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Guidance

Right to work checklist

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

Updates to this page

From:
UK Visas and Immigration and Immigration Enforcement
Published:
16 May 2014
Last updated:
1 October 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated information for employers carrying out right to work checks from 1 October 2026.

  2. Updated the employers' right to work checklist to reflect the use of eVisas rather than physical immigration documents.

  3. Updated the employers' right to work checklist.

  4. Updated to reflect the changes made on 28 February to the Right to work checks: an employer's guide.

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

  6. 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.

  7. Accessible version of checklist added.

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

  9. 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.

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

  11. Updated document

  12. added link to new online employer checking service form

  13. First published.

Documents

Employers' right to work checklist (accessible version)

HTML

Employers' right to work checklist

PDF, 290 KB, 9 pages

Details

This checklist explains the types of documents that are acceptable for checking a worker’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.

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