PostDoc Discussion Forum

Hi all,

A couple of weeks ago, I submitted the revised thesis with a response to the examiners' corrections (my outcome was passed with major corrections). When I sent the revised thesis + response to each correction (2 weeks ago), I told them my situation and how important was for me to get a response from them before my visa expires. This will allow me to apply for a working visa since a company is willing to provide me with a sponsorship. This is a unique opportunity for me to develop professionally in a foreign country.

The internal replied saying that he correctly received the documents and that he will wait for the external to review them before making a decision. The external hasn't replied yet. The department basically told me to just wait and pray. The company, on the other hand, is pressuring me to give them a definitive date so they can start the visa process.

As each day passes, I am getting more and more desperate about the situation. I am thinking about sending a follow up email to the external asking how things are going. But I don't want to pressure him and make things worse.

What do you guys recommend me to do?

Regards,

Hi thefrustratedcandidate,

I can completely understand your frustration and had a good friend go through something similar with visas (emeritus professor LOL). I agree with Jamie_Wizard. Don't annoy your examiners and it would be better if your supervisor/admin team pressure the examiner. Also, for your visa you probably need more than just an email but a full certificate which can sometimes take a while. PhDs at my university require final approval from an exam board (rubber stamp really) which only meets every 2-3 months that can also delay things. If you ask your admin department they might tell you how long after the approval it will take to get the certificate.

I really I wish I could give you better advice and I fully sympathise with you but there isn't much you can do at the 2 week point.

Hi there,
From a different angle, I would suggest that you also get in touch with your international student / immigration advice office. I am assuming that you are based in the UK based on the thesis grading system.
I am not super up-to-date about the latest immigration rules, you may be eligible for one of: extending your current T4 visa (especially due to delay caused by COVID ), or applying for the new Graduate route visa.

Your new employer only needs to know an expected graduation day, right? Maybe you can talk to your school about the administrative deadlines and use that at the date. My school does have an absolute administrative deadline that the examiners need to respond within (it is fairly lenient and I have no idea whether it is enforced, but it is regulation in writing).

I would also pay attention to the COVID-related concessions of the Home Office. Depending on the situation of your home country, you may also be able to argue that you have problem returning to your home country and can ask home office for legally remaining in the UK after your visa expires.

It is a very impressive achievement finding a sponsored job this year. Please, please consult an immigration export and also do extensive research on home office regulations. I wish you the best of luck.