Important Reminder on Visa Compliance for Sponsored Worker & Student Visa Holders
At A24 Group, we are committed to supporting you in your professional journey while ensuring full compliance with UK immigration laws. This article serves as a critical reminder for all candidates on restricted work visas, such as the Skilled Worker, and Student Visa, about the importance of adhering to visa conditions, particularly the 20-hour working limit.
Key Visa Conditions for Nursing Agency Staff in the UK
If you are on a Skilled Worker visa, you are subject to specific restrictions, including:
You must remain fully employed and working for your sponsoring employer.
Supplementary work (any work outside your primary employment with your sponsor) is permitted only in specific occupations and must not exceed 20 hours per week (Monday to Sunday).
This 20-hour limit applies to the total hours worked across all supplementary roles in a given week. Exceeding this limit constitutes a breach of your visa conditions.
If you are on a Student visa, you are subject to specific restrictions, including:
Permitted Work (During Term Time)
Degree level or above: Up to 20 hours per week during term time.
Below degree level: Up to 10 hours per week during term time.
During Vacation Periods: Students can work full-time during official vacation periods.
Why Compliance Matters?
Adhering to your visa conditions is not only a legal requirement but also essential to protect your status in the UK. Breaching these conditions can have severe consequences, including:
Visa Revocation: Your visa may be cancelled, leading to removal from the UK.
Re-Entry Ban: You could face a ban on re-entering the UK for 1 - 5 years.
Criminal Investigation: Fraud or deception may result in legal action.
Additionally, non-compliance may jeopardise your professional relationship with A24 Group and our clients, as well as expose both you and the agency to significant penalties.
Our Commitment to Compliance
The A24 Group takes its responsibilities under UK immigration law seriously. We conduct thorough Right to Work (RTW) checks and provide clear guidance to both candidates and clients to ensure compliance. If we advise you against taking a shift due to visa restrictions, it is critical that you follow this guidance. Ignoring these instructions could place you, our agency, and our clients at risk of legal and financial penalties, including fines of up to £20,000 per illegal worker.
Your Responsibilities
To remain compliant:
Track Your Hours: Ensure that your total supplementary work does not exceed 20 hours per week (Monday to Sunday).
Communicate with Us: Inform A24 Group immediately if you are unsure about your visa restrictions or proposed shifts.
Follow Our Guidance: If we advise against taking a shift due to visa restrictions, do not proceed with the work.
Seek Legal Advice: If you have concerns about your visa status, consult a qualified immigration advisor.
What Happens If You Breach Your Visa Conditions?
If a breach occurs, the A24 Group is obligated to report it to the Home Office. We will also investigate the circumstances and may take actions such as:
Suspending your engagement with our agency.
Withholding payment for non-compliant shifts until compliance is verified.
We urge you to take these rules seriously to avoid life-altering consequences.
How the A24 Group Supports You?
We are here to help you navigate your visa restrictions and work opportunities safely.
If you have any questions about your visa conditions or permissible work hours, please contact our Compliance Team directly in Staffshift by clicking here, via our 24-hour chat support, or on WhatsApp chat 0772 3559 602.
Thank you for your commitment to compliance and for choosing the A24 Group as your agency partner. Together, we can ensure a professional and lawful working environment.
