List A and List B Documents: Complete Guide to Acceptable RTW Evidence
UK employers must verify Right to Work using specific documents defined by the Home Office. Understanding the difference between List A and List B is essential for conducting compliant checks.
Part of the RTW Guide
This article expands on document requirements covered in ourComplete Right to Work Checks Guide.
The Key Difference
List A: Permanent
Documents proving permanent right to work in the UK. One check is sufficient for the entire employment.
No follow-up checks required
List B: Time-Limited
Documents proving time-limited right to work. Follow-up checks required before permission expires.
Must recheck before expiry date
List A Documents (Permanent Right to Work)
If a worker presents a List A document, you only need to check once at the start of employment. Your statutory excuse lasts for the entire duration of employment.
UK Passport
A current or expired UK passport showing the holder is a British citizen or has right of abode.
Irish Passport
A current or expired Irish passport or passport card.
Certificate of Naturalisation/Registration
With current passport showing British citizenship.
Birth/Adoption Certificate (UK)
Full birth or adoption certificate issued in UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man, together with official document showing NI number.
EU Settlement Scheme Status
Proof of settled status (indefinite leave to remain) via online share code check.
List B Documents (Time-Limited Right to Work)
List B is divided into two groups. Group 1 documents give you a statutory excuse until the permission expires. Group 2 documents require verification through the Employer Checking Service.
List B Group 1
Current Passport with Valid Visa
Passport containing a current visa permitting the holder to work in the UK.
eVisa (digital immigration status)
Digital immigration status verified online, replacing the physical BRP card.
Pre-Settled Status
Proof of pre-settled status under EU Settlement Scheme via share code.
Frontier Worker Permit
Current frontier worker permit, if applicable.
List B Group 2
Certificate of Application (COA)
For EU Settlement Scheme applicants awaiting decision, verified via Employer Checking Service.
Application Registration Card (ARC)
For asylum seekers with permission to work, verified via Employer Checking Service.
Positive Verification Notice
Issued by Home Office Employer Checking Service confirming right to work.
Documents NOT Acceptable
- • National Insurance number card alone
- • Driving licence
- • Utility bills or bank statements
- • Letters from previous employers
- • P45 or P60 forms
Follow-Up Check Requirements
For List B documents, you must conduct a follow-up check before the permission expires. Set calendar reminders at least 28 days before expiry.
Best Practice
- Record expiry dates in a tracking system at the time of initial check
- Set alerts 60, 30, and 7 days before expiry
- Conduct recheck and update records before permission expires
- If no valid extension, worker must stop work immediately
Related Articles
Read the Complete Right to Work Guide
Understanding acceptable documents is one part of compliant RTW checks. Our complete guide covers the full process, statutory excuse, and penalties.
Read Full RTW Guide