Experiencing the UK Graduate route: Pakistan, master's degree

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?

Thoughts on your visa 

Most of the companies I interviewed with are not accepting the Graduate route. Getting the visa after finishing my studies wasn’t difficult, but the cost is high.

Support and development 

I had support from my university careers service, including a one-to-one appointment with a careers adviser. I received CV feedback and gained access to job vacancy listings. Since university, I have achieved several certificates on LinkedIn.

“When I told an employer about my visa, they simply refused to hire me.”

Employer knowledge and attitudes 

Most of the employers I’ve interviewed for didn’t know about the Graduate route visa, I had to explain it. My impression is that employers do not recruit applicants on the Graduate route visa. I secured one job, but when I told them about my visa, they simply refused to hire me.