Each residence status defines what its holder may do. Paid work outside that scope is illegal for the worker and, for the employer, can amount to facilitating illegal employment. The exception is a permission for activity outside status, granted by the immigration authorities on application.
There are two forms. A comprehensive permission is typical for international students and dependants: it allows paid work of up to 28 hours a week, in any job except adult entertainment, and for students up to eight hours a day during long school holidays. It can be granted at the airport for new students and is shown on the back of the residence card. An individual permission covers a specific activity for a specific employer, and is what a work visa holder needs for a side job that falls outside their own status, for example an engineer who wants to teach at a language school at weekends.
The limits are enforced. Students who work more than 28 hours a week across all jobs combined risk refusal of their next extension or of a later change to a work visa, and employers who allow it can be penalised.
What it means for a foreign employer
- Check the back of the card. For any student or dependant you hire part time, confirm the permission is there and count total hours across their jobs.
- Interns and student hires need it. A paid internship for a foreign student requires the permission and must stay within the hours limit.
- Side jobs need clearance. Foreign employees who take up side work, now more common with relaxed company rules on side jobs, may need an individual permission. A side job within their own status, such as similar professional work, does not.
- Spouses on dependant status are capped. A trailing spouse can work part time with the permission, but not full time.
Sources
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Articles 19 and 73-2; Ordinance for Enforcement of the Immigration Control Act, Article 19.
- Immigration Services Agency, guidance on permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence.