Starting a new job in the United Kingdom involves more than submitting a CV and attending an interview. Before employing someone, employers must check that the person has legal permission to work in the UK. For many international workers, students, and visa holders, a right-to-work share code is a convenient way to prove their eligibility.
A share code allows an employer to check relevant immigration status information online. However, not everyone needs one, and receiving a share code does not automatically mean that a person can work in every job or for an unlimited period.
This guide explains how the UK right-to-work share code works in 2027, who may need one, how to obtain it, and what employees should check before starting employment.
What Is a UK Right-to-Work Share Code?
A right-to-work share code is a temporary code that allows an employer to access a person’s relevant status information through the UK government’s online checking service.
The employer uses the code alongside the employee’s date of birth to view information about their permission to work. Depending on the person’s immigration status, the check can show which types of work are permitted and whether any time restrictions apply.
A share code is particularly useful for people whose immigration status is recorded digitally, including many individuals with a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account or an electronic visa record.
It is important to understand that a share code is evidence used during a right-to-work check. It is not a visa, work permit, or independent grant of permission to work.
Who Needs a Right-to-Work Share Code in 2027?
Many non-British and non-Irish citizens can use a share code to prove their right to work. This may include eligible visa holders, people with digital immigration status, and certain individuals with a digital certificate of entitlement.
However, the correct process depends on the person’s nationality and immigration documents.
British and Irish citizens can generally prove their right to work using an eligible passport or other permitted evidence. They do not normally need the same immigration-status share code used by many visa holders.
International students, skilled workers, dependants, and people with other immigration permissions should check the conditions attached to their particular status.
For example, some students can work only a specified number of hours during term time, while some visa holders may be restricted to particular types of employment. A successful online check does not remove these conditions.
How to Get a UK Right-to-Work Share Code
Obtaining a share code is generally straightforward if your immigration status is available through the relevant online service.
Step 1: Check Your Immigration Status
Before requesting a code, make sure you have access to the immigration account or eligible documents associated with your status.
You may need details from your passport, national identity document, biometric residence permit, or other information accepted by the service.
If you have recently received a visa decision or changed your immigration status, check that your digital record reflects the latest information.
Step 2: Use the Correct Online Service
Choose the service specifically designed to prove your right to work. Do not accidentally request a share code for another purpose, such as proving your right to rent.
Follow the instructions and provide the requested identity details.
If you cannot access the online service, review the alternative evidence available for your situation. Some people can use eligible original immigration documents instead of a share code.
Step 3: Generate Your Share Code
Once your identity and status details have been accepted, follow the instructions to generate a code for employment checks.
Read the information displayed carefully. Make sure you have selected the correct purpose before sharing the code with your prospective employer.
Step 4: Send the Code to Your Employer
Give the employer your share code and date of birth through the recruitment or onboarding process.
Share these details only with the appropriate employer or authorised representative. A share code should not be treated as a substitute for protecting your other personal information.
Step 5: Confirm the Online Check Is Complete
The employer must use the relevant checking service and review the result. Simply receiving a code is not enough to complete the employer’s responsibilities.
If the online result contains incorrect information or does not establish your right to work, contact the appropriate immigration support service and ask the employer what further evidence is required.
What Information Can an Employer See?
An employer can use the online check to establish whether you are permitted to work and identify relevant restrictions.
Depending on your immigration status, the result may show:
- Whether you have permission to work in the UK.
- The types of employment you are allowed to undertake.
- Any applicable time limits.
- Conditions affecting your employment eligibility.
Your employer should assess the information provided by the official checking service rather than relying only on what you say about your visa.
If you are applying for a position with specific working-hour requirements, make sure your immigration conditions allow you to perform the role as advertised.
What If Your Share Code Expires?
Share codes are not intended to remain valid indefinitely. If your code expires before your employer completes the check, you may need to generate another one.
This does not automatically mean that your immigration permission has expired. The validity of the code and the validity of your permission to work are separate matters.
If your employer cannot complete the check using the original code, request a new one and provide the required details again.
Keep your immigration account information secure, and avoid sharing outdated codes when a fresh check is required.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Your Immigration Details Do Not Appear
Your online record may be incomplete, outdated, or affected by an account-access issue. Check your details and follow the instructions for reporting an error or obtaining assistance.
Do not assume that a technical problem automatically proves that you are ineligible to work.
Your Visa Has Conditions
Some immigration permissions restrict working hours, job types, or other employment activities. Read your conditions carefully before accepting a role.
If you are unsure whether a particular position is permitted, obtain qualified immigration advice before beginning work.
Your Employer Does Not Know How to Use the Code
Explain that the code is intended for an online right-to-work check. The employer should follow the appropriate checking procedure and review the result rather than treating the code as a standalone document.
Your Immigration Permission Is Near Expiry
Check the expiry date and any relevant application or extension arrangements. Do not assume that submitting an application automatically gives you unrestricted permission to work.
Your rights depend on the circumstances and applicable immigration rules.
How to Prepare for a UK Job Application
A share code is only one part of preparing for employment. You should also have an up-to-date CV, relevant qualifications, employment references where required, and a clear understanding of the job description.
If you are considering a new opportunity, read our guide on how to evaluate a job offer beyond salary in 2027. It can help you assess working conditions, benefits, responsibilities, and other factors before accepting an offer.
Candidates who are returning to employment after a break may also benefit from our article on explaining employment gaps on your resume and in job interviews.
If an employer offers an internship rather than a permanent position, review paid vs unpaid internships in 2027 to understand the practical differences before making a decision.
When you find a suitable vacancy, review its eligibility requirements and follow the employer’s official application instructions. You can also visit Apply Now to explore the available application resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a right-to-work share code a visa?
No. It is a code used to let an employer check relevant information about your permission to work. Your underlying immigration status determines your rights and restrictions.
Can international students use a share code?
Eligible international students can use a share code to demonstrate their right to work. However, they must follow the working-hour limits and other conditions attached to their immigration permission.
Can I start working immediately after generating a code?
Not necessarily. Your employer must complete the appropriate check, and you must have permission to perform the job. Generating a code alone does not confirm that every employment condition has been met.
What should I do if the online check fails?
Check your account details, review the instructions, and contact the appropriate support service if necessary. Ask the employer whether alternative permitted evidence or another checking route is available.
Final Thoughts
The UK right-to-work share code can make employment checks easier for eligible workers in 2027. By generating the correct code, sharing it securely, and checking your immigration conditions, you can help your employer complete the process efficiently.
Prepare your documents before your first working day, respond promptly to requests for evidence, and address any problems with your immigration record early. Most importantly, remember that the share code is a way to demonstrate your status, not permission to work beyond the conditions attached to it.