UK visa rules for working: students, Post Study Work, Youth Mobility Scheme

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< Up	Work / Rules
Laws about working in the UK


Sections	Introduction
	EEA/Swiss nationals
	Students (Tier 4)
	Working after studies
	Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5)
	Other routes to working in the UK
	Links

INTRODUCTION

Before starting to look for a job in the UK, make sure that you are allowed to work and, if so, check if there is a maximum number of hours per week.
Note that UK immigration rules for work are now based on a new points-based system.
You can find out details of the rules for working in the UK from the official website: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working

Don't try to work illegally. If you are caught you will probably be sent back to your home country (deported) and may find it difficult to travel abroad in future. You may also find that your employer tries to exploit you by paying you less than the minimum wage or by making you work in poor or dangerous conditions.

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EEA/SWISS NATIONALS

Nationals of Switzerland or most EEA countries (except Romania and Bulgaria) are allowed to work full-time in the UK.

Nationals of the countries which joined the EU in January 2007 may need to apply for permission to work in the UK. The countries affected are: Bulgaria and Romania.
See: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens/bulgaria-romania

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STUDENTS (TIER 4)

UKCISA produce information for international students who wish to work in the UK during their studies: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.php
There are limits on the number of hours which can be worked, depending on the level of studies and the type of institution.

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WORKING AFTER STUDIES

Until 6 April 2012 the main immigration route through which international students could remain in the UK to work was known as Post Study Work (PSW), which was part of Tier 1 of the points-based system.
If you already have a post study work visa, you can find more details here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/poststudy
New applications are not allowed after 6 April 2012.

In April 2012 a new category was created as part of Tier 1 of the points-based system: graduate entrepreneur. This is for students who wish to set up a business in the UK. The number of these visas is limited, and students must be sponsored by their education provider.

UKCISA produce information for international students who wish to work in the UK after their studies: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_after.php

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YOUTH MOBILITY SCHEME (TIER 5)

The Youth Mobility Scheme is part of Tier 5 of the points-based system.
[this replaced former schemes such as the working holidaymaker scheme, the Work in Britain (blue card) scheme administered by BUNAC, and the au pair scheme]

To apply you must be aged between 18 and 31, and a citizen of one of these countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Monaco
- Taiwan
[you can also apply if you are a British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen or a British national (overseas)]

For details and application forms, see: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier5/youthmobilityscheme

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OTHER ROUTES TO WORKING IN THE UK

Other ways of obtaining permission to work in the UK can be found using the following links:

Tier 1 (highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs): http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier1

Tier 2 (sponsored skilled workers): http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier2
Except for certain special professions in which there is a shortage of workers, employers have to follow strict rules before they can employ non-EEA nationals. Before the employer can apply to bring in a worker from outside the EEA, the job must be advertised within the UK and the employer must justify why the EEA nationals who applied were not suitable.

Tier 5 (temporary workers): http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier5

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LINKS

Finding a job: Work/Search
Obtaining a visa: Prepare/Visa

Home page: Home

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© UK Student Life 2002-2012

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