FAQ

I am an employer, landlord or service provider who needs to get proof of an EU citizen’s settlement status. What do I need to ask for? What is a share code?

Proof of EU settlement status is only available online for EU citizens. In fact, the Government is moving towards a digital immigration system, so even where people had physical proof like biometric cards or permits, these BRPs / BRCs will have an expiry date of 31 December 2024 at the latest. See https://gov.uk/evisa for more information.

You will need to ask the applicant to provide you with a share code.

If you have been given a share code, select the relevant service below, then enter the share code and the citizen’s date of birth in order to view their status information and conduct the relevant check. There are three types of share code (starting with the letters W, R or S), and it is very important that you use the correct website to check each share code. A right to rent share code won't work on the website to check someone's right to work for example.

The share code can be used as many times as needed within 90 days of being generated. At the end of the 90 days, the code will no longer be valid, and you will no longer be able to access the information unless you are provided with another code.

Important: someone who is still waiting for a decision from the Home Office has all their rights protected. You must not discriminate against them.

Links to guidance and checking websites:

Employers:

• The share code you have been given should start with the letter 'W'
• Check right to work at https://www.gov.uk/view-right-to-work
• Employer checking service if citizen cannot generate a share code https://www.gov.uk/employee-immigration-employment-status
• Guidance at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checks-employers-guide

Landlords:

• The share code you have been given should start with the letter 'R'
• Check right to rent at https://www.gov.uk/view-right-to-rent
• Landlord checking service if citizen cannot generate a share code: https://eforms.homeoffice.gov.uk/outreach/lcs-application.ofml
• Guidance at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landlords-guide-to-right-to-rent-checks

Other service providers:

• The share code you have been given should start with the letter 'S'
• Check immigration status at https://www.gov.uk/check-immigration-status

Important note for banks and finanical providers:

Please take note of the Government's guidance Residence documents: information for financial providers which states clearly that eVisas are a way of providing proof of both identity and immigration status.