Student Visa Work Rights
How many hours can student visa holders work? Understand term time limits, vacation work, and checking requirements.
Last updated: 30 January 2025
Student visa holders have specific work restrictions that employers must verify.
Work Hour Limits
During Term Time
| Limit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Usually 20 hours | Per week |
| Or 10 hours | Some courses |
| Check visa | Specific limit |
| Strictly enforced | Penalties apply |
During Vacations
| Period | Limit |
|---|---|
| Official holidays | Full-time allowed |
| Summer vacation | Full-time |
| Christmas break | Full-time |
| Easter break | Full-time |
What Counts as Term Time
| Determined By | Not By |
|---|---|
| Institution | Student |
| Official dates | Personal schedule |
| Published calendar | Individual arrangements |
Checking Right to Work
Online Verification Required
| Process | Step |
|---|---|
| Share code | From student |
| Online check | gov.uk service |
| Verify hours | Limit shown |
| Record | Confirmation |
What You'll See
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Student |
| Work hours | Weekly limit |
| Restrictions | Any prohibitions |
| Valid until | Visa expiry |
Verify Institution
| Also Check | Why |
|---|---|
| They're studying | Active student |
| Course ongoing | Still enrolled |
| Term dates | When limits apply |
Understanding the Limits
20 Hours Maximum
| How Counted | Method |
|---|---|
| Per week | Any 7 days |
| Total hours | All jobs combined |
| Including overtime | Everything counts |
10 Hours for Some
| If 10 Hours | Applies To |
|---|---|
| Foundation courses | Below degree |
| English language | Pre-sessional |
| Check visa | To confirm |
No Limit for Some
| PhD Students | Position |
|---|---|
| Writing up | May work more |
| Check visa | Specific conditions |
| Varies | By situation |
What Students Can Do
Permitted Work
| Allowed | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Part-time jobs | Within hours |
| Casual work | Within limits |
| Internships | If permitted |
| Volunteering | Usually fine |
Vacation Work
| During Holidays | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Full-time | Yes |
| Any hours | No weekly limit |
| Multiple jobs | If desired |
What Students Cannot Do
Prohibited Activities
| Not Allowed | Ever |
|---|---|
| Professional sportsperson | No |
| Sports coach | No |
| Self-employed | No |
| Business owner | No |
Other Restrictions
| Restriction | Detail |
|---|---|
| Permanent position | Cannot fill |
| Full-time term time | Exceeds limit |
| Some entertainers | Check conditions |
Employer Responsibilities
Before Hiring
| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| Online status | Via share code |
| Hour limit | What applies |
| Term dates | From institution |
| Course end | When visa expires |
Ongoing Compliance
| Monitor | How |
|---|---|
| Hours worked | Track weekly |
| Term dates | Know schedule |
| Multiple jobs | Ask about others |
| Total hours | Must not exceed |
If Student Works Multiple Jobs
| Situation | Employer Duty |
|---|---|
| Ask | About other work |
| Calculate | Total hours |
| Don't exceed | Combined limit |
| Document | Your enquiries |
Calculating Hours
Example: 20-Hour Limit
| Job 1 | Job 2 | Total | Compliant? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 hours | 5 hours | 20 | Yes |
| 20 hours | 2 hours | 22 | No |
| 10 hours | 8 hours | 18 | Yes |
What Counts
| Included | In Hours |
|---|---|
| Working time | Yes |
| Paid breaks | Check |
| On call (active) | Yes |
| Training | Usually |
Term Time vs Vacation
Knowing the Difference
| Source | For Dates |
|---|---|
| University website | Official calendar |
| College admin | Confirmation |
| Course schedule | Published dates |
Common Pattern
| Period | Typical |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | Sept-Dec |
| Vacation | Dec-Jan |
| Term 2 | Jan-Mar |
| Vacation | Mar-Apr |
| Term 3 | Apr-Jun |
| Vacation | Jun-Sept |
Exam Periods
| During Exams | Position |
|---|---|
| Still term time | Usually |
| Check institution | Calendar |
| Limits apply | Until officially vacation |
Course Completion
When Course Ends
| If Course Finished | Position |
|---|---|
| Visa may continue | Short period |
| Check online | Current status |
| May not work | After course ends |
| Graduate visa | Alternative |
Switching Courses
| If Changing Course | Effect |
|---|---|
| Check visa | Still valid |
| May need update | To UKVI |
| Work rights | May change |
Penalties for Breaching
For Students
| If Breach | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Visa curtailed | May be cancelled |
| Future applications | Affected |
| Immigration history | Marked |
For Employers
| If Hire Illegally | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Civil penalty | Up to £60,000 |
| Criminal offence | Possible |
| No excuse | If didn't check properly |
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Summer Job
| Situation | Position |
|---|---|
| Student wants summer work | Full-time allowed |
| Check vacation dates | With institution |
| During official vacation | No hour limit |
Scenario 2: Christmas Casual
| Situation | Position |
|---|---|
| Student wants Christmas work | Check if vacation |
| If still term time | 20 hours max |
| If vacation started | Full-time ok |
Scenario 3: Multiple Part-Time Jobs
| Situation | Position |
|---|---|
| Student has 2 jobs | Combined must be ≤20 |
| Your job 15 hours | Only 5 available elsewhere |
| Ask about other work | Document it |
Record Keeping
What to Keep
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Online confirmation | Right to work |
| Hours worked | Weekly records |
| Term dates | Institution calendar |
| Communications | About other jobs |
Why Important
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Statutory excuse | If checked correctly |
| Evidence | Of compliance |
| Defence | To penalty |
Tips for Employers
Best Practices
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Get term dates | Before scheduling |
| Track hours carefully | Avoid breach |
| Regular check-ins | About other work |
| Rota management | Stay within limits |
Warning Signs
| Concern | Action |
|---|---|
| Wanting more hours | Explain limit |
| Unclear term dates | Verify with institution |
| Avoiding questions | About other work |
Summary
Key Limits
| Period | Typical Limit |
|---|---|
| Term time | 20 hours/week |
| Vacations | Unlimited |
| All jobs | Combined |
Employer Duties
| Duty | Action |
|---|---|
| Check online | Via share code |
| Verify hours | Track weekly |
| Know dates | Term vs vacation |
| Document | Everything |
Related answers
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Right to Work Checks: UK Employer Guide
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Online Right to Work Check
How do you conduct an online right to work check? Step-by-step guide to using the Home Office checking service with share codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many hours can a student visa holder work?
- Most student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during vacations. The exact limit is shown on their visa and must be checked online.
- Can student visa holders work full-time in summer?
- Yes, during official vacation periods set by their educational institution, student visa holders can usually work full-time with no hour limit. Term dates are set by the institution, not the student.
- What jobs are restricted for student visa holders?
- Student visa holders cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach, be self-employed, or fill a permanent full-time position. They also cannot work for certain employers during term time.