Immigration and Visas
Working During Study
Can I work during my studies?
Doing part-time paid and/or voluntary work is a great way to mix with British people, get an insight into UK work-place culture and gain work experience. Before you apply for work, check whether you have permission to work in the UK and any restrictions on working which apply to you. Working too many hours can seriously affect your academic progress, so before you take a job think about whether the hours involved are compatible with your studies.
Please remember that if you are applying for a visa to come to the UK to study you can not use potential earnings from work to satisfy the funds requirements of the immigration rules.
Acquire new skills
The Leeds for Life interactive website provides information and links to a wide range of resources which will help you develop new skills and make the most of personal and career development opportunities offered by your academic studies and the many different extra-curricular activities available outside and beyond your studies.
EEA Nationals
Most nationals from the European Economic Area (EAA) are free to work in the UK without restriction. EEA nationals from Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia may need to register with the Home Office under the 'Workers Registration Scheme' when they find work. Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania may need to apply for worker authorisation or a registration certificate. If you are not sure, please make an appointment to see an adviser at the International Student Office. For more information read the UKCISA information for EEA and Swiss students.
Nationals from outside the EEA
Check the terms of your visa to see whether you are allowed to work and if you have questions, speak to one of the immigration advisers at the International Student Office. More information about working is in the UKCISA leaflet ‘Working during your studies'.
Student visa
If you have a student visa, your visa/passport stamp should state something like 'work restricted' or 'able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State' or that you cannot enter or change employment 'without the consent of the Secretary of State for Employment'. This means you have permission to work for a restricted number of hours. Certain types of work are prohibited (see below).
Student visitor visa
If you are in the UK with permission as a student visitor, you are not allowed to do any paid or unpaid work - you are prohibited from working. Your visa or passport stamp will state something like 'no work' or 'work prohibited'.
Student working restrictions
If you are a student and have permission to be in the UK as a student you can work - paid or unpaid - up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during University vacations. The 20-hour restriction applies even if you are on a reading week, or your course has finished before the end of term.
Academic term dates for 2009 - 2010 are:
Term 1 28 Sep - 11 Dec 2009
Term 2 11 Jan - 19 Mar 2010
Term 3 19 Apr - 18 Jun 2010
Masters students on 12-month courses should note that the summer period is set aside for full-time study to focus on writing a dissertation and is not considered a vacation.
Research degree students on full-time courses should be aware that University regulations restrict you to 250 hours of paid work per 12-month session. This limit is intended to allow you to enhance your experience through working but still complete your studies within the specified time period. The ‘Code of Practice for Research Degree Candidatures’ requires students to consult with their supervisor before taking any additional work. Your holiday entitlement is 5 weeks per year in addition to the days when the University is closed. You may work during this period if you wish. It is a condition of your acceptance as a research student that you do not take paid work outside the University.
Prohibited work
If you have a student visa you must not engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy.
Working additional hours/breaking the terms of your visa
The law on working restrictions is very strict and the authorities check local employers to identify students who break the rules. If you work more hours than the 20-hour per week limit, or if you engage in work/provide services that are prohibited, the authorities may detain you and/or remove you from the UK without notice. This could affect any future visa applications.
Work placements
You may be allowed to take a work placement, which is part of a sandwich course, or an internship. However, the requirements for these categories are very specific. Contact the International Student Office for further advice if you are considering one of these options.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to try different activities, make new friends and build experience to put on your CV, whilst helping people who can really benefit from your time and skills. There are lots of opportunities for you to volunteer for just a few hours or to be involved in regular volunteering activity. Find out more about volunteering by emailing vinvolved@leeds.ac.uk or visit www.vinspired.com/
Voluntary work is unpaid work which gives you the chance to meet local people of all ages and backgrounds and to learn more about Leeds and your local community. Over 1,500 Leeds students volunteer every year. Voluntary work helps you develop employability skills such as leadership, communication and team-working while taking part in fun activities. It also enables you to provide a valuable service to the local community. You can volunteer for just a few hours, or make a more long-term commitment. Whatever time you have to invest there will be a volunteer opportunity available for you.
Voluntary work and your visa
If you are in the UK on a student visa, voluntary work counts towards your 20 hours per week termtime working limit. If you have a student visitor visa, you cannot do voluntary work, as your visa prohibits all work, paid or unpaid.
LUU Volunteering groups
There are several student groups based in the Students’ Union which offer volunteering opportunities. These include the Conservation Society, Student
Action for Refugees, and Action, which organises a diverse programme of activities, from day trips for young disabled children to befriending elderly people. RAG organises activities to raise funds to support local charities. Visit the Voluntary and
Community Office in the Students’ Union building to find out more or visit the website.
www.luuonline.com
Access and Community Engagement (ACE)
ACE located at 175 Woodhouse Lane offers a number of community and schools-based projects. Volunteers use their skills to help raise the aspirations and academic achievement of young people; support the regeneration of deprived communities of Leeds; increase understanding of other cultures; and improve the local area. For
more information email ace@leeds.ac.uk or visit their website www.leeds.ac.uk/ace
Other volunteer opportunities
Joblink in the Students' Union also advertises local voluntary jobs and there are lots of other opportunities on the Do-it website.
www.luuonline.com
www.do-it.org.uk
How can I find a part-time job?
Almost a third of the students at the University work during term time, so the competition for jobs is high. If you want to have the best possible chance of finding a job, learn how to write a good CV and present yourself well in application forms and at interviews. Then apply for as many jobs as possible.
The Careers Centre
It is a good idea to visit the Careers Centre before you make a job application or attend an interview. The Centre offers help with understanding the skills employers require, making good applications, presenting your skills, writing effective CVs and developing your interview skills. They also run events to help you understand what UK employers expect and how to present yourself well. Use the careers consultants to get face-to-face advice, ask questions by email, or visit the Careers Centre website.
Joblink
This student employment service in the Students’ Union is the first place to look for a part-time job on campus or with an external employer. The service advertises part-time jobs and volunteer opportunities and provides advice on all aspects of working in the UK. You can find out more at their office in the Students’ Union or on their website.
Newspaper advertisements
You can also look for part-time work in the local newspaper the ‘Yorkshire Evening Post’ on a Thursday, when jobs are advertised.
Recruitment/temping/employment agencies
These agencies recruit part-time temporary staff for offices, telephone call centres, hotels, bars, hospitals, care-homes and other workplaces. Find their contact details listed under 'employment agencies' in the Yellow Pages telephone directory or on their website.
Jobs, wages, terms and conditions
Typical student jobs are working in cafés or restaurants, cleaning or clerical work. The current legal minimum wage is £5.73 per hour for workers over 22 and £4.77 for 18-21 year olds. If you have any concerns about the terms or conditions of your work, visit the Student Advice Centre for advice.
National Insurance and income tax
As soon as you receive a written job offer you can apply for a National Insurance (NI) Number. Whilst you are waiting for your permanent NI number you can use a temporary number. You should make sure your employer knows that you are a student so that you complete the correct tax form. This may avoid you having tax deducted from your pay.
Last updated:
04-Aug-2009
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