International Students

Many international students work part time during their studies. JobLink offers as much help and support as possible. We offer specific advice regarding paying tax and national insurance, but please remember to check all the student pages for advice on creating a cv, what to do once you've got a job or getting the work/study balance right.

Students from a European Economic Area (EEA) country do not need permission to work in the UK. However you must provide proof of your eligibility to work to your employer. Be ready to show your employer your passport or identity card as proof that you are a national of an EEA country.

If you are an international student from outside of the EEA you may work in your spare time provided that the stamp in your passport or your visa is a restriction and not a prohibition and that you comply with the following rules:

• You must not work for more than 20 hours per week during term-time
• You must not engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
• You must not pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy.

If you meet these requirements you may work full-time during the vacations. If you have an agreed work placement, are on a sandwich placement or internship you may also work full-time.

The immigration rule that limits the hours you can work is very strict. If you work more hours than you are allowed you risk being sent home by the immigration authorities.

You can check your passport or visa stamp in the University's International Office.

Workers Registration Scheme

In 2004, the Government established a Worker Registration Scheme to monitor the participation of workers from eight of these countries in the UK labour market, as follows: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Workers from these countries are often referred to as 'Accession State  workers'. These countries are referred to as 'A8 countries' and workers from these countries are required to register under the ‘Worker Registration Scheme’, within one month of starting work, unless they are exempt from the requirement to register. There is a one-off fee to register.

Once you have been working legally in the UK for 12 months without a break of no more than 30 days, you will have full rights of free movement as a worker. This means that you will no longer have to register your work and can then apply to the Home Office for an EEA residence permit confirming your status as a worker.

Further details about the Workers Registration Scheme, including exemptions, are available on the Borders and Immigration Agency website.

New working regulations for Bulgarian and Romanian students

As a national of Bulgaria or Romania, you now have a treaty right of residence as a student. Bulgarian and Romanian students now have specific rights about working in the UK.

If you are working, or wish to work, part-time in the UK whilst studying, you must obtain a registration certificate to prove that you are exercising your right as a student in the UK. Employers will ask to see this.

Your rights as a student are:

If you have already been working part-time in the UK for 12 continuous months or longer: you are entitled to work without restriction (as many hours as you wish). You must obtain a registration certificate.

If you have been working part-time in the UK for LESS than 12 months, or if you have not been working but would like to start work, you must obtain a registration certificate. During term time you are entitled to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. When you have been working for 12 continuous months or longer, you will no longer be restricted (however, you will need to obtain a new registration card).

To apply for a registration certificate, download application form BR1 and send it to the address on the form with 2 passport photos, your passport and a student status letter (available from the Registry Enquiries Office, Wessex House 2.12c):Working in the UK. There is no charge for your application.

Links you may find useful

The University's International Office
National Insurance and Tax
UKCOSA - the Council for International students
Find your way to work booklet
What to do if you are returning home after working