Working on a UK student visa

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

I understand that if you have a UK student visa, you can work for up to 20 hours per week (and full time in term breaks).

The visa in the passport has written on it

Work (and any changes) must be authorized

Does this mean the student can only work within the limits specified above, or does it mean that the student must explicitly ask permission from somebody at the home office for any job they take?

Thanks!

[VictoriaS]

It is automatically granted unless the visa specifically says it is not or is only valid for six months.

Victoria

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

Does the holder of the visa have to apply (and then it is automatically granted)? If so, where?

[ci07jjs]

as victoria said you don't need permission to work upto 20 hrs a week, unless specifically stated on the passport.

many thanks

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

stamp in the passport says:

Work (and any changes) must be authorized

It is automatically granted unless the visa specifically says it is not or is only valid for six months.

as victoria said you don't need permission to work up to 20 hrs a week, unless specifically stated on the passport

Both of you are saying the same thing - "No permission is needed unless you need permission".

Unfortunately the wording of this visa stamp is unclear. Does the wording of this visa stamp require the holder to apply for permission, or does it not?

Cheers!

[sakura]

According to UKCOSA http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/student/can_i_work.php:

Can I work while I study in the UK?
Check what your passport sticker (entry clearance or residence permit) says. If you are in the UK with student immigration permission and your passport sticker says "Work (and any changes) must be authorised" or "Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State", you are allowed to work during your studies.

If your passport sticker says "No work", you must not work in the UK. This would be a breach of your immigration conditions, which is a criminal offence. If you are in the UK and you have entry clearance (a visa) that makes it clear you are here as a student but you have a "no work" condition, you can make an immigration application to change your condition to allow you to work. You should talk to your international student adviser about how to make such an application and how much it will cost. It is much cheaper and easier to ask for permission to work when you make your entry clearance application and to check your passport sticker before you travel to the UK.

If you are in the UK as a student visitor, you cannot change your immigration conditions in the UK to allow you to work. You would have to return to the country where you usually live and make an entry clearance application as a student, and you would have to meet all the requirements of the student Immigration Rules.

[VictoriaS]

The reason for the wording is that students used to ahve to go to their nearest job centre and apply for permission to work, but they haven't now for about 8 years, and they haven't changed the wording.

Victoria