Legislation about working in the UK has recently changed. For this reason it is often better to check directly on the Home Office website to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Some basic guidelines are given below:

Some restrictions and prohibitions: restriction stamp

If you have a work restriction stamp in your passport, which states 'no recourse to public funds. Work must be authorised', you DO NOT need to obtain a work permit. You are automatically permitted to:

1. Work during term-time

University regulations state that students should not work more than 15 hours per week during term-time.

According to the Home Office, you are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during term time. These 20 hours are strictly applied. Do not work over 20 hours on any given week. They do not balance out so if you work less than 20 hours one week, your working allowance still remains 20 hours next week.

2. Work during vacations

There are no time limitations during your academic vacations.

Vacation period includes the official academic vacation periods as publicised by the University

Vacation also includes the time between the end of the course and your end of leave.

3. Undertake a sandwich course placement

Some conditions include:

• The work placement must be included in the course.
• It must be clearly defined.
• It must be approved by the institution.
• It must not extend beyond the end of the course.

4. Undertake an internship up to 3 months

You must not have taken previously an internship with the same employer. Some conditions include:

• It must be paid.
• It must be completed within the current period of leave as a student.

Restrictions on the type of work you can do

You must not be in business transactions, self-employment, the provision of services as a professional sports person or entertainer.

You also cannot work permanently in a full-time position.

Prohibition on employment stamp

If you have a prohibition on employment stamp in your passport, you cannot work under any condition.

However, it may be possible for your stamp to be changed.

Worker Registration Scheme

Citizens from the following countries entering employment into on or after 1st May 2004 must usually be registered under the Accession State Worker Registration Scheme:

• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Slovak Republic
• Slovenia.

You will need to apply to Home Office for a registration card and certificate of registration and pay a one-off fee.

The form and further guidance available on the UK Border Agency website.

More resources

• There are more resources on this site - follow the links to find out about different work permit schemes or to find out about getting a job.
• We have information and leaflets in the Careers Service.
• Information for employers: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
• Employer's helpline: 0845 010 6677.
• Commission for Racial Equality: www.cre.gov.uk

• In June 2009 the University of Leicester (Career Development) collaborated with other universities within the East Midlands to put on the China - East Midlands: Business & Employment Opportunities event (at Nottingham University Business School) to bring together mandarin speaking talent and employers interested in recruiting them.  To find out more about the event view the video here.

>>Information about National Insurance Numbers