Wants to know can you work on a student visa in UK?
Moving to the UK for studies will open up many exciting opportunities for you.This includes that not just for studies, but also for getting some real-world work experience as well.However, it's really important to know your work rights as an international student.This way, you can make the most of your time in the UK while following all the visa rules properly.So if you're thinking about working while on your student visa, this guide is perfect for you.Because we'll be tellingl you everything that you need to know before you start earning money in the UK.Understanding the Student Visa (Previously Tier 4)
First of all, let's get an idea about the student visa.To get one, you need to be accepted by a licensed educational institution in the UK.In addition to that, you'll also need to prove that you have enough money for your studies.If the above-mentioned points are completed, your visa will cover your entire course, plus a little extra time afterwards.Just remember: You need to attend your classes regularly and keep up with your studies to keep your visa valid.Work Rights During Term Time
When your classes are in session, you can work up to 20 hours each week as an international student.The government is quite strict about this limit, and it includes both paid and unpaid work.This 20-hour limit covers everything, as in from regular jobs, and temporary work to any part-time positions that you take up.Note: Remember, that you can't save up hours or use them later. This is because, going over 20 hours in any week means that you're breaking your visa rules.Holiday Period Work Regulations
During official university breaks, you're free to work full-time.However, just make sure that you know exactly when your term starts and ends, as these dates can be different depending on your university and course.Here's something important for postgraduate students: if you're working on your thesis or essays, that counts as term time, even if you don't have regular classes.Types of Work Permitted
In this case, you can take most part-time jobs, as in working in shops, restaurants, offices and even at your university.As a matter of fact, many students find work right on campus, like in the library or student union.Here is an interesting fact: If your course includes a work placement, those hours don't count towards your 20-hour limit, but your university needs to approve it.Note: You can't work for yourself, be a professional athlete, or work as an entertainer to make money.Employer Responsibilities
Before giving you a job, UK employers need to check if whether you're allowed to work or not.In order to do that, they'll need to see your passport and visa, and might need a letter from your university about your term dates as well.Moreover, they have to keep copies of these documents and make sure that you're not working too many hours.This is something important to record even for your own visa renewal as well.Remember that most employers know about student visa rules and will help you to follow them correctly. So either way, it’s a win-win situation for you.Common Work Restrictions
There are some jobs that you can't do.Where you can't start your own business and neither is freelancing or self-employment.Your best option in this case is to work for established companies with proper employment contracts.Furthermore, you also can't take permanent full-time jobs or train as a doctor (unless your course has specific medical approaches).Special Circumstances
PhD students often get different rules and might be able to work more hours, especially during their research time.However, if you have family members on your visa, they might have fewer work restrictions.But if you're studying at a language school or taking a short course, you probably won't be allowed to work at all.Therefore, it is ideal to check your visa details more carefully.Practical Tips
When it comes to working, you'll need to get a National Insurance Number, but you can start working while you wait for it.Employers usually prefer to pay your salary into local accounts, so getting a UK bank account should be one of your first tasks to do.Paying tax is something common in the UK, but students aren't falling into that category.However, if you earn more than the personal allowance, you might need to consider of your income tax as well.This is not only something that drags you down with your money but also an issue for your visa renewal in the long run.ConclusionHaving a job while studying in the UK is something great to get some working experience and make your time there even better.Anyway, just make sure that you understand and follow all your visa rules.If you're not sure about anything related to your work rights, talk to your university's international student office or check the UK Visas and Immigration website.These places will give you current information that applies to your specific situation.Therefore, it's always better to stay on the safe side.So don’t hesitate to ask questions about these issues from the experts before falling into serious problems.Contact TEVS a
UK student visa consultants in Sri Lanka for more information.
