GOV.UK Right to Work Checking Service

Overview

GOV.UK Right to Work Checking Service lets employers check a job applicant’s permission to work in the UK. To start an online check, an employer needs the applicant’s date of birth and right to work share code; the result shows permitted work types and, when permission is time-limited, how long it lasts. British and Irish citizens cannot get share codes, so employers must check physical documents or use an identity service provider offering Identity Document Validation Technology. The accompanying employer guidance covers initial checks, acceptable documents, and follow-up checks. Employers must check again when time-limited permission is due to expire. For manual checks, they must record the check date and keep document copies throughout employment and for two years after it ends, while following data protection law. In specified cases where an applicant cannot show documents or online immigration status, employers must ask the Home Office to check status and keep the resulting Positive Verification Notice. The service is web-based and free. The page also lists an Employer Enquiry helpline with weekday hours.

Who it is for

It suits employers checking whether applicants can work in the UK and managing follow-up checks. Employers using manual document checks should also be prepared to record and retain documents as directed.

Compared on right to work verification software

Free plan

Yesgov.uk

Verification method

share codegov.uk

Document capture

Nogov.uk

Facts

Purpose

The service lets employers check a job applicant’s right to work in the UK.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Check results

It shows the types of work the applicant is allowed to do and how long they can work in the UK if their permission has a time limit.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

What employers need

To use the online check, an employer needs the applicant’s date of birth and right to work share code.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Access

The GOV.UK page links to the right to work service to start a check online.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Eligibility limit

British and Irish citizens cannot get a share code, so employers must check their physical documents or use an online identity service provider.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Alternative checks

Employers can check original documents or use an identity service provider that offers Identity Document Validation Technology.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Follow-up checks

Employers need to check documents again when an employee’s time-limited right to work is due to expire.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Record keeping

For manual document checks, employers must keep copies during employment and for 2 years after the person stops working, and record the check date.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Data protection

The guidance tells employers to follow data protection law when copying and keeping documents.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Home Office escalation

If an applicant cannot show documents or online immigration status in specified circumstances, employers must ask the Home Office to check their status.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Confirmation

The Home Office sends a Positive Verification Notice to confirm the applicant has the right to work, and the employer must keep it.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Support

The page lists the Employer Enquiry helpline, available Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4:45pm and Friday from 9am to 4:30pm.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Audience

The employer’s guide explains how employers check people before employing them to make sure they are allowed to work in the UK.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Compliance guidance

The employer’s guide covers initial and follow-up checks and acceptable documents for manual checks.gov.uk · 4 Oct 2026

Where it ranks on Specifiction

• Best Right to Work Verification Software in 2026#5 of 22

Sources

• gov.uk/view-right-to-work· checked 4 Oct 2026
• gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work· checked 4 Oct 2026
• gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-c· checked 4 Oct 2026