UK student visa work requirements for international students
If you are an international student planning to study in the UK, you may want to work part-time to help with your living expenses or gain work experience. However, there are certain requirements that you must meet in order to obtain a student visa that allows you to work while studying.
Types of UK student visas
There are two types of UK student visas that allow you to work while studying: Tier 4 (General) student visa and Short-term student visa.
The Tier 4 (General) student visa is for international students who are studying for longer than 6 months. This visa allows you to work for up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays.
The Short-term student visa is for international students who are studying for less than 6 months. This visa does not allow you to work in the UK.
Requirements for Tier 4 (General) student visa
In order to obtain a Tier 4 (General) student visa that allows you to work while studying, you must meet the following requirements:
Have a confirmed place at a UK educational institution.
Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.
Have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
Provide evidence of your academic qualifications and course of study.
Have a valid Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your educational institution.
Restrictions on work
There are certain restrictions on the type of work that you can do on a Tier 4 (General) student visa. You cannot:
Be self-employed.
Work as a doctor or dentist in training.
Work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
Work as an entertainer.
Work in a full-time permanent position (unless you are on a work placement).
If you are unsure whether a job is allowed on your student visa, you should check with your educational institution or the UK Visas and Immigration department.
Post-study work opportunities
If you want to stay in the UK and work after you have completed your studies, there are several visa options available:
Graduate Route visa: This visa allows international students who have completed a degree at a UK institution to stay in the UK and work for up to 2 years.
Innovator visa: This visa is for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the UK.
Entrepreneur visa: This visa is for experienced businesspeople who want to invest in or run a business in the UK.
Skilled Worker visa: This visa is for individuals who have a job offer from a UK employer and meet certain skill and salary requirements.
If you are interested in staying in the UK after your studies, you should start researching your options and planning well in advance. Each visa has its own requirements and deadlines, so it is important to stay informed and prepare your application carefully.
