This information is for orientation only. Working beyond the hours allowed on your visa is an immigration breach with risk of revocation and future bans. Check conditions on your eVisa and with the international office.
Student work roadmap
- Valid visa
- NINO
- Contract
- PAYE payslip
- P60 end of year
- After graduation (Graduate / Skilled Worker)
Student checklist — before accepting a job
- Active Student visa with work permission (almost always yes, with limits).
- Hour limit: typically 20 hours/week during term time; full-time in official holidays.
- No work as self-employed or freelancer without adequate permission.
- NINO required before or immediately after starting.
- Written contract respecting National Minimum Wage.
- Red flag: cash in hand without payslip, «NINO not needed».
Student visa rules (work)
| Period | Typical limit | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Term time | Max 20 hours/week | Mandatory curricular placement — check CAS |
| Official holidays | Full-time (any legal hours) | Dates from university/sponsor |
| After graduation | Student visa expires | Switch to Graduate or Skilled Worker |
| Prohibited | Self-employment, business owner, professional entertainer | Full list on GOV.UK |
Last updated: May 2026 — GOV.UK — Student visa work conditions
NINO and first job
- Job offer (even campus part-time).
- NINO application — Online/phone via GOV.UK; appointment if required.
- Contract — Permanent, fixed-term or zero-hours (know your rights).
- Starter checklist — Complete for employer (first UK job).
- First payslip — Check tax code and deductions.
Contract types in the UK
- Permanent (full/part-time): paid holiday, notice period.
- Fixed-term: end date; useful for defined internships.
- Zero-hours: no guaranteed hours — flexible but unstable.
- Agency: agency is legal employer; check fees.
Minimum wage (NMW/NLW)
| Band | Note |
|---|---|
| National Living Wage (23+) | Highest rate — updated every April |
| 21–22, 18–20, under 18, apprentice | Different rates — GOV.UK table |
| London living wage (voluntary) | Not legally required but used by some employers |
Last updated: May 2026 — National Minimum Wage rates
Payslip, PAYE and contributions
- Gross pay — Contractual amount before deductions.
- Income tax — Withheld via PAYE according to tax code.
- National Insurance (NIC) — Contributions above threshold.
- Pension auto-enrolment — Automatic enrolment if eligible (can opt out temporarily).
- Student loan — Plan 1/2/4/5 deduction if applicable above income threshold.
Tax: Self Assessment and extra income
- If freelance or complex foreign income, you may need Self Assessment.
- Return deadline: usually 31 January online for the previous tax year.
- Keep P60 (year end) and P45 (end of employment).
Basic rights and dismissal
- ACAS — Free advice on dismissal, discrimination, pay.
- Unfair dismissal — Full protection often after 2 years of service.
- Holiday pay — Right to paid leave even part-time (pro-rata).
After graduation
- Graduate visa — Work without sponsor for a limited period (check eligible UK degree).
- Skilled Worker — Employer with sponsor licence + skilled salary threshold.
- Switch before expiry — Apply from inside the UK if your permission allows.
What NOT to do
- Work over 20 hours/week in term time.
- Start freelance activity without a visa that permits it.
- Accept «cash in hand» with no tax record.
- Ignore letters from HMRC or the Home Office.
Official links
Sources
University reports prolonged absences to Home Office — maintain attendance.
Quick reference
Generally safe; watch out for phone thefts in London, rental scams and night security in isolated areas. 999 unique emergency number.
Day-to-day safety
Newspaper
Common scams
Fake landlords on Gumtree, HMRC phishing, "UK home office" call scam.
Emergencies
If something goes wrong
Rights
Citizens Advice for landlord disputes. Work beyond visa hours = serious immigration risk.
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Rights & contracts (summary)
| Topic | Note |
|---|---|
| National Living Wage / NMW | Age bands and rates change each April—check your payslip against GOV.UK tables |
| Payslips | Must be provided with lawful deductions and holiday accrual shown |
| Zero-hours & agency work | Different rights vs fixed hours—read contracts and holiday entitlement rules |
| Apprenticeships | Minimum apprentice rates and off-the-job training rules apply |
ACAS & claims
Free advice
ACAS helpline, codes of practice, and early conciliation before employment tribunal claims.
Employment Tribunal
Strict time limits—keep evidence of hours and emails.
Students working
Follow your visa work caps (weekly limits on the Student route)—breaches can affect future immigration.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.