Introduction
If you hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in the UK, you may often be asked to prove your immigration status when applying for a job, renting property, or accessing public services. The BRP share code is the modern digital method of doing so. This online system replaces the old practice of showing your physical BRP card and provides a secure, verifiable way to share your status with employers, landlords, or universities.
At Primus Solicitors Manchester, our immigration experts regularly assist clients who are unsure how to generate, use, or update their BRP share code. This guide explains everything you need to know — from how the BRP share code works, to how it links to your visa, and what to do if you encounter errors.
What Is a BRP Share Code?
A BRP share code is a secure digital code issued by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department to verify your immigration or right-to-work status in the UK. Instead of presenting a physical document, you can provide your share code to an employer, landlord, or government body, allowing them to check your details online through the official GOV.UK portal.
Each share code is unique and typically valid for 30 days. You can generate a new one at any time by logging into the View and Prove Your Immigration Status page on GOV.UK using your Biometric Residence Permit number, date of birth, and the email or phone number linked to your immigration account.
Who Needs a BRP Share Code?
The BRP share code is mainly used by non-UK nationals who hold:
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
A Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
A digital immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
A work or study visa granted after the UK switched to a fully digital system
You will need your BRP share code when:
Starting a new job – Employers must check your right to work.
Renting a property – Landlords are legally required to confirm your right to rent.
Accessing NHS services or government benefits.
Traveling in or out of the UK to verify status at border checks.
How to Generate a BRP Share Code
Generating your BRP share code is straightforward and can be done online within minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Visit the official GOV.UK website
Go to www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status.Sign in with your immigration details
Use the email address or phone number you registered with UKVI when you applied for your visa.Enter your BRP number and date of birth
These details must match the information on your BRP card.Select what you need the code for
Choose whether you are sharing your status for “Work,” “Rent,” or “Other reasons.”Receive and share your code
The website will generate a 9-character alphanumeric code (e.g., “AB1-234-567”). You can copy this code and send it to your employer or landlord.
How Employers and Landlords Use the BRP Share Code
Employers and landlords can verify your immigration status by entering the share code and your date of birth on the GOV.UK “Check a Job Applicant’s Right to Work” or “Check a Tenant’s Right to Rent” service.
This system ensures that:
The information comes directly from UKVI, ensuring accuracy.
Employers comply with immigration laws and avoid penalties.
Your data is kept secure, as the code is valid only for a limited time.
Common Issues with BRP Share Codes
Sometimes, users experience technical or administrative issues with their BRP share code. Common problems include:
Incorrect or outdated contact details on your UKVI account.
Lost access to the registered email or phone number.
Expired share code after 30 days.
System errors during code generation.
If this happens, try:
Updating your UKVI account details at www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details.
Requesting a new share code.
Contacting the UKVI Resolution Centre or your immigration solicitor for assistance.
At Primus Solicitors Manchester, we assist clients with updating BRP details, recovering access to their accounts, and resolving technical issues with their immigration status.
Difference Between BRP and Share Code
| Feature | Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | Share Code |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Physical card | Digital code |
| Issued by | Home Office | Generated online via GOV.UK |
| Use | Proof of residence and visa conditions | Proof of status for work/rent |
| Validity | Until visa expiry date | 30 days per code |
| Accessibility | Must be carried physically | Can be shared digitally |
Transition to Digital Immigration Status
The UK government plans to phase out Biometric Residence Permits by 2025, moving all visa holders to a fully digital immigration system. Under this system, the share code becomes the primary proof of status.
From January 2025 onwards:
You will no longer need to carry a BRP card.
Your immigration status will be stored electronically in your UKVI account.
You’ll use your share code to prove your right to work, rent, or study.
This shift aims to streamline border control, reduce fraud, and simplify status verification.
What to Do If You Lose Your BRP
If your BRP card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must report it to the Home Office immediately and apply for a replacement within three months.
You can still generate a BRP share code if your immigration status is already digital. However, if your BRP was your only means of accessing your account, contact UKVI or an immigration solicitor for help restoring access.
How Primus Solicitors Can Help
At Primus Solicitors Manchester, we specialise in all areas of UK immigration law, including issues related to BRP cards, share codes, settlement status, and visa renewals.
We can help you:
Recover or update your UKVI account details.
Generate and use your BRP share code.
Resolve errors in your immigration records.
Apply for extensions, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or British citizenship.
Conclusion
The BRP share code has become an essential part of proving your immigration status in the UK. Whether you’re starting a new job, renting a home, or applying for public services, understanding how to generate and manage your share code ensures smooth compliance with immigration laws.
At Primus Solicitors Manchester, our experienced immigration solicitors provide personalised legal support for all BRP and UKVI-related issues.
FAQs About BRP Share Codes
1. How long does a BRP share code last?
Each BRP share code is valid for 30 days. After expiry, you must generate a new one from your UKVI account.
2. Can I use one share code for multiple employers?
Yes, but it’s safer to generate a new code for each employer to maintain control over who has access to your details.
3. What if I can’t log in to my UKVI account?
You can recover access by visiting the UKVI account recovery page or contacting immigration solicitors for support.
4. Is the BRP share code the same as the EU Settlement Scheme share code?
Yes, both serve the same purpose of proving immigration status, though they are linked to different visa categories.
5. What happens when BRPs are phased out in 2025?
Your BRP will no longer be valid, but you will continue to prove your immigration status using your digital share code.
Contact Us – Speak to an Immigration Solicitor Today
If you need help with your BRP share code, digital immigration status, or visa application, contact Primus Solicitors Manchester today. Our friendly and professional team is here to guide you through every step of your immigration process.
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
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🌐 www.primussolicitors.com
