Non-sponsored students: working in the UK

If you have a non-sponsored visa, you are usually permitted to work in the UK without any restrictions, subject to UK employment law. It is however advisable that you check your visa conditions to find out what you are/are not permitted to do under your existing visa.

More information can be found on the gov.uk Visas and immigration page.

Asylum seekers

Students who claim asylum in the UK are not normally allowed to work whilst their claim is being considered. However, the Home Office may grant permission to work to asylum seekers whose claim has been outstanding for more than 12 months through no fault of their own.

Students who are granted permission to work and have submitted an application on or before 3 April 2024 are restricted to jobs on the Shortage Occupation List published by the Home Office. Any applications submitted on or after 4 April 2024, who are granted, are restricted to jobs on the Immigration Salary List. Any permission to work granted will come to an end if their claim is refused and any appeals rights are exhausted because at that point, they are expected to leave the UK. More information can be found on the Home Office Permission to work and volunteering for asylum seekers page.

Study Abroad students

Student visa holders

If you are coming to study for a full academic year and you have been issued with a Student visa, you will be restricted to work 20 hours per week during term time, and full time during vacation periods. More information on working in the UK under your Student visa conditions can be found on our Student visa conditions page.

Standard visitor visa holders

If you are coming to study for one semester under a Standard visitor visa, you will not be permitted to work in the UK. However, you can volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity. More information about working restrictions can be found on our During your Study Abroad exchange page and the gov.uk Standard visitor page.