Experiencing the UK Skilled Worker visa: Mexico, master's degree

Date:May 2023

Topic(s): Recruitment, Student employability, Transition

Type(s): AGCAS Case study

The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS), a member of UKCISA’s International Student Employability Group (ISEG), has captured the experiences of international graduates seeking employment in the UK after graduation in a series of case studies.

Who are you?

Name	Roberto Perez
Nationality / country of origin	Mexico
Current visa	Skilled Worker
Are your expectations of your Graduate route visa being met?	Agree
University, level of study and programme of study	University of Bristol Postgraduate research (PhD) Biosciences
How many roles have you applied for since leaving university?	1-10
Current activity	Employed – full time (permanent contract)

Where do you work?

Job title	Senior Fermentation Scientist
Employer / organisation	Folium Science
Region of your contracted place of work	West Midlands
Briefly describe your role and your main responsibilities	Development and optimisation of bacterial fermentations to produce biotech
Time between the end of your course and start date for your current role	Less than 3 months
How did you find your current job?	Through social media (eg. LinkedIn, Twitter)

Thoughts on your visa

This visa allows me to live and work in the UK with the possibility of settlement after 5 years. Finding a job was a soul-crushing experience at moments. Many recruiters told me I filled the “profile” they were looking for but asked me to “fix” my migration situation before applying for a job.

Regarding the process of applying for a visa, the company hired a law firm to help me with the process and thus, it was rather easy for me. However, applying for a visa is always a stressful procedure. I was really anxious that the visa would be denied if I made any mistakes.

“If you haven’t left the UK in at least 12 months before applying for the visa, and you apply within the UK, it’s cheaper.”

Support and development

I did not attend careers service events as I was busy finishing my thesis and viva. I did receive information regarding the Graduate route. I went straight to my current work after passing my viva.

Employer knowledge and attitudes

Many recruiters straight away said that I had the skills and knowledge needed but since I needed sponsorship my application wouldn’t move. One company strung me along for a month saying they would sponsor me and then changed their mind.

“If you have a master’s degree before a PhD, take an IELTS and use it as proof of language.”

What advice would you give to current international students seeking graduate employment in the UK?

If you have a master’s degree before a PhD, take an IELTS and use it as proof of language. You can be hired with a bachelor’s or master’s degree before completing a PhD. Be ready to be heartbroken at times, but don’t let that bring you down.

Check if the position requires the application of an ATAS, as this certificate can take up to 6 weeks to arrive.