Information for candidates
We've produced a comprehensive candidate information pack giving candidates all the essential information. We strongly suggest you read this in full as it covers information about NUS, what an officer role is really like, how to nominate yourself, candidate preparation and due diligence, plus essential information on the role, salary, place of work, benefits, etc.
Download the Candidate Information Pack (English)
Lawrlwythwch y Pecyn Gwybodaeth i'r Ymgeisydd (Cymraeg)
FAQ
What are the visa routes for international students wishing to stand?
Successful candidates will become employees of NUS UK. As you may be aware, the government has placed strict requirements on employers to ensure employees have the right to work in the UK. Therefore, we must confirm that all candidates have the right to work in the UK, at the point of their appointment and for the full two-year term of office.
If you are currently studying in the UK under a Student Visa we believe the following options would be available to you:
- Apply for a Graduate Visa to stay in the UK to work after graduation. Our latest understanding from the gov.uk overview of the graduate visa is that the visa lasts for 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026
- Apply to extend your Student Visa. This will require the consent of your sponsoring institution. UKCISA have provided guidance on this here.
NUS UK is currently in the process of applying for a Skilled Worker visa sponsor license; however our current understanding is that elected officer roles will not be eligible for sponsorship.
The above is general guidance and is not intended as specific advice, as circumstances vary. If you are an international student considering nominating yourself for these roles we would encourage you to submit your nomination.
We will work with candidates as part of the candidate preparation process to support you in understanding your options. You will not have to prove your Right to Work in order to nominate yourself for election. However if you are not able to subsequently evidence your Right to Work in the UK, NUS UK will not be able to make you an offer of employment.
This is our current understanding of Right to Work at the time of writing. Please note the policy environment is changing quickly, so the above may not be accurate at the start of the Officer term. We will work with candidates impacted during the process to make aware of any changes.
The above does not alter NUS UK’s commitment to campaigning for the rights of International Students or our policy position on post study work for international students which can be read here https://www.nus.org.uk/international_students
