Full-time work on Tier 4

[pr55uk]

Hello,

I'm a PhD student at a UK university. Reading through the Immigration Rules [], I can see that students on a Tier 4 visa can work full-time during vacations. I can find no specific definitions on the meaning of "vacation".

For undergraduate students, the uni considers it to be period between academic terms. Postgraduate students, including PhD, are not entitled to vacation during the normal university 'vacation' period.

If I work full-time during 'normal' university vacation, I will be working legally, right? However, on its own guidance, the university says that, to work full-time, a PhD student must firstly be authorised to do so by the University. I can find nothing on the Immigration Rules that corroborates such statement, nor that there is a need to ask for approval, in advance, in order to work full-time.

To ensure I am on vacation, a 'leave letter' issued by the University is sufficient.

Is my interpretation correct?

[sah10406]

For undergraduate students, the uni considers it to be period between academic terms. Postgraduate students, including PhD, are not entitled to vacation during the normal university 'vacation' period.

If I work full-time during 'normal' university vacation, I will be working legally, right?

Clearly not, because as you say it is not your vacation time.

However, on its own guidance, the university says that, to work full-time, a PhD student must firstly be authorised to do so by the University. I can find nothing on the Immigration Rules that corroborates such statement, nor that there is a need to ask for approval, in advance, in order to work full-time.

The immigration rules are clear that you can only work full-time in a vacation, so your Tier 4 sponsor must designate a vacation in order for you to have a vacation to work full-time in.

[SamTiger]

PhD students a different cohort! (I was one before!)

Not to confuse with under/postgrads, as PhD is not covered under any vacation scheme. Only if the univ is totally closed for holidays, for instance Christmas, you may be allowed full time. Even then it is a bit tricky to say when is a vacation time for a PhD student.

On the other hand, if your university authorizes, gives you a letter that you are on vacation with dates specified, you may be safe to find full time work. But I haven't seen so far any univ gives such for PhD students.

A piece of advice (normally I don't advise as circumstances differ): Better focus on your PhD, stick to 20-hr part-time. Finish your course in 3 years (get a couple of journal publications), and apply for DES (you know what it is!), which will shield you with a full time work permit for a year. If you are very skilled, some company may sponsor you!! Even I got tempted during my initial days but "Sam says 20 is plenty!!"

Cheers!!