Work after study

The safest way to get a work visa is to obtain an education in one of the educational institutions in Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia.

Upon graduation, graduates can apply for an open work visa allowing them to stay and work in the country, which will then increase the chances of obtaining residency. The alumni’s partner can expect to be eligible for work for the same period.

Below, we will consider the features of graduate work visas of each country.

Work visa after studying in Australia

Australia has two categories of temporary work visas for graduates:

The first is the Post-Study Work Stream. It is for graduates of Australian universities and colleges who have received a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree and have studied in the country for at least two years.

It is an open work visa with no restrictions as to employer or region. It is issued for a period of 2 to 5 years (depending on the completed program and the citizenship of the international student).

The second category relates to Graduate Work Stream. This option applies to those who studied to obtain professional qualifications, a diploma or a certificate required for further work in a speciality on  the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. The visa is issued for 18 months.

It is necessary to apply for an Australian Graduate Work Visa within 6 months of graduation.

Read more about a work visa after studying in Australia

Work visa after studying in Canada

Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit in Canada issued upon completion of full-time training lasting 8 or more months in educational institutions with the status of Designated Learning Institution.

The period of the Post-Graduation Work Permit depends on the duration of the training program.

If the studies last from 8 months to 2 years, the work permit will be the same duration as the studies.

If the studies last more than 2 years, the graduate will be able to apply for a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit.

You can apply for a work permit within 180 days of receiving your final grades.

Read more about a work visa after studying in Canada

Work visa after studying in the UK

From mid-2021, overseas graduates from UK universities with a bachelor’s degree or higher will be able to obtain the Post Study Work Visa Tier 4 and start their careers in the UK.

At the end of  bachelor’s and master’s studies, you can expect to receive a two-year work visa, and if you complete a PhD, you can expect a three-year visa.

Read more about a work visa after studying in the UK

Work visa after studying in Ireland

Graduates who have completed an Honors Bachelor Degree/Higher Diploma level 8 (Honors Bachelor Degree/Higher Diploma) program or more at a university or college in Ireland can apply for a work visa after studying. You need to apply for this visa within 6 months of graduation.

If you have successfully completed Level 8, then the program will allow you to look for a job or just live in Ireland for one year.

If you have completed Level 9 (master’s degree) or higher, then the one-year permit can be extended once more  if the graduate can prove that they were looking for a job, but could not find it for some reason.

Read more about a work visa after studying in Ireland

Work visa after studying in New Zealand

Students who have studied at tertiary level for 1 year or more can apply for a Post Study Work Visa for a period of 1 to 3 years (depending on the program level and duration). It is an open work visa with no restrictions as to the employer or place of work.

You must apply for a Post Study Work Visa within 3 months of graduation. A graduate partner can also obtain an open work visa for the same period.

Read more about a work visa after studying in New Zealand

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