Employment & Settlement in the UK

Part-time work

1. Who is allowed to work part-time?

International students in the UK holding a Student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week; those with a Child Student visa aged 16 or above may work up to 10 hours per week. Students under 16 are not allowed to work.

If you study at a private further education college, in most cases you will not be allowed to work part-time, except when the work is part of an approved work placement within your program. However, if the private college is a recognized body (see the list below), you are allowed to work part-time.

If you apply for a Student visa to study at a public further education college, then from 03/08/2015, you are not permitted to work part-time, except when the work is part of a recognized work placement within your course.

If you want to check whether you are permitted to work, please look for your institution in the lists below. If your institution does not appear in any list, it is likely that you do not have permission to work. However, you should confirm directly with the school you plan to attend.

Recognised body
Public universities in:

You can also check whether you are allowed to work by looking at your visa vignette or your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit). Typical wording includes:

“Work (and any changes) must be authorised”
“Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State”
“Restricted Work. P/T term time. F/T vacations”
“Restricted work term time”
“Work limited to max 20 hrs per week during term-time”
“Work limited to max 10 hrs per week during term-time.”

2. How to work legally in the UK

To work in the UK, everyone must register for a National Insurance Number (NI Number) for tax purposes. It is illegal to work without one. The NI Number is also used for registration with student-related government offices such as DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) or HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).

To obtain an NI Number, call Jobcentre Plus (0845 600 0643). Office hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Jobcentre Plus will arrange an EOI interview (Evidence of Identity) or send you a postal application. They will confirm the date, time and location of the interview and let you know which documents you need.

The interview is usually one-to-one unless you require an interpreter. You will be asked about your identity, why you need an NI Number, your studies and your current circumstances. During the interview, your application form will be completed and you will sign it.

If additional information is required, you must submit it within the specified deadline. Jobcentre Plus will then notify you if your application is approved and send you your NI Number.

You should inform your employer as soon as you receive your NI Number. A physical NI card will usually arrive within 12 weeks.

For more information, visit Gov.uk.

3. Finding part-time work

Useful websites for finding student jobs in the UK:

Staying in the UK to work after graduation

(Reference: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/working/working-after-studies/ )

A Graduate visa will allow allows students who complete a Bachelor’s or Master’s to stay in the UK after successfully completing course for:

2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026
18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027

It will allow students to stay for 3 years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.

If, during this period, you secure a job and receive employer sponsorship while meeting the required salary threshold, you may apply for the Skilled Worker visa.

According to UK Home Office statistics (August 2023), the 5 most common sectors for work visas are:

Health and social care
Information and communications
Professional, scientific and technical activities
Financial and insurance services
Manufacturing

To qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, you must score 70 points, consisting of:

50 mandatory points, and
20 tradeable points.

Characteristics	Mandatory/Tradeable	Points
Offer of job by approved sponsor	Mandatory	20
Job at appropriate skill level	Mandatory	20
Speaks English at required level	Mandatory	10
Salary of £20,480 to £23,039 or at least 80% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher)	Tradeable	0
Salary of £23,040 to £25,599 or at least 90% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher)	Tradeable	10
Salary of £25,600 or above or at least the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher)	Tradeable	20
Job in a shortage occupation as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee	Tradeable	20
Education qualification: PhD in a subject relevant to the job	Tradeable	10
Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job	Tradeable	20

Nguồn: www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-worker

Settlement

(Reference: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/working/working-after-studies/ )

To obtain permanent residency in the UK, you must meet strict requirements regarding employment, age, length of stay and other conditions.

1. Immigration options for those already in the UK

Students can switch from a Student visa to many different visa categories to continue living and working in the UK. Each visa has its own requirements, so you should research carefully to choose the correct pathway:

2. Immigration options for those applying from outside the UK

The pathways listed below usually require applications to be submitted from outside the UK (preferably from your country of residence). Some pathways are temporary and cannot be extended, so check each route carefully:

3. Information for specific professions

Certain professional fields in the UK require additional immigration criteria. If you intend to work in these areas, review the specific guidance for:

See the full UK Shortage Occupation List here.

For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact us HERE:

Duc Anh EduConnect

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Email: info@educonnectgroup.com

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Date: Mar 27, 2026