International students

Guidance on hiring international students during and post studies.

International students provide another valuable source of overseas talent, and it can be less expensive and more straightforward given that students are already established in the UK, may have accommodation, and are exempt from the immigration skills charge.

Hiring students for part-time work

The UK welcomes most international students on Tier 4 Student Visas to engage in employment to a certain extent, with specific limitations in place.

Primarily, the Student Visa is designed for individuals to pursue their studies in the UK. In cases where students are permitted to work, it should be to supplement their finances while studying or as part of a structured work placement assessed within their course.

Permissible student working hours

During term time: Up to 20 hours per week
Full-time during vacations, including pre-course start periods
Work placements integral to the course
Full-time for postgraduate doctors or dentists on a recognized foundation program
Serving as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer for up to 2 years

During term time: Up to 10 hours per week
Full-time during vacations, including pre-course start periods
Work placements integral to the course
Serving as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer for up to 2 years

On a work placement as part of the course (if the sponsor has student sponsor status)
Serving as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer for up to 2 years

No employment permitted, including course-related work placements

IMPORTANT:

Working hours can’t exceed the weekly limit even if it’s a combination of paid and unpaid work.
Work not complying with these categories is not allowed.
Certain types of employment, such as full-time permanent positions, self-employment (except while awaiting a Start-up visa decision), engaging in business activities, or roles as professional sportspersons or entertainers, are strictly prohibited for student visa holders.

Post study work routes

Upon completing their studies, students seeking to stay in the UK must explore alternative immigration options before their Student visa expires. The main avenues for recent graduates are the Graduate route and the Skilled Worker route.

Allows students to stay in the UK for at least two years post-graduation.
Eligibility: Successful completion of an undergraduate-level degree or higher from a recognized UK institution. Application while on a Student visa is necessary.

Permits students to stay in the UK for eligible employment with an approved UK employer, including the Health and Care Worker Visa.
Stricter work restrictions apply compared to the Graduate route. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer is required.

IMPORTANT:

Time spent on a Skilled Worker visa counts toward the settlement qualification period, making it the recommended route for those seeking permanent residency in the UK.

Transferring students to the health & care worker visa

With recent updates (July 2023), there are new considerations for students looking to switch to a Health & Care Worker Visa:

Course Completion Requirement: Before switching to a Skilled Worker Visa, students must now complete their assigned course of study.
Degree-level Flexibility: Students pursuing courses at degree level or above have the option to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa before completing their course. This is permitted as long as the employment start date falls after the course completion date.
PhD-level Criteria: For students on courses leading to a PhD award, a minimum of 24 months of course completion is required.

Eligibility checks

To ensure compliance, consider the following steps:

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Verify course completion based on the end date mentioned in the CAS.
Early Completion Instances: In cases where students have completed their studies ahead of the CAS end date, request a copy of their results transcript or an official letter from their course provider.
PhD-level Assessment: For PhD-level courses, use the course start date to assess if the student has completed at least 24 months.

Immigration skills charge exemption

Sponsoring a student’s transition to a Health and Care Worker Visa also provides the benefit of exemption from the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). This exemption, applicable to Student visa holders, extends when they transition to a Health and Care Worker Visa, relieving sponsors of this financial responsibility.