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.