Working on a Student Visa in the UK: Your Rights and Limitations
LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] Table of Contents Who Can Work on a Student Visa in the UK? Generally, if you’re a full-time degree-level student or above, you can work in the UK on a student visa (formerly Tier 4 visa). But it also varies depending on individual visa conditions per the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) authority. Your work status is clearly written on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Visa Vignette. Be sure to check your student visa first. If it says, “No work” or “work prohibited,” then you must not take any paid or unpaid employment (including work placements). If it states, “Work limited to 20 hours per week during the term” or “Restricted work—part-time work (during term) or full-time (during vacations),” then you are permitted to work. UK Student Visa Work Rules In most cases, Degree-level students can work for 20 hours per week. Below degree-level students can take up to 10 hours of work during term time. You may be allowed to work full-time during vacation periods or official university breaks (including the period before your course starts, after it ends, or during scheduled holidays). As per UK regulations, Tier 4 visa work hours are counted in a seven-day period starting from Monday to Sunday. As a student, you can work for a specific number of hours each week. You must follow the rules, as breaching immigration rules is considered a criminal offense. How Much Can You Earn on a Student Visa? As per the government’s criteria, the minimum wage in the UK varies depending on age and employment status. If you are an international student aged 21 and over, you can earn £12.21 per hour, which is the current National Living Wage rate. If you are aged 18 to 20, the current minimum wage rate is £10. Read complete guide on UK Student Visa. Tax, National Insurance, and Legal Requirements Keep these legal requirements in mind: Apply for a National Insurance Number (NIN) Pay income tax if income exceeds the personal allowance (£12,570 for the current tax year) National Insurance Number (NIN) is a unique identifier used to track your tax and security contributions. This ensures your employer deducts the correct amount of tax from your salary. You may be taxed more if you do not have a NIN. If you are legally allowed to work, you can start working without this reference number, but your employer will ask you to apply for one as soon as possible. What Type of Work Is Allowed on a UK Student Visa? As a student visa holder, you can take up almost any type of position, including: Work in retail, hospitality, or administrative sectors Customer service roles in any industry Course-related internships or work placements Voluntary work at registered charities University-based positions such as library assistant or campus ambassador What Are the Employment Restrictions for a Student Visa? You cannot Be ‘self-employed’ (includes freelance or gig economy work) Start a company or own a significant share of any business Work in the entertainment or sports industries (as an athlete or entertainer) Take full-time permanent positions What Are Term Dates and How to Track Them? Every university’s academic calendar shows specific terms and vacation periods. It differs by institute. Checking and tracking your work hours before undertaking any full-time work is important. Can I Work After Degree Completion? After completing your degree program, you may be eligible for full-time work until your visa expires. You can use this period to prepare for future visa applications, such as the Graduate Route, or gain professional experience. Before taking up any full-time work opportunity, make sure: To check your course end date You should no longer be in term time What Is the Graduate Route? The Graduate visa, formerly called a post-study work visa, allows eligible students to stay and work in the UK for 2 years (24 months) after completing an undergraduate or graduate degree, and for 3 years if they have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification. The UK government released a white paper proposal to change the total allowable stay from 24 months to 18 months, still subject to Parliament for review and approval. This allows them to gain professional work experience, explore career opportunities, and execute other post-study work plans before transitioning to a full-time work visa (if applicable). Read this blog to understand UK work visa types. What happens if I work more than 20 hours in the UK as a student? You can work more than 20 hours per week during vacations. But if you work more than 20 hours during term time, you are breaching visa regulations and can face serious consequences, including visa cancellation, deportation, and future visa bans. Can I take multiple jobs as a student visa holder in the UK? Yes, you can take multiple jobs as a student, but the cumulative work hours should not exceed 20 hours per week during term time. Can I switch from a student visa to a skilled worker visa in the UK? Yes, you can switch your student visa to a skilled worker visa after completing your degree from a recognised institute in the UK. You must fulfil the skilled worker criteria and get a sponsored job to switch. Can I get PR in the UK after studies? To get Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK, you need to follow a step-by-step process. It is not easy or quick, but it is certainly doable. After completing your degree Apply for the post-study work visa (Graduate route) Transition to a skilled worker visa Apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) This can lead to PR under certain conditions. Understand Your Student Visa Work Rights Better Changing visa regulations and specific conditions
Further Leave to Remain UK: A Complete Guide
LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] Table of Contents What is Further Leave to Remain (FLR)? Every visa has a validity date, and before your visa expires, you either leave the country, extend it, or switch to another visa type—if you meet the requirements. FLR, or further leave to remain, is a term the Home Office uses to refer to an extension in a visa or permission to stay in the UK after the period of limited leave to remain ends. What is Limited Leave to Remain (LLR)? A limited leave to remain is the permission given to a non-British national to stay in the UK for a specific period. Meanwhile, a further leave to remain is an extension of a limited leave to remain visa. The given grant is still limited to a specified period. It depends on your existing leave grant; for example, you will get an extension of 2.5 years under a spouse visa. Learn more about other UK Visa types in our guide. What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and How Can You Apply for it? If you have lived continuously in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR); that is, if you want to settle permanently in the UK. ILR is a settled person’s legal permanent residence status in the UK. With this status, you can live, work, or even study in the UK without limitation. You do not have to apply for or extend any visa if you get an ILR. Check the recent white paper proposal for new UK immigration systems. LLR or ILR? What is the Difference? You are granted the limited leave to remain status if you can prove your capability to stay in the UK without depending on public funds. This means that during your stay in the UK, you cannot receive any benefits. There are limitations to your work or study if you are on an LLR visa. On the other hand, if you are an ILR visa holder, you will have the same rights to government services or public funds as a UK citizen. After staying in the UK on ILR for an additional 12 months, you may apply for British Citizenship through naturalisation (a legal process through which a non-British citizen becomes a British citizen). Categories of FLR Visa There are two general categories of FLR visa, and the type depends on the situation—marriage, private life, family life, or dependency. FLR (M) — for marriage or partnership FLR (FP) — for family or private life Each category requires a different set of requirements that you need to meet before applying for an extension. FLR (M) The FLR (M) category is reserved for the spouse, partner, or dependant child of a British citizen, a person settled in the UK, or an individual with refugee status. To acquire an FLR (M) visa, a person must show a genuine, ongoing relationship with the partner. You can show a civil partnership or marriage certificate. If you have a dependant child, you must also prove it per their guidelines. Moreover, an English language test and financial proof are also needed. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for an additional 2.5 years. If you renew it after the first 30 months and stay in the UK for a continuous 10 years, you will be eligible to apply for an ILR. Read complete guide to UK Spouse Visa here. FLR (FP) FLR application is intended for those who want to extend based on family or private life or have strong personal ties with the country. It is valid for partners who do not meet the requirements of FLR (M) but manage to get an exception under the FLR (FP) category. The FLR (FP) category also includes individuals getting an extension based on private life, i.e., people who have lived in the UK for a long time and established their private lives here. The requirements based on private life are given below: The person is under 18 and has lived continuously for 7 years in the UK. The person is between 18 and 24 and has lived in the UK for almost half their lives. The extension under this category is also for 2.5 years. Other FLR Visa Categories Aside from the above categories, you may be eligible for other FLR visa types: FLR (HRO): Human Rights Claims FLR (IR): Other Routes under Immigration Rules FLR (LR): Long Residence FLR (DL): Discretionary Leave FLR (AF): Armed Forces FLR (S): Stateless Person FLR Visa Requirements There are general and specific requirements for the different categories. General Requirements ID proof – Your valid passport or identity document Existing visa status or LLR Timing – Apply before the expiration of your current visa Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge Existing leave to enter or remain FLR (M) Requirements These are the specific requirements of a spouse visa or marriage visa: Marital status – legal marriage certificate or partnership document Accommodation –Proof of living in the UK Financial proof– Meet the minimum financial requirements English language proficiency – Proof of proficiency through a recognised English Language test FLR (FP) Requirements These are specific requirements for FLR based on family or private life: Genuine relationship proof Contribution during your stay in the UK – Community involvement, employment, or study FLR Visa Cost The cost of an FLR visa depends on your existing visa status. If you want to extend under the family visa route, you must pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Further Leave to Remain fee (under family visa route) — £1,321 Immigration Health Surcharge — £1,035 per year FLR Application Process Fill out the relevant form online: FLR
UK Spouse Visa Guide in 2025
LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] Table of Contents Understanding Visa | What is a Spouse Visa? If you’re married to a British citizen or a person settled in UK, you do not automatically qualify for a spouse status in the UK. You have to apply to the UK home office for a spouse visa to live with your partner. UK spouse visa is a part of the family visa category. This visa is a permit for living in the UK, similar to a sponsor visa, but the sponsorship is for the applicant’s partner. UK allows applicants to live in the UK with their partner for 33 months. A spouse visa allows you to work and study in the UK at your expense. It also leads to permanent settlement if you stay in the UK with your partner for 5 years. You will be eligible to apply for permanent residency. Criteria of Partner The definition of a partner is quite broad and is not limited to a spouse only. It includes; An unmarried partner. (A person who is living with the applicant to get married or establish a civil relationship for at least 2 years before application) A Spouse (Husband or wife) A civil partner A proposed civil partner or fiancé Benefits of getting a UK spouse visa Establishing a life in the UK through a spouse visa route comes with certain benefits stated below: Work and Study Opportunity A spouse visa allows you to work without restrictions and study in the UK’s prestigious universities, leading to immense career growth. Permanent Settlement A spouse visa is an easy way to permanent residence in the UK. After continuously living for 5 years, the person can apply for an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), the first step towards British citizenship. NHS Services With a spouse visa, you can rest assured about your health as you’ll have easy access to the UK’s National Health Service. Living with Family Staying with family is a precious privilege, and you can enjoy it with a spouse visa. For how long can you stay in the UK with a Spouse Visa? If you’re already married and applying for a Spouse Visa, you will be granted a visa for 33 months. If you’re applying as a Fiancé or proposed partner, you’ll secure a visa for 6 months only to get married. After marriage, you’ll apply for a spouse visa with the documents from your recent marriage certificate. UK Spouse Visa Extension You have the right to extend your spouse visa for 2.5 years to make your complete stay to 5 years (60 months). After that, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for an ILR leading to Permanent Residency. Eligibility Requirements of a UK Spouse Visa Being eligible for a UK spouse visa means having a position to stay in the UK for both the applicant and the sponsoring partner. These factors include the truthfulness of the relationship, financial requirements and the ability of both persons to live and interact with the British community. Legal Requirements You must be in a civil partnership or legally married. You’ll show a marriage certificate or civil partnership registration document Both the applicant and partner should be over 18 years of age Financial Requirements You must show that you have the means to support yourself and your partner during your stay in the UK. This includes dependent children, too (if any). The finances should be enough to survive and stay without public funds. The applicant or partner has an income of £18,600 per year or enough savings to support their stay in the UK. Minimum income is set at £29,000 per year but it may vary in 2025. To meet the basic requirement, you will show an employment contract, additional income such as property rentals, savings of more than £ 16,000 or pensions. You can use the savings to bridge the gap if the income is insufficient. Pay slips, employment contracts or bank statements will be required as proof. If your partner is getting any benefit or allowance in the UK. You won’t have to meet the minimum income criteria. Instead, you’ll show financial support for accommodation and maintenance only. Ongoing and True Relationship The home office needs you to prove that you’ve met your partner at least once in your life after marriage. This may be the most challenging thing to prove for some. You must share proof that you and your partner are committed to this relationship and have a regular conversation. If you are unmarried, you can apply by showing you have been in a relationship for 2 years. Joint bills, communication channels, holiday or vacation details, supporting letters from friends or family or photographs of you together will be required to show the genuineness of the relationship. Housing A spouse visa holder is required to live with the partner. Therefore, the partner will show proof of accommodation. A tenancy agreement or property documents will be required to show housing arrangements for the couple. If you have a child over 1 year, you need an additional bedroom for its stay. English Language Proficiency Both partners should be able to communicate well in English IELTS test results or proof of education in English will be required You’ll be exempted from this requirement if you are from an English-speaking country. Sponsor Requirements The sponsor (partner) should be able to meet specific criteria to qualify for the application. It includes Being a British citizen Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) holder Is settled or has a pre-settled status in the UK Step-by-Step Application Process The application process starts on the official website portal of the UK government visa and immigration department. Applicants need to follow the below-given steps to
UK Student Visa Guide 2025
LET’S DO BUSINESS The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast. [ninja_form id=’38’] Table of Contents Eligibility Requirements of UK Student Visa If you want to advance your career by studying in the UK, you must fulfil the following criteria before applying for a student Visa. As of 1 January 2021, the UK has a new points-based immigration system for all students, regardless of where they come from. To get a student visa, you must score 70 points by meeting specific criteria. The United Kingdom mostly allows students older than 16 years to study in the UK through a study visa. A general student visa is a Tier 4 visa, but if you are 16, you will apply for a Child Student Visa. You need a valid identity document, such as a passport or an ID card, which shows your nationality and date of birth. You should be enrolled in a course and have a confirmed acceptance letter from your sponsor/university, aka the CAS letter. You have all the means to cover the financial expenses. It includes your tuition fee, living expenses, transportation, etc. You may also show your scholarship award (if you have any). You can use the online student visa calculator to estimate your needs. Evidence can be shown by bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor letters. You need to understand English before studying in an English-speaking country. Pass IELTS or TOEFL (whatever is required by your university) with enough grades to get accepted. Your parents should permit you to study in the UK. If you are younger than 18, you have to show a NOC from your parents. If you are coming from a country where TB is prevalent, you need a valid tuberculosis (TB) test result. NOTE: You must also ensure that your documents are valid and current. Costs and Financial Requirements To get a student visa, you must show financial capability to pay for your expenses. As stated earlier, you can show this through a bank statement or a sponsor letter. Per the UK government’s policy, you should have at least nine months of expenses in your statement before applying for a visa. Some of the expenses include: The visa application fee (varies with nationality). The course tuition fee (depends on the type of course you choose, plus the university rankings). You must prove that you have enough money to pay for the first year of your course or the entire course if it is shorter than one year. You can check your institution’s course fees or the UCAS website. The living costs in the UK vary by your location and lifestyle. The UK government requires you to have at least £ 1,334 per month if you study in London and at least £ 1,023 per month if you study elsewhere. Application Process for a Student Visa General Student Visa Application First of all, check the eligibility criteria and make sure you fulfil every point. Apply on the UK government website and complete an online application with all the supporting documents. Every type of visa has a specific fee you need to pay with the application. You can pay this fee online through digital banking. Visa fee will vary with nationality. Book your appointment at the Visa application centre (every country has a Visa application office for other countries). Visit the office on your appointment day and submit your biometric information. This includes your fingerprints and photographs. They may also conduct a short interview to understand your plans for the UK. Wait for their response. The response time varies by country. You can also check the UK government’s website for your country’s response time. Once you receive your visa (with approval), you can now travel to the UK. Approval means you will receive your passport with a vignette (sticker) that shows the permit to enter the UK. You will also receive a letter with a CAS number, i.e. Confirming Acceptance for studies. You need this number to collect your biometric residence permit (BRP), which shows your immigration status and personal details. Collect your BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK from a post office or your institution. The application process is generally simple, as stated, but it may slightly vary depending on your location. Applying from Within the UK If you are already staying in the UK on some other visa type, you can apply for a student visa before the expiration of your current visa or 3 months before the start date of your course. Here’s how: Apply online and upload all the necessary documents. Book your appointment at the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) and visit to provide your biometric information. Response from the Visa Office takes around 8 weeks. Student Visa Application Process from Outside the UK Availing a student visa from outside the UK can be a bit tricky, but it is certainly achievable. The UK welcomes thousands of foreign students every year. This step is taken to promote their culture, produce genius minds, and create a strong impact worldwide. Plus, foreign students add a lot to the country’s economy. If you are applying from outside the UK, make sure to complete your application at least 6 months before the start of your course, as the visa processes can take longer than expected. Complete your application online using the guidelines on the website. Make an appointment and visit the visa application centre in your country to provide your biometric information. Submit all the required documents to the visa office. Wait for a minimum of 3 weeks until you get your response from the Visa Application Centre. How Long Can You Stay in the UK with a Student Visa? A student visa allows you to stay in the UK throughout your study period.