A share code is a code you get from your UKVI account that lets someone, such as an employer or landlord, check your immigration status online. GOV.UK says that, as of Nov 2026, a share code lasts for 90 days, you can use it as many times as you need before then, and you can get a new one whenever you need it.
If you're not a British or Irish citizen, a share code is one of the ways GOV.UK lets you show a new employer or landlord what you're allowed to do in the UK. It isn't a document you carry. It's a short-lived code that gives someone a view of your status from your eVisa. Here's what GOV.UK says about getting one and using it.
What a share code shows and who uses it
Your eVisa shows your identity and immigration status, including what rights you have in the UK, for example to work, rent or claim benefits. A share code lets you prove that status to people such as employers or landlords, or when you travel. You give them the code and your date of birth, and you won't need to show them your eVisa itself.
The person who uses your share code will see some of your personal details. GOV.UK says you'll be told what they'll see when you get the code, so you know what's being shared before you hand it over.
Share code rules at a glance
| Question | What GOV.UK says |
|---|---|
| How long does a share code last? | 90 days |
| How many times can it be used? | As many times as you need before it expires |
| Can I get another one? | Yes, whenever you need one |
| What else does the checker need? | Your date of birth |
| Do they see my eVisa? | No, you won't need to show them it |
| What will they see? | Some of your personal details; you're told which when you get the code |
Getting a share code from your UKVI account
- Make sure you've finished setting up your UKVI account to access your eVisa.
- Update your account first if you've changed your name or nationality, or if you need a new photo because you can't be recognised from the current one.
- Sign in with the details you use for your UKVI account. That could be your passport, national identity card, biometric residence card (valid or expired), expired biometric residence permit or UKVI customer number.
- Confirm the sign-in using the mobile phone number or email address you use for your UKVI account.
- View your eVisa, check the details are right and get your share code.
- Give the code and your date of birth to the employer, landlord or other person checking.
Right to work: a share code isn't your only option
This is the bit many job hunters don't realise. If you're not a British or Irish citizen, GOV.UK says you can prove your right to work with either a share code or your eligible immigration documents, and you choose which. Your employer can't reject your application because you gave them an eligible immigration document instead of a share code. Either way, you'll need to prove your right to work before you start working for them.
British and Irish citizens don't use share codes for this. They can prove their right to work with a British passport, or an Irish passport or passport card, and it can be current or expired. Without a passport, a UK or Irish birth or adoption certificate, or a certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen, works alongside an official letter from a previous employer or a government agency, such as HMRC or the DWP, showing their name and National Insurance number. Passport holders may also be able to use an online identity service provider (IDSP) if the employer offers one.
People with the right of abode, which covers British citizens and some Commonwealth citizens, can use a certificate of entitlement. If theirs is a digital certificate in a UKVI account rather than a vignette sticker in a passport, they'll need to get a share code online to use it.
When the share code won't work
Report an error with your eVisa if it's wrong, for example if it shows the wrong date of birth or immigration status, or if you can view your eVisa but can't use it to get a share code. If you can't view it at all, check that you've finished setting up your UKVI account. GOV.UK says you can use different services to prove your right to work or prove your right to rent if you can't access an eVisa.
If you're having problems signing in, you can get help to recover your UKVI account, chat to UKVI by webchat about other questions on your eVisa or account, or watch the eVisa support videos. If you can't prove your right to work, your employer can check whether you can work with the employer checking service, and Commonwealth citizens may be able to get documents through the Windrush Scheme.
My advice on using share codes
Get a fresh share code close to the day you need it so it doesn't run out mid-process, and check your eVisa details are right before you hand it over, because an error on the eVisa is what stops a code being generated. GOV.UK's eVisas and share codes page and its Prove your right to work to an employer page are the two to bookmark.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a share code last?
As of Nov 2026, GOV.UK says a share code lasts for 90 days, and you can get a new one whenever you need it.
Can a share code be used more than once?
Yes. You can use it as many times as you need before it expires.
Does my employer need a share code from me?
No. If you're not a British or Irish citizen you can use a share code or your eligible immigration documents, and your employer can't reject your application because you chose the documents.
What does an employer see with my share code?
Some of your personal details. GOV.UK says you'll be told what they'll see when you get the code, and they'll also need your date of birth.
Do British citizens need a share code?
Usually not. British and Irish citizens can prove their right to work with a passport or passport card, current or expired, or with the other documents GOV.UK lists.
What if my eVisa won't give me a share code?
Report an error with your eVisa. GOV.UK lists being able to view your eVisa but not use it to get a share code as a reason to report it.
