To manage your UK immigration status, understand the two key identifiers: your Home Office reference number and a UK share code. Your Home Office reference number (GWF or UAN) identifies your visa application or case, typically found on decision emails or application PDFs. A UK share code is a temporary digital credential, generated from your UKVI account, which allows third parties to view your immigration status; it is distinct from your GWF or UAN.
What is a UK Share Code and What is it Used for?
A UK share code allows individuals to prove their immigration status digitally for purposes like work or renting. As of 2025, the UK has fully transitioned from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to a digital eVisa system. This system is now the sole method for foreign nationals to demonstrate their legal rights within the United Kingdom. For more details on this transition, refer to our guides on UK eVisa replacing visa stickers and the UK Digital eVisa for Kenyan travellers.
Generating a valid UK share code allows authorities, employers, and landlords to verify an individual's legal status directly against Home Office records. This digital token replaces older physical documents, removing the risk of loss or forgery during verification checks.
How Do You Get a UK Share Code Online?
Generating a UK share code online follows a precise process on the official UK government portal. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) structures this task into distinct phases.
Accessing the Official GOV.UK Website
The process begins on the GOV.UK immigration portal. Navigating directly to the government's official service ensures interaction with the secure Home Office system.
Avoid third-party websites claiming to speed up the process, as these may compromise personal data. Always check for the ".gov.uk" domain extension before entering any information.
Verifying Your Identity and Personal Details
Identity verification is required for system access. You must enter your identity document number, date of birth, and the mobile number or email address registered with your UKVI account. For assistance with logging in, consult our UK Visa Login Portal Guide.
The system sends a one-time passcode to your registered contact method to authorise the session. Entering this code provides secure access to your digital immigration profile.
Generating and Saving Your Specific Share Code
After successful authentication, the portal displays your current immigration status and offers an option to generate a code. You must select the correct reason for sharing your status, such as for work or renting, to ensure the code is valid for the recipient's check.
Saving this code by email, as a PDF, or as a secure screenshot makes the credential ready for immediate use with the requesting party.
What is a UK Share Code's Validity Period?
Each UK share code is valid for exactly 90 days from the moment it is generated. This strict expiration date requires careful management.
| Status Lifecycle Phase | Validity Timeline | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| Active Code | Days 1 to 90 | Provide to an employer or landlord for compliance checks. |
| Expiration | Day 90 | The code expires automatically at 23:59 GMT. |
| Expired Code | Day 91 onwards | A new code must be generated via the UKVI portal. |
You must generate a new code once the 90-day period ends. Visa holders should time code generation with their employment or tenancy finalisation to avoid administrative delays.
How Do EU Citizens Get a UK Share Code?
European Union citizens with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) use the same digital system as other foreign nationals. UKVI has aligned EUSS digital profiles with standard eVisa requirements.
EU nationals authenticate using the national identity card or passport linked to their original EUSS application. Keeping passport details updated on a UKVI account prevents authentication problems when generating a code.
How to Find Your Home Office Reference Number?
You can find your Home Office reference number primarily as a 16-digit Unique Application Number (UAN) or a Global Web Form (GWF) number. These identifiers are crucial for portal authentication.
Finding Your Reference Number on UKVI Documents
The Home Office includes these reference numbers in its standard documents. Applicants should check the original visa application PDF submitted during their biometric appointment or the official decision email received after approval.
The 16-digit UAN or GWF number is usually located in the top-right corner of the application document or in the subject line of the decision email.
Requesting a Lost Home Office Reference Number
If you have misplaced your original documents, you will need to contact UKVI support services directly. Visa holders can submit an online enquiry through the UKVI contact portal with their passport number, full legal name, and date of birth.
The resolution team typically processes these data retrieval requests within five working days. Keeping digital copies of all correspondence helps prevent this administrative issue.
How to View and Prove Your UK Immigration Status Online?
The eVisa portal serves as the central digital record of your UK immigration profile. Authorised users can review exact visa conditions, including work rights or restrictions, and the permitted length of stay.
This digital profile allows you to check that the Home Office holds correct and current information about your legal status. The system also provides an instant verification channel for third parties. Visa holders should inspect their profile regularly to ensure all details are accurate.
What are Common UK Share Code Errors?
Errors in share code generation often stem from an incorrect sharing purpose, rather than technical portal faults. Share codes have specific letter prefixes that indicate their authorised use.
| Prefix Letter | Intended Use | Common Error Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| W | Right to Work checks | Providing this code to a landlord for a tenancy check. |
| R | Right to Rent checks | Providing this code to an employer for a job check. |
| S | General Status checks | Providing an 'S' code to an employer or landlord. |
For example, giving a general status 'S' code to a hiring manager will cause an immediate verification failure on the employer's portal. You must select the category that matches the recipient's legal compliance check.
How Do Employers and Landlords Use a UK Share Code?
Businesses and landlords have legal duties to perform right-to-work and right-to-rent checks. Employers must enter the 'W' prefixed code and the applicant's date of birth into the dedicated employer verification portal.
Landlords perform identical checks with the 'R' prefixed code on the property-specific government platform. Keeping a digital copy of the portal's verification output provides the statutory excuse against potential civil penalties.
Who is Eligible for a UK Share Code?
Only individuals in specific visa categories have a digital eVisa profile that can produce a share code. This includes people with active digital UKVI accounts, those transitioned from BRPs, and individuals with EUSS status.
Short-term visitors who have a standard stamp in their passport are not part of this digital system. They must prove their status using the physical endorsement in their passport.
What Documents and Information Are Needed for Share Code Generation?
Generating the digital code requires access to your primary identification information. The portal requires specific details to match your identity.
- A valid passport or national identity card registered to your UKVI account.
- An active Home Office reference number (either the 16-digit UAN or GWF).
- Access to the mobile phone or email address registered for two-factor authentication.
What Are Official Home Office Support Channels for Share Code Issues?
Technical problems with the eVisa system must be reported to Home Office technical support. The UKVI Resolution Centre provides dedicated phone lines and digital chat services for status enquiries.
You should have your passport number, full name, and 16-digit UAN ready before making contact. Providing these details helps bypass automated systems and connects you to a caseworker faster.
Understanding Complex UK Immigration Scenarios
Switching between visa categories can sometimes cause temporary sync errors in the UKVI database. For instance, an individual moving from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa might find the system generates a code reflecting their old, expired conditions.
Submitting a formal system update request prompts the database to refresh and show the newly granted status. Auditing your UKVI account immediately after a successful visa application can help identify these issues early.
Best Practices for Managing Your Digital UK Immigration Status
Maintaining legal compliance requires careful attention to eVisa conditions and validity dates. Establishing a routine for checking your profile can prevent verification failures during important employment or housing applications.
Immigration advisors suggest auditing your UKVI account at least twice a year. Confirming that all linked contact details are current ensures you always have access to the share code generation portal.
Key Takeaways on UK Share Codes and Home Office Numbers
The replacement of physical BRPs makes the digital share code a mandatory compliance tool. Visa holders must understand the difference between 'W', 'R', and 'S' prefix codes to avoid delays in employment or housing matters.
Finding and saving your 16-digit UAN or GWF number when you first apply ensures you can always prove your legal status under the current digital framework.