Share Code Check: UK Right to Work, Rent & Immigration Status
Share codes let people prove specific UK immigration information to employers, landlords and other organisations. Learn which type you need, how checks work and where to use the official GOV.UK service.
Independent information resource. Not GOV.UK, the Home Office or UKVI.
- PersonHas an immigration status
- UKVI / eVisaHolds the status record
- Share codeAB1 CD2 EF3
- Employer, landlord or organisationReceives the code
- Official checkMade on GOV.UK
Quick answer
What is a UK share code?
A nine-character code generated on an official GOV.UK service. It lets you share specific immigration information held by UKVI for one stated purpose.
What can it be used for?
Three purposes, each with its own first letter: W right to work, R right to rent in England, S other status purposes.
What should I do next?
Pick your purpose in the type finder, then generate the code on GOV.UK. The person checking it uses your code with your date of birth.
Share code tools
These tools run in your browser. They do not access GOV.UK, UKVI records or your immigration account, and nothing you enter is sent anywhere or stored.
Which share code do I need?
Use this when you are unsure whether you need a W, R or S code.
Check share code format
Use this when you have a code and want to catch typing mistakes.
Checks the format only, not your status or whether a code is active.
Share code validity calculator
Use this when you want to know if a code is still within 90 days.
Why isn't my share code working?
Use this when a check has failed or you are stuck.
Share code types explained
The first letter shows the purpose the code was generated for. A code only works for that purpose.
| Type | Purpose | Checked by | Employer check | Landlord check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | Right to work | Employer | ✓ Accepted | ✗ Not accepted |
| R | Right to rent (England) | Landlord or agent | ✗ Not accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| S | Other status purposes | Organisation asking | ✗ Not accepted | ✗ Not accepted |
Share code anatomy
A share code has nine characters, usually shown as three groups of three. The first character is the purpose letter.
- A
- B
- 1
- C
- D
- 2
- E
- F
- 3
Illustrative example only. It does not start with W, R or S, so it cannot work anywhere.
Read more: right to work guide, right to rent guide, immigration status guide.
How UK share codes work
- 1. Access the official serviceSign in with your UKVI account on GOV.UK.
- 2. Generate the codeChoose the purpose: work, rent or other.
- 3. Give it to the organisationShare the code and your date of birth.
- 4. They check itThey use the official GOV.UK checking service.
- 5. They see the resultOnly information relevant to that purpose.
Validity: a code lasts 90 days from the day it is generated and can be reused within that period for the same purpose. After day 90, generate a new one.
New to this? Start with what is a share code, and read the share code scam guide before sharing a code with anyone.
ShareCodeCheck.org explains the process and links to the official service. It never generates or checks codes.
How share codes relate to eVisas
| Term | What it is |
|---|---|
| eVisa | Your digital immigration record, held by UKVI (part of the Home Office). |
| Share code | A temporary key to share relevant information from that record for one purpose. It is not the eVisa itself. |
Need to complete an official check?
The official government services are provided through GOV.UK.
Right to work
Generate a work code, or check a worker's code as an employer.
Open GOV.UK serviceRight to rent
Generate a rent code, or check a tenant's code as a landlord in England.
Open GOV.UK serviceImmigration status
View your status and share it with another organisation.
Open GOV.UK serviceShare code guides
What is a share code?
Definition, purpose and the three code types.
Understand share codesRight to work guide UK
How workers and employers use W codes.
Read the right to work guideRight to rent share code guide
How R codes work when renting in England.
Read the right to rent guideCheck immigration status UK
Proving status to other organisations with S codes.
Learn about immigration statusShare code scam guide
Warning signs of fraudulent code requests.
Read the scam guideAll guides
Browse every share code guide in one place.
Browse all guidesMore UK checks and guides
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- Check vehicle tax UK: how to check a vehicle's tax status.
- Universal Credit login guide: how to sign in to your account.
- E-Verify mismatch guide: what a mismatch notice means in the US.
Share code FAQ
How do I get a UK share code?
Sign in to the official view and prove your immigration status service with your UKVI account, choose the purpose and generate the code. You need access to your eVisa or UKVI account first.
How long is a share code valid, and can I reuse it?
A share code is valid for 90 days from the day it is generated. You can reuse it within that period, for the purpose it was generated for.
Can I use the same code for work and rent?
No. Each code is purpose-specific. Generate a separate code for each purpose.
What should I do if my share code does not work?
Check for typing errors, the date of birth, that the code is under 90 days old and that it is the right type. Generate a new code if unsure, or use the troubleshooter above.
Is ShareCodeCheck.org a government website?
No. It is an independent informational website. It is not GOV.UK, the Home Office or UKVI, and it cannot generate or verify share codes.
Someone contacted me asking for my share code. Is that safe?
Only share a code with the employer or landlord you are dealing with. Never share passwords or account access, and only generate codes on the official GOV.UK service.
Not sure which code you need?
Answer two questions and go straight to the right official service.
Find my share code type