Hiring Foreign Students: Always Check Work Permissions!

The Home Office has recently been investigating foreign student visa holders working hours. Whilst student visa holders can be a valuable source of labour, it's vital that employers pay close attention to their work permissions.

Not all students have the same work permissions, but generally it's common for student visa holders to be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time alongside their full-time studies. Outside of term, students who have the right to work are permitted to work full-time. This includes the period before their course starts, during vacations and during the period after they have completed their course.

Consequences

If a student visa holder works more hours than permitted, the student will breach their visa conditions. Breaching visa conditions is not only grounds for visa cancellation, but also a criminal offence under the Immigration Act 1971 with potential liability for a fine or even imprisonment.