EEA/Swiss Nationals
If you are from or are a dependent of someone from the EEA or Switzerland, or if you have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK or a similar status, you will not need a permit to work in the UK after your studies.
If you are from one of the May 2004 EU assession member states, you should check if you need to register under the Worker Registration Scheme.
Bulgarian and Romanian Nationals
Bulgarian and Romanian nationals wishing to work in the UK should apply for a registration certificate on the Home Office's form BRI which you can download from www.workingintheuk.gov.uk.
The registration certificate should state that:
- you can work up to 20 hours per week in term time and any number of hours during vacations and;
- you can work unlimited hours as part of your vocational training course (for a degree's sandwich placement).
Non-EEA Students
Non-EEA students will need to apply for permission to undertake paid/unpaid work in the UK after graduation. The Home Office website contains useful pages about the schemes and programmes you may apply for. Students are usually interested in these schemes:
- International Graduates Scheme
- Highly Skilled Migrants Programme
- Voluntary workers
- Working Holiday Maker Scheme
Some international students persuade employers to apply for either a work permit or the Training Work Experience Scheme (TWES) for them.
You can read about these options on Working in the UK.