Jobshop: EEA & International students

European Economic Area (EEA) Students

EEA countries:

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International Students (Non-EEA Students)

If you are an International Students on a full-time course (over 6 months) with a restricted stamp you are allowed to work subject to certain conditions:

• You can only work up to 20 hours per week during term time
• You can work full time during vacations (see academic calendar for dates)
• You can work during a placement year of a sandwich course without a permit

These conditions (above) apply as long as International Students:

• Do no set up their own business
• Not self-employed
• Do not work as a professional sports person or entertainer
• Do not pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in students being 'administratively removed' from the UK with 48 hours.

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Tax

International Students need to pay tax at the same rate as a UK citizen.

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National Insurance (NI)

All employed people who earn over a certain amount each year have to pay National Insurance. In order to be employed in the UK you will need a National Insurance number so that the Contribution Agency can keep a record of how much National Insurance you have paid.

To obtain a National Insurance number:

• You will need a firm, written offer of employment
• You should make an appointment with Customer Services at the local Benefits Agency
• When you go for your interview you will need to take:
  • Two Forms of identification
  • A letter from the university
• Your employer will give you a temporary number until you receive your own

You must obtain your NI number as soon as possible as it may take up to six weeks for your National Insurance number to be allocated. You will be able to work on your temporary number until you receive your own number.

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More information

For more information regarding work in the UK please visit these websites:

• Information for International students working in the UK from the Department for education and skills (DfES)
• UK Council for International Education
  
• Home Office work permits information