ISSO - Working on your student visa

A few notes before we start



We will start shortly



The session is being recorded



Please keep video and microphone off



You will ask questions in the Chat at the end of the presentation

Working on your Student visa Delivered by International Student Support

Shout out (in the chat box☺) What is the ONE question you have about work and Student visas?

How many hours can I work?

20 hours per week 

"Week" means a 7-day period starting on a Monday.

 You are responsible for making sure that you do not exceed your weekly limit. 

Keep detailed records of your hours especially if you work irregular hours and/or have more than one employer.



Your employer may not know about the work you do elsewhere.

Full-time hours 

‘Full time’ is defined by your employer.

Types of Contracts 

You cannot fill a ‘full time permanent’ vacancy.



Stick to temporary/fixed term contracts during this time



www.gov.uk/contract-types-and-employer-responsibilities

Undergraduate students

Term 1 (SeptDec)

Term 2 (Jan-Mar)

Term 3 (Apr-Jun)

• 20 hours/week

• 20 hours/week

• 20 hours/week

Christmas vacation

Easter vacation

Summer vacation

• Full time hours

• Full time hours

• Full time hours

Postgraduate Taught(Masters) students

Term 1 (SeptDec)

Term 2 (Jan-Mar)

Term 3 (Apr-Jun)

Summer (Jun-Sept)

• 20 hours/week

• 20 hours/week

• 20 hours/week

• 20 hours/week

Christmas vacation

Easter vacation

After prog. end date

• Full time hours

• Full time hours

• Full time hours

Postgraduate Research students Throughout studies

Between viva and corrections

• 20 hours/week

• 20 hours/week

Between submitting initial thesis and viva • Full time hours

After final corrections • Full time hours

Part-time students 

Work is not permitted on a part time Student visa

How do I evidence my Right to Work? 

Right to Work letter



Share code

www.gov.uk/prove-right-towork/get-a-share-code-online

Can I work full time on a work placement?

Courses with placements 

Does your programme include an official placement?



Full time work is permitted while on the placement



Do not need to apply for a new visa



Normal work hour limits apply outside the placement

Can I work on an internship?

Internships 

Internships are not officially part of a programme so considered in the same way as work



Remote internships are treated the same as office-based roles



Paid and unpaid internships both count towards 20-hour limit

What about working for employers outside the UK?

Working for employers outside the UK



Any work you do when you are physically in the UK counts towards the weekly limit.



No specific exceptions for working for an employer who is outside the UK.



Includes work conducted and sourced online.

Can I start my own business?

Self-employment

NOT allowed on a Student visa  Providing services for profit, including online and through apps.  Tutoring, babysitting, dog-walking  Contractor/freelance  Making or buying items to sell on eBay, Amazon, Etsy, craft fairs, etc.  Buying and selling of stocks, shares or currency in order to make money is

likely to be seen as business activity so should be avoided

 Mining and active trading of cryptocurrency also considered a business

activity

Any other restrictions?

Other conditions



Cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach



Cannot work as an entertainer

Warning!

Where do I go for more info?

Resources 

International Student Support



Employer's guides



UKCISA: website and advice line www.ukcisa.org.uk/Abo ut-UKCISA/Contact-us



Citizen's Advice: www.citizensadvice exeter.org.uk/



Career Zone