How to Get a Share Code - Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Share Code

In July 2021, the UK government introduced the Share Code system to simplify how individuals check and prove their immigration status in the UK. A Share Code is a unique, 9-character alphanumeric code that can be used to demonstrate eligibility for employment or a tenant's right to rent a property in England.

The code provides details about what type of work an employee is eligible for and how long they can work or verifies if you can rent a property and for how long. It was designed to reduce reliance on physical documents, making the process smoother and more efficient for employees, employers, tenants, and landlords. This digital system helps streamline both onboarding and tenancy procedures.

Who Needs a Share Code?

Anyone who is not a British or Irish citizen will usually need a share code to prove the right to rent or work in the UK.

When is a Share Code Required

A share code is required for verifying your immigration status in specific situations, including employment, renting, and accessing public services. The main reasons you will you will need one:

• Right-to-Work Checks: Employers require a share code to verify your right to work in the UK before hiring. This ensures compliance with UK employment laws and helps prevent illegal working.
• Right-to-Rent Checks: Landlords in England require a share code to confirm your right to rent a property.
• Verifying Settled or Pre-Settled Status: Share codes are used to confirm your immigration status when applying for services or benefits.
• When Switching Employers or Renting a New Property: To complete updated checks, a new share code is required each time you change employers or rent a new property.

Why Checks are Important

Landlords and employers are legally responsible for verifying the immigration status of the individuals they engage with. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including up to 5 years in prison and an unlimited fine if you are found guilty of employing someone you knew or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ did not have the right to work in the UK.

The law requires that right-to-work or right-to-rent checks be conducted before someone begins employment or renting a property. Landlords and employers face substantial fines if these checks are not properly carried out.

For landlords:

• Lodgers in a private household: £5,000 for a first-time penalty, increasing to £10,000 for further penalties.
• Tenants in rented accommodation: £10,000 for a first-time penalty, increasing to £20,000 for further penalties.

You can also be penalised if you hire someone who does not have the right to work, even if the checks were not done correctly. In such cases, you could face a civil penalty of up to £60,000 for each illegal worker.

Additional Reasons for Using Share Codes

Generating a share code online is a straightforward process. Share codes help verify your immigration status when applying for services beyond work and renting. For example, they can also be used to demonstrate your eligibility for public services, such as:

• Proving your entitlement to NHS services
• Enrolling in educational institutions
• Accessing social services

Accessing the Share Code system

Before you start, you will need a biometric residence card or permit and a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. A UKVI account is automatically created for individuals who have:

• Applied to the EU Settlement Scheme
• Used the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to prove their identity during a visa application
• Created an account while applying for a visa

How to Get a Share Code

1. Log into Your GOV.UK Account
You’ll need the ID document linked to your Government account, which will be one of the following:

• Passport
• National identity card
• Biometric residence card or permit

2. Enter Your Details

• Input your ID document details and date of birth.
• Complete the login verification process. You’ll receive a code via email or text.

3. View Your Immigration Status

• Once logged in, you’ll be able to see your immigration status.

4. Generate a Share Code

• Scroll to the bottom of the screen and click “Get a share code.”

5. Select the Reason for the Share Code

Choose why you need the share code:

• To prove your right to work
• To rent a property
• To provide your immigration status for another reason, such as studying, council housing, or getting a driving license.

6. Receive Your Share Code

After selecting the purpose, a share code will be generated. It will be valid for 90 days.

How to Check a Share Code

Once a share code is generated, you can share it with your prospective employer or landlord, allowing them to carry out the necessary checks. The system ensures that only those with a valid reason can access your immigration status.

To check your status, the landlord or employer will need your share code and date of birth. They can then enter these details on the GOV.UK website.

Once logged in, they can view basic information about your immigration status. The details they need to review will depend on the purpose:

For employers, this will show:

• The types of jobs you are allowed to do in the UK
• How long you are permitted to work
• The number of hours you can work

For landlords, they will see your immigration status and how long you have the right to stay in the UK. If your stay is time-limited, the landlord must carry out another check within a year or when your visa expires, whichever comes later.

Note: Only landlords in England are required to check a tenant’s right to rent. This is not required for landlords in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.