Halliday Reeves

Specialist Immigration Solicitors

Make A Free Enquiry
  • HOME
  • PERSONAL IMMIGRATION
    • Citizenship
    • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
    • Spouse, Partner, Family Visa
      • Spouse Visa- Essential Facts
    • Spouse, Partner Extension
    • Visit Visas
  • BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
    • Business Visit Visas
    • Skilled Worker Visas
    • Sponsor Licence Applications
  • Our Services
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Careers
        • Current Vacancies
          • Consultant Role
          • Junior Adviser Role
          • Senior Adviser Role
          • Supervisor Role
    • Immigration Fees & Fixed Prices
    • 10 Key Reasons to Use an Immigration Solicitor
    • What to look for when instructing an Immigration adviser
    • Why Choose Us?
    • FAQ’s
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us

Can You Work On A Student Visa UK

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 Immigration Solicitors, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

All went well and I got all the special services you could expect from such a professional organisation. I will 100% advise anyone who is in need of the immigration services with pride.

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.

To speak to one of our expert UK Immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“Can we also take this opportunity to thank you for how you handled our enquiry. We were both feeling anxious about making contact with a solicitor to discuss our circumstances. You were so warm, friendly and understanding when we spoke.”

Make A Free Enquiry

Specialist Immigration Solicitors

  • Fast, hassle-free process
  • Offices in Middlesbrough & Wakefiled, serving clients UK-wide.
  • Over 50,000 Immigration applications completed
  • Over 20 years’ specialist immigration experience
  • SRA Regulated | Lexcel Accredited | SQM Competent Plus+ | Cyber Essentials Certified
  • Fixed, affordable fees – no hidden costs
  • Experienced, qualified solicitors and advisors
  • Multi-lingual team and interpreters available

 

Our Core Services

  • Advice Only – targeted legal guidance
  • Document Checking – includes free initial consultation
  • Full Application Service – includes free initial consultation

 

Reviews

Another successful application

Very professional and helpful in every way…I thank you

Very professional and helpful in every way...I thank you
READ MORE

England & Wales Service

Map of UK

We provide specialist Immigration
law advice to clients across
England & Wales as well as
clients looking to enter these
countries from abroad.
Make A Free Enquiry
Please call us on 0330 1337777 or complete a Free Online Enquiry
and we will soon be in touch with you.
Immigration & asylum Logo Durham University Logo Northumbria University-Newcastle Logo Lexcel Logo Newcastle Eagles Basketball Logo

Authorised & Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA No 67788
Contracted with the Legal Aid Agency | Copyright © 2025 Halliday Reeves | Blog | Privacy Policy | Complaints