International students are often able to work part time (20 hours per week) when studying in the UK, and full time during their holidays and any period of time between completing their studies and their permission to be in the UK expiring. Some international students have no right to work at all.
Before employing a student who has a limited right to work during term time, you must obtain evidence of their academic term and vacation dates that cover the duration of their studies in the UK for which they will be employed by you. You should request this evidence from the student.
This evidence should originate from the education institution that is sponsoring the student. You may obtain the dates for the entire duration of the course or, if this is not possible, you may obtain and copy them annually providing the information you hold is current at the time of the student's employment.
Acceptable evidence includes one of the following:
- A printout from the student's education institution's website, or other material published by the institution setting out its timetable for the student's course of study. You should check the website to confirm the link is genuine.
- A copy of a letter or email addressed to the student from their education institution, confirming term-time dates for the student's course.
- A letter addressed to you as the employer from the education institution confirming term-time dates for the student's course.
In exceptional circumstances, for example where the student is following a course timetable that differs from the one published, you may need to obtain bespoke evidence form the sponsor. It is important to remember that you require this evidence to establish and retain a statutory excuse against liability for a civil penalty.