I am an international student. Can I work in the UK?

Many students can work in the UK without needing a special work permit, for as long as you are registered as a student. Depending on your situation, there could also be restrictions to the type and amount of work you can do.

If you are from a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or a Swiss national, you can work in the UK without any restrictions on the type or amount of work you undertake.

If you’re from another country, you can check whether you can work or not by looking at the visa stamp in your passport.

If you have a ‘prohibited’ stamp, you cannot work in the UK.

If you have a ‘restricted’ stamp, you can work subject to certain restrictions:

• You need to be on a full-time course of more than 6 months duration
• You can only work a maximum of 20 hours work per week in term time (though you can work full-time during vacations).
• Work during a placement year of a sandwich course is allowed if you don’t set up your own business, work as self-employed, work as a professional sports person or entertainer, or pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy.

International students need to pay tax and National Insurance at the same rate as a UK citizen. This means that, in order to be employed in the UK, you will need to register for National Insurance. Visit your local Benefits Agency to apply.

The student Job Shops’ organisation NASES has helpful information for international students.

New rules for international students come into force in 2009. Visit the NASES site, or the UK Council for International Student Affairs for more information.