Applications to universities overseas have increased by almost 22%, according to UNESCO figures. Therefore, it is accurate to state that this is a crucial stage in advancing one’s career. Major nations throughout the world have been permitting students to return and work since 2016. However, a small number of nations continue to enforce strict regulations that prevent students from returning to their home country to work. The simplicity of obtaining a post-study work visa is one of the main reasons why foreign students apply to colleges overseas.
There are several nations where students can continue their education while remaining to gain some job experience. Although the US receives 80% more applications for study abroad than other nations, particularly from Indian students, nations like Canada and Australia are now equally popular. This is due to the fact that they provide immigration options according to the degree level of the student. In addition to postgraduate studies, students can choose to work part-time or full-time, depending on their qualifications.
1. United States of America (USA)
The most popular study abroad location for international students is the United States of America. Every student aspires to attend prestigious colleges that offer top-notch instruction. The US Embassy reports that the number of students traveling to the US to pursue higher education has increased by 12%.
i. F1 Visa holders have the option to participate in OPT, or Optional Practical Training, which allows them to get experience in their field of study. Go here to find out how to obtain a STEM OPT extension.
ii. In addition, students might choose to change their F1 Visa to an H1B Visa.
iii. Students on an H1B visa are permitted to work for three years, with the possibility of an extension to six years.
2. Australia
Some of the world’s top universities are located in Australia. Regardless of their area of expertise, students can obtain a work visa for nearly two years after earning a master’s degree. Their prospects of obtaining a work visa are unaffected by their field of expertise. Aside from this, their thriving economy and great employment prospects make them a popular choice for those looking to work overseas after finishing their postsecondary education. The prerequisites for obtaining a work visa after studying in Australia are summed up in the following table:
i. A bachelor’s degree qualifies for an 18-month graduate work visa.
ii. Applicants for the Post Study Work Visa must have a master’s or doctoral degree.
The duration of these students’ stay in Australia varies according to their degree of education.
3. United Kingdom (UK)
The UK is one of the most popular study abroad locations for international students, with several reputable colleges providing excellent instruction. However, the UK is less appealing to overseas students due to its strict post-study work visa regulations. The combination of the four-month stay limit for graduates and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit caused a dramatic drop in the number of students traveling to the UK. However, seven years later, the UK government has loosened regulations on overseas students’ post-study employment visas.
The UK government has modified its post-study work visa application process. In the past, overseas students could only stay for four months, and after finishing their studies, Ph.D. students may stay for a year. After earning their degree, overseas students can now seek to stay and work for two years.
4. Canada
Because of its welcoming immigration laws, Canada has become the most popular study abroad location for Indian students, second only to the United States. Canada is becoming the most popular destination for overseas students due to its strong economy and top-notch educational system. Additionally, regardless of their subject of study, it permits graduates to remain after finishing their studies. International students can apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduating from accredited Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
International students in Canada are only eligible for PGWP if they possess:
i. Reached the age of eighteen.
ii. Studied for a full-time course at any DLI for at least eight months in Canada.
Officially obtained certificates of completion or transcripts from the relevant DLIs attesting to the completion of the course taken.
5. Germany
Germany is ranked #6 in the world and is regarded as one of the most popular study abroad locations. With a thriving economy and some of the world’s top institutions, Germany offers some of the most affordable higher education options worldwide. With a residence visa, graduates can remain in the country for up to 18 months and look for work in their field of expertise. Students can apply for an employment visa after landing a job.
There are three kinds of residency permits:
i. Self-employed
ii. General employment
iii. Specialist professional
6. New Zealand
Among the top nations in the world for post-study work visas and, of course, for post-secondary education, New Zealand comes in at number twelve. International students with post-study employment visas are subject to a number of laws and regulations. It is required that students have studied in New Zealand and have achieved at least Level 4 or above in the education qualification framework. A post-study work visa is available to those with Level 4-6 educational degrees, such as:
i. Students ought to have studied for sixty weeks. or more.
ii. Alternatively, students ought to have taken two distinct courses that lasted at least thirty weeks.
iii. This list excludes pupils who are English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Conclusion
Accordingly, these are the top 6 nations in 2025 where you may pursue permanent residence following higher study. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that most nations have a very drawn-out and difficult immigration procedure.
Therefore, if you’re serious about moving overseas after finishing your studies in one of these nations, then feel free to avail a FREE 15-minute call with our counsellors.
Visit EnrichMyCareer for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which country gives PR after studying?
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the Netherlands are among the nations that provide overseas students with routes to Permanent Residency (PR). Programs in these nations enable students to switch from study visas to work visas and ultimately obtain permanent residence.
2. Which country gives the fastest student visa?
One nation that is well-known for its welcoming attitudes to international students is Germany. International graduates are permitted to work in Germany. The processing time for your German student visa application might take up to 25 days.
3. Does Australia give post post-study visa?
After graduating from Australian institutions, non-citizen applicants may apply for a Post-Higher Education Work Visa, which would allow them to remain in the nation and look for employment. Applicants have a restricted amount of time to remain in Australia, depending on their level of education.
A content writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. Dedicated to continuous learning and innovative, excels at adapting diverse writing styles.
