International Students: Work Rights In The Uk

International students in the UK on a Student Visa are allowed to work, but there are several conditions and restrictions that they must be aware of. These include the type of work, the number of hours, and the time of year. Students must also consider the criteria set by their university and the state before taking on any employment.

Working part-time during studies

International students in the UK are allowed to work part-time while studying, with the permission stated on their visa. Students on a Visitor or Short-Term visa are not allowed to work, but those on a Student Visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. This includes both paid and unpaid work.

Visa Requirements

To be eligible to work in the UK, international students must have a Tier 4 visa, also known as a General Student Visa. Students must also be over the age of 16 to work in the UK.

Work Restrictions

There are several restrictions on the type of work international students can do with a Student Visa. These include:

• No self-employment or business activity (unless under the 'Start-Up' visa route)
• No permanent contracts
• No professional sportsperson or sports coaching roles (unless part of an approved placement)
• No entertainment work (musician, comedian, theatre performances, etc.)
• No work as a doctor or dentist in training (unless enrolled in a foundation program)

Work Opportunities

International students can find part-time work both on and off-campus. The Careers Service at the University can help students find part-time jobs, as well as develop employability skills and meet future employers. There are also recruitment agencies that can help students find part-time and temporary work.

Taxes

Students who work part-time in the UK have the same rights as full-time employees and are subject to the same tax and national insurance (NI) contributions. National Insurance is payable on all income over £166 per week, with 12% of income in NI contributions for earnings between £166 and £962 per week, and 2% for earnings above £892 per week.

Working full-time during vacations

International students in the UK on a Student Visa are allowed to work full-time during vacation periods. This includes undergraduate students, postgraduate taught students (Masters), and postgraduate research students.

However, it is important to note that the definition of "term time" and "vacation period" may vary depending on your university and level of study. For example, during the Christmas and Easter breaks, you are considered to be in an official vacation period. However, if you are undertaking or preparing for re-sits during this period, the UKVI may consider you to be in a term time, and thus subject to the usual term-time work restrictions.

Additionally, if you are on a work placement as part of your course, you may be able to work full-time during term time, as long as the placement does not exceed 50% of the total course length (unless there is a UK statutory requirement for this).

It is also important to remember that Student Visa holders can only work on a temporary basis and cannot be employed on a permanent contract. They are also restricted from certain types of work, such as self-employment, setting up a business, or working as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.

Before taking up any employment, it is essential to carefully check the conditions of your visa and ensure that you do not breach any work restrictions, as this could result in serious legal consequences.

Work placement as part of a degree programme

Work placements are a great opportunity for international students to develop their skills and gain valuable work experience in the UK. They are a crucial component of many UK degrees, allowing students to obtain academic credit, build their expertise, and gain real-world experience.

Here's what you need to know about work placements as part of a degree programme in the UK for international students:

Eligibility:

To be eligible for a work placement as an international student in the UK, you must:

• Hold a valid Student visa.
• Be studying a full-time degree-level course that leads to an approved qualification.
• Ensure that the work placement is assessed as an integral part of your course and not longer than one-third to one-half of the total course length.
• Comply with the guidelines issued by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or UK Home Office.

Work Hours:

International students on a Student visa are typically restricted to working 20 hours per week during university term time. However, if your work placement is an assessed and integral part of your degree programme, you may be able to work full-time during term time, exceeding the usual 20-hour limit.

Visa and Work Permissions:

Your Student visa allows you to undertake a work placement as long as it meets the UKVI guidelines. Work placements are not subject to the same restrictions as general work permissions and can be full-time. If your visa permits employment, you can work in addition to your placement, but be mindful of the total hours worked.

Extending Your Visa for a Placement Year:

If you secure a work placement after starting your course and need additional time in the UK to complete your studies, you will need to extend your visa. You can apply for an extension before or after your work placement, from inside or outside the UK, but you will need to meet the relevant criteria and make associated payments.

Placement Opportunities:

Work placements typically last between six and 12 months and are usually completed during term time between the second and final years of your degree. They provide an opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a professional environment, gain insight into workplace culture, and build transferable skills that will make you more employable upon graduation.

Salaries and Tuition:

Work placements can be paid or unpaid. Salaries for placements can vary, ranging from £12,000 to £24,000 for a full year. Tuition fees may also be reduced during the placement year, so be sure to check with your university.

Finding a Work Placement:

Your university's Placement Team and Careers Service can provide valuable information and support in finding a suitable work placement. It's important to ensure that your placement aligns with your course and career goals and that your sponsor informs the UK Home Office about your work as part of your studies.

Overall, work placements as part of a degree programme offer international students in the UK a fantastic opportunity to enhance their employability, gain practical experience, and boost their career prospects.

Visa requirements for working in the UK

The UK has a structured visa system, offering various routes for individuals seeking work in the country. The type of visa required depends on several factors, including the nature of the employment, the duration of the stay, and the applicant's qualifications and circumstances. Here is an overview of the visa requirements for working in the UK:

Understanding the UK Visa System:

The UK work visa system is part of the broader UK immigration system, categorised under the Points-Based System (PBS). This system assesses applicants based on factors such as skill level, salary, and the nature of the job offer. The PBS ensures that only skilled workers enter the UK for work purposes.

Visa Types for Working in the UK:

The UK does not have a general work visa or permit. Instead, it offers multiple visa routes, mainly focused on skilled workers and specific schemes. Here are some common visa types for working in the UK:

• Skilled Worker Visa: This visa allows individuals to work in an eligible job for an approved UK employer. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer, a certificate of sponsorship, and meet the minimum salary requirements.
• Student Visa: Students on full-time degree-level courses with a Student Visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. They cannot be self-employed or employed as professional sportspeople or entertainers.
• Graduate Visa: This visa allows graduates to work, look for work, or switch to skilled work after completing their degree. The Graduate Route visa is valid for two years and is non-extendable.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: This visa is for individuals working in public sector healthcare, such as doctors, nurses, or social care workers. It is cheaper to apply for and exempt from the annual immigration health surcharge.
• Global Talent Visa: This visa route is for individuals in fields like science, engineering, medicine, etc., who want to work in the UK based on their talent or potential.
• Temporary Work Visas: The UK offers various temporary work visas, including the Seasonal Worker Visa, Charity Worker Visa, and International Agreement Visa. These visas are suitable for specific short-term or seasonal work.
• Business-Related Visas: There are visas for individuals working for their overseas employer in the UK, such as the Global Business Mobility Visa and its variants. These visas cater to senior workers, specialists, graduate trainees, and more.

General Requirements and Application Process:

Regardless of the visa type, there are some general requirements and steps for applying for a UK work visa:

• Eligibility: Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including skill level, salary, English language proficiency, and financial stability.
• Sponsorship: Most work visas require a job offer and sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
• Application Process: Applicants must apply online, providing their details, certificate of sponsorship, proof of English language proficiency, financial documents, and other relevant information. They must also pay the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge.
• Biometric Information: Applicants need to provide their biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs, at a Visa Application Centre.
• Processing Time: Visa processing times vary but are generally within three weeks for applications made outside the UK. Applicants may be able to pay for expedited processing.

Rights and Restrictions:

It is important to understand the rights and restrictions associated with each visa type. For example, some visas allow dependents to join the primary visa holder, while others have restrictions on the type of work or the number of working hours permitted.

In summary, the UK offers various visa routes for individuals seeking work in the country, each with its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria. Understanding the correct visa type and carefully following the application process is essential for a successful UK work visa application.

Types of jobs international students can't do in the UK

International students in the UK are allowed to work while studying, as long as they are studying full-time at a university listed on the official UKVI Sponsor list and the list of "recognised bodies". International students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during the holidays. However, there are certain types of jobs and work that international students are prohibited from doing.

International students on a Student visa are not allowed to be self-employed or engage in business activity. This includes setting up a business as a sole trader or under a partnership arrangement and trading or establishing a trading presence. It also includes being employed by a company in which the student owns 10% or more of the shares, or working for a company in which the student also holds a statutory role, such as a director.

Students on a Student visa are also not allowed to fill a permanent full-time vacancy. They can only work on a temporary basis. Additionally, they cannot be employed as an entertainer or professional sports person, including as a coach.

Furthermore, students on a Visitor or Short-Term Study visa are not allowed to do any kind of work, work placement, or work experience during their studies in the UK.

Frequently asked questions