Update on employment of foreign students in the UK in 2016 summer

As the summer holidays approach, UK companies will see a spurt in the number of job applications, especially from foreign students.

They may find employing foreign students on an internship basis an attractive proposition, as they can converse in multiple languages. But there are certain restrictions’ employers they need to be aware of while hiring those from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

Non-EEA students pursuing their education at degree level or above at recognised UK universities are usually eligible to work for 20 hours per week when it is term time, while during holidays, they can work full time.

The list of recognized universities can be verified in the URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-students

Non-EEA students who are studying below degree level, or at an educational institution which is not a registered sponsor, are ineligible to work anywhere. Working restrictions are, however, not applicable to students from EEA countries.

Employees could check and keep copies of students’ original passport or a country identity card. Non-EEA students must possess a visa which allows them the right to work.

The UK Visas and Immigration are closely scrutinising the employment of international students, and are more frequently than before issuing enforcement letters to employers who violate immigration law.

Employers hiring illegal workers whose visas have expired or making students work more hours than they are allowed to will be penalised up to £20,000 per each illegal worker, or can be imprisoned for two years and subjected to an unlimited fine if they have knowingly employed illegal workers.

For more news and updates, assistance with your visa needs or for a Free Assessment of your profile for Immigration or Work Visa’s just visit www.y-axis.com