Students holding a Student Route visa can work up to 20 hours a week during their studies and full-time during holidays vacations if they:

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• are studying at a publicly funded higher education institution 

• are studying a short-term study abroad program with an overseas higher education institution

• are over 16

• are studying a course at NQF level 6 (degree level) and above

 

It is important to note that you must not breach your immigration conditions as it is against the law in the UK. Breaching the law in the UK can have serious negative consequences including revocation of your visa and possibly deportation from the UK.

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You can choose from a range of options when it comes to working as a student in the UK. If you are lucky, you might just land up a job on the campus. Stay in touch with your campus career cell and check their notice board/online portal for regular updates on job openings.  

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Make sure that you have spent some time in preparing your CV and a covering letter for your job search and to be able to submit it to the potential employers for any vacancies.

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Nearly all retail stores and eateries hire students on a regular basis. Check for openings at nearby departmental stores, cafes, multiplexes, bars, restaurants, hotels, hostels, and takeaway stores to find a suitable job.

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• The best way to find a job on campus is to stay connected with your University’s placement or career centre. They regularly update their notice board or;

• On-campus work opportunities include administrative jobs, at the restaurants, café, supermarkets or as a teaching assistant.

•  For off-campus jobs, look for vacancies on popular student job websites.

 

You will have to apply for a visa extension if you wish to stay further or/and work in the UK after you finish your program.

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UK is set to reintroduce the Post Study Work (PSW) visa system in the form of the Graduate Route by summer 2021.

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All graduates after 6 April 2021 will be eligible for the 2-year UK PSW visa, with international students completing their PhD in UK eligible for 3 years PSW unlike 2 years for postgraduate and undergraduate students.

Dependants of postgraduate students with the PSW visa will also be eligible to work for the duration of the graduate’s stay in the UK.

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Alternatively, you may be able to apply under the Innovator Visa or Stat-up Visa if you are able to meet the minimum eligibility requirements of any of the visa categories.

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Depending on your visa type and valid stay, you can also apply to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous stay in the UK on a valid visa category that meets the eligibility criteria and you will be eligible to apply to become a British Citizen by apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen after 1 year of being granted ILR visa.

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