Post-Study Work Visa (PSW): Rules, Eligibility, Duration & Benefits

A Post Study Work (PSW) visa allows international graduates to stay in the country after completing their studies and gain professional work experience. In some countries, like the UK and Australia, it permits full-time employment for 2 to 3 years, while in Canada, it allows work tied to the duration of your study program.

Here are key features that make the PSW visa valuable:

• Career Exposure: Enables graduates to gain practical work experience in their field.
• Networking Opportunities: Offers a chance to connect with industry professionals and potential employers locally.
• Pathway to Residency: In some countries, work under a PSW visa can contribute toward permanent residency eligibility.
• Boost Your Profile: International work experience enhances your resume for future employers.
• Flexibility for Further Plans: Some countries allow you to study further, start a business, or switch roles while on the PSW visa.

Australia and Canada receive a large number of PSW visa applications from Indian students due to their long durations, clear pathways to employment, and strong long‑term settlement options.

Below are the top countries favoured by Indian students for post‑study work:

Let’s talk about each country’s PSW visa now, along with their benefits, eligibility, and more:

Temporary Graduate Visa - Subclass 485 (Australia)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who completed an eligible Australian qualification to live and work in Australia for 2 to 4 years. For example, a Bachelor’s or Master’s graduate can stay for 2 years, while a PhD graduate can stay up to 4 years.

Visa Fees of Temporary Graduate Visa

• Main applicant: AUD 1,895 (₹1.37 lakh)
• Additional adult: AUD 950 (₹69,000)
• Additional child: AUD 475 (₹34,000)

Benefits of Temporary Graduate Visa

• Work full-time or part-time anywhere in Australia for 2-4 years.
• Gain work experience that can help in applying for permanent residency.
• This visa also lets you bring eligible family members who can work or study.

Eligibility Criteria

• Completed an eligible Australian qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution within the last 6 months.
• Held a Student Visa (Subclass 500) during the studies.
• Be under 50 years old at the time of application.

PGWP (Canada)

The Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets international students work or stay in Canada depending on their study program duration. For Bachelor's it is up to 3 years, and it is the same for master's programs too.

Visa Fees for PGWP

CAD $255 (approx ₹16.7K)

Benefits of PGWP 

• Work anywhere in Canada for up to 3 years.
• An open work permit lets you take any job without employer sponsorship.
• Time on PGWP can count toward permanent residency pathways like Express Entry or PNP programs.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Your program must be at least 8 months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of completing your studies.

Graduate Route (UK)

The Graduate Route allows international students who have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD at a UK university to stay and work full-time for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). This visa provides flexibility to work in any role, including self-employment, without requiring a sponsoring employer.

Graduate Route Visa Fees

£822 (₹98,700)

Benefits of the Graduate Route Visa

• Stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation (3 years for a PhD) without needing an employer sponsor.
• No job offer required at the time of application.
• You can switch to a Skilled Worker visa (or other eligible work routes) while in the UK for a longer stay.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be in the UK and hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 visa at the time of application.
• You must have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or other eligible qualification.
• Your university must have confirmed your course completion to the UK Home Office.

Post-Study Work Visa or PSWV (New Zealand)

The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) in New Zealand has a visa duration of up to 3 years for UG or PG, and shorter for diploma-level qualifications. Graduates can work in any job initially, and those on this visa later qualify for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) if they secure employment with an accredited employer.

PSWV Visa Fees

NZD 1,670 (₹87K)

Benefits of the PSWV Visa

• An open work permit allows any employer to sponsor without needing sponsorship.
• Time on the PSWV can help in applying for residency through the Skilled Migrant Category.
• Eligibility for AEWV allows graduates to stay longer if hired by an accredited employer.

Eligibility Criteria

• Completed a New Zealand qualification at diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or higher level from an approved institution.
• The qualification must have been studied full-time and completed within the last 6 months.
• Hold a valid student visa at the time of application.

Optional Practical Training - OPT (USA)

The OPT allows international students on an F-1 visa to work in the USA in a job directly related to their field of study. Standard OPT is valid for 12 months, and eligible STEM graduates can extend by 24 months, giving a total of 3 years of work authorisation.

OPT Visa Fees

US$185 (INR 16,631)

Benefits of OPT Visa

• Work full-time or part-time in your field of study.
• STEM extension allows up to 3 years of employment.
• Provides a pathway to an H-1B visa for long-term work.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have completed a US bachelor’s, master’s, or higher degree.
• Must hold a valid F-1 student visa.
• Apply within 60 days of program completion.

Third Level Graduate Scheme (Ireland)

The Third Level Graduate Scheme allows international students to stay and work full-time in Ireland in any sector and use this experience to apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit. This can lead to long-term residency.

Third Level Graduate Scheme Visa Fees

€300 per year (approx ₹24,000)

Benefits of the Third Level Graduate Scheme Visa

• Work full-time in any job for 1-2 years, depending on your qualification.
• Pathway to Critical Skills Employment Permit for skilled work in Ireland.
• Time on this visa counts toward eligibility for long-term residency.

Eligibility Criteria

• Completed a degree from an Irish higher education institution.
• Hold a valid Stamp 2 student visa at the time of application.
• Must apply within 6 months of completing the course.
• Show a proof of sufficient finances for living in Ireland.

Residence Permit for Job Seekers (Germany)

The Residence Permit for Job Seekers allows graduates from German universities to search for a job related to their field for up to 18 months. Once employed, you can transition to a work visa or EU Blue Card, which might just lead to permanent residency.

Residence Permit for Job Seekers Fees

€75 (approx ₹6,800)

Benefits of the Residence Permit for Job Seekers

• 18 months to find employment in your field after graduation.
• Can switch to a work visa or EU Blue Card once you secure a job.
• Time spent on a work visa can count toward permanent residency in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduated from a recognised German university.
• The qualification must be relevant to the job you seek.
• Must apply within 3 years of graduation.
• Show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during the job search.

Orientation Year Residence Permit (Netherlands)

The Orientation Year Residence Permit allows international graduates from Dutch universities to live and work in the Netherlands for 12 months after completing their studies. Graduates can take any job without needing a sponsoring employer and get work experience that helps in applying for highly skilled migrant residence permits.

Orientation Year Residence Permit Fees

€171 (₹14,000)

Benefits of the Orientation Year Residence Permit

• Work full-time in any sector for 12 months.
• Provides a direct route to a highly skilled migrant visa if you secure a job.
• Opportunity to explore an entrepreneurial path or continue education.

Eligibility Criteria

• Completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from a Dutch institution within the last 3 years.
• Graduates from the top 200 universities worldwide are also eligible.
• Hold a valid residence permit during the study program.

Temporary Residence Permit for Job Search (France)

The Temporary Residence Permit for Job Search allows international graduates to stay in France for 12 months after completing their studies to look for a job or start a business. Graduates can work full-time in any role related to their field of study.

Temporary Residence Permit for Job Search Fees

€269 (approx ₹22,000)

Benefits of a Temporary Residence Permit for Job Search

• Work full-time in France without needing a company sponsorship.
• Provides a pathway to a Talent Passport work visa for long-term employment.
• Opportunity to convert your permit into a long-term residence permit if you secure a relevant job.

Eligibility Criteria

• Completed a Master’s or Doctorate from a French higher education institution.
• Hold a valid student residence permit at the time of application.
• Apply within 12 months of graduation.

Residence Permit for Job Search (Finland)

The Residence Permit for Job Search lets international graduates stay in Finland for 12 months after graduation to find employment. Graduates can work in any sector, with priority to roles matching their degree.

Residence Permit for Job Search Fees

€90 (₹7,500)

Benefits of a Residence Permit for Job Search 

• Work full-time in Finland while searching for a permanent job.
• Time spent can contribute toward permanent residence applications.
• Provides a smooth transition to a regular work-based residence permit if employed.

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduated from a Finnish higher education institution at Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate level.
• Must have a valid student residence permit at the time of application.
• Apply within 6 months of completing the degree.

Meeting the academic qualification and having completed a degree are the most important requirements to secure a Post Study Work visa, though there are additional criteria that students should be aware of. 

Let’s look at these in detail:

• Academic Qualification: You must have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or higher degree from a recognised university in the host country.
• Duration of Study: Many countries require the course to be of a minimum duration, typically one year or more.
• Student Visa Status: You should have been studying on a valid student visa during your degree program.
• Language Proficiency (if applicable): Some countries may ask for proof of English language, German, or French skills if your degree was not taught in English or any respective language.
• Good Conduct: Certain countries may require a clean legal record or no immigration violations during your stay.

To apply for a Post Study Work visa, having the correct documents, like academic transcripts and more, is crucial to avoid delays or rejections. 

The key documents for the PSW visa include:

• Passport: A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your intended stay.
• Degree Certificate or Transcript: Proof of completion of your eligible academic program.
• Student Visa or Residence Permit: Evidence that you were legally studying in the host country.
• Proof of Financial Means: Some countries require bank statements or sponsorship proof to show you can support yourself.
• English Language Proficiency Certificates: Certificates like IELTS/TOEFL, if required by the host country.
• Other Supporting Documents: This may include biometric forms, application forms, or any country-specific requirements.

To apply for a PSW visa in any country, the first step is to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have completed your degree from a recognised institution. 

Below are the major steps you need to follow to successfully apply:

• Step 1 - Check Eligibility: Confirm that your degree, program type, and institution meet the PSW requirements of the country.
• Step 2 - Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as a degree certificate, transcripts, a passport, and a visa application form.
• Step 3 - Submit Application: Apply online or at the designated visa centre as per the country’s application procedure.
• Step 4 - Pay Fees: Pay the applicable visa application fees and retain the receipt for your records.
• Step 5 - Attend Interview (if required): Some countries may require a short interview or biometric submission for verification.
• Step 6 - Receive Visa: Once approved, you will get your PSW visa, enabling you to legally work in that country for the specified duration.

Post-study work visas open doors to global jobs, but students often face challenges like meeting eligibility criteria. 

Below are the major challenges that can affect your PSW journey:

• Strict Eligibility Criteria: Not all graduates automatically qualify; missing academic or visa conditions can lead to rejection.
• Limited Duration: Some PSW visas are valid for only 1 to 3 years, requiring careful planning for career progression or visa extension.
• Job Market Competition: Securing employment that meets visa requirements can be tough in popular destinations with high competition.
• Documentation Requirements: Maintaining up-to-date documents, proof of funds, and academic records is crucial and can be cumbersome.
• Changing Immigration Policies: Rules for PSW visas can change suddenly, affecting visa duration, eligibility, or renewal options.

International students often get overwhelmed when figuring out post-study work visa rules across different countries. One common pain point is understanding eligibility and application timelines, which vary widely from the UK to Canada or Australia. Planning ahead, keeping all documents ready, and knowing each country’s nuances can save a lot of stress and avoid missed opportunities.

Yocket Premium can make this process smoother by giving you instant access to verified visa guides, application timelines, and peer insights from students who have successfully navigated PSW visas. You can also track deadlines, compare country-specific rules, and get reminders for crucial steps, ensuring you don’t miss out on work opportunities after graduation.