A Nigerian student named Onyinye recently recounted the abrupt end to her academic journey in the United Kingdom (UK) in an online video.
It was learnt that she breached the UK immigration laws by working beyond the legally permitted 20 hours per week during term time. She inadvertently violated the laws while trying to survive as she grappled with her father’s death, who had been her sole sponsor.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the harsh realities faced by international students in the UK who breach the legally permitted 20-hour work per week.
Her story echoes a broader struggle shared by many international students who find themselves torn between the demands of their studies and the urgent need to support themselves.
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The 20-hour rule: A line not to cross
The UK student visa, formerly known as the Tier 4 visa, permits international students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs, “If you have permission to work, working hours in term time must not exceed 10 or 20 hours a week, and you can work full time outside term time. However, it is important that you check any limits on work that your university, college or school imposes or recommends and that you do not exceed them. A ‘week’ means any seven-day period starting on a Monday.”
International students are responsible for ensuring that they do not exceed their weekly working hours, so it’s essential to keep detailed records. Exceeding this limit, even unintentionally, constitutes a breach of visa conditions and is treated as a criminal offence.
From curtailment to deportation
Once a student exceeds the permitted work hours, universities are obligated to report the breach to the Home Office. This can trigger a cascade of repercussions.
When a student breaches the conditions of their UK Student visa, such as working beyond the permitted 20 hours per week during term time, the consequences can be swift and severe. One of the most immediate repercussions is visa curtailment.
This means the visa may be shortened or cancelled altogether. Once the Home Office is notified of the breach, the individual may be ordered to leave the country with immediate effect, cutting short both their academic and personal aspirations.
Academic disruption is another harsh reality for students who violate visa terms. Universities, bound by legal obligations, may expel students or prevent them from completing their course, regardless of how close they are to graduation. This not only halts their educational progress but also undermines the time, effort, and financial investment already made.
The emotional toll of being removed from a learning environment and community can be profound, especially for those who have built a life around their studies.
Beyond the immediate fallout, future visa applications can be significantly affected. A breach of visa conditions is recorded on one’s immigration history, which may lead to increased scrutiny, longer processing times, or outright refusal of future applications.
In the most serious cases, students may face deportation or even legal action. While imprisonment is less common, it remains a possibility depending on the nature and extent of the violation. Factors such as the type of work undertaken, whether it was lawful, and the duration of the breach are all considered.
As one immigration advisor noted, “This is a hard limit and can’t be averaged over a longer period. It’s crucial that students understand this to avoid unintentional violations.”
Read also: What Int’l students in the UK need to know about the 20-hour work limit
What could have been done?
There are legitimate pathways for students needing to work more than 20 hours.
For international students studying in the UK, there are legitimate avenues to take on additional work, though these must be carefully navigated to remain within the bounds of visa regulations.
One such route is through university-sanctioned work placements. These placements must form an integral part of the academic programme, meaning they are formally assessed and contribute to the overall qualification. Importantly, the time spent on placement must not exceed 50 percent of the total duration of the course. This ensures that students remain primarily focused on their studies while gaining relevant professional experience.
Upon completing their studies, students may be eligible to apply for alternative visas that permit full-time employment. The Graduate Visa, for instance, allows recent graduates to remain in the UK for up to two years (or three years for PhD holders) to live and work without restrictions. Alternatively, the Skilled Worker visa offers a pathway to long-term employment for those who secure sponsorship from a UK-based employer.
In times of financial hardship, universities across the UK offer a range of support services to help students cope. These may include emergency hardship funds, guidance on managing personal finances, and access to mental health resources. Students facing difficulties are strongly encouraged to reach out to their institution’s support teams or student union, where tailored advice and assistance are often readily available.
