If you are a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you have a right to work in the UK 

Do I need to do anything before I start work in the UK?
Make sure you apply for your National Insurance number (NINO). You do not need to have received your NINO before starting work, but you must obtain one when you get a job. Find out more on our NINO webpage.

For most students, there are no further requirements and your employer should accept your passport or ID card as proof of nationality and your right to work. If you a national of Bulgaria or Romania, however, you must obtain UKBA authorisation before you begin work in the UK.

Bulgarian and Romanian nationals

If you are a full-time student you do not have to get work authorisation for every single job that you take in the UK. You must, however, obtain a registration certificate ("yellow card") using form BR1 before you start work. For general information about this, visit the UKBA website.The UKBA has recently announced that controls to restrict how Bulgarian and Romanian nationals access the UK labour market will be extended until the end of 2013. This will include students who require the yellow card before starting part-time work or a work placement in the UK. Read the announcement for more information.

Croatian nationals

The UK Border Agency has recently announced that Croatia will join the European Union on 1st July 2013 and Croatian nationals will then have restricted access to the UK labour market. From 1st July 2013 Croation nationals will not be subject to immigation control and will no longer require leave to enter or remain in the UK but will have to obtain authorisation to work in the UK. It is likely that Croatian students in the UK will need to apply for a worker registration card to be able to work part-time during their studies and undertake a work placement that is part of their course.  Please read the statement of intent for more information.  Further information will be included here as it is announced.

What about my Placement year?

If you are taking a work placement as part of your studies at Aston, you will still need to apply for a yellow card before you start your placement. Please plan well ahead to avoid delaying the start of your placement while waiting for your card to arrive. It is currently taking the UK Border Agency around 9 months to process a BR1 application.  Employers may ask to see your yellow card before making you a placement offer, so apply during the first year of your course to make sure you don't miss out.

How do I apply for the yellow card?

Applications for the student registration certificate (yellow card) must be made using form BR1. You can apply by post or in person at the Public Enquiry Office at Croydon.  Please fill in your form in pencil then book an appointment to see an International Student Adviser, who will check your application and documents.