Further Reforms To Tier 4 Limits Students Ability To Work

Employers with a high proportion of student employees should note that changes to the Tier 4 category for students announced on 10 February 2010. Due to concerns that Tier 4 was being used as a primary means for both the student and their dependants to work, the Home Office will issue new regulations to take effect from 3 March 2010 which mean that students studying below foundation degree level have a limited ability to work in the UK and that their dependants cannot work here at all.

In particular, from 3 March 2010, Tier 4 students:

• will be able to work just ten hours during term time (and not 20 hours as is currently the case) if studying below a degree level or foundation degree course;