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?
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Name
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Anonymous
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Nationality / country of origin
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Peru
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Current visa
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Graduate route
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Are your expectations of your Graduate route visa being met?
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Disagree
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University, level of study and programme of study
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University in south-west England
Higher degree, mainly by taught course (eg MA, MSc, MBA)
Sociology, social policy and anthropology
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How many roles have you applied for since leaving university?
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11-25
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Current activity
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Unemployed
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Thoughts on your visa
To work in the UK is not only dependent on a visa but also on having a National Insurance (NI) number, a formal address and a bank account. In my experience, getting my NI number took me two months without being able to work; because although it is legally possible to work without it, employers always require it.
I had to wait for my NI number to arrive before I could prove my address, and only with this I could open a bank account. Despite having my Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) card, opening a bank account without proof of address was complicated; only one bank agreed to open a bank account for me.
The application process was a bit complicated and lengthy; however, the positive response to my application arrived the next day. The cost is relatively high. As I can't get a job, I can't replace this investment.
“The cost is relatively high. As I can't get a job, I can't replace this investment.”
Support and development
While at university, I received CV feedback and attended a careers fair.
Employer knowledge and attitudes
I have the impression that employers are aware of the scope of this type of visa. When applying for permanent positions, they were specific regarding permanent residency requirements. Since then, I have applied for fixed-term jobs only, all of them within the validity period of my visa.
“I would recommend other students start with the paperwork as soon as possible.”
What advice would you give to current international students seeking graduate employment in the UK?
My speciality requires working with vulnerable people, so employers have asked me for my DBS, which takes a few weeks to process.
Some employers have asked for a police clearance from my home country. I had to decline some applications because I would have to go to the Peruvian embassy in London to sign a power of attorney for one of my family members to do it in Peru. For someone like me who is not working, these are costs that I cannot afford.
I would recommend other students start with all the paperwork as soon as possible: National Insurance number, bank account, DBS, and police certification from their home countries.
