Post-study work visas
Post-study work visas, also sometimes known as post-study work permits or post-graduation work visas, are immigration permits that allow international students to stay and work in a country once you have graduated from university.
In this article, we will discuss the eligibility criteria, application process, duration, and other relevant information regarding post-study work visas.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for post-study work visas can vary in different countries. There are, however, some common requirements across most countries:
- Completion of a recognised degree: if you would like to receive a post-study work visa you must have successfully completed a degree or diploma from a recognised educational institution or university in that country. The degree can be either at undergraduate or postgraduate level, depending on the requirements and regulations of the country.
- Valid student visa: you must hold a current valid student visa or student permit when you are applying for a post-study work visa. Unless there are exemptions, you must have be in a country legally at all times. If there are gaps in your visa status, you may be denied a new visa.
- Duration of study: the length of your completed degree can sometimes influence the length of your post-study work visa. Longer degree courses can allow for a longer stay on your new visa. This can change from country to country, so make sure you do your research and don’t overstay your legal allowance.
Post-study work visa examples
Depending on the country in which you studied at university, if you obtained a student visa for your studies, it is likely that you will need to apply for a visa to remain in the country to find employment after you graduate.
If you are a student from an EU/EEA country who has studied in another EU country, you should be able to start seeking employment straight away after your studies without requiring a work visa.
Here are some examples of post-study work visas in popular study destinations around the world:
Work visas in Australia
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which will allow you to remain in Australia for 2-3 years to live, work and study after you have finished your degree.
Work visas in Canada
After your studies in Canada, the typical route to remain in the country is with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
Work visas in France
International students in France who are from a non-European country must have a promise of employment with a salary amounting to one and a half times the national minimum wage in order to stay in the country after graduation.
Alternatively, you would apply for a temporary residence permit which would grant you a period of 12 months to remain in France whilst you seek employment.
Work visas in Germany
Students who have moved to Germany for their studies should apply for an extension of their residence permit (residence permit for jobseekers) in order to find employment after their degree. This will grant you 18 months to seek suitable employment.
When you have found a suitable job, you may then apply to convert this permit into an EU Blue Card.
Work visas in Italy
Non-EU students in Italy need to apply for a student visa to study in Italy, and also an annual student residence permit.
Upon completion of your studies, if you have the offer of full-time employment, you can convert your student residence permit into a work permit.
If you do not have the offer of full-time employment, you can apply to stay in Italy for a further 12 months whilst you look for work with a Permesso per ricerca lavoro (an extended permit for job-seekers).
Work visas in New Zealand
If you are studying in New Zealand and the holder of a student visa, the process is very straightforward if you want to stay in the country for work.
You must apply for a Post Study Work Visa, which entitles you to stay in the country to work for a period of up to 3 years.
Work visas in United Kingdom
If you have completed your degree in the United Kingdom and wish to stay in the country for employment, you must apply for a Graduate visa, which allows you to stay for a period of 2 years, or 3 years if you have a PhD or Doctoral degree.
Work visas in the United States
Students holding an F-1 student visa to study in the USA can apply for a Post-Completion OPT upon completion of their studies, which allow students up to 12 months of optional practical training for a role related to their degree studies.
The post-completion OPT can be extended for a period of up to an additional 24 months if they are receiving training in a STEM field.
Application Process
The application process for post-study work visas involves several steps. These can differ depending on the country you are applying within, but here is a general overview:
- Research and gather information: you need to take time and research the post-study work visa options available to you. This research will give you an understanding of the requirements, application deadlines and any documents you may need to get together.
- Prepare necessary documents: once you know what documents you need, it is important to make sure that you know where to submit them to. Typically you will need to submit documents such as a valid passport, proof of degree completion, academic transcripts and a letter of recommendation from your university.
- Submit application: once you have made sure that you meet all of the requirements and gathered any documentation, you need to submit your application. This usually requires you to fill out forms and submit or deliver them to the relevant immigration authority or embassy. Certain countries also require extra documents, such as proof of financial stability, health insurance, or English language proficiency.
- Application processing: the immigration authorities or embassy will then review your application, taking time to verify your documents, conduct any background checks and potentially invite you for an interview. This process usually takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the country. You should be aware of roughly how long this takes, so you can apply in plenty of time.
- Visa issuance: once your application has been approved, you will be issued a post-study work visa. This allows you to work in the country for a specified period of time. Make sure you know how long this is, so you can make preparations to either reapply for a visa, or leave the country.
Duration of Post-Study Work Visas
How long your post-study work visa will last varies depending on the country, as well as your completed degree length. Some countries will offer a fixed duration of time, while others base their offering on the level of qualification you gained at a university in their country. In general, visas can range from a few months to several years.
Whilst your visa is active, you are normally allowed to work full-time, and are not limited in your choice of work. This allows you to gain a range of work experience, explore your career opportunities, and possibly even secure long-term employment.
Other Considerations
Searching for a job: some countries and universities offer assistance to international students when it comes to searching for a job. This can include career counselling, networking events, and workshops on resume/CV writing and interviewing skills.
Transition to other visas: in some cases, post-study work visas can serve as a pathway to obtaining other types of visas, with the potential for permanent residency. You might have to meet other requirements and start your application for a new visa before your current visa expires.
Immigration regulations: it is crucially important that you stay up to date with any changes in immigration regulations, as they could impact your eligibility criteria or duration of your visa. Immigration regulations can and do change over time, so it is advisable to regularly check the official government websites for the most up to date information.
Return to home country: post-study work visas are normally granted for a temporary and limited period, meaning that international students can use the opportunity to gain work experience and contribute to the country’s economy. Once your visa has expired, you are usually expected to return to your home country, unless you have successfully obtained a new visa or residency status.
Benefits of post-study work visas: there are many benefits to a post-study work visa for international students. They provide an opportunity for you to put your knowledge and skills from your degree into practice in a work environment. This can enhance your career prospects, as well as increasing your chances of securing ongoing employment or further studies abroad. Additionally, working in a different culture and professional setting can broaden your horizons, improve your language skills, and foster personal growth.
It is important to remember that the information we have provided in this article is only a general overview of post-study work visas. Immigration policies, application requirements, and visa duration will vary from country to country. Consulting the official government and immigration authority websites is the best way to stay informed about any changes to the rules and regulations.
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