US Online business while student in UK

I am currently a US citizen studying in Glasgow. I want to start a voice-over business online that would be for US clients only. I have looked up the regulations for work as a Tier 4 visa student in my situation. Under my visa, I am allowed 10 hrs of work per week in the UK, and I cannot be self-employed or have my own business in the UK. I see there are ways to set up my own business in the UK, and it looks like it would require a different visa. However, if I wanted to start an online US business where I would be self-employed and paid per project by US companies looking for voice talent for their advertisements, etc., would this be possible while a student in the UK? I am having trouble researching this question online (looked at Gov.uk site, etc.). Would heartily welcome your informed insight.

I am allowed 10 hrs of work per week in the UK, and I cannot be self-employed or have my own business in the UK.

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Someone else jump in here, but seems to me you have answered your own quesiton.

One consideration could be whether you would be required to register with HM Revenue and Customs....

Hi,

Thanks so much guys. I am not allowed to be self-employed here in the UK, but if my company is an American one (an online American one), and only does business with American companies, then perhaps I am technically self-employed in America instead? This leads me to think it might not interfere with the student visa law..This is what I was trying to find out/see if this could work.


Thanks!

What you are wanting to do would be a breach of your visa conditions.

You would be working while in the UK. You cannot be self employed or have your own business. You had to show you had the funds available to keep yourself during your studies when you applied for that visa.

Another thing to be aware of is that the UK are putting a very tough bill through parliament, part of which will make illegal working a criminal offence. That will mean that the proceeds of the crime can be seized and that crime will carry up to 6 months in jail for the worker.

Only you can decide if you want to risk it.

Technically you would be self employed, which is against the rules of your visa.

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Hi Guys,

Thanks so much. I appreciate the insight.

 

Another thing to think about is if you wanted to try for British citizenship. UKVI now go over at least the previous 10 year history of every applicant. Some of those who were students in the UK during that time, are worried UKVI will discover they worked for more hours than their visa allowed.

Thanks so much Sirius. I think this is sound advice.