Many overseas students think that they can boost their finance by working whilst they are studying. Although the extra income from part-time jobs in semester-time and temporary jobs in vacation is always welcome, it might be illegal for you to take employment whilst you are a student.
Part-time
and temporary jobs in the vacation are very difficult to find. Remember
if you do manage to find a part-time job during term time, the extra work
might put a strain on your academic work and, of course, on your social
life!
EMPLOYMENT PROHIBITION.
Although it may be difficult for you to juggle coursework and a part-time job many international students do manage to make it work. However, in some cases it may be illegal for you to take employment. If there a "prohibition on taking employment" stamp in your passport then you will not be able to work. This can only be changed by an application to the Home Office. In all cases, the condition of entry to the UK shown on your passport should be checked before you seek employment.
It is more likely however, for you to have a "restriction on taking employment" stamp entered in your passport. In this case you may apply for part-time work (in excess of six hours per week ) on form OSS1 "Application to Employ an Overseas student" obtainable from your local Job centre.
DEMONSTRATING or TEACHING
You are allowed to accept part-time demonstrating or teaching duties without reference to the Home Office, Overseas Labour section of the Employment Service, providing an assurance can be given that the demonstrating or teaching requires special skills. However, please not that such services give no claim for you to remain in the UK on completion of your studies.
If you wish to undertake any extra work during the vacation period then a work permit must be applied for prior to starting employment.
Although this all may seem like an administrative nightmare thousands of international students come to the UK and manage to make working part-time and studying full time work for them.
For more information conatct the UKOSA Guidance Note International Students and Employment. Copies of which may be obtained from UKOSA 9-17 St Albans Place, London. N1 0NX.
