What wording on my UK student visa means I am not allowed to work?
If your UK student visa conditions include the phrase work prohibited or no work, you are not allowed to take any part-time job at all. You can confirm this by checking your digital UKVI account through the official GOV.UK portal, since physical visa cards no longer show these conditions clearly.
If you see the words work prohibited or no work listed against your UK student visa, you are not permitted to work part-time in any capacity. These exact phrases override any general hour-limit rules you may have read about elsewhere.
Restrictive Phrases to Watch For
| Phrase on Your Visa | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| "work prohibited" | No work permitted, in any job |
| "no work" | No work permitted, in any job |
| Neither phrase present | Standard hour limits for your course level apply |
Where to Actually See These Conditions
Since Biometric Residence Permits and paper visa vignettes have been phased out for a fully digital eVisa system, you will find these phrases inside your UKVI account on the official GOV.UK portal rather than on a physical card. Reading your conditions there is the only accurate way to confirm your status.
My Advice
Read your digital visa conditions word for word rather than assuming standard student rules apply to you. If either restrictive phrase appears, do not accept any part-time work, even informal or unpaid roles, until you resolve your visa status.
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