recruitment
When and how must an employer carry out a right to work check?
Employers should complete a compliant right to work check before employment begins and retain the required evidence securely.
An employer should check a job applicant's right to work before employment starts. Depending on the applicant, the check may use the Home Office online service, eligible original documents or an approved identity service provider for certain British and Irish passport holders.
The employer must check that the evidence belongs to the applicant, record the date of the check and retain a secure copy for the duration of employment and for two years afterwards. Time-limited permission may require a follow-up check.
This is general information, not legal advice. Use the current Home Office guidance and apply the same non-discriminatory process to all applicants.