How To Generate A Share Code To Prove Your UK Immigration Status

Key Points

• A share code is a 9-character code used to prove your UK immigration status online.
• You can generate a share code through your UKVI account and eVisa.
• Share codes remain valid for 90 days and can be used multiple times.
• Different share codes are used for work, renting property, and other status checks.
• You must provide your date of birth alongside the share code.
• If your share code expires, you can generate a new one immediately.

What Is a Share Code?

A share code is a secure digital code issued by the Home Office that allows third parties to verify your immigration status online.

As the UK continues its transition to a fully digital immigration system, physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) have been replaced by eVisas. Instead of presenting a physical card, your immigration status is now digitalised; you can generate a share code and provide it to employers, landlords, universities, banks, or other organisations that need to confirm your status.

The code provides temporary access to the relevant information about your immigration permission without giving access to your entire UKVI account.

Who Needs a Share Code?

You may need a share code if you are:

• Starting a new job in the UK, or have extended/switched visas during your current employment
• Renting a property
• Opening certain financial accounts
• Accessing public services
• Proving your immigration status to an educational institution
• Travelling and needing to demonstrate your immigration permission digitally in certain circumstances

How to Generate a Share Code

The process typically takes only a few minutes.

Step 1: Sign Into Your UKVI Account

Visit the Home Office's online immigration status service:

View and Prove Your Immigration Status

Sign in using the document linked to your UKVI account. This may be your:

• Passport
• Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
• Expired BRP (where accepted)
• UKVI customer number

Step 2: Complete Security Verification

The system will send a security code to your registered email address or mobile phone number.

Enter the verification code to access your account.

Step 3: Select Why You Need the Share Code

You will be asked why you need to prove your status.

Choose the option that matches your circumstances:

• Prove your right to work
• Prove your right to rent
• Prove your immigration status for another purpose

Selecting the correct category is important because different codes display different information.

Step 4: Generate Your Code

The system will generate a unique 9-character share code.

You can:

• Copy it directly
• Email it to the requesting organisation
• Save it for later use

Remember to provide your date of birth alongside the code.

Example

Sarah receives a job offer from a UK employer.

She signs into her UKVI account, selects "Prove my right to work", generates a share code, and sends it together with her date of birth to her employer.

The employer then uses the Home Office checking service to verify her work permission instantly.

Mistake Example: Sending the Wrong Code

Liam is starting a new job but mistakenly selects "Prove my right to rent" when generating his share code. He sends this code to his new employer.

When the employer attempts to verify his status, the check fails because the 'right to rent' code does not contain the required 'right to work' information. Liam must then generate a new share code specifically for employment.

Understanding Different Types of Share Codes

Using the wrong type of code may prevent the organisation from accessing the information they need.

Important Rules You Should Know

Share Codes Expire

Every share code is valid for 90 days from the date it is generated. After that, it expires automatically.

You Can Generate Unlimited New Codes

There is no limit on how many times you can create a new share code. If one expires, simply generate another.

Share Codes Can Be Used Multiple Times

A valid share code can be viewed multiple times by the organisation you provide it to during the 90-day period.

Update Your Details First

Before generating a share code, ensure your UKVI account contains your current:

• Passport details
• Name
• Nationality
• Contact information

Incorrect information can create delays when organisations perform checks. You can update your personal details and document information here: https://www.gov.uk/evisa/update-ukvi-account 

You should keep your personal details and document information up to date so that the details are correct when you view your eVisa and get a share code to prove your immigration status.

Checklist Before Generating a Share Code

For Employment

• Passport or immigration document linked to your account
• Access to your registered email or mobile phone
• Employer details if you intend to send the code directly

For Renting Property

• UKVI account access
• Landlord or letting agent details
• Up-to-date immigration records

If You Cannot Access Your Account

• Check your email and phone number are current
• Attempt UKVI account recovery
• Contact UKVI support if necessary

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a share code last?

A share code remains valid for 90 days from the date it is generated.

Can I use the same share code multiple times?

Yes. You can use the same code multiple times while it remains valid.

Can I generate more than one share code?

Yes. You can generate different codes for different purposes whenever needed.

Can I use a right-to-rent code for employment checks?

No. Employers require a right-to-work share code. Different codes provide different information.

What should I do if my immigration status appears incorrectly?

You should report the error to UKVI as soon as possible and request that your records be updated.

Final Thoughts

For many visa holders, the move from physical documents to digital immigration status can feel unfamiliar at first. The good news is that generating a share code is usually straightforward and takes only a few minutes.

If you are preparing for a new job, a property rental, or another important immigration-related process, it is worth logging into your UKVI account in advance to ensure your details are accurate and accessible. You must also ensure your personal details and document information in your UKVI account are always up-to-date.

If you encounter problems accessing your eVisa, generating a share code, or understanding your immigration status, obtaining professional immigration advice can help you avoid unnecessary delays.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.