Post-Study Work Rights (PSWR)

Post-Study Work Rights (PSWR) is a temporary visa facility that allows international students to Live, Study & Work after they've finished their studies. It provides an opportunity to contribute to the workforce and potentially transition to a longer-term work visa or immigration pathway. Post-study work visas are a major draws highly attractive to students considering studying abroad due to the numerous benefits they offer.

  • Career opportunities: Students can gain practical work experience in their field of study, enhancing their employability and giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
  • Financial stability: Working during the visa duration allows students to support themselves financially, cover living expenses, and potentially repay any student loans.
  • Cultural immersion: Living and working in the host country enables students to immerse themselves in the local culture, language, and society, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
  • Networking and connections: Working in the host country allows students to build professional networks and connections, opening doors to future career opportunities and collaborations.
  • Pathway to permanent residence: Post-study work visas can serve as a pathway to obtaining permanent residency or other long-term immigration options, providing students with the opportunity to settle and build their careers in the host country.

In summary, post-study work visas offer employment, financial support, cultural immersion, extended stay, and potential long-term residency, making studying abroad more appealing to students.

These are the requirements of this visa in any country.

  1. You must provide proof of your identity
  2. You must be in good health
  3. You must be of good character
  4. You must genuinely intend to meet the conditions of your visa
  5. You must have completed an eligible qualification in host country
  6. You must apply on time
  7. You must have enough money to live on while you are in host country

 

UK

Embarking on higher education in the United Kingdom not only offers a world-class education but also opens doors to exciting career prospects.  we will delve into the key aspects of the Graduate Route in the UK, including eligibility criteria, duration, work rights, and essential conditions to consider.

Eligibility:

  1. Completion of Degree: Successfully complete an undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from a recognized UK higher education institution.
  2. Visa Status: Hold a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the time of application.

Duration:

  1. Undergraduate and Postgraduate Graduates: Stay for up to two years.
  2. PhD Graduates: Extend your stay for an additional year, totalling up to three years.

Work Rights:

  1. Work Flexibility: Work in any sector and at any skill level.
  2. No Sponsorship Required: No need for a job offer or sponsorship before applying for the visa.

Conditions:

  1. Full-Time Employment: Engage in full-time employment or be self-employed (minimum of 20 hours per week).
  2. English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate English language proficiency through recognized tests or by completing your degree in the UK.
  3. Financial Support: Show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
  4. Tuberculosis Test: Depending on your country of residence, you may need to undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test.

 

Australia

Australia has gained a reputation as one of the most sought-after destinations for international students due to its world-class education system, multicultural environment, and vibrant job market. One of the key attractions for many students is the opportunity to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies.

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Completed an eligible qualification: You should have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree from an Australian educational institution.
  2. Graduation timeline: You must have graduated within the past six months before applying for the visa.

Duration of the Visa:

  1. Bachelor's : Graduates with these qualifications are eligible for a four years post-study work visa.
  2. Master's: Students who have completed a Master's by research degree may qualify for a five years post-study work visa.
  3. All PhDs: Graduates with a Doctoral degree can obtain a four to six years post-study work visa.

*Two years of work rights for eligible students who study, live and work in regional centres (Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart).

Work Rights and Conditions:

  1. Full-time work: You are allowed to work full-time in any occupation or industry in Australia.
  2. Multiple employers: You have the freedom to work for multiple employers during the validity of your visa.
  3. Visa extension: In certain cases, you may be eligible to extend your stay in Australia by applying for other visa options, such as employer-sponsored visas or skilled migration visas.
  4. Dependent visa: Your family members may be eligible for a dependent visa, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia.

 

Canada

Canada's post-study work visa program, known as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), is a gateway for international graduates to launch their professional careers in the country.

Eligibility:

  1. Completed a full-time program at a designated learning institution in Canada.
  2. Possessed a valid study permit throughout the program.
  3. Graduated from the program and obtained confirmation of completion.

Duration:

  1. Programs of two years or more: Eligible for a post-graduation work permit of up to three years.
  2. Programs between eight months and two years: Work permit duration corresponds to the length of the program completed.

Work Rights:

  1. Flexibility to work for any employer in Canada.
  2. No restrictions on the number of work hours during the validity of the work permit.
  3. Ability to change employers without applying for a new work permit.
  4. Post-study work experience can enhance eligibility for permanent residency.

Conditions:

  1. Application must be submitted within 180 days (approximately 6 months) of completing the program.
  2. Application should be made while the applicant is physically present in Canada.
  3. Program must be completed at a designated learning institution in Canada.

 

USA

The post-study work visa, also known as the Optional Practical Training (OPT), allows eligible graduates to work in the USA for a specified period.

Eligibility:

  1. Academic Requirements: Applicants must have completed a full-time degree program from an accredited US educational institution, such as a university or college.
  2. Valid F-1 Student Visa: Students must have maintained valid F-1 student status throughout their academic program.
  3. Program Duration: The post-study work visa is typically available for students who have completed a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program. Some vocational and professional programs may also be eligible.

Duration:

  1. Bachelor's Degree: Students who have completed a bachelor's degree program are generally granted a post-study work visa for up to 12 months.
  2. Master's Degree: Students who have completed a master's degree program are typically eligible for up to 24 months of post-study work authorization.
  3. Doctoral Degree: Students who have completed a doctoral degree program are generally granted an additional 24-month extension, allowing for a total of 36 months of post-study work authorization.

Work Rights and Conditions:

  1. Employment: Visa holders can engage in any legal employment within their field of study or area of expertise. They can work for any employer, including private companies, non-profit organizations, government entities, or start-ups.
  2. Optional Practical Training (OPT): The post-study work visa in the USA is often referred to as Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to gain valuable work experience directly related to their field of study.
  3. STEM OPT Extension: Students who have completed a degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field may be eligible for a 24-month extension to their post-study work visa, known as the STEM OPT extension. This extension is aimed at encouraging STEM graduates to contribute to the US workforce.
  4. Reporting Requirements: Visa holders must comply with reporting requirements and keep their contact information and employment details updated with their educational institution's designated office responsible for maintaining student records.
  5. Change of Employer: Students on the post-study work visa can change employers during their authorized period of employment, provided they notify their educational institution's designated office within ten days of starting new employment.