Destination: United Kingdom

UK Country Training Module

1.1 Part time work rights for international students

Level of Study

Work Hours Allowed

Permitted Work

Work Not Permitted

Full-Time Degree (UG & PG)

Up to 20 hrs/week during term
Full-time during official vacations

On-campus jobs Internships/placements (if integrated into course)
Part-time work in most sectors

Self-employment Freelancing
Permanent roles:- Professional sportsperson/coach Doctor/dentist in training (unless part of approved foundation program)

Pre-sessional English Courses

Up to 10 hrs/week during term

Limited part-time work

Full-time work

Below Degree Level Courses

Up to 10 hrs/week during term

Only if enrolled at a licensed UKVI sponsor

Full-time work

Short-Term Student Visa (6–11 months)

No work permitted

Study only

All paid/unpaid work

Dependent of PG Student (≥9 months)

Full-time work permitted

Any job, including skilled roles May be self-employed

Doctor/dentist in training (unless qualified in UK)

Note on Work Placements for Student Visa Holders (UK)

Students studying full-time in the UK may undertake certain types of work placements, provided they meet visa and course requirements:

●Work placements integrated into the course are permitted and may be either paid or unpaid. These placements must not exceed 50% of the total course duration, except in specific disciplines such as law, nursing, or teacher training, where longer placements are allowed.

●Paid off-campus internships are allowed but must remain within the 20 hours/week limit during academic term time. Students can work more during official university vacations.

●Sandwich courses, which include a formal placement year as part of the degree, allow students to work full-time during that placement year, provided it’s officially approved and assessed as part of the academic program.

●Employers can no longer rely on physical BRP cards for right to work checks. Instead, they must use the Home Office’s online system to verify immigration status using a share code provided by the employee.

1.2 Full time work rights for international students

Feature

Details

Name

Graduate Route (previously Post-Study Work visa)

Eligibility

Must complete a UK bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a licensed sponsor institution

Duration

2 years for Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates

3 years for PhD graduates

Work Rights

Can work full-time in any job/sector

No employer sponsorship required

Self-Employment

Allowed

Visa Conditions

Cannot extend this visa

Cannot apply if studying a course at below-degree level

Dependents

Permitted if they were dependents during student visa period

Note:- No job offer required to apply for Graduate Route. Application must be made within the UK before the student visa expires.

1.3 UK Skilled worker visa (Switching from graduate route or student visa)

Requirement

Details

Job Offer

Must have a confirmed offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence

Salary Threshold

£38,000/year

Skill Level

Role must be at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or higher
RQF Level 3–5 roles no longer qualify unless listed on the Temporary Shortage List (TSOL)

Duration & Extensions

Initial visa up to 5 years
Can be extended Leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years

Switching Eligibility

Permitted if:Course is completed, job starts after course ends, PhD students have studied ≥24 months

Application Location

Must apply from within the UK before current visa expires

English Requirement

CEFR Level B1 or above

Financial Requirement

£1,270 in savings (unless exempt) Sponsor may certify maintenance

Dependants

Permitted if applying for eligible roles at RQF Level 6+, Not allowed for TSOL/ISL roles at RQF Level 3–5

1.3 Documents requirement

1. UG level application
   
   
2. Academic Transcripts
3. Predicted Grades / Forecasted Results
4. Personal Statement
5. Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
6. Valid Passport Copy
7. English Language Proficiency Test Score (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
8. Admissions Test Score (e.g., UCAT, LNAT, MAT, PAT, etc.)
9. Portfolio (for creative/design courses)
10. Resume / CV (if applicable)
11. Supplementary Forms or Written Work (e.g., SAQ, ELAT, HAT)
12. School Profile (optional but recommended)
13. Parent Consent Form (if under 18)
    
    
14. PG level application
    
    
15. Academic Transcripts (Bachelor’s degree and/or Master’s if applicable)
16. Degree Certificate(s)
17. Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement
18. Letters of Recommendation (usually 2 academic/professional)
19. CV / Resume
20. Valid Passport Copy
21. English Language Proficiency Test Score (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
22. GMAT / GRE Score (if required)
23. Research Proposal (for research-based or MRes/MPhil/PhD programs)\
24. Portfolio (for creative/design/architecture programs)
25. Work Experience Letters (for MBA or experience-based programs)
26. Supplementary Forms or Written Work (if requested by university)
27. Proof of Funding / Financial Documents (for CAS/visa stage)
28. Passport-Sized Photograph (if requested)
29. Professional License/Registration (for regulated professions like nursing, teaching, etc.)

1. Visa application
   
   
2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
3. Valid Passport
4. Passport-Sized Photograph
5. Academic Qualification Documents (Transcripts & Certificates)
6. English Language Proficiency Test Score
7. Proof of Financial Support / Funds
8. Bank Statement or Financial Sponsorship Letter
9. ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
10. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate (if applicable)
11. Parental Consent Letter (if under 18)
12. Birth Certificate / Relationship Proof (if under 18)
13. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment Receipt
14. Visa Application Form (UKVI Online Application)
15. Visa Appointment Confirmation & Biometrics Proof