Each country has its own set of rules and eligibility requirements for Student Visa and Post- Study Work permits. Students should familiarize themselves with the specific criteria and processes, as they may change over time.
Always check the official immigration or government websites for the most current information
Post-study work permits for international students to remain in the country temporarily after completing their studies to gain work experience.
A brief overview of the post-study work options in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New zealand, Germany, and Ireland:
Graduate Route: International students who complete a degree at a UK higher education provider can apply for the Graduate Route. This allows graduates to work or look for work in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) without a sponsorship requirement.
Eligibility: Must have completed a course at least at the undergraduate level at a recognized UK institution.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): After completing their studies, F-1 visa students can apply for OPT, which permits them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months. STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension, allowing a total of 36 months.
Eligibility: Students must apply for OPT before completing their degree and it should be in a field related to their study.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): This allows international students who have completed a program at an eligible Canadian institution to work in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on the length of their study program.
Eligibility: Must have studied full-time for a minimum of 8 months and have a valid study permit when applying.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): This visa has two streams:
Graduate Work Stream: For international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. It is valid for up to 18 months.
Post-Study Work Stream: For students who have graduated with a degree from an Australian institution, it is valid for 2-4 years, depending on the qualification.
Eligibility: Must apply within 6 months of obtaining the degree (for the Graduate Work Stream) and meet specific educational requirements.
18-Month Residence Permit: International graduates from German universities can obtain an 18-month residence permit to seek employment related to their field of study.
Eligibility: Must be graduates of a recognized university or higher education institution in Germany. Proof of sufficient funds for living during this period is also required.
Third Level Graduate Scheme (TLGS): This allows non-EU graduates from recognized Irish institutions to stay in Ireland for up to 24 months (12 months for non-degree programs) to seek employment.
Eligibility: Graduates must hold a valid degree from an Irish institution and apply within 6 months of receiving their results.
Post-Study Work Visa” (PSW) in New Zealand Eligibility: To qualify, you typically need to have completed a qualification that meets New Zealand’s requirements, which often includes an academic program at a registered institution.
Duration: The duration of the visa can range from 1 to 3 years, depending on the level of your qualification and the area of study. For example, a student who has completed a Level 4 to Level 6 qualification may receive a one-year visa, while those with a Level 7 or higher qualification may qualify for a longer duration.
Work Rights: The visa generally allows you to work full-time in New Zealand while searching for employment or gaining work experience related to your field of study.