Do Indian students at LSE MSc Finance struggle with visa issues after graduation?

Question

V Ritik · Accepted Answer

Indian students at LSE MSc Finance don&rsquo;t face the same level of visa struggles as before because of the UK Graduate Route. This visa gives two years of work rights after completing the degree, which allows time to apply for analyst roles in banks, asset managers, or consulting firms without immediate sponsorship.
The challenge comes later. Many firms still prefer candidates who can transition to a Skilled Worker visa after those two years. Larger banks like JPMorgan or Goldman are used to handling sponsorship, but mid-sized firms or boutiques may avoid the process. That&rsquo;s why students often target big employers first.
Another point is timing. Graduate schemes in the UK open almost a year before the degree ends, so applying early while on a student visa is critical. Waiting until after graduation can limit options even if the Graduate Route is available.

Jayant M · Answer

A lot of people think getting a UK job after LSE MSc Finance is mainly about grades, but visas are just as important.

The Graduate Route lets students work for two years without sponsorship, which is a big relief compared to earlier.
Banks and asset managers do hire international students, but smaller firms often avoid sponsoring beyond those two years.
Indian students planning to stay long-term usually focus on firms with established sponsorship history, like Barclays, Morgan Stanley, or BlackRock.
A practical point: some students use the Graduate Route to gain experience at a boutique or Big 4 firm first, then switch to a larger bank willing to sponsor later.

So while visas aren&rsquo;t the barrier they once were, the strategy has to be clear from the start. Picking employers with a track record of sponsoring international graduates makes a big difference.
For more details you can read this blog on "LSE MFin "

J Bajwa · Answer

Indian students at LSE MSc Finance generally don&rsquo;t face major visa problems immediately after graduation. The UK&rsquo;s Graduate Route visa allows two years of post-study work without employer sponsorship, which makes it much easier to start a role in London.
The real challenge comes later, when companies decide whether to switch you onto a Skilled Worker visa after those two years. Larger banks and consulting firms are used to this process and usually sponsor, but smaller firms can be hesitant. So the barrier isn&rsquo;t the visa itself, but whether you&rsquo;ve secured a role with a company willing to extend sponsorship. Planning for that transition is just as important as securing the first job.

Mohit C · Answer

It&rsquo;s not the student visa that creates issues, it&rsquo;s what happens after the program.
&bull; Right after graduation, the Graduate Route gives two years to work freely, so most Indian students start their careers without visa hurdles. &bull; The bigger question is what happens once that runs out. Only firms licensed for Skilled Worker sponsorship can extend your stay, and not every boutique or mid-sized company qualifies. &bull; Banks, Big 4, and large consulting firms usually sponsor without hesitation, but competition for those roles is intense. &bull; Students aiming for smaller firms often face tougher choices, including moving to hubs like Dubai or Singapore where visa processes are simpler.
So visa access isn&rsquo;t a blocker at the start, but long-term stability depends on the type of employer you land.