Working While Studying: Options For International Students At Solent Uni

International students at Solent University can work in the UK during their studies. The university provides international students with information on working in the UK, visas, and other aspects of student life. International students on a Student Visa can attend a 'Student visa compliance talk', which explains their rights and obligations towards study and work. Students can also apply for a National Insurance Number, which is required to work in the UK. The university's careers service provides students with information on job vacancies, career planning, and other aspects of working during and after their studies.

International students at Solent Uni can work in most paid roles

International students at Solent University can take up most types of paid roles. Students on a Student Visa can apply for and accept jobs in most paid roles at any level. However, there are restrictions on the type of employment permitted under a Student Visa. For example, students cannot set up their own business or be self-employed during their course. But they can prepare a business plan to launch their business after their studies. The Start-up visa scheme is open to graduates who have a business plan and wish to set up their business in the UK. Successful applicants will be granted a two-year visa to stay in the UK and build their business.

International students can also switch to the Skilled Worker Visa towards the end of their studies. The Global Talent Visa is another option for talented and promising individuals in specific fields who wish to pursue their careers in the UK. There are two routes within this visa type: Exceptional Talent and Exceptional Promise.

Additionally, Solent University provides a dedicated careers service that supports students with information on job vacancies, career planning, and every aspect of working during and after their studies. Students can also attend the 'Student visa compliance talk', which explains their rights and obligations towards study and work. The 'Life as an international student in Southampton' talk also provides information about working rights in the UK.

To work in the UK, international students will need to apply for a National Insurance Number. They will require their visa and UK address to start this process.

Students need a National Insurance Number to work in the UK

International students at Solent University can work in the UK, but they must attend the 'Student visa compliance talk', which explains their rights and obligations towards study and work. Students can also attend the 'Life as an international student in Southampton' talk, which provides information about working rights.

National Insurance contributions help finance the National Health Service (NHS). By making contributions, students also build up their entitlement to certain social security benefits, including the State Pension. Students do not need a National Insurance Number to start an application for benefits or a student loan. If a National Insurance Number is required to receive a benefit or student loan, the student will be contacted and told how to get one.

There are restrictions on the type of employment permitted under a Student Visa

International students at Solent University can refer to the ''Student visa compliance talk' to understand their rights and obligations towards study and work. They can also attend the 'Life as an international student in Southampton' talk, which will provide information about working rights in the UK.

In addition, there are limits to the number of hours that can be worked on a Student Visa. For degree-level studies, the maximum is 20 hours per week during term time, including paid or unpaid work for one or more organizations. This limit cannot be averaged over a longer period. The University's working restrictions may be stricter than the number of hours allowed on a Student Visa.

It is important to understand the rules about working in the UK, as the consequences of breaching visa conditions can be serious. Working breaches are a criminal offence and can result in fines, imprisonment, and removal from the UK. It can also impact the University's ability to recruit and retain international students and staff.

Students can switch to the Skilled Worker Visa route towards the end of their studies

International students at Solent University can work in the UK during and after their studies. To do so, they must apply for a National Insurance Number and have their visa and UK address.

• They must have completed the course they were sponsored to study.
• They must have a confirmed job offer from an approved employer.
• They must have a valid 'certificate of sponsorship' (CoS) from their employer, which outlines the role they've been offered.
• They must be paid a minimum salary, which depends on the type of work and the date the CoS was obtained. From 4 April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker Visa is £38,700 per year. However, new graduates may qualify for a lower salary of £30,960 if they are considered a new entrant or have a Ph.D.
• They must be able to prove their identity and provide any necessary documents.
• They must have their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken.
• They must not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until they receive a decision on their application.

It is important to note that the partner or child of an individual switching to a Skilled Worker Visa will not automatically have their visas switched as well. They must apply separately, either simultaneously or before their current visa expires.

The Start-up Visa scheme is open to graduates with a business plan

International students at Solent University can work in the UK, but they need to apply for a National Insurance Number first. Students can also take advantage of student discounts.

To work in the UK, international students must have their visa and address in the UK to start the process of applying for a National Insurance Number. Students arriving in the UK on a Student Visa are advised to attend the 'Student visa compliance talk', which explains their rights and obligations towards study and work. The 'Life as an international student in Southampton' talk also provides information about working rights.

International students at Solent University can also work on developing their business ideas. The university's Solent Start-Ups team provides current students and recent graduates with one-to-one support, workshops, and funding to help them launch or grow their ventures. However, student visa students are not permitted to be self-employed or engaged in business activity, including setting up a business.

The Start-up Visa scheme, which was previously available to graduates with a business plan, is no longer offered. The UK government has ended the Start-up Visa route, with the final deadline for endorsement applications passing on April 13, 2023. The University of Greenwich, for instance, was an endorsing body for the Start-up Visa, assessing business plans and endorsing eligible candidates. Now, graduates seeking to establish a business in the UK may consider applying for an Innovator Founder Visa.

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