HR Hub

Right-to-work checks from April 2022

From 6 April 2022 holders of biometric cards will only be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK by using the Home Office online service. Employers will also be able to use certified technology to carry out digital identity checks on new employees.

Right to work checks for biometric card holders from 6 April 2022

Currently employers can carry out a manual right-to-work check on biometric card holders, as well as an online right to work check. However, it will no longer be possible to conduct manual checks from 6 April 2022. To complete an online right-to-work check, the visa holder will first need to generate a right-to-work share code online and share this with their employer. The employer then will use the share code, along with the visa holder’s date of birth, to check the prospective employee’s right to work online. This will confirm whether the individual has a right to work and the date their leave expires. This will only apply to right-to-work checks conducted on or after 6 April 2022 – there is no requirement to complete retrospective checks. See Right to work checks - an employer’s guide. The current system for adjusted right-to-work checks because of COVID-19 will however remain in place until 5 April 2022 – this allows employers to undertake valid right-to-work checks ‘remotely’ instead of in-person.

Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT)

Identity document validation technology (IDVT) is the digital tool that the Home Office intends to make available after adjusted right to work checks end. The new tool will allow individuals who are not able to access existing online right-to-work checks, such as British and Irish citizens, to upload images of their physical right to work documents and have these analysed remotely to verify their identity.

The tool will be offered by one or more private sector identity service providers, which will have to apply for and receive certification. It is not yet known whether the technology itself will be ready to deploy by 6 April 2022. If it’s not ready on time, it is possible that adjusted checks may be extended.

No details have been provided yet on how employers will access IDVT, and what the cost will be. It seems likely that any cost will be borne by employers.