How to Work on a Student Visa in the UK
The United Kingdom offers several different kinds of visas, depending on your reason for coming into the country. Visas for work or study are normally filed separately--but under the Tier 4 visa, students may be able to work if they so choose to during their studies in the United Kingdom.
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Instructions
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File visa application PBS Tier 4 (General) Student Visa VF9. The application can be found on the UK Border Agency's website (see resources). As of March 2010, any student planning on studying and working, or studying longer than six months must complete the PBS Tier 4 (General) Student Visa VF9 before entering the country.
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Make sure your course of study is at a level that the UK border agency will accept. This requirement can generally be fulfilled if you are attending school as a full-time student and attending a school that is approved to sponsor a Tier 4 visa. Contact the school to find out whether the school is a Tier 4 sponsor.
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Assess how much money you will have during your stay in the United Kingdom. The UK Border agency has a calculator that can help you put together a budget for your stay in the United Kingdom. If you are unable to come up with all of the money that is requested, you will be able to work if you are issued this visa. However, the more money that you have before you come to the United Kingdom the more likely you will be issued the student visa. You will eventually have to provide documentation of your financial status prior to entering the country.
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Gain acceptance from an approved school. If you have been accepted, you need to prove proof of acceptance and show the UK Border Agency.
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Submit the application form. This form must be submitted to your region's consulate or embassy. This can be done through the mail or in person.
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Make an appointment to enter your biometric information. This will be completed at any of the approved stations. They will take a photo and a 10-digit fingerprint scan. From there you will be issued a foreign national identification card.
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Begin to look for work. After you have been issued your student visa, you are able to work and go to school at the same time. You are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week while in school and up to 40 hours a week during your school's vacation period.
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References
Resources
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