How do I get my share code?
Go to the GOV.UK website and click "View your eVisa and get a share code"
Login to your UKVI account to view your eVisa "Get a share code"
Choose the option that matches what you need your share code to prove
Select "Create a share code".
You'll be shown a 9-character share code and told how long it's valid for.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, the Home Office has a video guide here:
Which type of share code do I need?
There are three different types of share codes and each are used to prove different things.
Type | What is it used for | First letter of the share code |
Right to work | Prove your right to work | Code starts with the letter W |
Right to rent | Prove your right to rent in England | Code starts with the letter R |
Immigration status | Prove for anything else (e.g. accessing financial services like opening up a bank account) | Code starts with the letter S |
Only the correct share code type will work. For example, if you're being asked to prove your immigration status but choose right to rent, you will not be able to continue.
You will need to go back to UKVI and get a new code for the correct purpose.
Entering your details
Enter your share code and date of birth, then Continue.
The screen will tell you which type of code you need at the top, and which letter your code should start with.
If we already have your date of birth on file, we won't ask for it again. (My date of birth is wrong and I can't edit it?)
What happens next?
We'll check your details with GOV.UK. This can take up to a minute, so please don't refresh the page.
If everything matches, you'll move straight on to the next step.
I entered everything, but it didn’t work. Why?
If something's wrong, we'll let you know on screen and you can try again or choose a different way to prove your identity.
There are a few possible reasons:
You used the wrong type of share code (e.g. work vs rent)
You share code has been entered incorrectly (try copy and paste instead of typing manually)
You entered the wrong date of birth
Your code has expired (codes are usually valid for 30 days)
There’s a problem with the GOV.UK service (this sometimes happens)
Try again or get a new code from the GOV.UK website.
Is it safe to share my code here?
Yes. Your code is only used securely to check your status with UKVI. It won’t be shared with anyone else.
Share codes expire after 90 days, and you can cancel them any time on the GOV.UK website.