How do I sponsor a migrant?
Working and doing other studies during the course
This page explains the work and other studying that a migrant can do while they have permission to be in the United Kingdom as a tier 4 student.
Working
General students, and child students aged 16 or over, are allowed to work while they are in the United Kingdom. This work is in addition to any work placement they are doing as part of their course.
However, migrant students may not fill a full-time permanent vacancy (except on a recognised Foundation Programme for postgraduate doctors and dentists, or as a students' union sabbatical officer). Additionally, the following categories of employment are not allowed:
- self-employment;
- employment as a doctor in training (except on a recognised Foundation Programme);
- employment as a professional sportsperson (including a sports coach); and
- employment as an entertainer.
During term time, they can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours a week. During vacations they can work full-time. It is important that your migrant students know their term and vacation dates, so that they can comply with the conditions of their permission to study.
Other studies
Tier 4 migrants are allowed to undertake supplementary courses such as evening classes. These supplementary courses do not need to relate to their main course of study.
A migrant does not need to get our permission or inform you before they undertake a supplementary course, but they must ensure that they continue to meet the conditions of their permission to study.