
The situation
Beginning January 28, 2019, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will allow UK employers to use an online service to check eligible foreign national’s right to work.
A closer look
- Eligible foreign workers. The new service will initially only be available for European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who have been granted settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme and non-EEA nationals who hold UK biometric residence permits.
- Online process. Under the new process, eligible foreign workers will be able to authorise their current or prospective employer to view information regarding their immigration status and can see what information will be shared. Employers can then login with the foreign worker’s date of birth and an access code shared by the foreign worker.
- Right to work confirmation alternatives. The new service is voluntary; employers can continue to request original documents if preferred or utilize the UKVI’s Employer Checking Service when a foreign worker is unable to present original documentation.
Impact
UK employers will be able to secure confirmation of right to work more easily and the new system will remove any uncertainty as to the validity of the right to work check and whether or not the foreign worker has the right to work.
Background
Employers are required to conduct a right to work check on or before the first day of employment for both UK and non-UK nationals. As part of the check, an employee of the UK company is required to inspect the worker’s original right to work documentation; take a clear copy; sign and date the copy; and retain on file. If a foreign worker has an expiration date attached to their status, this must also be tracked. If the check is performed correctly, employers may avoid a civil penalty for employing illegal workers, for example, if the worker used forged documents or is working beyond the conditions of their immigration status.
Looking ahead
UKVI will shortly release new guidance on the use of the new online right to work tool and Fragomen will provide further information as it becomes available.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Video
Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Video
Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Awards
Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Media mentions
Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Awards
The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Video
In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Blog post
Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Fragomen news
Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Media mentions
Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Blog post
Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Video
Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Video
Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Awards
Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Media mentions
Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Awards
The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Video
In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Blog post
Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Fragomen news
Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Media mentions
Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Blog post
Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.