When can I work full-time hours?
Many students work to support themselves financially during their studies; however, students on a student visa must stick to the conditions written on their visa. For students at degree-level and above, this is usually 20-hours per week during term-time and for students below degree-level study, this is 10-hours per week during term-time. A week is considered to run from Monday – Sunday.
Full-time work is usually permitted when you are in a clearly recognised vacation period or when you have completed your studies. The course end date on your CAS can be considered a safe time to work full-time hours if you no longer have any outstanding assignments or exams to fulfil. However, if it becomes known you need to resit any work after your results are released, please revert to part-time hours. You should visit our webpage which has full advice on this topic, including guidance on how to know if you are officially in 'term time' or not.
I have gone past my programme end date and I have to resit exams/modules, can I still work full-time hours?
If at any point after you have gone past the programme end date on your CAS, it becomes apparent you need to resit exams/modules, we recommend you stop working full-time hours and revert to part-time hours (20-hours in a week).
Can I work for another employer during my placement year?
The Employers Right to Work Guidance says the work which takes place under an official work placement as part of your course, does not count towards term-time employment of your visa conditions. This allows you to work part-time hours no more than 20-hours per week with another employer alongside your work placement.
My current visa expired and I am waiting for my new visa application decision, can I still work?
The uncertainty regarding your legal status when your visa has expired is understandable. However, provided you were able to make an in-date application for a new visa and this application was valid and accurate, you would be protected by Section 3C Leave. This extends your existing visa conditions until a decision is made, preventing you from being an overstayer during that period. This means your rights to study and work are protected during this period.
What jobs can I not do on a student visa?
Students on a student visa are unable to do the following:
- Be self-employed or engage in business activities unless you have applied for a start-up visa endorsed by the university
- Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- Work as an entertainer
- Accept a full-time permanent vacancy. There are some limited exceptions to this, which we talk about in more detail in our full guidance on the topic of working during study.
Can I accept a full-time permanent vacancy on a Student visa?
In most circumstances, you will be unable to fulfil a full-time permanent vacancy on a Student visa. There are some limited exceptions to this. Our working in the UK webpage contains further information.
How do I prove my right to work?
If you wish to prove your right to work to an employer, you can use the UKVI webpage to get a Share Code.
Can I get a letter to show my employer when I can work full-time hours?
Our service does not provide letters to students to show employers when they can work full-time hours. If your employer is requesting such a document, you may show them your visa which will have your working conditions attached to it. Combined with the university academic year and term dates, this should be enough to explain when you can work full-time hours. However, the final decision will rest with your employer. For further guidance, please visit our webpage.