All AnswersAre there any visa options for master's students after completing their studies?
Asked by Neetu K 9 months ago
Study Abroad Consultant
Certainly! After completing a master's degree, students often have various visa options to consider if they wish to remain in the country where they studied.
One common option is the post-study work visa, which allows graduates to stay and work in the country for a certain period, typically ranging from one to three years, depending on the country's regulations.
This visa aims to provide graduates with the opportunity to gain valuable international work experience.
In some countries, after working for a specific period, graduates may even be eligible to apply for a work permit or a resident visa, leading to permanent residency.
Another option might be applying for a job that qualifies for a skilled worker visa. Employers can sponsor this type of visa if the graduate’s job role and qualifications meet the specific criteria set by the immigration authorities.
This not only allows graduates to continue working in the field of their study but also helps them transition seamlessly into the workforce of the host country.
Senior Consultant
After completing their master's studies, graduates can apply either for a post-study work visa or a skilled worker visa.
Post-Study Work Visa: Most countries offer a post-study work visa which allows graduates to remain in the country for a period typically ranging from one to three years. It's a direct way to transition from academic learning to professional application.
Skilled Worker Visa: Upon finding employment that meets certain national criteria, graduates can apply for a skilled worker visa. This requires sponsorship from an employer and can even lead to longer-term residency options.
Both options facilitate valuable work experience and professional growth, opening doors to extensive career opportunities and potential permanent residency abroad.
Certainly! There are several visa options you can consider if you're looking to stay and work in the country of your studies:
Post-Study Work Visas: Many countries offer visas that allow graduates to stay and work for a period post-graduation. For example:
USA: The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows you to work for up to 12 months in your field of study, with an additional 24 months if you’re a STEM graduate.
UK: The Graduate Route visa permits you to stay for two years post-study (three years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work.
Canada: The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) lets you stay to work for the same duration as your program, up to a maximum of three years.
Australia: The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has two streams: Graduate Work for skilled graduates (18 months) and Post-Study Work for higher education graduates (2-4 years).
Seek Employment Visas: If you secure a job, you can often switch from a student visa to an employment visa. Requirements vary, but generally, you’ll need a job offer from a recognized employer and possibly meet a salary threshold.
Entrepreneur Visas: If you’re planning to start your own business, some countries offer entrepreneur visas. These usually require a business plan and sometimes a minimum investment.
Permanent Residency: In some cases, work experience gained on post-study or employment visas can lead you toward permanent residency. This path often requires a few years of skilled work experience and possibly other criteria such as language proficiency and age.
Remember, visa regulations frequently change and can vary significantly by your field of study, nationality, and other factors. It’s crucial to check the most current information from the official immigration services of the country you studied in or consult with a visa expert.
You can also go through this Post study work Visa