Can You Work On A Student Visa UK?
If you are coming to the UK to study, you may be wondering if you can work under the terms of your student visa. We take a look at the requirements for obtaining a student visa and the rules about working once you have moved to the UK.
At Halliday Reeves, we specialise in immigration. We have put together successful student visa applications for many clients from around the globe so that they can come to the UK to study. We can work on your behalf to ensure that your application is as strong as possible and that the right paperwork is included in support.
We know how important it is for you to secure a visa to enable you to take up your place to study and we will make sure you have the support you need throughout the application process. If you have had your application refused, we can advise you of your options and where appropriate put together a fresh application on your behalf.
To speak to one of our expert UK citizenship solicitors, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
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Applying For A UK Student Visa
If you are aged 16 or over, you can apply for a UK student visa, provided you are eligible. You will need to have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. They will provide you with a document known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
You will need to have an adequate level of English and you may need to take a Secure English Language Test to prove this. You will also need to have sufficient funds to pay for the course and support yourself while you are in the UK. Evidence of this is to be provided when your application is sent.
Can I Work On A Student Visa?
Once you have a student visa and you have taken up your place on a course, you may want to work. There are strict rules in place in respect of student visa working hours and it is important that you do not breach them as this could affect your immigration status, particularly if you wish to extend your visa in the future or switch to another visa.
Generally, the visa rules allow students on courses at degree level and above to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time. For full time courses below degree level the limit is 10 hours per week and for all other study work is not permitted. This includes unpaid and voluntary work. If less than 20/10 hours are worked, the remainder cannot be carried forward and no more than 20/10 hours can be worked in any single term time week. A week is defined as being from Monday to Sunday inclusive. You should also note that universities may have their own rules about whether students can work. By way of example, students at Oxford and Cambridge cannot generally work at all during the term time.
Where you are entitled to work during term time; during the holidays, you are allowed to work full-time under the conditions of a student visa, but you cannot sign a permanent contract. You will need to check the official end of term dates with your university. For students on research-based courses, there might not be any holiday time, in which case only 20 hours per week can be worked.
Certain work activities are not permitted under a student visa, including:
- Self-employment
- Working in a business in which you have an interest, unless as an employee
- Taking on a permanent full-time job
- Working as a professional sportsperson, coach or entertainer, even if this is an unpaid position
- Working as a trainee doctor or dentist, unless you are on a foundation programme
Contact Our Student Visa Solicitors
If you need help in applying for a student visa, we will be happy to hear from you. We have an excellent track record of success in putting together student visa applications. We will ensure that your application is comprehensive and that it includes the right evidence to back up your visa request.
We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert UK citizenship lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
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