Working in London
Many international students in the UK on a student visa
are allowed to do some work whilst they are studying. However
this is not true for all students and even those who are
allowed to work are still subject to certain restrictions.
This information is intended as a brief guide to the rules
that apply to international students who wish to work during
their studies. It covers: who is allowed to work, what work
is permitted, options available to alter a work prohibition
and a brief guide to income tax and national insurance.
a. Who is allowed to work?
Students who are allowed to work are given permission to do so by the conditions contained in their student visa. To be allowed to work, the condition that you have in respect of employment has to be a “restriction” rather than a “prohibition” on work. Most students who are coming to the UK to study on a full-time course for longer than six months are usually given a “restriction” and therefore have permission to work. It is important to check that you have permission to work before taking employment because you will be in breach of your stay in the UK if you work without permission.
The way a “restriction” on a student working is most commonly
worded in your passport is as follows:
- “No recourse to public funds. Work (and any changes) must be authorised” or
- “Able to work as authorised by The Secretary of State”
- “Leave to enter / remain in the United Kingdom on condition that the holder maintains and accommodates himself and any dependants without recourse to public funds and does not enter or change employment paid or unpaid without the consent of the Secretary of State for Employment and does not engage in business or profession without the consent of the Secretary of State for the Home Department is hereby given for/until (specified time).”
b. What work am I allowed to do?
You are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during your vacations. People here on student visas are not allowed to fill a permanent full time vacancy, engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer. If you are on a full-time degree course you are allowed to take a 3 month internship. Internships are for students on undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses in the UK. Employers who offer internships must do so as an established part of their recruitment procedure; places must be offered to potential employees. Internships must be no longer than 3 months and have to be completed before student’s visa expires. Internships have to be paid with pay and conditions of employment equal to those for resident workers doing the same kind of work.
Income Tax and National Insurance
UK income tax and national insurance rules also apply to international students and their dependents employed here.
National Insurance
Everyone who is employed or looking for work is required to have or apply for a national insurance number. International students can start working even if they do not have a national insurance number, but they should apply for one straight away.
Income tax
Everyone has an income tax personal allowance that is not subject to tax. From April 2006 the basic personal allowance is £4,895. Employees who earn more than their personal allowance have income tax deducted directly from their wages. Income tax is deducted at the starting rate of 10% for the first £2,090 over the tax free limit and then at the basic rate of 22% for earning between £2,090 and £32,400. Earnings above £32,400 are subject the higher rate of 40%.
