Last Updated on October 30, 2024 by admin
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Whether you are looking to work, stay, or study in the UK, an individual must provide documents such as a Share Code. This is after immigration laws have changed since the UK decided to leave the European Union. Foreign nationals wishing to work in the UK must provide those documents via the government’s online search service to check their identity.
The right-to-work Share Code system is used in the UK to manage complex immigration control issues for non-UK workers who want to be employed in the country.
To help guide you through the difficult process of obtaining a Share Code to check whether an employee meets the requirements for the right to work in the UK, here is a comprehensive guide to help employers get a Share Code.
What is a Share Code?
A Share Code is a unique 9-character code made up of numbers and letters issued by the UK Home Office. This permits individuals to share their immigration information with employers, landlords, or any other person online.
Use of this code can determine whether one has the right to work, study, reside, or even have access to public services in the UK.
People have to sign in on an online platform created by the UK government and follow directives for them to get this Share Code. The recipient of a Share Code can use it later on to find out about his immigration status and rights.
Why use right-to-work Share Code?
A Share Code is often used to securely share specific information or access between users. A Share Code has many benefits such as:
Increased security: Share Codes guarantee that only authorised people have access to particular information or services, thus minimising the chances of unauthorised access.
Convenient: Share Codes can be generated, and shared easily allowing quick granting of access.
Tracking: This allows you to keep track of who has previously accessed the information or service hence making it applicable for monitoring and auditing purposes.
Simplicity: They make it easier to provide access without sharing confidential data such as passwords.
Time-limited access: One can create Share Codes that will only last for a while thus giving temporary access without permanent security threats.
Who can get a Share Code?
The Share Code can be issued to people with UK immigration status that requires verification. These include:
European Union, EEA, and Switzerland, or previously settled in the EU settlement system.
Non-Europeans with a biometric residence permit or card.
British citizens with immigration status.
These individuals can use the UK government’s online service to provide a Share Code, which can then be shared with employers, landlords, or other interested parties to secure their right to access public services in Britain for work, rent, or control purposes.
Who cannot get a Share Code?
Not everyone qualifies for a Share Code that demonstrates their UK work rights.
British and Irish citizens: They cannot possess a share code. They can use their passport or other papers as proof of eligibility to work.
There is no UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account: In case you do not have any such account, it’s impossible to create one or get a Share Code.
Types of immigration status: You may not be able to get your Share Code if you have a pending appeal or application with the Home Office. Moreover, those who came to the UK before 1989 may not have the needed documents confirming their right to work.
What do I need to prove my right to live and work in the UK?
For British or Irish nationals, you require either a current or expired British passport or an Irish one. Alternative identity documents include:
- British Adoption/Birth Certificate
- Proof that you were registered/naturalised as a British national
- An official letter from a former employer/govt agency containing your name and SSN
Non British citizens also referred to Non Irish citizens must apply for a Share Code that will serve as evidence that they are allowed to work within the United Kingdom. You will also need immigration documents such as:
- A valid passport verified by the Home Office.
- Immigration status document.
- Application registration card (for those awaiting a decision on their asylum application)
How do I generate a Share Code in the UK?
1. Collect all essential documents that are needed to create a Share Code. Your BRP number, BRC number or passport, chip card, etc. will be required here.
How to Generate Share Code: A biometric residence permit (BRP) is issued to non-UK nationals serving as a secure ID card indicating one has been allowed to reside, work, or study in the UK. The BRP has on it;
Some of your private details like name, date, and place of birth.
- Biometric information including fingerprints and photographs.
- Location in which you are allowed to base yourself for work, stay, and learn within the UK.
- Public services show whether you have access to public funds, health services, and social security.
2. Log in to your GOV.UK account using the ID from their visa application.
3. Choose your immigration status as shown on the screen. You can choose one of the following:
- I have a UK Visa and Immigration account
- I have a biometric residence card or permit
- I have status under the EU Payment System
4. Provide identity documents. If you have a UKVI account or status under the EU Payment System, provide an identity document such as a passport, ID card, biometric residence card, or permit. If you have a biometric residence card or permit, you will be asked to enter your BRC number or BRP number.
5. Enter your date of birth.
6. Verify your identity by choosing how you want to receive a security code to verify.
7. Receiving a 6-digit verification code will be sent to the option you have selected to receive the code. You can access your account via phone or email.
8. View your immigration status once you log in. You can see if you can proceed and generate a clearance code.
9. Generate a clearance code if your immigration status allows you to. The system will generate a 9-digit alphanumeric code for you.
10. Share the code with your employer: Sharing this code along with your date of birth with your employer will facilitate the work permit verification and onboarding process.
How does the employer work permit check work?
The employer must obtain the applicant’s original passport, online authentication clearance code, and biometric residence permit proving his/her right to work in the UK.
Ensure that the applicant’s documents are genuine, original, and not forged. The photo on the applicant’s document and the date of birth must match with government records.
Once the documents have been verified, the employer must ensure that the applicant has permission to do the type of work offered and that the right to work has not expired.
The employer must make clear and unalterable copies of the applicant’s documents. He must be sure to record the expiration date of the passport.
If the applicant’s right to work is restricted, the employer must inspect before the permission expires. Employers can use online services to protect the applicant’s right to work at their workplace.
In conclusion, a Share Code is the secure and fastest way to show that you have a right to work in the UK.
FAQs
Q: How to generate Share Code without BRP?
Ans: If you don’t have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you can still generate a Share Code using other documents. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Visit the UK Government Website to start the process.
- Use Alternative Documents: You can use your passport, national identity card, or details from your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
- Sign In to Your UKVI Account using your passport, national identity card, or the email address associated with your account.
- Generate the Share Code by following the instructions.
Q: Is a Share Code enough to prove the right to work?
Ans: Yes, a Share Code is generally enough to prove your right to work in the UK. When you provide a Share Code, your employer can use it to check your right-to-work status online through the GOV.UK website. This online check will show your immigration status and any conditions of your stay, which is sufficient for most employers. However, it’s always a good idea to have your original documents (like your passport or national identity card) available, just in case your employer needs to see them for verification purposes.
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