Essential Information for working in the UK

Illustration of a person carrying out their to do list with a laptop

To work in the UK, you'll need to get a National Insurance number and generate a Share Code to prove your right to work in the UK. You will also need to make sure you comply with visa restrictions on the type and hours you can work.

You might be asked to prove your current enrolment status at the University to open a bank account, for some immigration purposes or other reasons. Once enrolled, you can self-download this letter but you can also request a certificate of student status letter for specific purposes.

Lastly, do make sure that any employer offers at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, depending on your age.

Apply for your National Insurance number

If you’re an international student and you want to work in the UK, then you’ll need a National Insurance number (NI number). It is made up of letters and numbers, is unique to you and will never change.

You can apply for a NI number once you receive your visa and arrive in the UK.

Although UK employers would expect you to have a NI number before you start your job, you can apply for jobs and even start your job before receiving it.

You should never be charged for a NI Number, it is free.

Apply for NI number through the GOV.UK websiteLink opens in a new window

Why is it important?

Paying the right amount of tax: Having an NI number makes sure that your earnings and tax are all properly recorded. It's like keeping everything neat and tidy for the taxman.

Remember, you'll start paying NI contributions once your earnings from employment go above a certain amount per week. In 2024/25 tax year, it is £242 per week.

Find out more about National Insurance on the GOV.UK websiteLink opens in a new window

UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) guide to National InsuranceLink opens in a new window

Generate a Share Code to prove your right to work

It is a legal requirement for an employer to check your right to work before you start a job. This is usually done via a ‘share code’ for international students.

Verification of Employment Eligibility: The share code allows your employer or potential employer to check your right to work status online via a government database.
Generating Your Share Code: Once you receive your Biometric Residence Card (or e-Visa), you can generate a ‘share code’ online through the government's official websiteLink opens in a new window. You will then need to provide this share code to your employer.
Validity Period: a share code is usually valid for 90 days after generating it. When you generate the share code, it will confirm exactly how long it is valid for.

Get your share code on the GOV.UK websiteLink opens in a new window

Visa restrictions (type and hours you can work)

As an international student seeking work opportunities in the UK, understanding visa restrictions is crucial.

Work Type Compatibility: Before applying for any job, ensure it aligns with your visa restrictions.
Hour Limitations: Visa regulations typically stipulate the maximum number of hours you can work per week during term-time and holidays. Note that postgraduate students do not follow term-time and can only work 20 hours throughout their course.

Find out more about employment during and after your studiesLink opens in a new window

Explore the register of licensed sponsors on the UK Government websiteLink opens in a new window

By staying informed about visa restrictions and seeking guidance when needed, you can effectively pursue work opportunities while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws. Remember, the university's support services are there to help you every step of the way.

Certificate of student status letter National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage Other practicalities of job seeking in the UK

Background checks

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a record of an individual’s convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings and can also include intelligence held by the UK police that relates to that individual and their suitability for a position working with children and/or vulnerable adults. The check usually covers a period of 5 years and so you may need a ‘Certificate of Good ConductLink opens in a new window’ from your home country.

If your job requires a DBS check, your employer will let you know how to obtain it.

Work culture

If you intend to work in the UK either during or after studies, you might have some questions about the work culture in the UK – dress code, hierarchies and making friends, amongst other things. Read ‘The UK’s work culture: explainedLink opens in a new window’ which gives information on some general rules of thumb to consider so that you feel ready for your first day at work.

Job conditionality

A job offer can be conditional on several things, for example, a supportive reference letter. Get in touch with your academic department or personal tutor if you are unsure how to obtain a reference letter.

Some employers may also put successful completion of your degree as a condition of your job offer. Make sure that you read the employment contract carefully and understand the terms and conditions, and always contact your hiring manager if you have any questions.

How to answer visa related questions when applying for a job

At application stage, large employers might want to know your visa status to decide whether the job advertised is suitable for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, and smaller employers without a Skilled Worker sponsor licence may be unfamiliar with the work rights attached to a Graduate Visa.

You can play a role in making it easier for employers to understand your visa situation – we have produced a ‘Graduate route visa – Employer Information' leaflet to help them understand this visa route and the benefits of hiring international students, both in short term and longer term. Feel free to share it with your future employers!

Download our 'Graduate route visa - employer information leaflet