How long is a UK eVisa share code valid for?

A UK eVisa share code is valid for exactly 90 days from the date of generation. Once it expires, you can generate a new one instantly for free by logging into your UKVI account on GOV.UK.

Can I use the same share code for my employer and my landlord?

No. You must generate separate share codes for employment and housing checks. GOV.UK issues specific code types ('W' for Work, 'R' for Rent) so third parties only view information relevant to their legal checks.

Do I still need a physical BRP card in 2026?

No. Physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) have been fully phased out by the Home Office. In 2026, your legal immigration status is held entirely online via your digital UKVI account and verified using share codes.

Which share code should I give the DWP for Universal Credit?

When applying for DWP benefits or council assistance, select the option for 'Something else' when prompted on GOV.UK. This generates a share code starting with 'S', which grants the correct verification permissions for public funds.

eVisa Share Code UK Guide: How to Generate & Prove Status (2026)

Last reviewed 6 August 2026. Rates and thresholds change — always confirm current figures on GOV.UK.

What is an eVisa Share Code and How Does It Work in 2026?

With the UK Home Office completing its transition to a fully digital immigration system, physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and passport vignette stamps have been fully replaced by online eVisas. An eVisa share code is the digital key that grants third parties temporary, secure access to view your UK immigration record.

When you generate a share code on GOV.UK, the system creates a unique 9-character alphanumeric string. This code works alongside your date of birth, enabling verified organizations to confirm your visa conditions, expiry dates, and entitlement to public services, employment, or housing.

If you are applying for social support, such as Universal Credit claims, government departments will ask for a specific type of share code to confirm you meet the 'habitual residence' and 'right to reside' criteria under UK immigration rules.

Types of Share Codes and Their Specific Uses

It is vital to generate the correct category of share code for your intended recipient. Providing a landlord code to an employer or the DWP will result in an error, as each code grants access only to relevant background data.

Share Code Type	Code Prefix	Intended Recipient	Permitted Verification Scope
Right to Work	Starts with W	Employers & Recruitment Agencies	Confirms right to work, maximum hours, and employment restrictions.
Right to Rent	Starts with R	Landlords & Letting Agents in England	Confirms permission to rent residential property in accordance with immigration law.
Something Else / Benefits	Starts with S	DWP, Local Councils, NHS, & Banks	Confirms legal stay, recourse to public funds, and eligibility for Housing Benefit applications.

Each generated code remains active for 90 days from the moment of creation. You can issue the same active code to multiple recipients within that same category before it expires.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Generate Your Share Code

Generating your digital share code is straightforward and takes less than five minutes through the official GOV.UK portal.

Access the Portal: Go to the official GOV.UK page titled 'View and prove your immigration status'.
Sign In to Your UKVI Account: Enter the identity document details used to set up your account (such as your passport or former BRP card) and your date of birth.
Security Verification: Enter the 6-digit security code sent to your registered mobile phone number or email address.
Select Purpose: Choose why you need to share your status (Work, Rent, or 'Something else' for benefits, councils, and banking).
Receive and Share: Copy the generated 9-character code and forward it to the requesting organization along with your date of birth.

Always double-check that your personal details on your UKVI account match your current identity documents exactly to avoid processing delays.

Proving Your Status for Benefits and Emergency Council Support

If you are applying for local welfare assistance, emergency grants, or Council Tax Support, local authorities require digital proof of your immigration status before disbursing funds.

Important DWP & Council Guideline: When proving status for benefit claims or emergency funds, always select the 'Something else' option on GOV.UK. Generating a 'Right to Work' code for a welfare claim will cause an automatic rejection on the DWP system.

Under Home Office regulations, individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) settled status, or refugee status generally have full recourse to public funds. Your share code instantly verifies this status for local benefit officers, removing the need to send original physical passports through the post.

Troubleshooting Common eVisa Share Code Issues

While the digital system simplifies verification, applicants occasionally encounter technical barriers when generating or using share codes. Below are common solutions:

Code Has Expired: Share codes expire automatically after 90 days. If your check takes longer, simply log back into your UKVI account and click 'Generate new code'.
System Mismatch Error: If an employer or council officer states the code is invalid, ensure they are using the dedicated Home Office checking service for organizations, rather than the user portal.
Outdated Account Details: If you get a new passport or change your mobile number, update your UKVI account immediately using the GOV.UK 'Update your UKVI account details' service.

If technical failures persist, contact the UKVI Resolution Centre directly via GOV.UK to request manual identity verification support. Always re-confirm current guidelines on GOV.UK before acting.