Working in London

Students often ask if they can work while they are in London. This is possible under certain circumstances. The basic rules are -

If you are from a country which is a member of the EU (European Union) you can work in the UK without any restrictions.

If you are from a country which is NOT a member of the EU, you can work in London as long as you meet various conditions

• If you need a visa to come to the UK, you must make sure you ask for and receive a STUDENT visa.
• To get a student visa, you must enrol for a course lasting a minimum of 12 weeks.

If you are allowed to work in the UK, your visa or passport stamp will say

• "No recourse to public funds. Work (and any changes) must be authorised." Or
• "Leave to enter the United Kingdom on condition that the holder maintains and accommodates himself and any dependents without recourse to public funds and does not enter or change employment paid or unpaid without the consent of the Secretary of State for Employment and does not engage in business or profession without the consent of the Secretary of State for the Home Department is hereby given for/until..."

If you have the correct visa or stamp, you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week.

You must NOT set up a business or be self employed.

For full details of the rules on working while you are a student in London visit -  www.dfee.gov.uk/international-students/wituk.shtml

If you are allowed to work and want to find a job, we can give you help at Excel English with your CV / Resume and also give you information on where and how to look for employment.  We cannot, however, actually find you a paid job.