensuring transparency from the start.

Additionally, in 2025, details may include eVisa links, photo verification, and expiry dates. This transparency aids compliance, with restrictions like 20-hour limits for students clearly stated.

Tips for Employees

If you’re applying for a job in the UK, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Always generate a share code for the specific purpose you need (like work, rent, or study)
• Please ensure the information is current. If your immigration status changes, so will your work rights
• Share your code only with trusted employers or authorities.
• Keep track of when your code will expire (usually 90 days)

Updated tips for 2025: Update your UKVI account if details change; use the app for mobile generation. Avoid sharing via unsecured channels to prevent identity theft.

Tips for Employers

For employers, it’s essential to:

• Always complete a right-to-work check before hiring anyone
• Use the official government website to check the code.
• Please save a copy of the results page or take a screenshot as proof that you completed the check.
• Don’t rely on physical documents unless they’re specifically allowed under Home Office guidance.

In 2025, train HR on eVisa integrations; prepare for gig worker checks. Retain records for two years post-employment.

Recent Changes to Share Codes in 2025

2025 has seen significant updates, including the Home Office’s June 26 guidance, applying to checks from July 12 onward. Key changes: Enhanced digital verification amid eVisa rollout, with vignette stickers phasing out by 2026. A consultation until December 10 proposes extending checks to zero-hour and casual workers, potentially via the Border Security Bill.

Increased fines (£60,000 per violation) and audits emphasize compliance. EU Settlement Scheme stats show 8.7 million applications by September, with 335,321 settled grants in the year to June.

These changes aim to reduce net migration while streamlining processes.

The Shift to eVisas and Digital Verification

The eVisa transition, mandatory by 2026, replaces physical documents with digital status accessed via UKVI accounts. From November 11, 2025, invitations enable account setups. Share codes remain key, linking to eVisas for seamless checks.

Benefits: Faster verifications, reduced forgery. Challenges: Digital access barriers for some. Employers must adapt, using online portals exclusively for non-British workers.

Examples: A skilled worker on a visa can now prove status instantly, aiding remote hiring.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Common errors: Avoid generating expired codes by regenerating them every 90 days. Employers are rejecting valid documents, so they should follow the guidance that allows for either codes or papers. Employees sharing insecurely—use official channels.

In 2025, there was a mistake regarding eVisa requirements, which led to the early setup of UKVI accounts. Tips: Double-check details; use Home Office tools.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

Case 1: An EU citizen with pre-settled status applies for IT role; share code confirms 40-hour eligibility, speeding hire.

Case 2: Gig worker in delivery—under proposed 2025 expansions, platforms must check codes, preventing penalties.

Case 3: Student visa holder—code shows 20-hour limit, ensuring compliance.

These illustrate practical applications amid 2025 stats.

Future Outlook for UK Immigration Checks in 2026

By 2026, eVisas will fully replace vignettes, with share codes central. Expect AI integrations for faster checks and stricter gig economy rules. With migration trends downward, focus on compliance will intensify.

Businesses should invest in training, while individuals should focus on improving their digital literacy.

Final Thoughts

The UK government introduced the share code to simplify the immigration procedure. This digital invention is far better than carrying physical documents, and both employers and workers benefit from it. Share codes should be used and understood by those signing a UK immigration contract, as well as by others, both those in the UK and those who are hiring foreign workers. In 2025, with the eVisa transition and expanded checks, mastering share codes ensures seamless compliance and opportunities. For queries like “what is a share code? UK 2025,” this guide highlights their role in a digital-first immigration landscape, promoting efficiency and security for all.

FAQs

Disclaimer: This article provides general information on UK share codes based on publicly available data as of December 24, 2025, and is not legal advice. Immigration rules can change; consult the Home Office or a qualified advisor for personalized guidance. NetworkUstad is not affiliated with the UK government and assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.