United Kingdom (UK): Graduate Visa – Post-Study Work Route

1. Overview

The UK Graduate Visa allows international students who have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in the UK to stay and work after graduation. This visa does not require employer sponsorship and is granted by the UK Home Office. Applications must be made from within the UK.

2. Visa Purpose

• Work full-time or search for employment after graduation

• Gain UK work experience

• Start self-employment or freelance work

• Switch to other long-term visa routes later

  
  

3. Eligibility Criteria

You must:

1. Be physically present in the UK

2. Hold a valid Student Visa (or Tier 4)

3. Have successfully completed an eligible qualification:

   • Bachelor’s degree

   • Master’s degree

   • PhD or Doctorate

4. Have course completion reported by your institution

5. Meet health and character requirements

6. Apply before your Student Visa expires

Note: Short courses and foundation programs usually do not qualify.

4. Visa Duration

a) Bachelor’s & Master’s Graduates

• Applications on or before 31 December 2026 → 2 years

• Applications on or after 1 January 2027 → 18 months

b) PhD or Doctoral Graduates

• 3 years (unchanged)

Important Notes

• Duration depends on application date, not course completion date

• Applying before the deadline secures the longer duration

5. Work Rights

You may:

• Work full-time or part-time

• Be self-employed or freelance

• Start or run a business

• Change employers freely

Restrictions

• No professional sports roles

• No access to public funds

6. Study Rights

• Short courses allowed

• Full-time study requires switching visas

7. Dependent Family Members

• Existing dependents may stay

• New dependents cannot be added

• Documents required:

  • Passport

  • BRP / digital status

  • Proof of relationship

8. Required Documents

1. Passport

2. BRP or digital immigration status

3. University confirmation of completion

4. Student Visa evidence

5. Visa fee payment receipt

6. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) receipt

9. Visa Fees

• Application Fee: £822

• IHS: £1,035 per year

Example

• 2-year visa → ~£2,892

• 3-year PhD visa → ~£3,927

10. Application Process

1. Apply online in the UK

2. Pay fees and IHS

3. Upload documents

4. Await decision

5. Receive BRP or digital status

11. Permanent Residence (PR) Pathway

• Graduate Visa time does not count toward ILR

• You may switch to:

  • Skilled Worker Visa

  • Global Talent Visa

  • Other work routes

Canada: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

1. Overview

The PGWP allows international graduates to work in Canada after completing eligible studies. It is an open work permit issued by IRCC.

2. Eligibility Requirements

• Graduate from a PGWP-eligible DLI

• Program duration: minimum 8 months

• Degree, diploma, or certificate program

• Full-time student status

• Apply within 180 days of completion

• No previous PGWP

3. PGWP Duration

• 8 months–<2 years → Same as study length

• 2+ years → Up to 3 years

• Master’s (8+ months) → May qualify for 3 years

4. Work Rights

• Work for any employer

• Full-time or part-time

• Change jobs freely

• Self-employment allowed

5. Application Process

• Apply inside or outside Canada

• Submit online application

• Pay fees

• Apply before study permit expiry

6. Required Documents

• Graduation letter or transcript

• Study permit

• Passport

• Proof of full-time study

7. Additional Conditions

• One PGWP per lifetime

• Work allowed while awaiting decision (if applied in time)

8. Permanent Residency Pathways

• Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

United States (USA): Optional Practical Training – OPT

1. Overview

OPT allows F-1 students to work in the USA after graduation in a field related to their studies. It is administered by USCIS.

2. Eligibility Requirements

• Valid F-1 status

• Completed degree from accredited institution

• Employment related to field of study

• At least one academic year of full-time study

3. Duration

• Standard OPT → 12 months

• STEM Extension → 24 months

• Total possible → 36 months

4. Work Rights

• Employment must match field of study

• Multiple employers allowed

• Self-employment permitted

• Must report updates to DSO

5. Application Process

• Apply for EAD (Form I-765)

• Submit required documents

• Pay application fee

• Start work only after approval

6. Required Documents

• Form I-765

• Passport & F-1 Visa

• I-20 with OPT recommendation

• I-94 record

7. Additional Conditions

• Max 90 days unemployment (STEM: 150 days)

• No direct PR pathway

8. Permanent Residency Pathways

• Employer-sponsored H-1B

• Green Card via employment

New Zealand: Post-Study Work Visa

1. Overview

The Post-Study Work Visa allows graduates to work full-time in New Zealand after completing eligible qualifications.

2. Eligibility Requirements

• Hold a New Zealand Student Visa

• Completed approved qualification

• Apply within 3 months of completion

• Meet health and character requirements

3. Visa Duration

• Level 7+ qualifications → Up to 3 years

• Level 4–6 qualifications → 1–2 years

4. Work Rights

• Full-time employment

• Change employers freely

• Self-employment allowed

5. Application Process

• Apply online or paper-based

• Submit passport and study proof

• Pay visa fee

6. Required Documents

• Passport

• Student Visa evidence

• Degree or completion letter

• Health / police certificates (if requested)

7. Additional Conditions

• Must remain lawfully in NZ

• Cannot extend beyond granted duration

8. Permanent Residency Pathways

• Skilled Migrant Category

• Essential Skills Work Visa

• Other skilled routes