Post-study work visas compared: UK, Canada, USA, Australia & Europe

How do post-study work options compare?

This table summarises the official rules as of 22 October 2026. Work rights are not a promise of a job or permanent residence, so read the conditions in each row.

UK: Graduate visa

The Graduate visa lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026 and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. PhD graduates get 3 years. The application fee is £937 and the healthcare surcharge is usually £1,035 for each year. You must apply from inside the UK, and you cannot extend the visa, though you may be able to switch to another visa such as Skilled Worker. Read our Study in the UK guide.

Canada: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Master’s graduates can get a 3-year PGWP even if the programme was under 2 years, as long as it was at least 8 months and they meet all other conditions. Since 1 November 2024 most applicants must show language results: CLB 7 for a university degree and CLB 5 for a college programme. Master’s programmes have no field-of-study requirement. Read MS in Canada cost and study in Canada without IELTS.

USA: OPT and STEM OPT

F-1 students can get up to 12 months of post-completion OPT at each education level. Students with a qualifying STEM degree can add a 24-month extension, which requires an employer enrolled in E-Verify and a signed training plan (Form I-983). A student can use the extension only once per qualifying degree. Read our USA cost guide and Study in the USA guide.

Australia: Temporary Graduate visa (485)

The Post-Higher Education Work stream is usually between 2 and 3 years depending on your qualification, and you must be 35 or under when you apply, with some exceptions. Graduates of regional campuses may get an additional 1 to 2 years through the second stream. Read our Study in Australia guide.

Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands and France

• Ireland: Level 9+ graduates can get Stamp 1G for up to 24 months in two 12-month blocks. See MS in Ireland cost.
• Germany: graduates can get a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for qualified work, then switch to a skilled-worker permit or EU Blue Card. See Study in Germany.
• Netherlands: graduates of Dutch programmes get a 1-year orientation year. See MS in the Netherlands cost.
• France: a job-search stay exists for master’s graduates, but length and conditions vary. See MS in France cost.

How should I choose between them?

• Longest single permit: Canada (up to 3 years) and the USA (up to 36 months for STEM) lead on paper. Check the language and employer conditions.
• Shortest time to apply: the UK needs you to apply from inside the country before your student visa expires, so plan the timing.
• Budget first: a long work permit is useless if the total cost is out of reach. Compare tuition and living costs in the loan guide and the cost pages above.
• Rules change: the UK change on 1 January 2027 is a good example, so always check the official page the week you apply.

Official sources

Figures on this page were checked on 22 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.

• GOV.UK: Graduate visa
• IRCC: PGWP overview
• IRCC: PGWP eligibility (language levels)
• Study in the States (DHS): F-1 Optional Practical Training
• Study in the States (DHS): STEM OPT extension overview
• Study Australia: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
• Irish Immigration: Third Level Graduate Programme
• Make it in Germany: prospects after graduation
• IND: frequently asked questions (orientation year)
• Campus France: work in France after your studies