International and EU students

International Student Advisers

 

Working in the UK 

Regulations are constantly changing, you can keep up to date with the following websites:
UKBA news updates
UKCISA news updates
 

International (non- EU) Students: You can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacation periods (Christmas, Easter and summer). Before you seek employment, you must check your visa, this should say: 'work permitted within Tier 4 rules'.

There are some restrictions:

  • Students must not work for more than 20 hours per week during term time, except where a work placement is an integral part of the course fully supported by the department and undertaken at the agreement of the University
  • Students should not engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
  • Students should not pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy

More information can be found on the UKCISA website or by visiting Purple Door Careers & Recruitment office.

EU Students: There are several categories of EU student employment regulations:

  1. Students from countries which were part of the EU before 2004 - you are eligible to work without restrictions
  2. Students from A2 (2007) Accession countries - you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacation periods (Christmas, Easter and summer). You must obtain Work Authorisation BR1 (yellow card) before you can legally take employment

National Insurance Contributions

Once you have found a part time job, it is important for you to apply for a National Insurance number. All International and EU Students who are working in the UK have to pay National Insurance contributions. By allocating you with a number, the contributions agency can ensure you pay the correct amount.

To obtain a National Insurance number:

  • You will need a written offer of employment
  • You must apply for a permanent National Insurance number as soon as you have confirmation of your employment as it may take up to 10 weeks for your permanent number to be allocated
  • Full information on how to apply can be found here Direct.gov  or by calling the Jobcentre Plus on 0845 600 0643

For further information, visit the HR Revenue & Customs website 

 

Part-time jobs

 There are different places you can seek employment:

  • Purple Door Careers and Recruitment have listings of vacancies. Staff can also help you with writing your CV. Visit their website for a list of workshops and presentations you can attend. 
  • The Job Centre in Commercial Road advertises new vacancies daily
  • Portsmouth's local newspaper 'The News' also advertises vacancies on Thursdays

 

Working after completion of your course

  • International (non-EU) students can find full up to date information on the UKCISA website.
  • Visa information Drop-in Sessions at Purple Door Careers and Recruitment find out more about the visa categories and the key requirements of each.  Come to Purple Door Careers Centre to find out when the drop-in sessions are taking place or look on our events calender.
  • Bulgarian & Romanian students, check the UKBA website for BR2 (blue card) rules.