The Big Four Accounting Firms That Sponsor Work Visas: Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG — What You Need to Know

Introduction

If you are an international student, a recent graduate, or an experienced professional outside your target country, one of the first questions you will ask about any potential employer is straightforward: Do they sponsor work visas?

For candidates in accounting, audit, tax, consulting, and advisory, the Big Four — Deloitte, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), EY (Ernst & Young), and KPMG — represent some of the largest and most globally connected employers in the world. Together, these four firms employ well over one million people across more than 150 countries. Their size and global footprint mean they have established immigration and mobility teams, formal visa sponsorship processes, and a long track record of hiring international talent.

However, “Big Four visa sponsorship” is not a simple yes-or-no topic. Sponsorship depends on the country, the specific member firm, the role, the service line, the candidate’s qualifications, and the current immigration rules in the jurisdiction where you want to work. A Deloitte office in London operates under entirely different visa rules than a Deloitte office in Toronto or Sydney. A PwC audit role in New York may have different sponsorship prospects than a PwC consulting role in Frankfurt.

This article provides a detailed, honest overview of how the Big Four approach work visa sponsorship across key markets. It covers what is generally known from public data, official government registers, and the firms’ own career pages. It also highlights important limitations, common misunderstandings, and practical steps you can take if you want to pursue a sponsored role at one of these firms.

A note on accuracy: Visa sponsorship policies change frequently. Immigration rules shift. Hiring needs evolve. The information in this article reflects publicly available data and general practices as of mid-2025. You must always confirm the current sponsorship status of any specific role directly with the employer and the relevant government immigration authority before making decisions.

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What Are the Big Four?

The Big Four are the four largest professional services networks in the world:

• Deloitte (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited) — headquartered in London, UK, with major operational hubs in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) — also headquartered in London, with a massive global presence.
• EY (Ernst & Young) — headquartered in London, operating in over 150 countries.
• KPMG — headquartered in Amstelveen, Netherlands, with member firms worldwide.

Each of these is technically a network of independent member firms, not a single global corporation. This distinction matters for visa sponsorship because the entity that sponsors your visa is the local member firm in the country where you will work — not the global network. Deloitte US, Deloitte UK, and Deloitte Australia are separate legal entities with separate sponsorship licenses and separate hiring policies.

The Big Four offer services across several major service lines:

• Audit and Assurance
• Tax and Legal
• Consulting / Advisory
• Financial Advisory / Deals
• Risk Advisory
• Technology and Transformation

Sponsorship availability can vary significantly between these service lines. Specialized consulting and technology roles may have higher sponsorship rates than generalist audit positions, depending on the local labor market and talent shortages.

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Do the Big Four Sponsor Work Visas? The Short Answer

Yes — all four firms sponsor work visas in multiple countries. However, sponsorship is:

• Not guaranteed for every role or every applicant
• Role-dependent and office-dependent
• Subject to local immigration laws and annual visa caps
• More common for experienced hires in high-demand specialties than for entry-level generalist positions
• Competitive, with many qualified candidates applying for a limited number of sponsored positions

Publicly available data confirms that the Big Four are among the most active visa sponsors in several major markets. In the United States, for example, Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG consistently appear among the top employers in H-1B visa petition data published by the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In the United Kingdom, all four firms appear on the Home Office’s official Register of Licensed Sponsors for Skilled Worker visas.

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Big Four Visa Sponsorship by Country

United States

The United States is one of the largest markets for Big Four hiring and one of the most complex for visa sponsorship.

Primary visa type: H-1B (specialty occupation visa)

What the data shows:
According to publicly available H-1B disclosure data from the U.S. Department of Labor (available through the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center at flcdatacenter.com), Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG are among the top H-1B petitioners in the country. In recent fiscal years, these firms have collectively filed thousands of H-1B petitions annually.

Key points for US sponsorship:

• The H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap (currently 65,000 regular cap plus 20,000 for holders of U.S. master’s degrees or higher). This means that even if a Big Four firm wants to sponsor you, your petition must be selected in the H-1B lottery unless you qualify for a cap-exempt category.
• Big Four firms typically sponsor H-1B visas for roles that require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field — which covers most professional positions in audit, tax, consulting, and advisory.
• F-1 OPT and STEM OPT: Many international students in the US begin working at Big Four firms on Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization after graduation. The firms are generally experienced in employing OPT workers and may subsequently sponsor H-1B petitions for strong performers. If your degree qualifies as a STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving your employer more time to enter you into the H-1B lottery.
• L-1 visas: If you already work for a Big Four member firm in another country, you may be eligible for an L-1 intracompany transfer visa to move to a US office. This is a common pathway for experienced professionals.
• TN visas: Canadian and Mexican citizens may qualify for TN status under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA), which can be a simpler pathway than H-1B for certain professional roles.

Where to check:

• Each firm’s US career page lists available positions. Sponsorship eligibility is typically noted in the job description or discussed during the recruitment process.
• Deloitte US careers: deloitte.com/us/en/careers.html
• PwC US careers: pwc.com/us/en/careers.html
• EY US careers: ey.com/en_us/careers
• KPMG US careers: kpmg.com/us/en/home/careers.html

Important warning: Do not assume that every Big Four job listing in the US offers sponsorship. Many listings explicitly state “Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.” Read each listing carefully.

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United Kingdom

The UK is the home market for three of the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, and EY are all headquartered in London) and a major market for KPMG.

Primary visa type: Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General)

What the data shows:
All four Big Four firms appear on the UK Home Office’s Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers, which is publicly available at gov.uk. This confirms that they hold valid sponsor licenses and are legally authorized to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for Skilled Worker visas.

Key points for UK sponsorship:

• The Skilled Worker visa requires the role to meet a minimum skill level (RQF Level 3 or above, which covers most professional Big Four roles) and a minimum salary threshold. The UK government revised salary thresholds in April 2024, raising the general threshold significantly. As of 2025, the general salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is £38,700 per year (or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher), though there are some exceptions for new entrants and certain shortage occupations.
• Graduate visa route: International students who complete a degree at a UK university can apply for the Graduate visa, which allows them to work for up to two years (three years for PhD graduates) without needing employer sponsorship. Many Big Four firms hire international graduates on the Graduate visa and may transition them to Skilled Worker sponsorship later.
• Global Business Mobility: For intra-company transfers, the UK’s Global Business Mobility routes (including Senior or Specialist Worker) allow Big Four firms to transfer experienced staff from overseas offices to UK offices.

Where to check:

• UK Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors: gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
• Each firm’s UK career page for specific role listings and sponsorship information.

Important note: The UK immigration landscape has changed significantly since 2023–2024, with higher salary thresholds and tighter rules. Always check the latest guidance on gov.uk before planning your application.

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Canada

Primary visa types: LMIA-based work permits, Express Entry (for permanent residency), Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permits

Key points for Canadian sponsorship:

• Canadian Big Four offices (Deloitte Canada, PwC Canada, EY Canada, KPMG Canada) do hire international candidates, but the process differs from the US and UK.
• In many cases, the employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the role. This adds time and cost to the hiring process.
• Some roles may be LMIA-exempt, particularly intra-company transfers under the International Mobility Program.
• Candidates who already hold Canadian permanent residency or an open work permit (such as a Post-Graduation Work Permit after completing studies at a Canadian institution) do not need employer sponsorship and are significantly more competitive.
• Big Four firms in Canada actively recruit from Canadian universities and often hire international graduates who hold Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).

Where to check:

• Deloitte Canada: deloitte.com/ca/en/careers.html
• PwC Canada: pwc.com/ca/en/careers.html
• EY Canada: ey.com/en_ca/careers
• KPMG Canada: kpmg.com/ca/en/home/careers.html
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html

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Australia

Primary visa types: Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

Key points for Australian sponsorship:

• The Big Four are significant employers in Australia and do sponsor skilled visas for roles where local talent is insufficient.
• The TSS visa (subclass 482) requires the role to be on a relevant skilled occupation list and the employer to be an approved sponsor.
• Accounting-related occupations (such as Accountant, Auditor, Management Accountant, Taxation Accountant) have historically appeared on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, though specific lists and requirements change periodically.
• As with Canada, candidates who already hold Australian permanent residency or a suitable work visa are more competitive.

Where to check:

• Each firm’s Australian career page
• Department of Home Affairs: homeaffairs.gov.au
• Skilled occupation lists: homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/work/work/skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities/skilled-occupations-lists

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Germany, Netherlands, and Other European Markets

Big Four offices across Europe hire international professionals, but sponsorship rules vary by country:

• Germany: The EU Blue Card and the German Skilled Immigration Act provide pathways for qualified professionals. Big Four offices in Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, and other cities do hire non-EU nationals for specialized roles. German language requirements may apply depending on the role and client base.
• Netherlands: The Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) scheme allows recognized sponsors to hire non-EU/EEA nationals. Big Four firms in the Netherlands are recognized sponsors with the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service).
• Ireland: The Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit are the primary routes. Big Four offices in Dublin are active employers of international talent, particularly in audit and technology consulting.
• France, Spain, Italy, and other EU countries: Sponsorship is possible but generally more complex for non-EU nationals. Language requirements and local labor market tests may apply.

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How Big Four Visa Sponsorship Typically Works

While the specific process varies by firm and country, the general workflow follows a similar pattern:

Step 1 — You apply for a specific role.
Sponsorship is almost always tied to a specific job opening. You cannot apply for “general sponsorship” without a role.

Step 2 — The firm assesses your qualifications.
If you are shortlisted, the recruitment team will typically ask about your right to work in the relevant country. If you need sponsorship, they will evaluate whether the role and your profile meet the requirements for a visa petition.

Step 3 — The firm’s immigration team reviews the case.
Big Four firms have dedicated global mobility and immigration teams (often working with external immigration law firms) that assess whether sponsorship is feasible for the specific role and candidate.

Step 4 — The firm files the visa petition.
If approved internally, the firm files the necessary paperwork with the relevant government authority (e.g., USCIS for H-1B, the Home Office for a Skilled Worker CoS).

Step 5 — You complete the visa application.
Once the petition is approved or the CoS is issued, you apply for the visa at the relevant embassy or consulate.

Step 6 — You begin work.
After visa approval, you can start your role at the sponsoring office.

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Which Roles Are Most Likely to Be Sponsored?

Based on general hiring patterns and publicly available data, the following types of roles tend to have higher sponsorship rates at Big Four firms:

• Technology consulting and digital transformation (cybersecurity, data analytics, AI, cloud architecture, ERP implementation)
• Specialized tax roles (international tax, transfer pricing, tax technology)
• Actuarial and quantitative advisory
• Forensic accounting and dispute resolution
• Deal advisory and M&A (particularly for candidates with niche industry expertise)
• Senior and manager-level positions where local talent pools are limited
• Roles in high-cost, high-demand markets (e.g., London, New York, Sydney)

Entry-level audit roles are less commonly sponsored in markets where there is a large supply of local graduates, though exceptions exist — particularly in the UK through the Graduate visa route or in the US through OPT-to-H-1B transitions.

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Important Things to Know Before Applying

Competition Is Intense

The Big Four receive millions of applications globally each year. Sponsored positions attract particularly strong competition because they are sought after by candidates worldwide.

Sponsorship Is Not Guaranteed

Even if a firm has sponsored visas in the past, this does not mean they will sponsor every role or every candidate. Business needs, budget constraints, and immigration rule changes all affect sponsorship decisions.

Visa Caps and Lotteries Exist

In the US, the H-1B cap means that even a willing employer cannot guarantee your visa. Your petition must be selected in the lottery. In other countries, annual quotas or labor market tests may apply.

Timelines Are Long

Visa sponsorship processes can take months. In the US, the H-1B cycle runs on a specific annual timeline (registration in March, petitions filed from April, employment starting October). Plan accordingly.

Costs May Be Shared

In some jurisdictions, the employer covers all visa costs. In others, certain fees may be the employee’s responsibility. Clarify this during the offer stage.

Dependents

Most work visa categories allow you to bring a spouse and children, but the specific rules vary by country and visa type.

Path to Permanent Residency

A work visa is typically temporary. If your long-term goal is permanent residency or citizenship, research the pathways available in your target country. Big Four firms may support green card applications in the US or permanent residency applications in other countries, but this is usually a separate process that occurs after you have been employed for some time.

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Scam Warning: Protect Yourself

Unfortunately, the popularity of Big Four firms makes them a target for employment scams. Be aware of the following:

• Fake job offers sent via WhatsApp, Telegram, or personal email accounts (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) claiming to be from Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG.
• Requests for payment to “process your visa” or “secure your job offer.” Legitimate Big Four firms do not ask candidates to pay for job offers or visa processing through unofficial channels.
• Fake websites that mimic official Big Four career pages. Always verify the URL. Official career pages use the firm’s main domain (e.g., deloitte.com, pwc.com, ey.com, kpmg.com).
• Fake recruiters who claim to represent the Big Four but cannot provide verifiable contact information or official email addresses.

Rule of thumb: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify job offers directly through the firm’s official career portal.

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Application Guide: Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Identify your target country and firm.
Research which Big Four office aligns with your qualifications, language skills, and career goals.

Step 2 — Check the official career page.
Visit the specific country career page for the firm you are targeting. Search for roles that match your skills and experience.

Step 3 — Read the job listing carefully.
Look for language about work authorization. Some listings explicitly state whether sponsorship is available. Others may say “must have the right to work” — which typically means they will not sponsor.

Step 4 — Prepare your application materials.
Tailor your CV/resume and cover letter to the specific role and market. Highlight relevant qualifications, certifications (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CA), and language skills.

Step 5 — Apply through the official portal.
Never apply through third-party agents unless they are officially authorized by the firm.

Step 6 — Be transparent about your visa status.
If asked about your right to work, answer honestly. Misrepresenting your status can result in immediate disqualification and may affect future applications.

Step 7 — Prepare for interviews.
Big Four interview processes typically include behavioral interviews, technical assessments, and case studies. Practice thoroughly.

Step 8 — Discuss sponsorship during the offer stage.
If you receive an offer and need sponsorship, the firm’s HR or global mobility team will guide you through the process. Ask clear questions about timelines, costs, and what happens if the visa is denied.

Step 9 — Gather visa documentation.
This typically includes your passport, educational credentials, professional certifications, employment history, and any required translations or apostilles.

Step 10 — Complete the visa application.
Follow the instructions from the firm’s immigration team and the relevant government authority precisely.

Step 11 — Monitor your application.
Visa processing times vary. Stay in contact with the firm’s mobility team and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Step 12 — Plan your relocation.
Once your visa is approved, coordinate your move with the firm’s onboarding team.

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Best Options at a Glance

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Conclusion

The Big Four — Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG — are among the most active work visa sponsors in the global professional services industry. Their scale, global networks, and dedicated immigration teams make them realistic targets for international candidates seeking sponsored employment in accounting, tax, audit, consulting, and advisory.

However, sponsorship is never guaranteed. It depends on the country, the role, your qualifications, and the current immigration environment. The most successful candidates are those who research thoroughly, apply strategically, target high-demand roles, and maintain realistic expectations about timelines and competition.

Always verify the latest information directly through the firms’ official career pages and the relevant government immigration authorities. Immigration rules change frequently, and this article should serve as a starting point for your research, not a substitute for official guidance.

Keep checking ScholarCareer.com for verified job, visa sponsorship, career development, and study abroad opportunities.

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11. JOB / SPONSORSHIP COMPARISON TABLE

Note: “Sponsor License Confirmed (UK)” refers to inclusion on the UK Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors. “H-1B Petitioner (US)” refers to appearance in publicly available U.S. Department of Labor H-1B disclosure data. Specific sponsorship for any individual role must be confirmed directly with the employer.

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12. COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY OPPORTUNITIES

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13. APPLICATION GUIDE

(See the detailed step-by-step guide in the main article body above under “Application Guide: Step-by-Step.”)

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14. IMPORTANT WARNINGS

• No guarantee of sponsorship: Even at Big Four firms, sponsorship is role-specific and subject to business needs and immigration rules.
• Visa caps and lotteries: In the US, the H-1B cap means sponsorship does not equal visa approval.
• Changing rules: Immigration policies in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and EU countries change frequently. Always check the latest official guidance.
• Scam risk: Never pay an agent or third party who claims they can “guarantee” a Big Four job or visa. Apply only through official career portals.
• Salary thresholds: UK Skilled Worker salary thresholds increased significantly in 2024. Ensure your expected salary meets the current requirement.
• Language requirements: In non-English-speaking countries (Germany, France, Netherlands, etc.), local language proficiency may be required even if the firm operates in English internally.
• Timing: Start your job search well in advance. Visa processes can take 3–12 months depending on the country and visa type.

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15. FAQ

Q1: Do all Big Four firms sponsor work visas?
Yes, all four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) sponsor work visas in multiple countries. However, sponsorship is not available for every role and depends on the specific office, service line, and local immigration rules.

Q2: Which Big Four firm sponsors the most H-1B visas?
According to publicly available U.S. Department of Labor data, all four firms are among the top H-1B petitioners. The exact ranking varies by fiscal year. You can search the latest data at flcdatacenter.com.

Q3: Can I get a Big Four job in the UK as an international student?
Yes. Many international students in the UK use the Graduate visa (2 years post-graduation) to work at Big Four firms. The firm may then sponsor a Skilled Worker visa if the role and salary meet the requirements.

Q4: Do Big Four firms sponsor visas for entry-level audit roles?
It depends on the country and local talent supply. In markets with large pools of local graduates, entry-level audit roles may not be sponsored. In markets with talent shortages, sponsorship is more likely. The UK Graduate visa route is a common pathway for entry-level international hires.

Q5: How long does Big Four visa sponsorship take?
Timelines vary significantly by country. In the US, the H-1B process follows an annual cycle (March registration, October start date). In the UK, a Skilled Worker visa can be processed in a few weeks to a few months. In Canada, LMIA processing can add several months.

Q6: Do I need to already have a job offer to get sponsorship?
Yes. Big Four firms sponsor visas for specific roles. You must apply for and receive a job offer before the firm can begin the sponsorship process.

Q7: Can I transfer between Big Four offices in different countries?
Yes, intra-company transfers are possible through routes such as the L-1 visa (US), Global Business Mobility (UK), or ICT work permits (Canada). You typically need to have worked for the firm for at least one year in your home country before transferring.

Q8: Are Big Four visa sponsorship jobs available for African candidates?
Yes. Big Four firms hire candidates from all nationalities, including African countries, provided the candidate meets the role requirements and the relevant visa criteria. There are no nationality-based restrictions on Big Four hiring, though specific visa rules in the destination country may affect processing times and requirements.

Q9: Do Big Four firms pay for visa costs?
Policies vary by firm and country. In many cases, the employer covers the primary visa petition costs. Some costs (such as dependent visas or premium processing) may be the employee’s responsibility. Clarify this during the offer stage.

Q10: Can I apply to Big Four firms from outside the country?
Yes. You can apply through the firm’s global career portal from anywhere in the world. However, you should be realistic about the competitiveness of sponsored roles and the time required for visa processing.

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17. OFFICIAL SOURCES

• Deloitte Careers: deloitte.com/careers
• PwC Careers: pwc.com/careers
• EY Careers: ey.com/careers
• KPMG Careers: kpmg.com/careers
• U.S. Department of Labor Foreign Labor Certification Data Center: flcdatacenter.com
• USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub: uscis.gov/tools/reports-and-studies/h-1b-employer-data-hub
• UK Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors: gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
• UK Skilled Worker Visa Guidance: gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html
• Australian Department of Home Affairs: homeaffairs.gov.au
• German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF): bamf.de
• Netherlands IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service): ind.nl
• Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: enterprise.gov.ie

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18. FINAL FACT-CHECK NOTES

• ✓ All four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) confirmed as active visa sponsors based on publicly available government data (US DOL H-1B data, UK Home Office sponsor register).
• ✓ Visa types listed (H-1B, Skilled Worker, TSS 482, LMIA, EU Blue Card, Kennismigrant, Critical Skills) are the correct primary routes for each country mentioned.
• ✓ UK salary threshold increase in April 2024 is accurately referenced; the general threshold was raised to £38,700.
• ✓ No specific job listings, salaries, or deadlines were invented. All references direct readers to official career pages and government sources.
• ✓ No claims of “guaranteed” sponsorship were made. The article consistently emphasizes that sponsorship is role-dependent and not guaranteed.
• ✓ The distinction between global networks and local member firms is accurately explained.
• ✓ H-1B cap and lottery process accurately described.
• ✓ OPT and STEM OPT pathways accurately described for US context.
• ✓ Graduate visa route accurately described for UK context.
• ✓ Scam warnings are based on commonly reported fraud patterns in international recruitment.
• ⚠ Specific 2025 H-1B petition numbers for each firm were not included because exact figures vary by fiscal year and data release timing. Readers are directed to the DOL data center for the latest figures.
• ⚠ Specific salary figures for Big Four roles were not included because they vary by country, service line, level, and market. Readers should check official job listings for current compensation.

Last Verified: July 2025

Scholarship deadlines, eligibility requirements, job availability, visa rules, and salary thresholds can change. Always confirm the latest information on the official source before applying.