Can I work over the summer while on a Student Visa?

Student visa holders can work in the UK if they are studying a full time course at degree level or above at an approved institution. However, there are restrictions on international students’ right to work.

During term times, eligible students can work up to 20 hours per week. Outside of term times, eligible students can work full time.

Student visa holders are not permitted to:

  • Be self-employed
  • Fill a permanent full-time vacancy
  • Be employed as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
  • Work as a doctor or dentist in training (unless they are on a specified programme)

UK businesses seeking to employ students over the summer holidays will need to obtain evidence of the student’s right to work and ask them to provide evidence of their term dates.

From 6 April 2022, employers will not be able to accept Biometric Residence Permit (“BRP”) cards as evidence of their right to work. Employers will ask for a share code instead: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work.

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