How do I prove my right to work?

What a right to work check is

Before you start a job in the UK, your employer must check that you are allowed to work here. This is called a right to work check. Employers must do it before your job begins.

What you need

Which route you use depends on your situation.

British and Irish citizens cannot get a share code.

How to prove it with a share code

1. Go to the View and prove your immigration status service.
2. Sign in to your UKVI account. You will need the identity document linked to your account (for example your passport, national identity card or biometric residence card) and access to your phone or email.
3. Choose to prove your right to work. The service gives you a share code.
4. Give the share code to your employer.
5. Your employer checks your status online.

A share code lasts 90 days. You can use it as many times as you need before it runs out, and you can get a new one at any time.

Your employer cannot turn you down because you chose to show documents instead of a share code, or the other way round.

Using an online identity check

If you have a British or Irish passport or passport card, your employer may use an identity service provider. This is a company that checks your document digitally. Your employer will tell you if they use one.

If you cannot prove your right to work

This can happen if you are waiting for a Home Office decision, are appealing, or came to the UK a long time ago and have no documents (for example, the Windrush generation).

• Your employer can ask the Home Office through the Employer Checking Service.
• If you are part of the Windrush generation, the Windrush Scheme may help you get documents.
• If you have trouble with your UKVI account or eVisa, use the account recovery options or contact UKVI.

After the check

• Your employer keeps a record of the check.
• If your permission to work has an end date, your employer must check again before it runs out.
• Keep your UKVI account details up to date so you can get new share codes.

Why employers take this seriously

An employer who does not do the right checks can get a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker. Knowingly employing someone without the right to work can mean an unlimited fine and up to 5 years in prison. A correct check protects the employer from the civil penalty.

Employers with questions can call the Home Office Business Help Desk on 0300 790 6268.

Related guides

• How do I get a share code to prove my immigration status?
• What is an eVisa and how do I get access to mine?
• How do you do a right to rent check?
• How do I get a National Insurance number?

Where this comes from

• Prove your right to work to an employer (GOV.UK)
• View and prove your immigration status: get a share code (GOV.UK)
• Check a job applicant's right to work (GOV.UK)
• Penalties for employing illegal workers (GOV.UK)
• Check an employee's right to work: Employer Checking Service (Home Office)