Before I started adding a 'u' to 'colour' and changing 'z' to 's' in 'analyse,' I learned to call a 'visa' by the proper British name of 'entry clearance.' Non-UK nationals must apply for entry clearance in order to live and work in the UK. The application process seems intimidating when a new joiner Googles 'UK Home Office,' but the first email from Deloitte's Immigration Team calms anxieties. Deloitte's experienced and organised team guides new joiners through the process of securing entry clearance. Rather than applying for entry clearance by yourself, you apply withDeloitte, and this partnership characterises the daunting process.

I was hired by Deloitte in February and was anxious to begin the immigration process. As an American, I needed to be sponsored to work in the UK. During the spring, the Deloitte Immigration Team worked with me to gather the necessary information for my application. Their knowledge of the entry clearance process is unmatched; the team knows the labyrinthine system in and out, and they make sure that new joiners understand the system too. The actual application process began in July, when Deloitte requested sponsorship for me. A designated member of the Immigration Team guided me through my online application and helped arrange submittal of biometric details. After Deloitte's experienced team reviewed everything, I bundled my application off to New York to be processed in early August. Just as Deloitte had predicted, my approved visa arrived a week later!

As with any complicated process, there were hiccups, but Deloitte helped me negotiate them.  Just before sending off my package to New York, I learnt that my passport didn't have the required, two full blank pages. Thinking proactively, I contacted the Immigration Team, who calmly and quickly responded. They provided the name of an agency that expedites passports, and I secured new pages in my passport in just three days.

It's important for new joiners to take ownership of the entry clearance process; the Immigration Team is there to help and provides insight and information, but ultimately it is your application. Ask questions about the entry clearance process and pay attention to its details. Deloitte clearly articulates what is required of new joiners and supports you in doing your part, from submitting information to mailing off applications to the Home Office. With their help, you will happily arrive at the Analyst Induction Programme on your start date, just as I did.

The Immigration process aligns perfectly with the Onboarding process for all graduates. Deloitte's Onboarding Team emails frequently, providing details about the move to London, opening a bank account, and completing Excel exercises. They also introduce you to your internal 'buddy,' an analyst who is happy to answer any of your questions before and after joining the firm Working together, the Immigration and Onboarding teams ensure that new joiners arrive in the UK ready to work.  

This joining process mirrors the process of beginning work at Deloitte. My fellow 2013 Consulting new joiners and I have completed an intensive, six-week induction. The induction was both enjoyable and challenging, and senior Deloitte staff have encouraged us from the start to be proactive and take ownership of our careers. From Immigration to Induction to Day 1 on client site, Deloitte works as a team, and that is reassuring whether you analyze or analyse it!

For more information on work permit requirements for the Graduate Scheme, consult the work permits page on our Careers site.

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