A Right to Work share code is a unique, 9-character alphanumeric string (typically starting with the letter ‘W’) that allows an employer to verify your immigration status in real-time. It is the only legal way for non-British/Irish citizens to prove their employment eligibility in the UK today.
As of February 16, 2026, the Home Office has moved entirely to a “Digital-by-Default” border and immigration system, meaning physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer accepted for new employment checks. To secure your position, you must generate a 9-character alphanumeric code via the official UKVI portal.
How to Get Your Share Code : Step-by-Step Guide
Following this process ensures you meet the Home Office 2026 compliance standards:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Gov.uk “Prove your right to work” service.
- Identify Yourself: Enter the details of the identity document linked to your UKVI account. This can be your biometric passport, National Identity Card, or even an expired BRP (valid for 18 months post-expiry for this specific service).
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enter the 6-digit security code sent to your registered email or phone.
- Select the Purpose: You will be asked why you need the code. Crucially, select “To prove my right to work.” > Note: A “Right to Rent” or “General” code will be rejected by HR systems.
- Retrieve and Share: Your 9-character code (e.g.,
W12-345-67X) will appear. You can email this directly to your employer from the portal or take a screenshot.
| Feature | Right to Work Code | Right to Rent Code |
| Primary Purpose | Proving employment eligibility | Proving eligibility to rent property |
| Code Prefix | Typically starts with ‘W’ | Typically starts with ‘R’ |
| Recipient | Employers or HR Departments | Landlords or Letting Agents |
| Validity Period | 90 Days | 90 Days |
| Data Shared | Employment conditions & photo | Tenancy eligibility & photo |
Watch: How to Get Your UKVI Share Code (Step-by-Step)
If you need a clear visual guide, this video demonstrates the exact process of generating a Right to Work share code in 2026. It walks you through the official UKVI portal, showing you how to navigate the security checks and successfully receive your 9-character code. Watch the tutorial below to see how to handle the Two-Factor Authentication and ensure you select the correct code type to share with your employer.
Share Code Validity & Employer Duties
In 2026, the rules around code validity are strict to prevent identity fraud.
| Feature | Requirement (2026 Standards) |
| Code Validity | 90 Days from generation |
| Format | Must start with ‘W’ (for Work) |
| Employer Check | Must be verified via the Employer Checking Service |
| Identity Link | Must match the photo displayed in the UKVI portal |
Troubleshooting: Common 2026 Issues
As a cybersecurity professional, I’ve noted that the 2026 rollout has a few technical quirks:
- “Details do not match”: This usually happens if you have a new passport that hasn’t been synced to your UKVI account yet. Revisit our Passport Linking Guide to fix this.
- Security Code Lag: During peak hours (9 AM – 11 AM GMT), 2FA codes can take up to 10 minutes. Do not click “Resend” multiple times, as this will invalidate the previous code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a 'Right to Rent' code for a job?
No. The "Right to Rent" code (starts with 'R') and "Right to Work" code (starts with 'W') are not interchangeable. Your employer's portal will show an "Invalid Purpose" error if you provide the wrong one.
Do British or Irish citizens need a share code?
No. British and Irish citizens prove their right to work using their physical or digital passports. If you are a dual citizen, ensure you are using your British/Irish documents to avoid unnecessary digital hurdles.
