Can I work while studying?

You are required to check your visa either the passport sticker (entry clearance or residence permit) or your biometric residence permit (identity card) in order to see what it states about any right to work or not you may have while you are in the UK.

Please note that employers have a legal obligation to check that you are allowed to work in the UK and you must be able to provide them with evidence of this by showing them your visa. You must also provide your employer with information regarding term and vacation dates for your course in order for your employer to know when you can work part-time (term-time) or full-time (vacation period). This information must be in one of the following formats:

  • A copy letter or e-mail from the university confirming your term and vacation dates (please contact the International Student Advisor at immigrationadvice@aber.ac.uk to request it);
  • A letter from the university to your employer confirming your term and vacation dates (please contact the International Student Advisor at immigrationadvice@aber.ac.uk to request it).

Please note that the Home Office has published guidance about the checks that employers must make and where they should go to check a person’s entitlement to work; this guidance can be seen on the following link: www.gov.uk/government/collections/employers-illegal-working-penalties.