Post study work

There are lots of options available to international students who want to stay and work abroad after their studies. In fact working after studies is a great way to put your newly gained knowledge to use, gain local work experience and explore cultures. In some countries this post study work visa can be the first step towards becoming a permanent resident of the country Here we have out lined the details of post study work in some popular countries and the visa options after graduation:

Here we have out lined the details of post study work in some popular countries and the visa options after graduation :

Australia

After successfully completing studies in Australia (graduation) students have several options available to them if they want to work and live in Australia. Most students who complete Bachelor’s degree or higher are eligible to undertake Temporary Graduate Visa (485) which allows you to live and work after you have finished your studies.

This Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) has two streams:
  • Graduate Team work(Valid for 1.5 years)
  • Post-Study Work stream (Valid for 2 to 4 years)

United States of America

F1 student visa holders after graduation have an option of stay in the US for a limited time after completing their studies via the Optional Practical Training (OPT). This Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a one-year (12 month) work and stay-back permit.

There are two types of OPT – one which can be used during one’s studies i.e. Pre-Completion OPT, and another which starts after completing one’s studies i.e. Post-Completion OPT.

OPT Extension – For students studying STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) can get a 24-month extension. This means you can continue to stay in the US for three years after finishing your course of study.

Canada

International students who successfully graduate from a college or university in Canada can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This option allows students to remain in the country for a period of 1 to 3 years. This PGWP is an open work permit, which allows international graduates to work for any Canadian employer in any industry

United Kingdom

The UK government has announced a change in their post-study work visa and from September 2021 they will allow international students graduating from a higher-education facility to stay and work in the UK.

This scheme is known as Graduate Route. This Graduate Route will be available to international students who have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. Successful applicants on this route will be able to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for a maximum period of two (2) years. PhD & Doctoral graduates will be able to stay for three (3) years.

Graduates will be able to switch into skilled work visa once they have found a suitable job.

Ireland

Ireland provides stay back options to international students after course completion under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. As per the latest guidelines of the Third Level Graduate Scheme :

  • All non-EU/EEA students at NFQ level 9 (and above) who have graduated from Irish higher education institutions can stay back up to 24 months and seek employment
  • Students must have studied at masters or doctoral level from a Recognised Irish Higher Education Institute
  • A Recognised Irish Awarding Body should certify in writing the successful completion of course within six months of which students can apply for the extension
  • Only those with Visa Stamp 2 qualify for extension under the Third Level Graduate Scheme
  • This extension is non-renewable
  • Students will be allowed to work full-time up to 40 hours per week
  • Those pursuing a degree at NFQ level 8 are entitled for an extension of only 12 months under the Graduate Employment Scheme

New Zealand

If you have achieved a New Zealand qualification, you may be able to apply for a post study work visa that lets you stay in New Zealand for 1year to 3 years and work. The length of your post-study work visa depends on where you studied and the qualification level

Studies in Auckland

If you have a Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or higher, you can apply for a Post-study work visa for 3 years. If you have a Level 7 Graduate Diploma, you can apply for a Post-study work visa for 1 year. You can apply to work for 1 more year if you are working towards occupational registration with a registration body included in a list of acceptable registration authorities.If your qualification is at Level 4, 5 or 6 (Certificate or Diploma, Advance Diploma) you can apply for a Post-study work visa for 1 year.

Studies outside Auckland

If you have an acceptable qualification that you completed somewhere else in New Zealand, then you can apply for a Post-study work visa for 2 or 3 years. If you complete a Graduate Diploma or another Level 7 qualification:

  • On or before 31 December 2021, you can apply for a Post-study work visa for 2 years
  • After 31 December 2021, you can apply for a Post-study work visa for 1 year. If you complete acceptable qualifications at Levels 4 to 6:
  • On or before 31 December 2021, you can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand for 2 years.
  • After 31 December 2021, you can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand for 1 year.

Note:: A Post-Study Work Visa allows your partner to work and your dependent children can attend free school like domestic New Zealand citizens.