Guidance

Right to work checklist

A list for employers to check if their staff have the right to work in the UK.

Documents

Details

The adjustments to right to work checks introduced on 30 March 2020 as part of the response to COVID-19 ended on 30 September 2022.

More information can be found in the guidance about the adjusted process.

Since 1 October 2022, employers must carry out the checks as set out in the guidance.

This checklist explains the types of documents that are acceptable for checking an employee’s right to work and how long the check is valid for.

Check if someone can work in the UK using our quick answer tool.

If you’re reasonably satisfied that the worker has an outstanding application with the Home Office that was made before their previous leave expired or has an outstanding appeal against a Home Office decision, you can get a Positive Verification Notice from the Employer Checking Service.

The illegal-working penalties collection includes all documents for employers on preventing illegal working.

Published 16 May 2014
Last updated 13 March 2023 + show all updates
  1. Updated to reflect the changes made on 28 February to the Right to work checks: an employer's guide.

  2. Updated information for employers carrying out right to work checks from 1 October.

  3. Updated 'Employers' right to work checklist' HTML accessible document as some acceptable documents have been removed from the list and new information added about Identity Service Providers. Removed 'Employers' right to work checklist' PDF document.

  4. Accessible version of checklist added.

  5. The right to work checklist has been updated in line with legislation change.

  6. Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) there are temporary changes to the way you can check documents. Added a link to guidance about the adjusted process.

  7. New Right to Work checklist in line with legislation change, added.

  8. Updated document

  9. added link to new online employer checking service form

  10. First published.