Finding work, employers and tax

Last modified: 09 August 2024

Working as an international student in the UK is a great way to meet new people, earn extra money and add to your experience. 

Before you start looking for work, make sure you understand your work restrictions so that you know how much work and what type of work you can do. You might need to explain them to employers.  See our page about working as a student for information about restrictions and if needed, you can refer employers to Home Office guidance about your work rights.  

When you work in the UK, you will need to apply for a National Insurance Number. We have given advice on how and when to do this, as well as details about any income tax you may need to pay. 

How can I find work in the UK?

Last modified: 09 August 2024

There are lots of ways to find work. Your college or university will have a careers service. They should be able to offer you help with: 

  • looking for suitable work including internships 
  • applying for a job 
  • interview techniques and practice 
  • recruiter events 
  • job fairs 
  • contacting alumni who work in areas of interest to you 

 

You can also search for jobs online. As well as social networks like LinkedIn, some of the most popular sites are:  

  • studentcircus.com. This site is for international students and lists jobs in a range of countries 

Remember to check your work restrictions and to follow them. For example, you must not work on a freelance basis. See our information in the Student work page.  

Job agencies and websites should not ask you to pay for help in applying for or getting work. See the UK Government guidance about your rights and safety while looking for work. 

Do not accept a job if you have doubts about the employer and how they will treat you. 

What taxes might I need to pay?

Last modified: 09 August 2024

You will have to pay income tax if you earn more than a specified personal allowance in any tax year.  

The money is used by the government to provide funding for public services, like the NHS, education, roads, rail and some housing. 

Find out the current personal allowance and further information from His Majesty's Revenue and Customs. 

You will also need to pay National Insurance contributions. Both employees and employers both pay this tax. Find out more on the National Insurance introduction on the UK Government’s website.  

Your home country's tax authorities might also expect you to file a tax return there, or to pay tax on your UK earnings. Check with the relevant government department in your home country. 

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group has produced a tax guide for international students.HM Revenue and Customs also has information about tax aimed at students. 

Do I need a National Insurance number?

Last modified: 09 August 2024

Your National Insurance number (NINo) is a unique personal number. It is a record of your National Insurance contributions that your employer deducts from your pay. 

You do not need to have a NINo before starting work, though employers often expect you to have one. You can apply for a NINo after you have started your job. But you will need to prove to your employer that you have the right to work in the UK. Read about these checks further down this page.  

You may already have a NINo printed on the back of your BRP or on your eVisa. If you don’t, you’ll need to apply online at gov.uk. 

 

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What immigration checks will my employer do?

Last modified: 09 August 2024

If you have immigration permission that allows you to work, you do not need to get any further approval. 

An employer must check that your work condition permits you to do the job for which you have applied. The Home Office calls this a right to work check. An employer must conduct this check in a way that does not discriminate against you. 

You will need to get a share code to prove your immigration status to your employer. Your share code is valid for 90 days and you can use it more than once during that period. The code must begin with 'W'. 

Once you’ve received this code, you will give it and your date of birth to your employer so that they can conduct an online check. If you cannot get a share code, talk to your employer. 

If you are waiting for a decision on your application, or you have applied for administrative review, your employer can use the Employer checking service to confirm your status. They must wait for Home Office approval before you can start work. 

Your employer will also need to see information about the term dates for your course. This information can be in any format. For example, dates from your sponsor's website, an email to you or a letter to the employer. 

If you are doing a work placement, your sponsor must provide details in a letter to your employer. 

Sometimes, employers must also conduct criminal record checks before you can start work. 

You may want to refer your employer to information about how to carry out these checks for international students.  

What are my employer’s obligations?

Last modified: 09 August 2024

UK employers have legal duties towards their employees. These include: 

  • anti-discrimination measures 
  • health and safety requirements 
  • the obligation to pay the minimum wage 
  • the obligation to apply laws relating to working hours and breaks 
  • the duty to pay National Insurance contributions 
  • the duty to provide wage slips (printed or online) 

For details, see: 

Working, jobs and pensions (for workers and jobseekers) 

Employing people (for employers) 

What tax credits or welfare benefits can I claim?

Last modified: 09 August 2024

Students and Child students are subject to the condition "No access to public funds". This means you must not apply for tax credits, or other benefits that are "public funds".  

There is an exception if your country has an agreement with the UK. You should seek advice from an immigration adviser before you claim public funds. 

See our information about public funds on our welfare benefits page.  For information about agreements with the UK, see also Public funds (caseworker guidance). 

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