The UK eVisa share code is a simple and secure way to prove your immigration status online. In this Global Law guide, we’ll explain what the share code is, how to use it, and why it’s important for things like working, renting, and accessing services in the UK.

What is UK eVisa share code?

A UK eVisa share code is a unique, secure code that allows you to prove your immigration status digitally. The UK government’s digital immigration system, known as the eVisa system, replaces physical documents like visa stickers and biometric residence permits. For a comprehensive explanation of what the UK eVisa is, please check out our guide.

With the United Kingdom eVisa, you can access and share proof of your immigration status online using a share code. Here are the 3 things you should know about eVisa share code:

• Security and privacy: When you generate a share code, you can choose what information to share, such as your right to work, rent, or stay in the UK. The person or organization checking your status will only see what you’ve allowed them to, and they won’t have access to your entire UKVI account.

• Validity: A share code is valid for 90 days. After this period, it will expire, but you can easily generate a new code whenever needed.

• Easy to use: The code can be shared by email or copied and pasted. The organization can then use the Check Someone’s Immigration Status service to verify your status by entering your date of birth and the share code.

Credit: Home Office/YouTube

What is the use of share code in UK?

You might need the eVisa share code to prove your immigration status for various purposes, including:

• Proving your right to work in the UK to employers.

• Proving your right to stay & rent a property in England to landlords.

• Accessing public services, such as healthcare or benefits.

• Traveling, where your immigration status can be automatically checked at the border or by transport providers.

How to get a UK eVisa share code

Follow these simple steps to generate and share your UK eVisa code:

• Create a UKVI Account: To use the View and Prove Service, you first need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. If you haven’t done so already, explore how to create a UKVI account using our Global Law UK visa guide.

• Sign in to the view and prove service: Once you have your UKVI account, go to the official View and Prove Service page. Sign in with your UKVI account details.

• Choose the purpose for sharing: After signing in, you’ll see options for why you need to share your status. Make sure to select the right reason, so the person checking your status only sees what they need to know. There are three main reasons:

  • Prove your right to work: Share information only about your right to work in the UK.

  • Prove your right to stay: Share information only about your right to rent a property in England.

  • Prove your immigration status for anything else: Share general details about your immigration status.

Credit: Home Office/YouTube

• Check the deails: After you choose the reason for sharing, click Continue. The system will show you exactly what the person or organization will see when they check your status.

Credit: Home Office/YouTube

• Generate the UK share code: If everything looks good, click Create a share code. You can then copy the code or email it to yourself or someone else.

Credit: Home Office/YouTube

How long is a share code valid for UK? The UK share code will expire after 90 days. Once it expires, you can easily create a new code if needed. You don’t need to prove your status again each time, just generate a new code when the old one expires.

How the organization will use the UK share code

Once you give the UK share code to an employer, landlord, or another organization, they can use the Check Someone’s Immigration Status service to view your status. All they need is your date of birth and the share code you provided.

Credit: Home Office/YouTube

In some cases, government organizations like the NHS or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can automatically check your status without needing a share code.

Keep your UKVI account updated

To make sure your UK eVisa works smoothly, it's important to keep your passport, travel documents, and contact details updated in your UKVI account. This ensures that your immigration status is correctly linked to your account, especially when you’re traveling or using public services.

FAQs

Can you work in the UK without a share code?

You can work in the UK without a share code if your immigration status is confirmed through other means, such as a physical visa or residence permit. However, for those using the UK eVisa system, a share code is necessary to prove your right to work to employers. Employers can check your immigration status online using the share code to verify your eligibility to work.

Do UK residents need a share code?

British and Irish citizens do not require a share code to work in the UK. They only need a valid (or expired) British passport, Irish passport or passport card, or another accepted document listed here.

Can a UK citizen get a share code?

No, UK citizens do not need a share code to prove their immigration status, as they are not subject to immigration controls. The share code system is primarily for non-citizens, such as those on visas or with settled status, to prove their right to live, work, or rent in the UK.

Do you need a share code to rent in the UK?

Yes, if you are a non-citizen living in the UK on a visa or with specific immigration status, you may need a share code to prove your right to rent a property. Landlords and letting agents can use the share code to verify your status using the UK government’s online service.

Featured image credit: Home Office/YouTube