Janice Lozano
The Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC—are among the top 100 graduate employers each year and are desirable places for international students to work. However, recent changes to skilled worker visa routes in the UK have impacted the recruitment of foreign graduates by leading firms, including the Big Four. Previously, some of the Big Four firms sponsored international students with H1B visas, but changes to the minimum salary requirements for visa sponsorship have led to some companies withdrawing job offers to foreign graduates. Despite these challenges, international students continue to seek employment with the Big Four, and some firms have been known to provide visa sponsorship for certain teams and specialty areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies that provide visa sponsorship | Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC |
| Visa type | STEM OPT, TN visas, H1B |
| Visa process | EY has a visa and immigration team |
| Salary requirements | £38,700 minimum salary for sponsors bringing overseas talent |
| Salary range | £25,000-£35,000 for first-year graduates |
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What You'll Learn
Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC are the Big Four
International students are attractive hires for the Big Four because they are solid hires who don't leave. Deloitte and EY's Dallas offices in Audit used to sponsor people, and EY has hired international students on work visas. PwC also hires international students with F1 visas for internships and full-time positions, although in limited pools (speciality areas only).
Big Four companies focus on students with key skills and traits and encourage graduates to apply for their graduate schemes, regardless of their background, as long as they have a 2:1 degree for their bachelor's. They also provide firm-specific training and professional development workshops. For example, Deloitte UK provides technical audit training and career development workshops, while PwC UK provides classroom-based courses and e-learning opportunities.
Since April 2024, the UK government has introduced changes to the skilled worker visa route, meaning that sponsors looking to bring in new talent from overseas must pay workers a minimum salary of £38,700. This has impacted the Big Four's recruitment of foreign graduates, as they typically pay first-year graduates between £25,000 and £35,000 in the UK.
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Visa sponsorship by Big Four firms
The "Big Four" firms—Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC—are known to sponsor visas for international students and employees. However, the availability and extent of such sponsorship may vary depending on factors such as the specific country, office location, team, and role.
Deloitte, for instance, has been mentioned by individuals seeking visa sponsorship or transfers. Similarly, EY has been reported to sponsor visas for international students and employees, including H1B visa transfers. In one instance, an individual shared their experience of EY's Dallas office sponsoring visas for multiple individuals.
KPMG has also been known to hire and sponsor visas for international students and employees, particularly for certain teams like the Korean team. PwC, the fourth firm, has been mentioned in visa sponsorship discussions, although specific details are scarce.
While the Big Four firms generally demonstrate an openness to hiring international students and sponsoring visas, the process and success rate may differ based on various factors. Some individuals have shared their experiences of encountering challenges with visa sponsorship, such as delays in responses from EY's law firm during the visa transfer process.
It is always advisable for international students and job seekers to thoroughly research the visa requirements and sponsorship practices of their target firms and locations. Consulting with career offices at educational institutions and seeking guidance from recruiters can also provide valuable insights into the visa sponsorship landscape within the Big Four firms.
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High demand for international students
International students are in high demand in the US, with over 1.1 million international students from more than 210 places of origin studying at US higher education institutions during the 2023/2024 academic year. This number reflects a 7% increase from the previous academic year, indicating a strong post-pandemic recovery. International students contributed $43.8 billion and over 378,000 jobs to the US economy during this period.
The demand for international students in the US is driven by several factors. Firstly, there is a large and growing youth population globally, coupled with steady economic growth. Secondly, there is a persistent gap between the perceived quality of domestic higher education options in many countries and the options available in the US. This is particularly true for students from source countries such as China and South Korea, who tend to enrol in higher-price point programs. Additionally, US institutions recognise the value of international students in enhancing their academic and cultural profile, boosting rankings, and fostering cultural exchange.
To attract international students, US universities must offer unique value and demonstrate a return on investment. Digital marketing and engagement platforms are crucial for reaching and nurturing potential applicants. International students also consider the availability of work opportunities during and after their studies. For example, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to gain practical work experience in the US after graduation, and the number of students participating in OPT reached a record high in 2023/2024.
While there is a high demand for international students in the US, the visa process can be challenging. Students must navigate student visa requirements and may need to extend or switch their visas during their stay. Additionally, work visa sponsorship has become more difficult to obtain. However, some US companies, including the "Big Four" accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC), have been known to sponsor visas for international students, particularly for internships and entry-level positions.
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Work visa requirements
The work visa requirements for international students depend on the country in which they plan to work and study. Here are the requirements for some of the most common work visas in the UK and the US.
UK Work Visa Requirements
In the UK, international students can apply for a Student Visa if they are 16 or older and want to pursue further or higher education. The visa duration depends on the length of the course and any prior study completed in the UK. For instance, students over 18 pursuing a degree-level course can usually stay in the UK for up to five years.
To apply for a Student Visa, individuals must prove their identity and may be required to prove their immigration status upon travelling to the UK. They may also need to apply for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if they are pursuing a master's degree or above.
US Work Visa Requirements
In the US, international students typically need a nonimmigrant visa to study full-time. The two main categories are F and M visas, with F-1 being the most common. To obtain an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program.
F-1 visa holders cannot work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment with certain restrictions. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment under specific conditions, such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. Any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO).
To work in the US after graduation, international students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work and train for up to 12 months. STEM graduates can request an additional 24 months of OPT. To qualify for OPT, employment must be directly related to the student's major and must meet minimum weekly hour requirements.
Another option for a postgraduate work visa in the US is the H-1B visa, commonly known as the Person in Specialty Occupation Visa. This visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended for another three years. To qualify, individuals must have an advanced education degree and a job offer that correlates with their degree.
It is important to note that the work visa process can be lengthy and challenging, and maintaining visa status is crucial to avoid disruptions to future plans.
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Impact of visa rules on hiring
The impact of visa rules on hiring processes is a complex and evolving issue, particularly when considering international students seeking employment in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. These countries have implemented specific visa regulations that directly influence the hiring landscape for international students.
In the United States, the visa rules for international students have undergone significant changes in recent years. The F-1 Visa, commonly held by international students, allows for an initial 12 months of full-time work authorization, known as Optional Practical Training (OPT). During this period, students can gain valuable work experience and contribute to organizations' success. However, the process of securing employment under visa restrictions can be challenging. Some international students have expressed concerns about the difficulty of obtaining work visa sponsorships, which can impact their job prospects. Additionally, executive orders and policies implemented by the Trump administration, such as increased vetting and screening for certain visa categories, travel bans, and stricter visa requirements, have created a dynamic and uncertain environment for international students seeking employment.
On the other hand, the United Kingdom offers the Student Visa, which allows eligible international students to pursue further or higher education in the country. The visa rules impact the hiring process by dictating the conditions under which students can work. While the specific number of work hours depends on their study program and term, students on this visa can generally work a limited number of hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. The visa rules also outline the steps for extending their stay, which can influence their eligibility for long-term employment opportunities in the UK.
The impact of visa rules on hiring is also influenced by the nature of the industry and the specific needs of employers. For instance, in the United States, certain industries like STEM fields offer extended work opportunities for international students. STEM students can benefit from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT extension, allowing them to work off-campus and gain valuable experience in their field of study. Additionally, employers seeking to hire international talent can leverage specific visa categories like the H-1B visa, which allows for a maximum of six years of employment before permanent residency considerations.
Overall, the impact of visa rules on hiring international students is multifaceted. While visa regulations and requirements present challenges and uncertainties, they also provide structured pathways for international students to pursue employment opportunities. Organizations that recognize the value of international students and are open to sponsoring visas can benefit from a diverse talent pool. However, the dynamic nature of visa policies necessitates proactive career planning and a thorough understanding of the applicable rules by both students and employers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all of the Big 4—Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC—offer visa sponsorship for international students. However, it is important to note that there may be limitations and that the specific offerings may vary by location and time. For example, some sources indicate that these companies stopped offering sponsorship in the Bay Area in 2018.
The type of visa sponsorship offered by the Big 4 can vary. In the US, some companies have offered H1B visas, while others provide opportunities for international students to work on Optional Practical Training (OPT) for a year. Additionally, certain companies may have teams that handle visas and can guide applicants through the process.
Salary requirements for visa sponsorship vary by region. In the UK, as of 2024, sponsors must pay workers a minimum salary of £38,700, or £30,960 for those under 26, students, recent graduates, or those in professional training. This has impacted the Big 4's hiring practices, as they typically pay first-year graduates between £25,000 and £35,000.
The chances of being selected for visa sponsorship by the Big 4 can depend on various factors. Some sources indicate that there is a lottery system in place, and the odds may be higher for master's students or those with specific skill sets in high demand. Additionally, some companies may prioritize certain teams or specialties for visa sponsorship. It is always best to reach out to the companies directly or speak with a career counsellor for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
