With a student visa, most people are able to work. They typically want to take advantage of all available paid employment possibilities, work experience, and other social and cultural advantages of working. I’ll breakdown the student work conditions to determine their true meaning and policy changes for student visa holders.
Working hours Law
The majority of students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, while some are limited to 10 hours and some are restricted from working. This covers both paid and unpaid labor as well. The number of hours you can work on a student visa is typically less stringent than the University’s employment limits.
You can work full-time during official holiday times if you have a student visa granted for full-time degree-level studies. Before starting a full-time job, make sure to check your term and vacation dates, as they change based on the level of study you are pursuing. Unless it is required for your course, this includes a full-time internship or placement.
Restrictions about Work
Most types of work are allowed for students on student visas, but you must not:
- Work as an entertainer, whether paid or unpaid
- Be self-employed.
- Operate a business.
- Work in a capacity that would cover a full-time permanent vacancy.
- Work as a professional athlete, including as a paid or unpaid sports coach, as defined by the home office on pages 94–95 of the student route guidance.
- Employment as an aspiring physician or dentist, unless you are enrolled in the foundation program.
Work Opportunities After Graduation
The Home Office permits you to work full-time on a student visa after your study is over and as long as your visa is still valid. The above-mentioned limitations on the kind of work remain in effect. When a PhD student completes a course, their degree is fully approved. After your successful course completion, you might also want to think about transferring to the Graduate visa.
