Share code — how to get it and which prefix to choose
Updated 23 May 2026
A 9-character share code is generated in your UKVI account at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status. It is valid for 90 days. You can reuse it with several checkers. W = Right to Work (employer), R = Right to Rent (landlord, England only), S = everything else (university, bank, council).
Share code is a 9-character code in the format [W/R/S]-XXXX-XXXX. You give it to your employer, landlord or university. They check it on gov.uk. The code is valid for 90 days and you can give it to several checkers. You can generate it for free as many times as you need.
01 3 steps — get a share code
Open gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status → email + password + MFA (SMS or Authenticator). No access? Recover your account →
Choose the purpose:
- Right to Work — for your employer → generates a W-code
- Right to Rent — for a landlord in England → generates an R-code
- Something else — university, bank, council, DVLA, carrier → generates an S-code
The code appears in the format W-XXXX-XXXX (or R / S). It is valid for 90 days. Give it to your employer / landlord — they enter it on gov.uk and visually check your photo.
02 W / R / S — what each prefix means
This is the most common source of mistakes. Wrong prefix = automatic refusal.
| Where it is used | Prefix | URL for checker |
|---|---|---|
| Employer (Right to Work) | W | gov.uk/view-right-to-work |
| Landlord in England (Right to Rent) | R | gov.uk/view-right-to-rent |
| University, bank, council, DVLA, carrier | S | gov.uk/check-immigration-status |
03 Landlord / employer is waiting — what to do right now
- Open gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status on your phone
- Log in to your UKVI account (if you do not have one — recover it 10-15 min or call 0300 790 6268)
- Click «Prove your status» → choose the correct purpose (see the W/R/S table above)
- Give the code and your date of birth to the checker
- The checker enters the code on gov.uk and must visually compare your photo on the screen with you
04 Imposter check — why it is needed
Under UK law (SI 2024/82, 13 February 2024) an employer or landlord must not only enter the share code, but also visually compare the photo on the gov.uk portal with you (in person or by video call).
- This protects you from fraud — someone cannot use your code in their own name
- If the employer does not do the imposter check and hires a fraudster — the fine is £45k-£60k for them, not for you
- Many employers do not know about this requirement — you can refer them to gov.uk employer's right-to-work guide
05 When you do NOT need a share code
Share code is required
- You apply for a job — Right to Work (W-code)
- You rent a home in England — Right to Rent (R-code)
- You apply to a university / open a bank account / council / DVLA (S-code)
- An airline asks for proof of status before your flight (S-code)
Share code is NOT needed
- UK or Irish passport — passport is enough
- Visitor visa — employer and landlord should not ask (this is discrimination)
- Pre-2024 Indefinite Leave to Remain with wet-ink stamp + you have not set up UKVI — physical stamp is still accepted; NTL application is recommended
- Asylum seeker with ARC card — Employer Checking Service instead of share code
06 What is important to know
What is important to know
- 90 days cannot be extended
Code expired — you need to generate a new one. It is free and takes 2 minutes.
- Wrong prefix = automatic reject
Landlord enters a W-code into their Right to Rent portal — they get «code not accepted». Employer enters an R-code — same. Generate the correct prefix.
- Imposter check — your protection
Employer must visually compare your photo on gov.uk with you. If they do not and a fake passes — their fine (up to £60k), not your responsibility.