A Nigerian student in the United Kingdom, identified as Onyinye, has shared how her academic journey came to an abrupt end after breaching UK immigration laws by exceeding the legally permitted 20 hours of work per week during term time.
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In a viral online video, Onyinye explained that the violation was unintentional. Following the death of her father, who had been her sole sponsor, she took on extra work to survive. Her case has once again cast a spotlight on the struggles faced by international students in the UK who find themselves caught between financial pressures and immigration restrictions.
Under the UK’s Student visa system (formerly the Tier 4 visa), international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, with full-time work allowed only during holidays. The UK Council for International Student Affairs stresses that exceeding this limit, even by mistake, constitutes a breach of visa conditions and is treated as a criminal offence.
Universities are legally required to report violations to the Home Office. Once notified, the Home Office can curtail a visa, ordering the student to leave the country with immediate effect.
Exceeding the 20-hour limit carries severe repercussions. Students may face:
- Visa Curtailment: Cancellation or reduction of visa duration, effectively ending their stay.
- Academic Disruption: Expulsion or prevention from completing courses, regardless of progress made.
- Emotional Toll: Disconnection from academic communities and disruption of personal lives.
- Future Immigration Barriers: Negative records on immigration history, increasing the likelihood of refusals in future visa applications.
- Legal Risks: In serious cases, deportation or even prosecution, depending on the extent of the breach.
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.”
Experts say there are legitimate routes for international students needing more work hours. These include:
- Work Placements: University-approved placements that form part of a student’s academic programme, provided they do not exceed 50 percent of the course duration.
- Graduate Visa: Available after completing studies, it allows up to two years of unrestricted work (three for PhD graduates).
- Skilled Worker Visa: Offers a pathway to long-term employment through employer sponsorship.
In addition, universities often provide support services such as emergency hardship funds, financial advice, and mental health resources for students struggling with personal or financial crises.
Onyinye’s story mirrors the challenges faced by many international students in the UK, where rising living costs, tuition fees, and limited working hours create a difficult balancing act. For some, the pressure to survive has led to unintentional breaches of visa conditions, with life-changing consequences.
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