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EU Students working in the UK

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

Not sure about your work rights in the UK? Try the UKCISA Work Checker.


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

  • Do I need to register to work in the UK?

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.

  • 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. Employers may ask to see your yelow card before making you a placement offer, so apply at the beginning of your Second Year 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.  We have completed an example of the application form to help you. Please fill in your form in pencil then book an appointment to see an International Student Adviser, who will check your application and documents.

Application form

Completed example of the application form (pdf)

Supporting documents

 

Guidance
Get help with your application

Can I work after my course is finished?
If, in the last 12 months, you have successfully completed either a recognised UK Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, PhD or equivalent postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma in any subject, you can apply for a registration certificate as a Highly Skilled person ("Blue card"). You'll need to apply using form BR2. We hope to add more information about this soon, but in the meantime please read through the application form and the guidance notes (especially paragraphs 6 - 9).

The Blue registration certificate indicates that you can work in the UK without restrictions.

Last checked and updated 11 January 2012