Careers Service

As international students and graduates, communicating your visa status with potential employers is an important step in the job application process. Being transparent and clear about your visa situation can help build trust and avoid any misunderstandings- especially regarding the Graduate Visa which not all employers are aware of or understand. Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate your visa status with employers:

Update your CV and Cover Letter:

Include your visa status on your CV. You can typically add this information to the heading or your contact details section. Mention the type of visa you hold (or are eligible to apply for), its expiration date, and any relevant work restrictions if applicable. In your Cover Letter, use a concise and positive tone to highlight your eligibility to work in the country. Our website has suggested wording that you can use to make employers aware of the visa options that would give you the right to work in the UK whilst working for them as a graduate:

Interviews:

Be prepared to discuss your visa status during job interviews. If the employer asks about your ability to work in the country, confidently explain your visa options and any work-related restrictions. Emphasise your commitment to complying with all visa requirements. To feel more confident in doing this, be sure to do your research, starting on our ‘Working in the UK after study’ pages.

Talk about the benefits

If you’re on the graduate visa, talk about the positives of this to employers. For example, hiring someone with a graduate visa doesn’t involve any costs or large amounts of paperwork, and gives them time to assess a candidate's suitability for a role before committing to sponsoring them on a skilled worker visa.

Be Honest and Transparent:

Never misrepresent your visa status or provide false information to potential employers. Honesty is essential, and misrepresenting your situation could lead to serious consequences and put future job opportunities at risk.

Research Employer Policies:

Before applying to or interviewing with a company, research their policies regarding hiring international candidates. Some employers may have experience with hiring international students and be familiar with visa procedures, while others may not be as familiar. If you are concerned about an employer’s policies, you may wish to consider getting specialised advice, starting with the UK Council for International Student Affairs advice line.

Stay Informed:

Keep yourself updated on the latest visa regulations and any changes that may affect your ability to work. This way, you can provideaccurate information to employers and avoid any misunderstandings. The Careers Service hosts several online and in-person sessions with Latitude Law throughout the academic year, so attending these can help you stay up to date with any changes to regulations.

Speak to the Careers Service:

Remember, the process of finding a job as an international student might be challenging, but with perseverance and a clear communication strategy, you can increase your chances of securing a position that aligns with your career goals.