Right to work checks are a normal part of starting a job in the UK. Employers must check that a person is allowed to work before employment begins. For applicants, this usually means providing identity documents or using an online checking process.
The documents needed depend on your nationality, immigration status and whether your right to work is shown through physical documents or a digital status.
Passport
A passport is one of the most common documents used for right to work checks.
You may be asked for:
- UK passport
- Irish passport
- passport with visa or immigration permission
- passport showing relevant endorsement
- expired UK or Irish passport, where accepted
- share code, if your status is digital
The employer must check the document properly, so make sure the passport is clear, valid where required and shows your current name.
Share code
Many people now prove their right to work online using a share code. This applies to people with certain digital immigration statuses.
You may need:
- share code
- date of birth
- online right to work profile
- passport or identity document linked to your status
Share codes expire, so generate one close to the time your employer needs it.
Biometric residence permit or digital status
Some people may have used a biometric residence permit in the past, but many immigration records are now moving towards digital status checks.
Your employer may ask you to prove your status online rather than relying only on a physical card.
Check that your online status is correct before your start date.
Birth certificate
Some UK citizens may use a birth certificate together with another official document, depending on the employer’s checking route.
You may also need evidence showing your national insurance number, such as:
- payslip
- P45
- P60
- HMRC letter
- national insurance letter
A birth certificate alone may not be enough.
National insurance evidence
Employers often need your national insurance number for payroll, but it can also support certain right to work checks when used with other documents.
Useful documents include:
- national insurance letter
- HMRC letter
- payslip
- P45
- P60
- benefits letter
Make sure your name matches your identity documents or provide name change evidence.
Name changes
If your documents show different names, your employer may ask for evidence linking them.
This can happen after marriage, divorce, deed poll or adoption.
Useful documents include:
- marriage certificate
- change of name deed
- divorce document
- adoption certificate
- statutory declaration
- previous passport
It is better to prepare this before your first day.
Proof of address
Proof of address is not always a right to work document, but employers may request it for HR, payroll, background checks or onboarding.
Common documents include:
- bank statement
- utility bill
- council tax bill
- driving licence
- tenancy agreement
- HMRC letter
The document should usually be recent and show your current address.
Students and restricted work
Students with limited work permission may need to show extra evidence, especially during term time.
This may include:
- share code
- visa status
- course timetable
- term dates
- university letter
- passport or identity document
Employers may need to confirm how many hours you can work.
Common mistakes to avoid
Right to work checks can be delayed by simple issues.
Common problems include:
- share code has expired
- passport name does not match application
- online status details are incorrect
- document is unclear or damaged
- national insurance evidence shows an old name
- student term dates are missing
- employer receives only a screenshot
- name change evidence is not provided
Final thoughts
Right to work checks are an important part of starting a job in the UK. Employers may ask for a passport, share code, birth certificate, national insurance evidence or immigration status documents depending on your situation.
If your documents show different names, prepare supporting evidence such as a marriage certificate or change of name deed. Having the right documents ready can help your employer complete checks quickly and avoid delays to your start date.