Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what restrictions there are on the (a) working hours and (b) type of work permitted for international students with tier 4 visas; and whether her Department plans to implement further such restrictions.

Tier 4 (General) students studying courses at degree level or above at Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Tier 4 (General) students studying courses below degree level at HEIs are permitted to work for 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. In addition, courses of study may include a work placement, provided it is an integral and assessed part of the course.

Students are permitted to undertake a wide range of jobs whilst studying, however Tier 4 (General) students cannot be self-employed or employed as a professional sportsperson, an entertainer, or a doctor in training, except where the student is studying on a recognised foundation programme under Tier 4.