Working in the UK

If you are looking to work in the UK during your studies or after graduation it is important that you check the visa regulations. We cannot provide you with immigration advice personalised to your own circumstances but we have provided links to websites with up to date information and advice to help you.

A selection of websites with information and advice specifically for International Students or those looking to work in the UK is provided below. We also have guides and resources for you to use at Purple Door, including some that you can take away with you.

Working in the UK:

International, EEA and EU Students: Working in the UK after you graduate -this guide will help you identify how to find jobs and market yourself effectively for jobs while you are a student and after you graduate. It also identifies how Purple Door Careers and Recruitment can help you
International, EEA and EU Students: Part-time Work and Volunteering – this leaflet will help you identify how you can find jobs and market yourself effectively while you are a student and after you graduate.
International students Working in the UK
NARIC – UK Naric provides information on the UK comparability of international qualifications.
NASES – Information to help explain rights regarding part-time work in the UK.
China's Growing Economy and Opportunities for the Labour Market - UKTI document with a list of Chinese companies with bases in the UK
Register of sponsors, UK Border Agency - these companies have authorisation to sponsor under the Tier 2 (General) scheme; register has the name and location of each organisation. The current register can be downloaded from the right side of this page.
The Purple Door Careers and Recruitment website provides details of current job vacancies on the Jobs Board, with further information and advice on looking for part-time work, placements and graduate jobs in the Jobs and work experience section. You can also visit the Purple Door Careers and Recruitment Centre where you can use a wide range of additional resources with staff on hand to help you.

Visa information:

UK Border Agency – official visa and immigration information for working in the UK
UK Border Agency - This page explains the codes of practice for sponsors under Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system (see 'Possible schemes of interest' below). Use this link (found in the Policy and Law section) to check that the job advertised meets the government requirements on the skill level and the 'appropriate rate' of pay.
UKCISA - the UK Council for International Student Affairs is the UK’s national advisory body serving the interests of international students.
List of accredited imigration advisers - search by region to find immigration advice near where you live and to find immigration advisors who specialise in particular types of immigration, asylum or nationality cases.
Farley and Associates an OISC Accredited Immigration Adviser who regularly presents at the University of Portsmouth regarding current visa information - Adrian Farley Presentation 17 February 2012

Possible schemes of interest:

Tier 2 General – for this you will need to be sponsored by an UKBA registered employer and be offered a graduate level job which meets UKBA salary requirements. For full information on the requirements look at the UKBA’s Tier 2 General information. To check which job roles are accepted, and the salary required, look at the UKBA Codes of Practice.
Tier 5 - Government Authorised Exchange visa: this temporary visa enables students to undertake skilled work for up to a year to gain experience in the UK. Graduates on this visa must be additional to the normal staffing. The visa may not be used to fill a vacancy or replace a member of staff. Visas are approved by a small number of approved organisations on behalf of employers. From this link you can find a list of authorised sponsors for this scheme. One of which is BUNAC who run an Intern in Britain scheme.

Making applications

Information and advice on writing a CV, completing applications forms and going for interviews is available in the making applications section. If you would like further support you can drop-in to Purple Door and talk to one of our experienced Information and Employment Advisers or make an appointment with a careers adviser for one-to-one advice.