A Nigerian lady identified as Deborah Boms, has opened up about the harrowing experience she had trying to secure a visa-sponsored employment in the United Kingdom, following the completion of her studies in the UK.
Deborah revealed that she applied for thousands of positions and attended scores of interviews, yet none materialised into an employment that would enable her to remain in the UK legally.
TopSociety reports that in a video shared via social media, Deborah documented her transition from an enthusiastic international student to a graduate compelled to return home due to visa and employment barriers.
The TikTok video begins with an emotional phone call to her parents in Nigeria as she prepared to leave the UK. Her mother reassured her, saying, “We’re waiting for you. We cannot reject our own. I believe God wants to establish you here. He will do it for you.”
From the ensuing reactions on YouTube, her journey resonated with the online community, especially international students facing similar visa and job-search difficulties abroad.
According to Princess Egbuna, “God in the UK is the same God anywhere you find yourself my darling! I returned back to Nigeria from the UK in November 2024 and God has taken CARE OF ME! You will not be forsaken.”
A Kenyan who goes by @just_kian0 wrote, “If it didn’t work in the UK, it doesn’t mean it can’t work anywhere else,friend. That was me in 2023; I graduated in Germany with Masters, couldn’t get a professional job and decided to relocate to Dubai one month later, had a well paying job,a car and a company house.Your worth will always be appreciated somewhere else. Never lose hope.”
For @kashgaming8457, “I had the same experience as you, but in Canada, losing my job, my mental health, losing everything and close to not having enough money even to book a flight to return back home. I had only two month to sort things out, move out of my apartment, sell my stuff, throw clothes away, not being able to call family to let them know because of shame, … everything is so relatable i shed some tears, but I love the way, you shared your story. Some key things i saved were, GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ALL OF US. Good Luck to everyone going through hardships. Be strong, and keep pushing forward.”
According to @josphineogugua, “My Goodness, tears rolled down my eyes watching this video. This was me in 2018 after my Masters in the UK. I was looking for opportunities within the UK but it didn’t quite work out. BUT! When I moved back to Nigeria, I gave myself time and started searching again. I finally got three opportunities to do my PhD in the Netherlands, UK and France. All paid opportunities that allowed me to move with my family. Don’t Quit! Please don’t! Your dreams will come through.”
On her part, @nababrefo3585 wrote, “This isn’t an easy decision. I did same last year. I moved back to Ghana after a year and half in the UK because I didn’t get a visa extension. My mum blamed me for not trusting God. I dont blame her because she doesn’t know the reality out there. I am back home and still waiting on God for another opportunity. I moved away from my family because the toxicity and disrespectfulness is too much. God is with us ok.”
Also commenting on YouTube, @okolocharles6668 wrote, “A few minutes into the video, and I’m already in tears. I’m currently in the UK, and the fear of not getting a sponsorship job has been depressing. Your story isn’t a sad one for me. It gives me courage and the strength to do everything I can and leave what I can’t control. You showed up consistently with the number of applications…. Thank you for sharing your process story.”
Throughout the video, Deborah detailed the behind-the-scenes struggles that were unseen by her followers. She revealed that the pressure of trying to stay in the UK without a sponsored job nearly derailed all her efforts.
“At some point, I stopped counting,” she said. “I made approximately 3,000 job applications and attended 24 interviews searching for a sponsored position. None of them worked out—it just never clicked.”
The returnee pointed out that while many people observed her adapting to life in the UK, attending school, and eventually graduating, they were unaware of the emotional and financial toll all of which unravelled in just three years.
In an emotion-laden voice, she said, “What you didn’t see was how close I was to losing everything I was trying to build… Sometime along the way, I hit the point of mental exhaustion.
“When I realised that I was running out of time, I made the hardest decision I’ve been avoiding. I booked my flight home.
Deborah recounted applying for jobs as if her life depended on it, tailoring every CV and cover letter to different sectors yet these spirited efforts came to naught!
