Get a job in the US, UK, or Australia with these companies that sponsor visas for international students

For international students, getting into one of the companies that sponsor work visas is essential if you’re looking to continue life in the country after graduation. 

This is especially important for countries with strict immigration laws for the employment of non-citizens, like the US, Australia, Canada, and many more. 

Working without the proper visa sponsorship can lead to legal issues, including deportation and bans on re-entry. While most companies prefer to hire locally to avoid the complexities of visa sponsorship, some are ready to help international students achieve their dreams.

 

• Research visa types: Understand the different types of work visas available in the country and determine which suits you.
• Secure a job offer: You need a job offer from a company willing to sponsor your visa. 
• Negotiate terms: Discuss visa sponsorship during the negotiation phase. Some companies may be more willing to sponsor visas.
• Submit visa application: Once you have a job offer, the employer typically initiates the visa sponsorship process by submitting the necessary paperwork to the immigration authorities.
• Provide documentation: You’ll need documentation such as your passport, educational certificates, proof of employment, etc. 

Statistics show that the number of companies sponsoring visas for international workers has increased over the years. However, it’s still not guaranteed that every company will be willing to sponsor a visa.

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in 2020, around 389,000 H-1B visa applications were submitted, but only a fraction of them were selected due to the annual cap. This shows a high demand for visas, but not everyone gets one.

What happens if your company does not sponsor your visa?

It can be tough and disheartening if your company doesn’t sponsor your visa, but you still have options to consider.

• Understand your current situation: First, look into what your current visa allows you to do. Some visas allow you to work for a limited time after graduation, while others don’t.
• Look for other job opportunities: Start looking for companies that are willing to sponsor visas. This might take some time and effort, but it’s possible. 
• Consider further education: Another option is to continue your education. You could pursue a higher degree which might give you more time to find an employer who will sponsor your visa.
• Explore alternative visas: Other visa options might be available to you, such as a skilled worker visa or an entrepreneur visa.

Companies that sponsor work visas in the US

The most common visa for international students to work in the US is the H-1B Visa. This visa is granted if you find a job with an employer that is willing to sponsor you.

Your employer must file a petition with USCIS on your behalf, but you will only be allowed to begin working once the petition is approved. 

The H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap, and competition for available visas can be intense.

Here are some companies that sponsor work visas for international students in the US:

1. Apple

Apple’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace is seen in its effort to hire international employers. In 2023, Apple secured 2,956 H-1B visas. 

2. Deloitte

With offices in over 150 countries, Deloitte has over 457,000 employees and is always open to receiving more talent. In 2023, Deloitte sponsored 2,160 H-1B visas for its foreign employees.

3. Google 

Google has workers on six continents in almost every part of the world. 

In the last few years, Google has been focusing on ensuring they have diverse people working for them. In 2023, Google sponsored 4,043 H-1B work visas.

4. Infosys

Infosys has more than 345,000 employees all around the world, clearly showing that hiring people with different backgrounds is a top priority for them. In 2023, they got approval for 4,699 H-1B visas. 

5. Amazon Web Services

To keep this tech giant at the top of its game, Amazon has always been keen on getting talented people from around the world to work with them through work visas. In 2021, Amazon Web Services got approval for over 400 H-1B visas. 

Companies that sponsor work visas in the UK

If you wish to work in the UK after completing your studies, you must apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa, also known as a skilled worker visa. This visa allows you to work for a UK employer who is willing to sponsor you.

Here’s how you can obtain a Tier 2 (General) visa after graduation:

1. Find a job with a sponsor: The first step is to secure a job offer from a UK employer willing to sponsor your visa. The employer must have a valid sponsor license issued by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department.
2. Ensure the job meets requirements: The job offer must meet certain criteria, including minimum salary, skill level, and English language proficiency. Your employer will need to provide evidence that the role cannot be filled by a resident worker.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once you have a job offer, your employer will issue you a CoS. 
4. Apply for the visa: With the CoS, you can apply for the Tier 2 (General) visa. You must submit an online application and provide supporting documents, including your passport, evidence of finances, and proof of English language proficiency.
5. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): After applying, you must attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph. 

Once this is done, you can begin working. Your visa will be valid for the duration of your employment contract. 

Here are some companies to look out for when looking for one that will sponsor your work visa in the UK:

1. McKinsey & Company

Global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company has offices worldwide, including in the UK.

If you’re an international UK student looking for roles in consulting, research, design, digital, analytics, implementation, or internal services, this is the place for you.

2. Barclays

A British multinational universal bank, Barclays’s main office is located in London, but they also have smaller offices all over the country.

They usually sponsor visas for jobs that need special skills, like software development, business analysis, wealth management or managing credit cards.

3. Ernst & Young (EY)

One of the largest professional services networks in the world, Ernst & Young (EY) has offices in countries like Belgium, Poland, Spain and Germany. It helps companies with consulting, assurance, tax dealing, and transactions.

At EY, careers revolve around technology, accounting, consulting, market strategising or business services. 

4. KPMG

Another titan in the professional services field, KPMG can be found all over the world. Even though their main office is in Amsterdam, they have many offices in the UK, like in Birmingham, Gatwick and Cardiff.

Here, you can explore audit, consulting, deal advisory, tax and law, and technology-related careers.

5. GSK

GSK, which used to be called GlaxoSmithKline, is a big British company that makes medicines and biotechnology. Their main goal is to use technology, science and talented people worldwide to develop new and better ways to help people with their health. 

They focus on making vaccines, special medicines, and regular medicines that doctors prescribe.

Companies that sponsor work visas in Australia

For those who wish to work during their studies in Australia, the Student Visa (subclass 500) is the best option. This visa allows you to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the academic semester and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

However, after graduation, you have several options to remain in Australia for employment purposes:

• Temporary graduate visa (subclass 485): This visa allows you to work, study, or live in Australia temporarily.
• Skilled visas: These visas are points-based and require a certain level of English language proficiency, work experience and skills related to occupations in demand in Australia.
• Employer-sponsored visas: This involves the employer proving they cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position.

Here are some companies in Australia that offer employer-sponsored visas:

1. PwC 

Multinational professional services firm PwC helps other companies and individuals with important services like consulting and business transformation. They have offices all over the world, including the various regions in Australia. 

The range of job categories here is extensive, from assurance and audit to legal and operations, international students can certainly find a role that best suits them in the company.

2. SEEK

Seek is Australia’s number one employment marketplace. What makes it exceptional is that cool is that the platform also helps international students who want to work in Australia by sponsoring their work visas.

So, if you’re studying in Australia and want to work there too, Seek can help with that. It’s like a one-stop shop for finding work and getting your visa.

3. BHP Billiton

Australian multinational mining and metals public company BHP Billiton provides the materials for essential infrastructure, which is a pretty important task that requires skilled talent to help them execute the work well. 

Roles range from experienced mining positions to accelerated apprenticeships, engineering opportunities and office and business roles.

4. Westpac

Westpac is Australia’s first bank and is one of the biggest banks in the country. With over 40,000 people working for them and offices around the world, Westpac is ready to be your next chapter in life.

The list of jobs available is extensive. There are brand and marketing roles, customer service and operations, finance and accounting, and so much more.

5. Microsoft 

Tech giant Microsoft is known all around the world. To keep the operations smooth and efficient, they are always open to having good talent on board with them.

Most of the jobs revolve around information technology, like data centre manager and software engineer, though other roles are available too, such as customer success account manager and site logistics/document manager.