How to Apply for UK Student Visa with Part-Time Work Rights 2026
Do you dream of pursuing studies in the UK and are concerned about the books? To a large number of international students, employment during their studies is an economic life-line and the door to the British professional world.
The good news? The UK Student Visa (Student Route) is also one of the most liberal globally by 2026. But since the UKVI eVisa 2026 and higher financial requirements have been introduced, the flow of applying has been altered. This guide dissects the precise way of getting your visa and making the most out of your right to part-time employment without violating the regulations.
Essentials Visa and compliance terms
You should be familiar with the pillars of student route 2026 before you press the apply button.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Your golden ticket. This is a digital documentation issued by a Student Sponsor that has a Track Record of Compliance, this document includes a unique reference number connected to your course and financial information.
- UKVI eVisa 2026: UKVI say bye to Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). By the end of 2025, the UK has gone fully digital.1 You will now authenticate your position through a UKVI account.
- Share Code: To demonstrate that you have the right to work, you will not present a card, you will create a Share Code that is based on your digital profile which will be verified by your employer online.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 2026: This means one will pay an annual amount of £776 to obtain the NHS.
- Application Fee: The amount of the standard fee in applying outside the UK is at present, £490.
Work Rights/Restrictions the 20-Hour Rule
The most frequent of all questions is: What can I work? At the Home Office, there are strict differences in relation to the level of your course in 2026.
The Weekly Limit
- 20 Hours Per Week rule: This rule applies to those studying at RQF Level 6/7 (Undergraduate or Master level) in a post-secondary institution.
- Rule 10 Hours Per Week: In case you are not studying at degree level (e.g. a foundation course).
- Notable: The Home office considers a Week, which is Monday to Sunday. You can never be an average number of hours in a month.Substituting 21 and 19 hours in a particular week is a visa violation.
Vacation Periods vs. Term Time
You may work full-time (40 hours) during official university vacations, but the meaning of vacation is different. An example here is of Master students who may be in their dissertation term in Summer and therefore cannot afford to take up additional shifts.
Prohibited Work
Regardless of the work rights you still cannot:
- Self-Employment: This involves freelance work, or work as a “Deliveroo” rider.
- Professional Sport/Entertainment: You can not be a professional athlete or entertainer.
- Permanent Roles: You are not able to fill a permanent vacancy of full-time.
Academic and Language Standards
In 2026, the Knowledge of English Requirement is still a high priority.
- Degree Level (RQF 6/7): You need to show level B2 in the CEFR English proficiency.
- SELT: You probably will require a Secure English Language Test (SELT), either IELTS to the UKVI or PTE Academic.
- ATAS Certificate: In case you are pursuing sensitive courses (such as Aerospace or Nuclear Physics), you might have to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate to have your visa approved.
Post-Study and Career Transition to 2027
When you are applying now, it is important to look into the future. Graduate Route (Post-Study work visa) now permits graduates to reside 2 years (3, PhD).
It is important to note that applicants to the UK, as of January 2026, may be covered by an 18-Month Extension of the Graduate Route, which means that 18-Month 2026 Applicants: The Extension of the Graduate Route to 18 months, proposed by the UK government, may apply to any application made after January 2027, which is why Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa may become even more urgent.
FAQs
Is it possible to become a freelancer on a Student Visa in the year 2026?
No. No Self-Employment This is not a strict rule.22 You need to be an employee having a contract and paid through PAYE (Pay As You Earn).
Can I include voluntary work in my 20 hours?
It depends. Voluntary Work (unpaid work) is included in your 20-hour limit 23 but Volunteering (helping a charity without a contract) generally is not. Always consult your compliance team in the university.
Will I require a hardcopy BRP in 2026?
No. UK is shifted to eVisas. Your travel and proving your position will be done with the help of your passport and your UKVI digital account.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 process of applying to your UK Student Visa is a digital-first experience. With your CAS, ensuring that you comply with the rule of maintenance of £1,483/1136 and keeping to the hours of work limit of 20, you are in a position to get the best of British education and get to have a valuable work experience.
Disclosure
The article is informational and educational in nature. It is recommended that the readers should only rely on the information provided by the reliable sources, including the official GOV.UK site or the advisor of OISC who isotropic and registered.