Since COVID-19 allowed everyone to work from home easily, international students in the UK have begun taking advantage of this shift to seek employment with US companies. 

The appeal? Everything that makes remote work the opposite of in-office work: flexible hours that fit with the employee’s schedule, higher pay with no commuting costs, and the global experience of working with international companies. No wonder international students are flocking to work for companies based in the US from the comfort of their homes in the UK. 

This article shows you what makes you eligible to work while studying in the UK, remote job logistics, how getting paid works, student jobs, visas, and the role of UK employer records. Once you know how it all works legally, logistically, and financially, you will find it easier to bag a US remote job as an international student studying in the UK. 

What Makes You Eligible to Work While Studying in the UK?

So, is it really so easy to work in the US from the UK? Yes and no. It’s easy as long as you know the hoops you need to jump through and ensure you prepare everything in advance, to ensure you won’t be met with disappointment when you accept an offer and then realise you aren’t eligible. The first factor to consider is the limitations of UK student visas. 

UK Student Visa Work Limitations

If you are studying in the UK on a student visa, there are rules about how much you can work. These rules are important because breaking them can cause serious problems with your visa or your studies.

Weekly Work Hour Caps During Term and Breaks

During school term time, most students can only work up to 20 hours each week. During official holiday breaks, you can usually work full-time, but it is important to check the exact dates and stay within the rules.

Restrictions on Self-Employment and Freelance Work

International students are not allowed to be self-employed or do freelance jobs. This includes jobs where you work for yourself or sell services directly to others, even if it’s online or part-time from home.

Why Employment Status Matters for Remote Roles

Remote jobs can be tricky because the company might treat you as a contractor, which is not allowed for most student visas. It’s important that your job fits the visa rules and is with a legal employer.

Consider all these factors in advance, and prepare adequately, and you will be fine getting a US job whilst studying and working in the UK. 

Remote Job Logistics When Working for a US-Based Company

You have your visa, and you have confirmed your employment status. What’s next? Well, there are a few other factors to consider regarding the logistics of working abroad, despite the fact that you will be staying in the UK. 

Differences in time zones and communication expectations

It’s essential to consider the differences between time zones when you accept a job in the US if you’re based in the UK. Ask which of the three main relevant time zones the company you are applying to work for uses (EST, PST, or CST). 

However, there are four others that North America uses. Consider how the time converts to UK time and if you will need to be available to communicate during US office hours before accepting an offer. 

Typical roles (software, support, design, research)

Depending on the certificate or qualification you are studying in a UK university, you will need to tailor the type of jobs you apply for. Graphic design students may look for design jobs, whereas computer science students may prefer software roles. For any research roles, ensure they fit your specialism. 

Employment classification: full-time, part-time, contractor

Next, think about the hour requirement for the role you’re applying for. And don’t stop at the ‘full-time’ or ‘part-time’ status, ask exactly what the exact hourly expectation is for every role.  

Different companies have different perceptions of full and part-time status roles. Also, consider whether you will be a permanent employee, a contractor, or a freelancer. They have different benefits and tax implications. 

Student Jobs, Visas, and the Role of an Employer of Record in the UK

Now we need to look at the student visa in a little more detail. There are challenges to working for US companies when they hire non-resident students directly, but there are solutions. 

The solution is an employer of record. 

EOR companies offer the following functions:

• Handles legal hiring for companies without a UK business setup.

• Manages payroll, taxes, and worker benefits in full compliance.

• Ensures that employment contracts comply with all UK labour and visa laws.

US companies can hire students in the UK using an employer of record. To find suitable UK providers that support this, exploring Online directories, comparison websites, and industry publications, or directly contacting well-established EOR providers, are all effective ways to find these UK companies that allow international students to work remotely for US companies. 

Conclusion

Sure, remote US jobs offer amazing opportunities: High pay, prestigious relationships with reputable companies, and excellent chances to network and begin a rewarding career in many fields. 

However, it’s essential for international students studying in the UK to consider how to work legally and get paid through legitimate channels before applying for their dream job. 

The best course of action is to check your visa for limitations, speak to the employer, and consider using an employer of record in the UK to ensure the role will last and you and the employer receive support to make the job last and work for everyone.