Introduction
Suppose you are living, working, or studying in the UK and hold a digital immigration status. In that case, you’ll often need to use a share code to prove your immigration status to employers, landlords, universities, or other organisations. This secure system, managed by the UK Home Office, allows you to share proof of your immigration status safely online without handing over physical documents.
At Primus Solicitors Manchester, we regularly advise individuals, employers, and landlords on how to generate, use, and verify share codes correctly under UK immigration law. Misunderstanding the process or providing incorrect information can lead to employment delays, tenancy issues, or even unlawful discrimination. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the share code to prove immigration status, including who needs it, how to create it, how to check it, and common problems people face.
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What Is a Share Code to Prove Immigration Status?
A share code is a secure, temporary code generated through the UK Home Office online service that allows you to prove your immigration status digitally. It replaces the need for physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or visa letters in many cases.
When you provide your share code to an employer, landlord, or institution, they can use it, along with your date of birth, to view your current immigration status online — for example, your right to work, right to rent, or right to study in the UK.
Key Facts About the Share Code System
- Managed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department.
- Used to prove your digital immigration status (eVisa).
- Valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
- Unique to each request type — right to work, right to rent, or other purposes.
- Allows you to control who can see your data and for how long.
Who Needs to Use a Share Code to Prove Immigration Status?
The share code system is primarily used by:
- Employers – to check an individual’s right to work in the UK.
- Landlords or letting agents – to check a tenant’s right to rent property.
- Universities and colleges – to confirm a student’s immigration status.
- Solicitors and legal representatives – to verify a client’s lawful stay in the UK.
- Banks and public bodies – to confirm eligibility for certain services.
Hold a digital immigration status (for example, under the EU Settlement Scheme, Skilled Worker Visa, or Graduate Route). You will not receive a physical visa vignette or BRP card. Instead, you will prove your status online using your share code.
How to Generate a Share Code to Prove Immigration Status
Follow these simple steps to generate your share code through the Home Office website:
- Go to the official UK government portal – https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
- Select “Prove your status” and log in using your email and password registered with your UKVI account.
- Enter the verification code sent to your email or phone.
- Choose why you need the share code (for example, to prove your right to work, rent, or another purpose).
- A share code will be displayed — note it down or send it directly via email or text.
The person or organisation you are sharing it with can then use https://www.gov.uk/view-right-to-work or the equivalent government link to verify your details.
What Information Does a Share Code Display?
When someone uses your share code to prove immigration status, the system will show the following details:
- Full name as recorded by the Home Office.
- Type of immigration status or visa (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student, or EU Settled Status).
- Expiry date or conditions of stay.
- Rights attached (such as the right to work, rent, or study).
- Any restrictions (for example, “Work limited to 20 hours per week”).
Importantly, the person using your share code cannot view your personal history or confidential details — the system only reveals essential legal entitlements.
Using a Share Code to Prove Right to Work
Employers must carry out right-to-work checks before hiring anyone. For digital status holders, the share code is the only valid way to prove eligibility.
Employer’s Process:
- Ask the employee to generate a share code for the right to work.
- Use the Home Office online service to enter the share code and date of birth.
- Review displayed information — ensure it confirms the right to work.
- Record the date of the check and keep a secure copy for audit purposes.
Employers who fail to conduct proper checks risk civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.
Using a Share Code to Prove Right to Rent
Landlords and letting agents are legally required to check the immigration status of tenants before renting property. The share code for right to rent allows them to do this quickly and securely online.
Landlord’s Process:
- Ask the tenant to generate a share code for the right to rent.
- Go to the Home Office verification page and input the code and date of birth.
- Check that the displayed result shows a valid right to rent in the UK.
- Keep evidence of the check for the legally required retention period.
Failure to carry out proper right-to-rent checks may result in fines or criminal liability for landlords.
Using a Share Code for Other Legal and Practical Purposes
Besides work and rent, a share code to prove immigration status can also be required when:
- Applying to a university or college as an international student.
- Accessing certain public benefits (where immigration status must be proven).
- Opening a bank account in the UK.
- Seeking legal assistance from a solicitor.
- Confirming your status at the border when travelling.
For these purposes, always ensure the correct type of share code is generated — each code type provides tailored information relevant to the organisation requesting it.
Common Issues When Using a Share Code
While the system is generally efficient, many users experience problems such as:
- Expired codes – Each code is valid for 30 days; expired codes will not work.
- Incorrect login details – Users must log in with the same email used for their visa application.
- Wrong code type – Generating a right-to-work code when a right-to-rent code is needed.
- System errors or downtime – Occasionally, the UKVI portal may be temporarily unavailable.
- Data mismatch – Discrepancies between Home Office records and user information.
If your share code does not work, contact the UKVI Resolution Centre or seek legal assistance from a solicitor specialising in immigration law.
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
What If You Don’t Have a Share Code or UKVI Account?
If you do not have a share code, it might be because:
- You have not yet created a UKVI account.
- Your immigration status was issued before digital statuses existed.
- You are using a BRP or visa vignette instead of digital proof.
In such cases, you can still prove your immigration status using physical documents such as:
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
- Passport with a valid visa vignette.
- Home Office decision letter.
However, it is advisable to create a UKVI account and transition to digital immigration status as the UK Home Office is phasing out BRPs by the end of 2025.
How to Protect Your Personal Data When Sharing a Code
When using a share code to prove immigration status:
- Share it only with trusted organisations.
- Please do not post it publicly or share on social media.
- Remember, it expires automatically after 30 days.
- Check that the official Home Office URL starts with “https://www.gov.uk” to avoid phishing.
When to Seek Legal Help
Contact an immigration solicitor immediately if you:
- Cannot generate a share code to prove immigration status or access your UKVI account.
- Believe your immigration data is incorrect or outdated.
- Have you been wrongly refused employment or housing due to a share code issue?
- Need to prove your immigration status urgently (e.g., visa expiry approaching).
At Primus Solicitors Manchester, we assist clients in recovering UKVI login access, correcting immigration record errors, and liaising with the Home Office on urgent digital status matters.
Conclusion
The share code to prove immigration status to prove immigration status is an essential part of the UK’s transition to a fully digital immigration system, whether you’re proving your right to work, rent, or study. Understanding how to generate and share your code securely is crucial.
Suppose you’re struggling to access your UKVI account, facing issues with your digital status, or have been unfairly refused employment or housing because of a share code to prove immigration status problem. In that case, our team at Primus Solicitors Manchester can help.
We provide professional immigration advice and legal representation to individuals, families, and employers across the UK.
FAQs About the Share Code to Prove Immigration Status
1. How long is a share code to prove immigration status valid for?
A share code to prove immigration status is valid for 30 days from the date it is generated. After that, you must create a new one.
2. Can I generate multiple share codes?
Yes. You can create separate share code to prove immigration status for different purposes — for example, one for work and another for renting property.
3. What if my share code to prove immigration status doesn’t work?
Check that you’re using the correct link and the code hasn’t expired. If issues persist, contact UKVI or seek assistance from an immigration solicitor.
4. Do British citizens need a share code to prove immigration status?
No. share code to prove immigration status are only used for individuals with digital immigration status — not for British citizens.
5. Is it safe to share my code?
Yes, the system is secure and only shows limited information. However, only share it with verified organisations and for legitimate reasons.
6. Can employers keep a copy of the online check?
Yes, employers should keep evidence of the check for compliance records as required by law.
7. What happens if my immigration status changes?
Once your status changes, your UKVI record is updated automatically. You can then generate a new share code to prove immigration status reflecting your latest immigration rights.
Contact Primus Solicitors, Manchester
📍 First Floor, 402 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FZ
📞 0161 222 5860
📧 info@ansarhabib.com
🕘 Monday–Friday: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM
