You spend 2-4 years and tens of thousands of euros on a degree abroad. Then graduation arrives and the question that actually matters surfaces: can you stay? The answer depends entirely on which country you studied in, what visa they offer graduates, and how that visa connects to a longer-term pathway.
This guide compares post-study work visas across the seven most important destination countries in 2026: the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, and France.
The Complete Comparison
| Country | Visa Name | Duration | Type | Salary Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Graduate Route | 2 years (3 for PhD) | Open | None |
| Canada | PGWP | 1-3 years | Open | None |
| Germany | Job Seeker Visa (S. 20(3)2) | 18 months | Open | None |
| Australia | Subclass 485 | 2-4 years | Open | None |
| Ireland | Stamp 1G (Stay Back) | 1-2 years | Open | None |
| Netherlands | Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) | 1 year | Open | None |
| France | APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Sejour) | 1 year (non-renewable) | Open | None |
All seven post-study work visas listed above are "open" permits — you can work for any employer without needing sponsorship. This is critical. A sponsored visa means you must have a job offer before you can stay. An open visa gives you time to search.
United Kingdom: Graduate Route (2 Years)
The UK Graduate Route allows international graduates of UK universities to stay and work for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). It was introduced in 2021 and has become one of the most popular post-study work visas globally.
How It Works
You must apply while your student visa is still valid and must have successfully completed your degree. There is no job offer requirement. The visa costs GBP 822 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (GBP 1,035/year). During the 2 years, you can work full-time in any role at any salary level. There are no extensions.
Path to Longer-Term Stay
The Graduate Route does not lead directly to settlement (ILR). To stay beyond 2 years, you need to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, which requires employer sponsorship, a minimum salary of GBP 38,700 (or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher), and a job with a licensed sponsor. After 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Canada: PGWP (Up to 3 Years)
Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit is widely regarded as the gold standard for post-study work rights. It is an open work permit with no employer restrictions, and its duration matches your programme length.
How It Works
A 1-year programme grants a 1-year PGWP. A 2-year (or longer) programme grants a 3-year PGWP. You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks. The application fee is CAD 255. There is no salary requirement and no job offer needed.
Path to Permanent Residency
This is where Canada truly excels. One year of skilled work experience in Canada qualifies you for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry. Canadian education adds 15-30 CRS points. A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination adds 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply. Most graduates with a PGWP can obtain PR within 1-2 years of starting work.
Germany: 18-Month Job Seeker Visa
Germany grants graduates of German universities an automatic 18-month extension to find employment. During this period, you can work in any job to support yourself while searching for a role matching your qualification.
How It Works
The visa is issued automatically upon request from the local Foreigners' Office (Auslanderbehorde). There is no separate application process. You can work without restrictions during the 18 months. The visa is free (standard residence permit fees of approximately EUR 100 apply).
Path to Permanent Residency
Once you find a qualified job, you apply for an EU Blue Card. With a STEM salary of at least EUR 45,300 and B1 German, you can obtain permanent residency after just 21 months. Without B1 German, it takes 33 months. This is one of the fastest PR paths in the world for STEM graduates.
Australia: Subclass 485 (2-4 Years)
Australia offers the longest post-study work visa duration among major English-speaking countries. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Study Work stream grants:
- Bachelor degree: 2 years
- Master by coursework: 3 years
- Master by research or PhD: 4 years
- STEM designation: additional 2-year extension possible
How It Works
You must apply within 6 months of completing your degree. The visa costs AUD 1,895. You need an English test result (IELTS 6.0 overall) and health insurance. The visa is an open work permit with no employer restrictions. Regional graduates may qualify for additional extensions.
Path to Permanent Residency
Australia's points-based skilled migration system (subclass 189 and 190) rewards Australian qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency. A positive skills assessment from the relevant authority (ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineering) is required. Processing times are longer than Canada's (typically 6-18 months for an invitation), but the pathway is well-established.
Ireland: Stamp 1G Stay-Back (1-2 Years)
Ireland's Third Level Graduate Programme grants 1 year for bachelor graduates and 2 years for master and PhD graduates. The permission is called Stamp 1G.
How It Works
You apply at your local immigration office after graduation. During the Stamp 1G period, you can work full-time for any employer. The registration fee is EUR 300. You must have graduated from an eligible Irish institution with a qualification at Level 8 (bachelor) or above on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Path to Permanent Residency
After securing employment on a Critical Skills Employment Permit (salary above EUR 32,000 in an eligible occupation, or EUR 64,000 in any occupation), you receive Stamp 4 after 2 years. This grants the right to work without a permit. Long-term residency is available after 5 years of legal residence.
Netherlands: Orientation Year (1 Year)
The Netherlands offers a 1-year orientation visa (zoekjaar) to graduates of Dutch universities. The visa can be applied for within 3 years of graduation, giving you flexibility.
How It Works
The orientation year costs EUR 210 for the residence permit. During the year, you can work without restrictions. You can also start a business. The 3-year application window is unique and valuable: if you graduate and return home, you can still apply for the orientation year up to 3 years later.
Path to Permanent Residency
Finding employment triggers a transition to a Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) permit. The salary threshold for recent graduates (under 30) is approximately EUR 3,500/month. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residency. The 30% ruling provides a significant tax advantage for the first 5 years.
France: APS (1 Year)
France offers the Autorisation Provisoire de Sejour (APS), a 1-year non-renewable post-study work visa for master and PhD graduates.
How It Works
You apply at your local prefecture before your student visa expires. The APS costs EUR 75. During the year, you can work in any job. After finding employment in your field of study, you can request a change of status to a salaried worker permit (passeport talent or salarie).
Path to Permanent Residency
After transitioning to a work permit, you can apply for a 10-year resident card after 5 years of continuous legal residence. France requires demonstration of French language proficiency and integration into French society. The passeport talent (for skilled workers earning at least 1.5x the French minimum wage, approximately EUR 2,900/month gross) offers a more streamlined path.
Ranking: Which Country Offers the Best Deal?
| Priority | Best Country | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Longest stay after graduation | Australia | 2-4+ years on subclass 485 |
| Fastest path to PR | Germany | 21 months with Blue Card + B1 German |
| Best PR conversion rate | Canada | CEC + PNP pathway, 1-2 years to PR |
| Strongest job market (tech) | Ireland | EMEA HQs of major tech companies |
| Most flexible application window | Netherlands | Apply within 3 years of graduation |
| Best for English speakers | United Kingdom | No language barrier, 2-year open visa |
| Best tax benefits | Netherlands | 30% ruling saves thousands per year |
The country with the longest post-study visa is not necessarily the best. Duration matters less than the quality of the pathway from post-study visa to permanent residency. Canada's 3-year PGWP with a clear CEC pathway may be more valuable than Australia's 4-year visa with a slower PR process.
Find Your Best Post-Study Pathway
Our free student assessment matches your profile against 178 verified student pathways, including post-study work rights and PR timelines for each country.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has the longest post-study work visa?
Australia offers the longest post-study work rights. Bachelor degree holders receive 2 years on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Master graduates get 3 years, and PhD graduates receive 4 years. STEM graduates in designated fields, including computer science, engineering, and health sciences, can apply for additional 2-year extensions, potentially reaching 4-6 years total. Canada's PGWP can reach 3 years for 2-year programmes, making it the second longest.
Can I switch employers on a post-study work visa?
In most countries, yes. Post-study work visas in the UK (Graduate Route), Canada (PGWP), Australia (subclass 485), Germany (18-month visa), Ireland (Stamp 1G), Netherlands (orientation year), and France (APS) are all open work permits. This means you can work for any employer, in any field, without needing sponsorship. The only restriction is typically that you cannot be self-employed in some countries (France APS requires employer sponsorship for renewal, not for the initial year).
What happens if I do not find a job before my post-study visa expires?
Options vary by country. In Germany, if your 18-month job seeker visa expires without employment, you must leave unless you qualify for another visa category (freelancer, entrepreneur, etc.). In Canada, the PGWP cannot be extended, but you may still be eligible for Express Entry if you have gained work experience. In the UK, the Graduate Route cannot be extended, but you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa if an employer sponsors you. In Australia, you may be eligible for a different visa subclass. The key strategy is to begin job searching immediately upon graduation, not in the final months of your post-study visa.
Do I need a minimum salary to stay after graduation?
During the post-study work visa itself, most countries do not impose a salary requirement (UK Graduate Route, Canada PGWP, Australia 485, Ireland Stamp 1G, Germany job seeker visa). However, when transitioning to a longer-term work visa, salary thresholds apply. Germany's Blue Card requires EUR 45,300 for STEM roles. The UK Skilled Worker visa requires GBP 38,700 (or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher). The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant permit requires approximately EUR 3,500/month for under-30s. Ireland's Critical Skills Permit requires EUR 32,000 for eligible occupations.
Is the UK Graduate Route being cancelled?
As of April 2026, the UK Graduate Route remains active. The UK government commissioned a review of the route in 2024, which recommended keeping it in place. However, immigration policy in the UK changes frequently. The route allows 2 years of unrestricted work after completing a UK degree (3 years for PhD graduates). There have been political discussions about modifying or restricting it, so prospective students should check the latest UK government announcements before making decisions based on this route.