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To extend a student visa after graduation, the key is to explore post-study work options available in the host country.
Typically, you need to apply for a work permit or a specific visa that allows you to stay and work. Requirements can include a job offer, evidence of financial stability, and in some countries, a completed application form with biometric details.
For example, in the USA, students often apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which lets them work in their field for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for STEM graduates).
In other countries like Canada or Australia, students can apply for post-graduation work permits that offer a few years of stay.
The application process usually involves providing proof of graduation, a valid passport, and relevant documents before your current student visa expires.
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After graduating, the process to extend a student visa generally involves transitioning to a work-related visa.
This can often be done by applying for a temporary work permit or a graduate visa specific to the country of study. The requirements usually include proof of graduation, a valid passport, and sometimes a job offer.
For instance, countries like Canada offer a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows graduates to work for up to three years.
In the UK, a Graduate Route Visa lets students remain for up to two years to find work.
Remember: Timely application is crucial— so, ensure all documents are well-prepared and you apply way before your student visa expires to avoid issues down the line.
The extension of a student visa upon graduation differs from country to country as each has its own practices for allowing graduates to stay for work or further studies. This is the procedure in the most popular study-abroad destinations:
1. United States (F-1 Visa - OPT and H-1B)
The student who has completed his or her coursework can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), in which the F-1 visa holder is permitted to work in his or her field of study for up to 12 months and up to 36 months for STEM graduates.
2. OPT Application: You need to apply for OPT 90 days before, or 60 days after, the date you receive your degree. You will have to forward to USCIS the Form I-765 along with your employment information. It will take 90 days for processing.
3. STEM Extension: If you are in the STEM field, you may further extend OPT by 24 months which totals 36 months. Your employer should be enrolled in the E-Verify program for this purpose.
4. H-1B Visa: Once you're done with OPT, you will look for employer-sponsored H-1B visa. This requires USCIS filing from the employer. Only 85,000 H-1B visas are issued in a year-so highly competitive.
2. Canada (Post-Graduation Work Permit- PGWP):
Students can easily stay and work in Canada after completion through Post-Graduation Work Permit - PGWP. This is how:
- Eligibility: You must apply within 180 days after you receive your final marks. The eligible period in the PGWP will depend on your program of study, and not all programs qualify: programs under eight months are not eligible. However, for any program longer than two years, you might get a PGWP for up to three years.
- Application Process: Submit your application through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You’ll need proof of graduation (like a letter from your institution or transcript), a valid passport, and payment of the CAD 255 application fee.
- Permanent Residency: While working on a PGWP, you can gain Canadian work experience that qualifies you for permanent residency under programs like Express Entry.
3. United Kingdom (Graduate Visa):
After completing your master’s in the UK, you can apply for a Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay and work for up to two years (three years for doctoral graduates). Here’s the process:
- Apply for a Graduate Visa: You must apply after completing your course and getting your final results. Submit your application through the UK government website, and you’ll need your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), a valid passport, and payment of the visa fee (currently £715).
And then if you obtain employment with a licensed employer after the Graduate Visa, you will still be able to transition to a Skilled Worker Visa to remain here longer.
4. Australia (Temporary Graduate Visa - Subclass 485):
After you have completed your master's in Australia, you are eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) and can, therefore, work in Australia with a valid visa, which might last up to two to four years according to your qualifications.
- Eligibility You must have completed at least two years of study in Australia and have satisfied English language requirements.
Apply within six months after graduation; provide evidence of completing, health insurance, and a passing health check.
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