Working in United Kingdom
This section gives you details about your Work Permits and Student Work Regulations in UK.
Working While Studying In UK
The Rules state that applicants must be able to support themselves and any dependants without working. This means that while there is provision for students to take employment during vacations or spare time, no account may be taken of any prospective earnings from that employment in assessing the ability of a student to meet the maintenance requirement, except where the educational establishment at which the student has a place.
Is a publicly funded institution of further or higher education which is itself providing and guaranteeing the employment, and has provided details of how much the applicant will earn
Is able to guarantee that there are jobs available and how much if anything the applicant will earn.
20 hours/week – part time and during holidays 40hours/week.
Student Working Regulations In UK
Students studying at UK institutions may take part-time or vacation work without needing to obtain permission from the local job centre. Similarly, they are able to do work placements which are part of a course or to undertake internship placements without the need to obtain permission from Work Permits (UK) .
The conditions covering the hours and type of work they may do are:
The student should not work more than 20 hours per week during term time except where the placement meets the definition of a course or internship
The student should not engage in business, self-employment or the provision of services as a professional sports person or entertainer
The student should not pursue a career by filling a permanent, full-time vacancy.
Following the rules
As you can see, there are many employment opportunities for international students in the UK. But there are a few conditions you should keep in mind:
You cannot run your own business, be self-employed, provide services as a professional sports person or entertainer, or pursue a career by taking a permanent full-time position.
With the exception of work organised by your university or college, money that you hope to make while doing part-time or vacation work cannot form part of your visa application. You must show that you can meet the cost of studying and living in the UK without employment or financial assistance from the state.
Finding a Job In UK
You can find out what part-time jobs are available by consulting notice boards around your institution, looking in local newspapers and Job centres, and visiting your college or university placement office. Many institutions now have their own ‘job shop’, which displays part-time and holiday vacancies and sometimes issues job vacancy bulletins.
The careers service can also provide you with extensive information and advice about employment, training and further study and practical help with job-hunting and making applications.
Working When Your Studies Have Ended In UK
Some changes have been introduced that have made it easier for students to stay on in the UK to work. Subject to meeting the relevant criteria, students who have successfully completed a recognised degree course may be able to switch to work permit employment in the UK after completing their studies. An employer can apply for a work permit for such a student without the student having to return home first. You can find more information about the current position if you click on work permits – on the Home Office’s website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
Special provisions have always applied to Doctors, Dentists and Nurses and these will continue.
Work Experience After Your Studies In UK
On graduation, there may be opportunities to work with leading UK and international corporations in the UK, or to join national and international firms in Europe, the United States or, indeed, in any part of the world. At the end of your course, you may be able to stay and work in the UK through TWES. To be eligible for this scheme, you will have to do one of the following
Undertake training leading to a recognised professional or specialist qualification
Follow a graduate training programme leading to international employment
Join a work experience scheme where you gain up to 12 months work experience with a UK employer