Canada: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Allows international students to work in Canada after completing studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

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Duration

Equivalent to the length of the study program (minimum 8 months, up to 3 years).

Requirements

Completion of a full-time program from a DLI.

Must apply within 180 days of receiving a transcript or completion letter.

Pathway to PR

Work experience gained through PGWP can be used to apply for PR under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

USA: Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Allows F-1 visa holders to work temporarily in their field of study after graduation.

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Types of OPT

Pre-Completion OPT: During studies.

Post-Completion OPT: After graduation (12 months).

STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for STEM graduates.

Requirements

Valid F-1 status.

Job offer directly related to the field of study.

Pathway to Green Card

OPT can transition to employer-sponsored H-1B visa, leading to potential Green Card sponsorship.

UK: Graduate Route Visa

Post-study work visa allowing international students to stay and work in the UK for 2years(Bachelor’s/Master) or 3years(Phd)

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Requirements

Completion of a degree from a licensed student sponsor.

Application within the UK.

Pathway to ILR (PR)

Can switch to a Skilled Worker visa or other qualifying visa categories leading to ILR.

Australia: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Allows international students to work in Australia temporarily after graduation.

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Streams

Graduate Work Stream: For those studying occupations in high demand.

Post-Study Work Stream: For those completing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

Duration

18 months to 4 years, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

Completion of studies in Australia (minimum 2 years).

Age below 50.

English proficiency.

Pathway to PR

Work experience gained can help qualify for PR visas under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

New Zealand: Post-Study Work Visa

Enables international students to work for any employer after completing their studies.

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Duration

1 to 3 years, depending on the qualification and study location.

Requirements

Completion of a qualification that meets New Zealand immigration requirements.

Job offer not mandatory.

Pathway to Residency

Work experience can lead to eligibility under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).

Germany: Post-Study Work Permit (Job-Seeking Visa)

Graduates of German universities with a recognized degree.

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Duration

Up to 18 months to search for a job related to their field of study.

Conditions

You can work in any job (not necessarily related to your field) during the 18-month period to support yourself.

Once you secure employment relevant to your qualifications, you can switch to a residence permit for employment purposes.

Completion of Studies

Must have graduated from a recognized German higher education institution.

Degree must align with German job market demands (priority is given to STEM fields).

Valid Residence Permit for Study

Must hold a valid residence permit at the time of application.

Proof of Financial Stability

Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses during the job-seeking phase.

Health Insurance

Continuation of valid health insurance coverage.

Language Proficiency (if required)

German language skills may be beneficial, depending on the job.

Canada: Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways

Express Entry

Points-based system for skilled workers, including the Canadian Experience Class for graduates with work experience.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Province-specific pathways targeting skilled workers and graduates.

Eligibility for Graduates

Minimum 1 year of work experience in Canada.

Language proficiency: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0).

Completion of a program from a DLI.

USA: Green Card Pathways

Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2/EB-3)

Requires employer sponsorship after gaining work experience through OPT or H-1B visa.

Family-Sponsored Green Card

If immediate family members are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Eligibility for Graduates

Secure long-term employment.

Employer willingness to sponsor through the PERM labor certification process.

UK: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Skilled Worker Visa to ILR

After 5 years of work on a Skilled Worker visa.

Graduate Route to Skilled Worker Visa

Start with the Graduate Route and transition to a job with a licensed UK employer.

Eligibility for ILR

5 years of continuous residence in the UK.

Minimum annual salary of £25,600 (or lower for shortage occupations).

Australia: Permanent Residency Pathways

General Skilled Migration (GSM)

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): No sponsorship required.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires state/territory nomination.

Employer-Sponsored PR

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).

Eligibility for Graduates

Work experience in a high-demand occupation.

Points-based assessment (minimum 65 points).

New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

Overview

Points-based residency pathway for skilled workers.

Eligibility

Job offer in a high-demand occupation.

Minimum points threshold: 160.

Other Pathways

Employer-assisted visas or post-study work leading to residency.

Germany: Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

EU Blue Card

For skilled workers earning a minimum annual salary (€56,400 in 2024; €44,304 for shortage occupations like IT, engineering, etc.).

Allows accelerated PR application (21–33 months).

Permanent Residency for Graduates

After 2 years of employment in your field and 33 months of residence in Germany, you may apply for PR (reduced to 21 months with advanced German language proficiency).

Long-Term EU Residence Permit

After 5 years of continuous residence and financial stability.

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