If you hold a Student visa, you can usually work full-time hours once you have successfully completed your programme or during official vacation periods. Your employer is responsible for confirming your right to work and may use evidence such as your official results letter or the University's academic calendar to support their decision.
This evidence should be acceptable, according to the UKVI Employer's Right to Work Guidance. If the employer is still not sure, they can contact UKVI directly, for their advice.
If you are a postgraduate student in the Faculty of Engineering & Science; the dates in your programme handbook will be most accurate and up-to-date, particularly with regards to the spring break. Please make sure to read these dates carefully before making any plans and ask your Faculty for clarification of vacation dates if unsure.
Many students have questions about working full-time on a Student visa, as the rules can sometimes be complex and open to interpretation. It is understandable to feel uncertain about what evidence your employer may require to confirm your right to work. Employers may occasionally be unfamiliar with the immigration rules or assume that the University determines when you can work full-time. However, while the University can provide guidance, it is ultimately your employer’s responsibility to carry out the appropriate right-to-work checks and confirm your eligibility to work.
This short article cannot cover all of the complexity of this topic; so we have much more support available for you in the following ways:
1. Visit our working in the UK webpage for really detailed guidance and advice on when you can work full time hours when you hold a Student Visa, and how to show this to your employer
2. Book to attend one of our regular Working Conditions Workshops which will help you if you have more detailed questions to discuss. It will give you access to a skilled Immigration Adviser who will guide you on what the immigration rules allow
3. For sensitive or complex questions that you need to discuss relating to this topic, please complete our self-referral form and a member of the team will be happy to assist you.