A Right to Work Check is:
An essential part of your recruitment process.
A process you must follow before you employ anyone in the UK.
The purpose is to:
Verify the person’s immigration status.
Confirm whether they have a permanent or time-limited right to work.
What You Must Check
You must check applicable documents that prove the person’s right to work.
These may include, for example:
A passport
A visa or biometric residence permit
Other Home Office–approved documents, depending on the person’s status
By reviewing these documents, you determine whether the individual:
Has a permanent right to work in the UK, or
Has a time-limited right to work that may expire.
When You Must Do the Check
You must:
Complete a compliant Right to Work Check before you employ the person.
This means:
You must not allow someone to start work until you have verified that they are legally allowed to do that work in the UK.
Why Right to Work Checks Matter
If you do not carry out proper Right to Work Checks:
You risk employing someone illegally.
The Home Office can fine you and may take enforcement action.
By completing Right to Work Checks correctly, you:
Protect your organisation from civil penalties.
Show that you are complying with UK immigration law.