Student Visa UK Working Hours
If you are applying for a UK student visa, you may need to know how many hours you will be permitted to work. We take a look at the process of securing a student visa and the government’s limits on UK student visa working hours.
At Halliday Reeves, we are immigration law experts. We have many years of experience in helping students obtain visas and a high success rate in respect of student visa applications.
The student visa application process can be complex and you will need to provide a range of evidence in support. If mistakes are made, it could result in your application being rejected. We can make sure that your application is as strong as possible and that all of the right paperwork is included to give you a good prospect of success.
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 Student Visa
If you are an overseas student and you have been offered a place on a UK course provided by a licensed student sponsor, you will need to apply for a student visa. Your placement could be a full-time degree course or a full or part-time post-graduate course. It is also open to you to apply for a student visa if you have been offered certain other options, including a full-time post as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.
You will need to have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course as well as the required standard of English. We can guide you as to the amount of money required and ensure you have documentary evidence of this as well as of your English abilities.
Permitted Student Visa Working Hours UK
For students following a full time course at degree level or above: The UK student visa generally allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. Unpaid work will also be included in this total. The hours cannot be averaged over a longer period of time, meaning no more than 20 hours can be worked in any week during term time. You should note that certain universities including Oxford and Cambridge do not permit students to work during term time. Full time work is permitted outside of term time.
If your visa is for a full-time degree course, you can work full-time outside of the official term-time. For post-graduate courses, you will need to check when the university course officially ends. If the course is taught, you will be notified of when your term ends. For research-based post-graduate courses, there is usually no official break during the year so you will not be able to take up full-time work.
For students undertaking a full time course below degree level, generally this is a maximum of 10 hours per week during term time with full time employment permitted outside of term time.
For all other study, no employment is permitted.
What Type Of Work Is Allowed On A UK Student Visa?
There are certain restrictions relating to the type of work allowed on a UK student visa, and the following are not permitted:
- Self-employed work
- Business activity, ie. working in a business, in which you have an interest, in any capacity other than as an employee
- Taking on a permanent full-time position, meaning that if you take on full-time work it must be on a fixed-term basis, with a specified end date
- Working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, either paid or unpaid
- Working as an entertainer, either paid or unpaid
- Working as a trainee doctor or dentist, except on a foundation programme
Internships And Work Placements
Internships and work placements can be undertaken during the official university vacations. If the placement is an official part of the course, details will need to be provided to UK Visas and Immigration.
Contact Our Student Visa Solicitors
At Halliday Reeves, we can advise you on all aspects of the UK student visa, including what work you can undertake. It is important not to jeopardise your visa, so you are strongly advised to check before taking on work if you have any concerns.
We can also put together a strong UK student visa application on your behalf and advise you on the best evidence to be included in support.
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.
“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.”
