Closed petition Lift ban on self-employment for international students on a Student visa

Closed on 10 June 2022

Please lift self-employment restrictions for Student visa holders. Considering the benefit of international students to higher education institutions’ finances, the UK should offer equal opportunities to all its students to foster an environment where overseas students get fair chances to thrive.

International students are 27.5% of the student population, pay higher tuition fees, and contribute £25.9 billion to the economy. Yet, Student visa holders aren’t allowed to be self-employed, limiting the student diversity in the UK being properly reflected in the young adult freelancer population and opening doors for employers to take advantage. As freelancing rises in popularity to build an early career, international students should be able to participate in the independent worker economy.