Visa sponsorship in MBB SEA

Question

Hi all,

I am a recent PhD graduate from a top London university in a STEM subject, and am looking to join consulting in the near future. I am a British Citizen, however my partner is from South East Asia (Thailand/Malaysia/Singapore). I am considering where I should apply for roles - I am open to the prospect of relocating to SEA however am not sure whether MBB firms in the region typically sponsor work visas. Could anyone please clarify?

For context, I am familiar with the local language spoken in that country.

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi,

Short answer --> "If you land an MBB offer, you can rest assured that the respective firm will almost always sponsor your visa" (except in exceptionally extraordinary circumstances).

MBB firms usually go so far as to even let you start at another office or another country sometimes where it might be easier to get a work sponsorship, until your actual paperwork gets resolved etc. if needed (have seen cases like this too at McKinsey e.g., starting at Istanbul office while waiting for US office paperwork to come through etc.).

Consulting firms have extensive experience hiring top-talent from across the world, and therefore are very well-versed in the admin work around this and do this extensively.

Having said that, Singapore usually has quite tight work sponsorship visa regulations in general, so sponsoring of work visas for Singapore is usually on the lower side. But this just means, MBB firms also try to recruit less internationally and more locally for such offices.

But that does not negate your question - so, if you do land an offer with an MBB firm for a specific office, yes they will almost definitely sponsor your visa!

Hope that helps.

Good luck!