You use the uCheck Platform to complete Right to Work checks in line with Home Office guidance.
The Platform can electronically verify passports, but you must still complete several manual checks on the documents.
These steps help you confirm that:
The documents are genuine.
The applicant is allowed to work in the UK.
You understand any work restrictions that apply.
Using Electronic Verification
The uCheck Platform:
Offers an electronic verification service for passports.
Helps you quickly confirm whether a passport appears valid.
However, even when you use electronic verification, you must still perform the manual checks described below.
Manual Checks You Must Complete
To complete a compliant Right to Work check, you must manually check the following.
1. Photographs and date of birth
You must confirm that:
Photographs on the documents match the applicant in front of you.
Dates of birth are consistent across all documents and match what the applicant has provided.
2. Expiry dates and permission to be in the UK
You must check that:
Any expiry dates on visas, residence permits, or other documents have not passed.
The applicant still has valid permission to be in the UK.
3. Work restrictions
You must look for any work restrictions on the documents, such as:
Limits on hours per week (for example, some students can only work a maximum number of hours).
Limits on the type of work they can do.
Conditions that restrict where or for whom they can work.
You must make sure the role you are offering fits within these conditions.
4. Cross-checking dates and details
You must cross-reference:
Dates and personal details on identity documents, and
Dates and details on work permits or immigration documents.
If anything is unclear or you need to verify information:
You may need to contact the appropriate embassy or consulate to confirm the details.
5. Document authenticity and ownership
You must satisfy yourself that:
The documents appear genuine.
They have not been tampered with (for example, no alterations or damage suggesting changes).
They belong to the applicant (photo, name, and personal details all align).
If you have doubts about a document’s authenticity, you should not rely on it.
6. Different names on documents
If the applicant’s documents show different names, you must:
Seek further documentation to explain the difference, such as:
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Divorce certificate
Decree absolute
Deed poll
Adoption certificate
Statutory declaration
Retain copies of these supporting documents:
Upload them on the upload screen in the Platform.
Keep them with the main Right to Work evidence for audit purposes.
Summary
When you check an applicant’s Right to Work documents in uCheck, you must:
Use electronic passport verification where available.
Complete all required manual checks:
Identity consistency (photo, date of birth, names)
Valid permission and expiry dates
Work restrictions
Cross-checked dates and details
Authenticity and ownership of documents
Supporting evidence for any name changes
Following these steps ensures your Right to Work checks are thorough, compliant, and correctly recorded.