Dive into our comprehensive guide on Post-Study Work Rights in Australia, Canada, and the UK. Navigating the opportunities available after completing your education in these countries is crucial, and understanding the post-study work options is essential for international students. In this blog post, we will delve into the specific details of Post Study Work Rights (PSWR) in Australia, Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) in Canada, and the Two-year Post-Study Work Visa in the UK.
Explore our guide on Post-Study Work Rights in Australia, Canada, and the UK, uncovering crucial changes and opportunities. Australian PSWR now caters uniformly to all fields, tied to the Temporary Graduate Visa. Canada’s PGWPs offer flexibility for work experience and a pathway to permanent residence. The UK’s two-year Post-Study Work Visa opens doors for graduates, allowing a two-year stay with the potential for a skilled work visa switch. Plan your educational journey wisely with these insights.
Australia – Post Study Work Rights (PSWR)
- The extension of PSWR for students enrolled in skill demand courses announced and introduced in July 2023 has been removed.
- Australian PSWR are now the same for all fields of study
- Australian PSWR attached to the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) which students can apply for on completion of their course.
- The length of the TGV (ie PSWRs) is based on the course level and is now as follows:
- 2 years for Bachelor’s Degree
- 2 years for Masters by coursework
- 3 years for Masters by research
- 3 years for PhD
- Students who complete their studies in a regional area can apply for a second TPV which will provide an additional 1 or 2 years depending on the location of study.
- The maximum eligible age for TGV is being reduced from 50 to a maximum eligible age of 35.
- The government is creating increased opportunities for TGV holders to move on to a skilled visa. This will include reforming the current points test and faster residency pathways for skilled workers. Further announcements will be made in 2024.
Post Study Work Rights (PSWR) for Indian students
- In April 2022 the Australian and Indian governments signed an Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) often referred to as a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
- This agreement means that Indian Students graduating with a Masters by coursework or PhD will receive additional PSWR than other students.
- The length of the TGV (ie PSWRs) for Indian students is as follows:
- 2 years for Bachelor’s Degree
- 2 years for Masters by coursework
- 3 years for Masters by research
- 4 years for PhD
- An additional year of PSWRs (3 years total) is also available to Indian students who study a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths and information technology) field and graduate with first-class honours.
Canada – Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs)
Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are open work permits given to international students who graduate from a Canadian program of study. PGWPs allow the holder to work for any employer, for as many hours as they wish, anywhere in Canada.
PGWPs are valid for between eight months to three years and are a great way to obtain valuable Canadian work experience. Once an applicant has work experience in Canada, it opens a lot of opportunities to obtain Canadian permanent residence.
UK – Post-Study Work Visa
The Two-year Post-Study Work Visa
The new graduate post-study work route is open to international students who have completed an undergraduate degree and above.
Successful applicants will be able to stay and work, look for work, in the UK for a maximum period of two years.
This route will be for two years and will require a new application (including payment of a fee) and payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge.
The route is non-extendable and does not count towards settlement. However, graduates who find an appropriate job and meet the requirements will be able to switch to skilled work visa.
As you consider your educational and professional journey, the information provided here serves as a compass to navigate the post-study work options available in these three countries. Whether it’s Australia’s evolving policies, Canada’s open work permits, or the UK’s post-study work route, each destination offers unique opportunities for international students. Stay informed, plan strategically, and embark on your post-education ventures with confidence.