Overseas Student Part-time Work Guide: Regulations and Precautions | 海外留学生兼职指南：合法工作与注意事项

📚 Overseas Student Part-time Work Guide: Regulations and Precautions | 海外留学生兼职指南：合法工作与注意事项

Working while studying abroad can help you earn extra money, develop essential skills and become part of the local community. However, international students must navigate a strict set of visa conditions and employment laws. This guide explains everything you need to know about part-time work in the UK as a student visa holder, including permitted hours, types of work, tax obligations and how to stay safe.

在留学期间兼职工作不仅能赚取额外收入，还能锻炼能力、融入当地生活。但留学生必须严格遵守签证条件和劳动法律。本指南将全面介绍持学生签证在英国兼职需要了解的一切，包括合法工时、允许的工作类型、纳税义务以及如何保护自身安全。

1. Understanding Your Visa Work Restrictions | 了解签证工作限制

Your permission to work in the UK depends on the conditions stated on your student visa vignette or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Most students enrolled on full-time degree-level courses at a higher education institution can work during their studies. However, there are strict limits on the type and number of hours you can undertake.

您在英国工作的许可取决于学生签证贴纸或生物信息居留卡（BRP）上标注的条件。大多数在高等院校攻读全日制学位课程的学生可以在学习期间工作，但工作的类型和时长都有严格限制。

For degree-level students, the standard restriction is up to 20 hours per week during term time. Degree-level includes undergraduate, master's and doctoral programmes. Students on a course below degree level (such as a foundation programme or pre-sessional course) are usually limited to 10 hours per week. The exact rule is printed on your vignette or BRP: look for a phrase such as 'Work (including student union sabbatical officer) limited to 20 hours per week during term-time' or 'Work limited to 10 hours per week'. You must not exceed this limit under any circumstances.

对于学位阶段的学生，常规限制是学期内每周最多 20 小时。学位阶段包括本科、硕士和博士课程。攻读学位以下课程的学生（如国际预科或学前语言课）通常限为每周 10 小时。具体规定印在签证贴纸或 BRP 上，例如 “Work (including student union sabbatical officer) limited to 20 hours per week during term-time” 或 “Work limited to 10 hours per week”。在任何情况下都不得超过该上限。

Breaching your work conditions is taken very seriously by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Working even half an hour over your weekly limit, or carrying out a type of work that is prohibited, can result in your visa being curtailed (cancelled) and you may be required to leave the UK. It can also affect any future visa applications you make.

英国签证与移民局对违反工作限制的处罚非常严厉。即使一周超时工作半小时，或从事了禁止的工作类型，都可能导致签证被缩短（取消），并被要求离境，还可能影响您未来的任何签证申请。

2. Maximum Working Hours and Term-Time Definitions | 工作时长上限与学期时间定义

'Term time' is defined by your education institution, not by your individual timetable. It generally means the periods when you are expected to be engaged in academic study, including teaching weeks, revision periods and examination periods. Holidays are the official vacation periods set by your university, such as Christmas, Easter and summer breaks. During official holidays, most students can work full-time, but you must confirm your institution's definition of term dates.

“学期时间”由您的教育机构定义，并非依据个人课表。通常指需要参与学术学习的期间，包括授课周、复习阶段和考试期。假期是指学校设定的官方假期，如圣诞节、复活节和暑假等。在官方假期内，大多数学生可以全职工作，但您必须确认所在学校对学期日期的具体界定。

A common pitfall is taking on extra shifts during revision weeks or assessment periods. Even though you may have no lectures, these weeks are usually classified as term time, so the 20-hour limit still applies. Always request a formal term-date letter from your university's registry or student services and share it with your employer to avoid accidental breaches.

一个常见的误区是在复习周或 评估期间安排更多班次。即便没有面授课程，这几周通常仍被算作学期时间，因此 20 小时的限制仍然适用。务必向大学注册处或学生服务部门索取正式的学期日期信函并交给雇主，以免无意违规。

If you have more than one job, the total working hours across all jobs combined must not exceed your weekly limit during term time. It is your responsibility to track hours accurately. Some students find it helpful to keep a simple spreadsheet or use a timesheet app to log every shift.

如果您同时打几份工，所有工作的总时长在学期内加起来也不得超过每周上限。准确记录时长是您本人的责任。有些学生发现用简单电子表格或排班应用记录每个班次很有帮助。

3. Types of Permitted Work | 允许的工作类型

As a student visa holder, you can take up most forms of part-time employment, including retail, hospitality, tutoring, office administration and campus jobs. Short-term or casual work is also allowed, as long as you comply with the hourly limit. Internships or placements that form an assessed part of your course are permitted and may have different hour arrangements, provided the university confirms they are integral to the programme.

持学生签证者可以从事大多数形式的兼职工作，包括零售、餐饮、家教、行政和校内工作。短期或临时工作也是允许的，只要遵守 工时限制。构成课业评估一部分的实习或工作安置也是合法的，并可能有不同的工时安排，前提是大学确认其为课程的重要组成部分。

However, you must never engage in self-employment, freelance activities, or business enterprise. This includes working as a self-employed contractor, selling goods or services for profit on a regular basis, running an online business, or working as a sole trader. You are also not permitted to work as a professional sportsperson, coach or entertainer. The rules are designed to ensure your primary activity in the UK remains your studies.

但是，您绝对不得从事自雇、自由职业或商业活动。这包括以自雇承包商身份工作、定期以盈利为目的出售商品或服务、经营线上业务，或以个体经营者身份工作。也不允许担任职业运动员、教练或演艺人员。这些规定旨在确保您在英国的首要活动仍是学习。

The table below summarises the main types of prohibited work for student visa holders.

下表总结了持学生签证者主要禁止从事的工作类型。

Prohibited Work / 禁止的工作	Notes / 说明
Self-employment / 自雇	Cannot register as a sole trader or freelancer / 不能注册为个体经营者或自由职业者
Business activity / 商业活动	Cannot run a company or sell products for ongoing profit / 不能经营公司或以持续盈利为目的销售产品
Professional sportsperson or coach	Includes paid or sponsored sports roles / 包括带薪或受赞助的体育职位
Entertainer / 演艺人员	Cannot take paid work as a musician, dancer, actor etc. / 不能作为乐手、舞者、演员等从事带薪演出
Permanent full-time role / 长期全职岗位	Only allowed if it is an assessed work placement / 仅在被评估的工作安置中允许

4. Obtaining a National Insurance Number | 申请国民保险号

To work in the UK legally, you must have a National Insurance (NI) number. The NI number is a unique personal identifier used for tax and social security purposes. You can start working before you receive the number, provided you have the right to work and have applied for one. Your employer can verify your right to work using your BRP and share code.

要在英国合法工作，必须拥有国民保险（NI）号码。NI 号码是用于税务和社会保障的唯一个人识别号。在收到号码之前可以开始工作，只要您有工作权利并已提交申请。雇主可以使用您的 BRP 和共享代码验证您的工作权利。

To apply, call the National Insurance application line after you have arrived in the UK. You may be invited to an evidence-of-identity interview. You will need your passport, BRP and proof of address. The process is free, and there is no need to pay any agent to get an NI number for you – be wary of scams that charge a fee for this service.

申请需在抵达英国后拨打国民保险申请热线，可能会被邀请参加身份验证面试。所需材料包括护照、BRP 和住址证明。整个过程免费，无需向任何代理支付费用来获取 NI 号码——要警惕对此项服务收费的骗局。

Once you receive your NI number, make sure you give it to your employer as soon as possible. Your payslips will show how much income tax and National Insurance contributions have been deducted. Keep all payslips safe; you will need them for tax refund possibilities at the end of the tax year.

收到 NI 号码后，应尽快提供给雇主。工资单上会显示已扣除的所得税和国民保险缴费金额。保存好所有工资单；在纳税年度结束时可能会需要它们来申请退税。

5. Tax and Minimum Wage Requirements | 税务与最低工资要求

Most students will pay income tax and National Insurance contributions through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system if they earn above the personal allowance, which is £12,570 for the 2023/24 tax year. Your employer deducts tax before paying you, so you do not usually need to file a tax return unless you have additional self-employment income – which, as a student visa holder, you must not have.

如果收入超过个人免税额（2023/24 税务年度为 £12,570），大多数学生将通过 PAYE 系统缴纳所得税和国民保险。雇主会在发工资前扣除税款，因此通常无需提交纳税申报表，除非还有其他自雇收入——而持学生签证者不得从事自雇。

You are entitled to receive at least the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage, depending on your age. Ensure your hourly rate is not below the legal minimum. As of April 2024, the National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £11.44 per hour. For ages 18-20 it is £8.60 per hour, and for under 18 it is £6.40 per hour. Apprentices are entitled to a specific apprentice rate.

您有权获得至少全国最低工资或全国生活工资，具体取决于年龄。要确保您的小时工资不低于法定最低标准。从 2024 年 4 月起，21 岁及以上人士的全国生活工资为每小时 £11.44；18 至 20 岁为 £8.60；18 岁以下为 £6.40。学徒有特定的学徒工资标准。

If you think you have been underpaid, speak to your employer first. If the issue is not resolved, you can contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) or the HMRC minimum wage enforcement team. It is unlawful for employers to pay below statutory rates, and you are protected by law regardless of being a part-time worker.

如果怀疑自己工资被少付，请先与雇主沟通。问题未解决的话，可联系咨询调解仲裁服务处（ACAS）或 HMRC 最低工资执法团队。雇主支付低于法定标准的工资属违法行为，即便是兼职工作者也受法律保护。

6. Balancing Work and Study | 平衡学习与工作

Your primary reason for being in the UK on a student visa is to study, and your academic progress must not suffer because of work commitments. Universities often recommend working no more than 15 hours per week during term, even if your visa allows 20, to leave enough time for lectures, independent study and assessments. Working excessively can lead to academic failure or having to resit modules, which has further financial and visa implications.

持学生签证在英国的首要原因是学习，学业进度不能因工作而受影响。大学通常建议学期内每周工作不超过 15 小时，即便签证允许 20 小时，以便为课程、自学和 考试 留足时间。过度工作可能导致考试不过或需要重修课程，进而产生更多财务和签证影响。

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Time management is crucial. Create a weekly schedule that includes lectures, seminars, library study, work shifts and, importantly, rest. If you notice falling grades or missing deadlines, it is a sign that work is interfering with your study. Do not hesitate to reduce your working hours or discuss flexible shift patterns with your employer.

时间管理至关重要。制定一个每周计划表，纳入讲座、研讨、图书馆学习、工作班次以及重要的休息时间。如果发现成绩下滑或错过提交截止日期，这是工作干扰学业的信号。不要犹豫，及时减少工时或与雇主协商灵活的排班方式。

Many universities run study skills workshops and time management sessions specifically for working students. Attend these early. Also, your personal tutor or course leader can offer advice if you are struggling. Remember that failing your course could mean your visa being cancelled, so protecting your study hours is self-protection.

许多大学专门为打工学生开设学习技巧研习班和时间管理课程，请尽早参加。此外，如果您感到吃力，个人导师或课程负责人可以提供建议。请记住，课程不及格可能导致签证被取消，因此保障学习时间就是保护自己。

7. Employer Rights and Contract Essentials | 雇主权益与合同要点

Before starting any job, you must receive a written statement of employment particulars or a contract. This document should outline your job role, pay rate, working hours, holiday entitlement, sick pay arrangements and notice periods. Read it carefully and do not accept any job that asks you to work 'off the books' for cash without a formal arrangement – such informal work is likely illegal and can be exploited.

开始任何工作前，您必须收到一份书面雇佣陈述细节或合同。该文件应列明职位、工资、工时、假期权益、病假工资安排和通知期。仔细阅读，不要接受任何要求“不签合同、支付现金”的工作——这种非正式工作很可能违法，也容易被剥削。

You have the same basic employment rights as UK workers, including the right to a safe working environment, rest breaks, protection from discrimination and the right not to have unlawful deductions from wages. If you are treated unfairly, you can raise a grievance and, if needed, take the matter to an employment tribunal. Your student status does not reduce your legal protections.

您拥有与英国员工相同的基本劳动权利，包括安全的工作环境、休息时间、免受歧视的保护以及不被非法扣薪的权利。若受到不公正对待，您可以提出申诉，必要时可提交至就业法庭。学生身份不会削弱您的法律保护。

It is also your right to join a trade union. Many workplaces have a recognised union that can support you in case of disputes. Student-friendly unions such as Unite and Unison offer student membership rates. If you are unsure about a clause in your contract, your university's student advice centre or students' union can provide free contract-checking services.

您还有权加入工会。许多工作场所有经认可的工会，可以在发生纠纷时提供支持。Unite、Unison 等对学生友好的工会提供学生会员费率。如果对合同条款有疑问，大学的学生咨询中心或学生会可提供免费合同审核服务。

8. Safety and Avoiding Scams | 安全与避免诈骗

International students are often targeted by scammers offering fake job adverts, pyramid schemes or too-good-to-be-true high pay for minimal work. Always be sceptical of job adverts that ask for an upfront payment for 'registration', 'training' or 'supplies'. Legitimate employers never charge fees to hire you. Similarly, avoid any role that requires you to use your own bank account to transfer money for someone else; this could be money laundering, a serious criminal offence.

留学生常成为诈骗目标，收到虚假招聘广告、传销或高薪轻松工作的诱惑。对那些要求预付“注册费”、“培训费”或“物料费”的招聘广告要保持警惕。正规雇主绝不会要求你付费入职。同样，要避免任何需要你使用自己的银行账户替他人转账的工作；这可能是洗钱，属于严重刑事犯罪。

Use reputable platforms to search for jobs, such as your university's career service portal, the StudentJob website, or well-known job boards like Indeed and Reed. When attending an interview, always tell a friend where you are going and share your live location if possible. Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, it probably is.

要通过有信誉的平台找工作，例如大学就业服务门户、StudentJob 网站或 Indeed、Reed 等知名招聘板。参加面试时，务必告诉朋友你的去向，如有可能可共享实时位置。相信直觉：如果感觉不对劲，很可能真有问题。

If you have been a victim of a recruitment scam, report it immediately to Action Fraud and your local police. Also inform your university's international student support team, as they can assist with immigration and welfare concerns. Do not feel embarrassed; scammers are sophisticated, and reporting helps protect others.

如果成为招聘诈骗的受害人，请立即向 Action Fraud 和当地警方报案，同时通知大学国际学生支持团队，他们能协助处理签证和福利问题。不要觉得难堪；骗子手法高明，报案有助于保护他人。

9. Campus Employment Opportunities | 校内工作机会

Many universities offer on-campus jobs specifically for students, such as roles in the library, student union cafes, administration offices, IT support, student ambassador schemes and residence life teams. These roles are designed to fit around your academic timetable, and employers are familiar with student visa restrictions, so they often provide a more supportive environment.

许多大学专门为学生提供校内工作岗位，例如在图书馆、学生会咖啡厅、行政办公室、IT 支持、学生大使项目以及宿舍生活团队的工作。这些岗位设计时就考虑到课程安排，并且雇主熟悉学生签证限制，因此通常提供更支持性的工作环境。

On-campus jobs also have the advantage of reducing commuting time and helping you connect more deeply with university staff and other students. Pay rates are usually at least the National Living Wage, and you are fully covered by the university's employment policies. Check your university's jobs portal regularly, as positions for the academic year are often advertised just before term starts.

校内工作的另一个好处是减少通勤时间，并帮助您与大学员工和其他学生建立更深的联系。工资标准通常至少达到全国生活工资水平，您也完全受到大学雇佣政策的保护。请定期查看大学的招聘门户，因为新学年的岗位通常会在学期开始前发布。

When applying, tailor your CV to highlight skills like communication, teamwork and time management. Even if you have limited work experience, volunteering or participation in societies can be used to demonstrate your strengths. Many careers services offer CV workshops and mock interviews.

申请时，要针对性地修改简历，突出沟通、团队合作和时间管理等技能。即便工作经验有限，志愿服务或社团参与经历也能用来展示您的优势。许多就业指导中心提供简历撰写工作坊和模拟面试。

10. Work Placements and Internships | 工作安置与实习

Some courses include a work placement or internship as an integral, assessed part of the programme. These placements may be arranged by the university and can sometimes exceed the standard 20-hour limit during the placement period, provided the university confirms it is a requirement of the course. You must ensure that the placement is officially recognised and that your visa sponsor (the university) has recorded it on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) or has provided a letter.

有些课程将工作安置或实习作为课程内设的评估组成部分。这些安置可能由大学安排，在安置期间有时可以超过标准的 20 小时限制，但前提是大学确认这是课程的必要要求。您必须确保该实习是官方认可的，且签证担保方（大学）已在您的 CAS 上记录或出具了相关信函。

If you find an internship yourself that is not part of your course, it will be treated as normal part-time work and the weekly hour cap applies. Many post-study graduate route visa holders can undertake internships more flexibly, but during your studies, the student visa rules prevail. Always check with the university compliance team before accepting any full-time placement that extends beyond holiday periods.

如果您自行找到非课业要求的实习，它将被视为普通兼职工作，适用每周工时上限。许多毕业后持毕业生签证的人可以更灵活地实习，但在学习期间，学生签证规则是首要的。接受任何超出假期时段的全职实习之前，务必咨询大学的合规团队。

11. What to Do if Problems Arise | 遇到问题怎么办

Despite your best efforts, you might encounter problems such as unpaid wages, unfair dismissal, bullying or being forced to work beyond visa limits. Do not ignore the situation. Speak to your employer first if you feel safe doing so, and make a written complaint. Keep records of all communication, payslips and rotas.

即便尽了最大努力，仍可能遇到问题，如拖欠工资、不公平解雇、欺凌或被迫超时工作至超过签证限制。不要置之不理。如果感到安全，先与雇主沟通并提出书面投诉。保存所有沟通记录、工资单和排班表。

If internal procedures fail, seek external help. ACAS provides free, impartial advice on workplace disputes and can conciliate between you and the employer. For immigration-related work violations, such as an employer coercing you to work excessive hours, contact UKVI's compliance or reporting line. Your university's international student adviser can also advocate on your behalf and, if necessary, connect you to legal aid.

如果内部程序无效，应寻求外部帮助。ACAS 提供免费、公正的职场纠纷建议，并能在您与雇主之间进行调解。对于与移民相关的工作违规（如雇主胁迫您超时工作），请联系 UKVI 的合规或举报热线。大学的国际学生顾问也可以代表您进行交涉，并在必要时帮您联系法律援助。

If you fear you have unintentionally breached your visa conditions, do not panic but act quickly. Inform your university's visa compliance team immediately. They can assess your situation and, in some cases, mitigate the impact. Concealing a breach can lead to much worse outcomes.

如果担心自己无意中违反了签证条件，不要恐慌，但要迅速行动。立即告知大学的签证合规团队。他们可以评估您的情况，在某些情况下能减轻影响。隐瞒违规只会导致更严重的后果。

12. Key Contacts and Resources | 主要联系与资源

Having a list of reliable contacts will save you time and stress when questions arise. Bookmark the following resources on your phone or laptop.

手边有一份可靠的联系清单，能在问题出现时节省时间、减轻压力。请将以下资源收藏在手机或电脑上。

• University International Student Support Team – for visa and welfare queries.
• 大学国际学生支持团队——处理签证和福利问题。
• University Careers Service – job listings, CV advice, workshops.
• 大学就业指导中心——招聘信息、简历建议、工作坊。
• ACAS (www.acas.org.uk) – free workplace advice, telephone 0300 123 1100.
• ACAS（www.acas.org.uk）——免费职场建议，电话 0300 123 1100。
• HMRC – for tax and National Insurance enquiries, and to report minimum wage underpayment.
• HMRC——税务和国民保险咨询，举报最低工资少付。
• UKVI work-related reporting – to report an employer who breaches visa rules.
• UKVI 工作相关举报——举报违反签证规定的雇主。
• Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk) – for reporting scams.
• Action Fraud（www.actionfraud.police.uk）——举报诈骗。
• Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) – free, impartial advice on employment rights and money.
• Citizens Advice（www.citizensadvice.org.uk）——关于就业权利和财务的免费公正建议。
• Your students' union – may offer free contract checking, social events for working students.
• 你的学生会——可能提供免费合同审核、打工学生社交活动。

Stay informed by regularly checking the official UKVI student work guidance page, as immigration rules can change. Attend international student orientation sessions and career fairs. Building a support network early will make your part-time work journey safer and more rewarding.

要定期查看 UKVI 官方学生工作指导页面以了解最新信息，因为移民规则可能变化。参加国际学生迎新会和招聘会。尽早建立支持网络，能让您的兼职之路更安全、更有收获。

Published by TutorHao | International Student Life Revision Series | aleveler.com

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