- A share code lasts 90 days and can be used as many times as you need before it expires.
- You can get a new share code whenever you need one.
- The person checking enters your code and your date of birth, and sees some of your details rather than your full eVisa.
- For account questions UKVI offers webchat, and GOV.UK lists no phone line for the eVisa service.
What the code is for
Many people with UK immigration status now hold an eVisa, a digital record held by the Home Office, in place of a physical card. The eVisa shows your identity and immigration status, including what rights you have in the UK, such as to work, rent or claim benefits. To prove your status, you generate a share code in your online account and give it to the person checking, who enters it on their own GOV.UK service.
How to get one
- Sign in to the GOV.UK service to view and prove your immigration status. GOV.UK lists the details that work for signing in: a passport, a national identity card, a biometric residence card, an expired biometric residence permit, or a UKVI customer number.
- Have access to the mobile phone number or email registered to the account.
- If you have changed your name or nationality, or need a new photo so you are recognisable, update your account before you share anything.
- Create a share code for the purpose you choose and give it to the person checking.
How long it lasts
A share code lasts 90 days. You can use it as often as you need within that period, and you can get a fresh one whenever you need it.
Who asks for one
| Who | Why |
|---|---|
| An employer | To check your right to work. See right to work checks. |
| A landlord or letting agent | To check your right to rent. See right to rent checks. |
| Anyone checking you when you travel | GOV.UK lists travel as a use for the code. |
Myth and fact
Myth: I need a plastic card or a stamp in my passport to prove status.
Fact: GOV.UK states all BRPs have expired and been replaced by eVisas, and the share code is how status is proved. See fake residence permits and BRPs.
Myth: a helper can create a code for me if I pay them.
Fact: you generate it yourself in your own account. A site charging for a code is not the government service.
Protecting yourself
- Create share codes only from the GOV.UK service, not from a link in a message.
- Share the code with the employer, landlord or organisation that needs it, and nobody else.
- Treat any site that asks you to pay to get a code as suspect; the service is on gov.uk.
- If your account details are wrong, use the account recovery help and webchat that GOV.UK lists. Do not pay anyone to “fix” a record.
Status rules, such as how long an expired biometric residence permit remains usable, have changed recently and are set out on GOV.UK. Check the official page for your situation. For travel authorisation rather than status, see fake UK ETA websites.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a UK share code last?
90 days, according to GOV.UK. You can use it as many times as you need and create a new one at any time.
Where do I get a share code?
On the GOV.UK service for viewing and proving your immigration status.
Who asks for a share code?
Employers carrying out right-to-work checks and landlords carrying out right-to-rent checks are common examples. GOV.UK also lists travel as a use.
What do I need to sign in to my eVisa account?
GOV.UK lists a passport, national identity card, biometric residence card, expired biometric residence permit or UKVI customer number, plus access to the registered mobile number or email.
What does the person I give the code to see?
They enter the code and your date of birth. GOV.UK says it shows some of your personal details, not your full eVisa.
Do I have to update my account before sharing a code?
If you have changed your name or nationality, or need a new photo so you are recognisable, GOV.UK says to update your account first.