Does Switzerland allow you to work as international student?

International students often dream of launching their careers in the countries where they studied. However, immigration regulations can make this a challenging.

While Switzerland’s immigration laws traditionally restricted non-EU graduates from working after graduation, recent changes offer a hope.

Does Switzerland allow you to work as international student?

Since 2011, these graduates can stay in Switzerland for up to six months to find a job. This period allows them to compete on an equal footing with Swiss applicants for positions deemed “of high academic or economic interest.”

However, securing a work permit remains a complex process. Employers must demonstrate they couldn’t find a suitable candidate within Switzerland or the EU before hiring a non-EU graduate. Additionally, graduates may need to know German, French, or Italian.

Despite the challenges, Switzerland offers attractive starting salaries. Graduates with bachelor’s degrees can expect to earn 40% more than those with only a high school diploma, while masters and PhD holders can command a 70% premium.

The UK’s immigration system presents a more complex situation for international graduates. Since 2012, students can only work full-time on their student visa for a limited period after graduation, making it difficult to secure long-term employment.

The most common path to work in the UK after graduation is through the Tier 2 visa, which requires a job offer with a minimum salary of £20,800 and sponsorship from a licensed employer. This process can be daunting, as employers need to prove they couldn’t find a suitable candidate within the UK or EU before hiring an international student.

Despite the hurdles, a survey by Debut, a student careers website, revealed that 72% of companies surveyed are willing to sponsor international candidates. Additionally, graduates in certain fields like engineering and medicine can command competitive salaries after graduation.

• Limited work time on a student visa after graduation
• Tier 2 visa: Requires sponsorship, minimum salary, and employer effort to recruit within the UK/EU first.
• Competitive salaries are possible, especially in certain fields.

The US immigration system presents both significant challenges and potential rewards for international students seeking post-graduation employment.

The OPT program allows graduates to gain practical training for up to 24 months in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). However, OPT is not considered formal employment and may not offer high salaries or benefits.

The highly coveted H-1B visa is the gateway to long-term employment in the US for highly skilled workers. However, competition for this visa is fierce, with selection determined by a lottery system. Additionally, finding an employer willing to sponsor the visa application adds another layer of complexity.

Despite these hurdles, the US offers the potential for high salaries, particularly in fields like computer science and mathematics. The median salary for an H-1B worker at major tech companies like Microsoft and Facebook can exceed $126,000 and $140,000 per year, respectively.

• OPT program offers practical experience but not formal employment.
• H-1B visa is highly competitive and requires employer sponsorship.
• High earning potential in certain fields, especially for H-1B visa holders.

While navigating immigration regulations can be challenging for international students seeking work after graduation, each country offers opportunities. Switzerland boasts a streamlined job search window and high starting salaries.