Kairos Education

Studying abroad is not just about gaining a degree—it’s about building a future. For Indian students, understanding post-study work visas and Permanent Residency (PR) pathways is key to long-term planning. Here’s a country-wise breakdown to help you choose wisely.

1. United Kingdom (UK)

The UK offers a Graduate Route visa. It allows international students to stay for 2 years after graduation. This time can be used to find work. PhD holders can stay for 3 years. You can later switch to a Skilled Worker visa. This visa counts towards PR eligibility after 5 years of employment. PR eligibility is also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain.

2. United States (USA)

International students on F-1 visas can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training). This allows 12 months of work in their field. STEM graduates can extend this by 24 months. Transition to H-1B work visa is possible, leading to a Green Card process, though competitive and time-consuming.

3. Canada

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets graduates stay and work for up to 3 years depending on the course duration. Gaining Canadian work experience under PGWP enhances your Express Entry CRS score. This boost eases your path to Permanent Residency through programs like CEC (Canadian Experience Class).

4. Australia

Australia offers a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This visa allows you to stay for 2 to 4 years, based on your qualification. Regional study can add extra time. Gaining work experience helps in applying for PR through General Skilled Migration or Employer Nomination Scheme.

5. Ireland

Ireland allows non-EU graduates to stay under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. They can stay for 1 year if they hold a bachelor’s degree. They can stay for 2 years if they hold a master’s. Graduates can apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit that can lead to PR after 5 years of stay.

6. Germany

Graduates from German universities can stay up to 18 months on a Job-Seeker visa. Once employed, they can apply for the EU Blue Card or German residence permit. PR is available after 33 months of Blue Card employment (21 months if you speak B1-level German).

7. New Zealand

New Zealand provides a Post-Study Work Visa for up to 3 years, depending on your level and place of study. It can lead to a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. This visa offers a PR pathway based on job type, salary, and qualifications.

Your study destination can shape your career path—and your future home. Understanding visa rules and PR options helps you make an informed choice. So, research well, align it with your goals, and step confidently into a global future.

To know more about studying abroad, do visit our website.