The Best Work Visas For MBA Graduates Outside The United States

As US immigration policy affects international MBA applications, don’t fret. These four top visas could be your ticket to the international career you crave

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council’s (GMAC) 2017 Application Trends Survey Report, there has been a shift in international demand for MBAs away from the US and toward programs in Europe and Canada.

In fact, the report states that ‘programs in Europe and Canada are about twice as likely to report growth in international applicants compared with the US.’

This, GMAC says, is a reflection of the Trump administration's obdurate immigration policy, and it has implications for international students that may extend beyond the actual MBA period.

In many cases, earning an MBA in a given country can smooth the way to getting a work visa there after graduation. But, according to a July report from the National Foundation for American Policy, the US has sharply decreased the number of temporary work visas it grants, imposed stricter standards, and slowed down the process in general.

With this in mind, here are four alternative, non-US work visas for MBAs looking to study, and work, internationally. Bear in mind that visa requirements may differ based on your home country.

1. The Netherlands: ‘Orientation year highly educated...

visa (Zoekjaar Hoogopgeleiden)

This one-year visa is available to those who've completed certain study programs, obtained a PhD, or conducted scientific research in the Netherlands. It is also available to those who have completed a master’s degree at a top 200 University anywhere in the world, such as Rotterdam School of Management. Applicants must apply within three years after graduation.

This visa allows you to accept any (temporary) job which pays you at least €27,336 p/a ($31,000), or any paid or unpaid internship. You are also allowed to work as a freelancer or to start your own company. Indeed, you have free access to the Dutch labor market, meaning graduates from Maastricht School of Management or Nyenrode Business Universiteit, for example, can put their expertise to good use.

Be warned, though, the Zoekjaar is non-renewable. Should you wish to stay on you will have to apply to convert this visa into a standard work permit and for that, you will need to be sponsored by an employer. Highly-skilled workers are in great demand and their applications may be fast-tracked.

2. Canada: Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Canada has one of the world's strongest job markets. In contrast to the US, it is actively looking to attract highly-skilled foreign workers. So, international graduates from Schulich School of Business at York University, or Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto are in high demand.

Graduates from a selection of designated Canadian learning institutions are eligible for a PGWP, which is valid for a period determined by the length of your study program. Programs must be over eight months to qualify a student for a PGWP.

For a study period of eight months-to-two years, the PGWP may be valid for the same length of time as the study program. At two years or more, or if you completed multiple programs, your PGWP may be issued for up to three years!

Note that the study period must be continuous—if you took a semester off, you may not fulfil the requirements. Recipients of certain fellowships, scholarships, or other funding are not eligible. Graduates must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving confirmation that they've completed the program.

3. Australia: Temporary Graduate Visa

Australia is a genuine land of opportunity, with a lot of room for highly-skilled migrants to grow. Industries with a high demand for applicants include engineering, education, accounting and finance, construction management, IT, and digital marketing. Ideal hunting ground then, for international graduates from Melbourne Business School or the Australian Graduate School of Management at The University of New South Wales in Sydney.

To qualify for a Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia, international students must have studied in the country for at least two years, at bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level. They must also score a minimum of six on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) English proficiency exam.

Bachelor and master’s (coursework) students are eligible for a two-year visa; master’s (research) students for three years; and doctoral students for four years.

4. United Kingdom: Post-Study Work Visa

‘Despite the Brexit vote, about two-thirds of programs in the United Kingdom (65%) have seen international demand grow,’ notes the GMAC application report. In fact, there are concerns that Brexit is worsening skills shortages in the economy, driving demand for highly-skilled migrants.

London is always a hotbed for talent, so international graduates from places like Cass Business School or the London School of Economics stand in good stead. But, as the rest of England looks to develop too, graduates from The University of Liverpool School of Management and Cranfield School of Management—just outside London—are just as well-placed to fly the international business flag for the UK.

The UK calls its one-year Post-Study Work Visa ‘a way for international graduates to gain some UK work experience before returning to their home country or applying for a further visa category’.

The visa is open to international students who've completed a bachelor’s degree, master's degree, or PhD from a recognized UK institute of higher education. Unlike other post-study visas on this list, students who have completed post-graduate certificates or diploma (including PGCE) are also eligible. Students have a year from the completion of their course to apply.

Applicants must meet the English language ability requirements, be able to support themselves without accessing public funds, and must intend to work during the visa period.