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    Working after you graduate

    How long you can stay after you graduate

    Every country lets you stay a different length of time once your course ends, and the permit that lets you look for work is rarely the one you arrived on. Here is the rule in 27 destinations, taken from each government's own guidance.

    Countries
    27
    Countries
    Give you 2 years or more
    9
    Give you 2 years or more
    Have no general route
    3
    Have no general route

    How long can you stay after graduating?

    The six destinations most people ask about. Each figure is what a graduate of a taught degree gets.

    Countries that let international students work after graduation

    The length is what a graduate of a taught degree can expect. Where a doctorate earns more (the UK's three years, Sweden's eighteen months) the row says so. Every rule here was checked against the government's own guidance in August 2026.

    Post-study work rights by country: how long a graduate can stay, the permit that allows it, and the main eligibility condition.
    CountryYou can stayThe permitThe catch
    Australia18 months to 3 yearsTemporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)Generally 35 or under, and you must have held a student visa in the previous six months.
    Canada8 months to 3 yearsPost-Graduation Work PermitPermit length matches your program; you need 2 years of study for the full 3 years, and the program must be PGWP-eligible.
    Denmark3 yearsJob-seeking residence permitGranted with the study permit rather than applied for later. A master's for working professionals gets 6 months instead.
    New ZealandUp to 3 yearsPost Study Work VisaLevel 7 degree or above, studied full-time for at least 30 weeks. You can only hold this visa once.
    FinlandUp to 2 yearsResidence permit to look for workShow EUR 800 a month, or EUR 19,200 for the full two years. Can be split into parts of at least six months.
    Hong Kong24 monthsImmigration Arrangements for Non-local GraduatesApply within six months of graduating and you need no job offer. Apply later and you need a graduate-level offer at market pay.
    Ireland12 months, or 24 for level 9+Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G)Apply within six months of being told you achieved the award, holding current Stamp 2. Registration costs EUR 300.
    Spain24 monthsResidence permit to look for workYou may not work while you hold it, and it cannot be extended. Apply in the 60 days before your study authorization expires.
    United Kingdom2 years, or 18 months from 2027Graduate visaTwo years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months after that. Doctoral graduates get three years either way.
    GermanyUp to 18 monthsJobseeker residence permitYou may work in any occupation while searching, then convert to a skilled-worker permit or EU Blue Card once you have a qualified job.
    Japan1 year, sometimes 2Designated Activities (job hunting)Six months renewable once, on a recommendation from the school you graduated from. Part-time work up to 28 hours a week throughout.
    Malaysia12 monthsGraduate PassOpen to a fixed list of nationalities, and needs a personal bond backed by a Malaysian sponsor.
    Netherlands1 yearOrientation year (zoekjaar)Apply within three years of graduating. While you hold it, a reduced highly skilled migrant salary threshold of EUR 3,122 a month applies.
    NorwayUp to 1 yearJob-seeker residence permitShow NOK 28,448 a month, or NOK 341,373 for a year. File before the study permit expires.
    PortugalUp to 1 yearResidence permit for job seekingMaster's and doctoral graduates only. First-cycle bachelor's graduates are not named in the provision.
    SwedenUp to 1 yearResidence permit to look for workSupport yourself at SEK 10,656 a month for the whole permit, and you must have passed every course on the program you were admitted to.
    TürkiyeUp to 1 yearShort-term residence permitApply within six months of graduating. Granted only once.
    United States12 months, plus 24 for STEMOptional Practical Training (OPT)Twelve months per educational level. You may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during OPT.
    Czech RepublicUp to 9 monthsLong-term residence permit for seeking employmentCannot be extended, but gives free access to the labor market with no employer or job restrictions.
    HungaryUp to 9 monthsResidence permit for job seekingFile at least 15 days before the study permit expires. You must still hold it when you apply. Not extendable.
    Poland9 monthsTemporary residence permit to look for workApply once, in person, during your legal stay. Graduates of full-time programs need no work permit.
    South KoreaPoints-basedJob Seeker (D-10)The points test is waived with TOPIK level 4 or the Social Integration Program's level 4 evaluation.
    Switzerland6 monthsJob-search stayNo extension, and the job must be of overriding scientific or economic interest to override the priority given to Swiss and EU workers.
    United Arab Emirates60, 90 or 120 daysJobseeker visit visaNo automatic post-study permit. You need a top-500 university within the last two years, or a job at MOHRE skill level 1–3.

    Countries with no general post-study stay

    In these you move straight to a work permit, which means having the job before your student status ends.

    • China

      You move straight to a work permit, which needs an employer letter and a work permit certificate. Ordinary hires get up to a year.

    • Italy

      You convert directly, and only while the study permit is still valid. There is no period to look for work first.

    • Singapore

      Graduates of a listed Institute of Higher Learning can apply to look for work, but it is not a work pass, so an employer still has to apply for one.

    Can you work after graduation? Country by country

    The full rule for each, with the government page it came from.

    Australia18 months to 3 years · Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

    Can international students work in Australia after graduation?

    The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) follows study. The Post-Higher Education Work stream usually runs two to three years, the Post-Vocational Education Work stream up to 18 months, and a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream one to two years. Applicants generally must be 35 or under and have held a student visa in the previous six months.

    Source: Department of Home Affairs: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

    Canada8 months to 3 years · Post-Graduation Work Permit

    Can international students work in Canada after graduation?

    A post-graduation work permit runs from eight months to three years. A program of at least eight months but under two years earns a permit matching the program length; two years or more earns the full three years. Most applicants have had to submit language test results since 1 November 2024, and the program must be PGWP-eligible.

    Source: IRCC: About the post-graduation work permit

    Denmark3 years · Job-seeking residence permit

    Can international students work in Denmark after graduation?

    Completing a state-approved professional bachelor's, bachelor's, master's or PhD gives a three-year job-seeking residence permit, normally granted together with the study permit rather than applied for later. A master's for working professionals gives six months instead. The job-seeking permit keeps the 90-hours-a-month limit, and DKK 840 buys a work permit without limitations that lets you work full-time from the day you apply.

    Source: SIRI: Work permit during the job seeking period

    New ZealandUp to 3 years · Post Study Work Visa

    Can international students work in New Zealand after graduation?

    The Post Study Work Visa lets graduates stay and work for up to three years, costs from NZD 1,670 and is decided for 80% of applicants within four weeks. You need a degree at level 7 or above studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks, NZD 5,000 in living costs, and you must apply within three months of your student visa expiring, or six months after a doctorate. You can only hold this visa once.

    Source: Immigration New Zealand: Post Study Work Visa

    FinlandUp to 2 years · Residence permit to look for work

    Can international students work in Finland after graduation?

    Graduates can get a residence permit to look for work or start a business for up to two years, and it may be split into three parts of at least six months each, all starting within three years of the first. You can apply up to five years after the study permit expired, the permit carries an unrestricted right to work, and you must show EUR 800 a month, so EUR 19,200 for a two-year permit.

    Source: Finnish Immigration Service: Residence permit to look for work or to start a business

    Hong Kong24 months · Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates

    Can international students work in Hong Kong after graduation?

    Graduates use the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates. Anyone who has taken an undergraduate or higher qualification on a full-time locally accredited program of at least one academic year, or an equivalent at Qualifications Framework level 5 with 120 credits, may apply. Applying within six months of the graduation date makes you a recent graduate, who needs no job offer and gets 24 months' stay on time limitation only. Apply later and you need an offer at a level commonly taken by degree holders at market pay, for the same 24 months.

    Source: Immigration Department: Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)

    Ireland12 months, or 24 for level 9+ · Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G)

    Can international students work in Ireland after graduation?

    The Third Level Graduate Programme lets non-EEA graduates of a recognized Irish awarding body stay to look for graduate-level work on Stamp 1G, with full 40-hour work rights. A Level 8 award earns 12 months; a Level 9 or higher award earns 12 months renewable for a further 12, up to 24. You must hold current Stamp 2 permission and apply within six months of being told you achieved the award, and registration costs €300 per person.

    Source: Irish Immigration Service Delivery: Third level graduate programme

    Spain24 months · Residence permit to look for work

    Can international students work in Spain after graduation?

    Finish a Spanish qualification at EQF level 6 (a bachelor's degree) or above and you can apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business. It runs for 24 months and cannot be extended, and you may not work while you hold it. Apply in the 60 days before your study authorization expires.

    Source: Portal de Inmigración: Sheet 20: residence permit for job-seeking or starting a business

    United Kingdom2 years, or 18 months from 2027 · Graduate visa

    Can international students work in United Kingdom after graduation?

    The Graduate visa lets you stay after finishing your course for two years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, or 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. PhD and other doctoral graduates get three years either way.

    Source: GOV.UK: Graduate visa

    GermanyUp to 18 months · Jobseeker residence permit

    Can international students work in Germany after graduation?

    After graduating you can apply for a jobseeker residence permit under Section 20 (1) No. 1 of the Residence Act, issued for up to 18 months to find skilled employment. You may work in any occupation while searching, and once you have a qualified job you convert to a residence permit for skilled workers or an EU Blue Card. Graduates can apply for a settlement permit after more than two years of work in Germany.

    Source: Make it in Germany (Federal Government portal): Visa for studying

    Want longer than up to 18 months?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    Japan1 year, sometimes 2 · Designated Activities (job hunting)

    Can international students work in Japan after graduation?

    Graduates of a university or a specialized training college can switch to Designated Activities for job hunting: six months, renewable once, so a year in total, on a recommendation from the school they graduated from. A second year is possible if you join a local-government employment support scheme. Part-time work of up to 28 hours a week is allowed throughout.

    Source: Immigration Services Agency: Staying on after graduation to look for work

    Want longer than 1 year, sometimes 2?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    Malaysia12 months · Graduate Pass

    Can international students work in Malaysia after graduation?

    The Graduate Pass is a social visit pass giving 12 months in Malaysia after graduation, with a multiple entry visa, permission to work part-time in approved sectors and no need for an employer sponsor. You need a bachelor's degree or higher, a valid Student Pass at the time of applying, a passport with 18 months left, a year of local health insurance and a personal bond backed by a Malaysian sponsor earning at least MYR 1,500 a month. It is open to a fixed list of nationalities rather than to everyone.

    Source: EMGS: Graduate Pass

    Want longer than 12 months?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    Netherlands1 year · Orientation year (zoekjaar)

    Can international students work in Netherlands after graduation?

    The orientation year (zoekjaar) residence permit lets graduates stay to look for work or start a business, and costs €254. You can apply within three years of graduating, obtaining a doctorate, or your research permit expiring. While you hold it, or for three years afterwards, a reduced highly skilled migrant salary threshold of €3,122 a month applies instead of the standard €5,942.

    Source: IND: Residence permit for orientation year

    Want longer than 1 year?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    NorwayUp to 1 year · Job-seeker residence permit

    Can international students work in Norway after graduation?

    Graduates can apply for a job-seeker residence permit of up to one year, and the application must be filed before the study permit expires, ideally a month ahead. You must have completed the degree in Norway, be looking for skilled work, and show NOK 28,448 a month, which is NOK 341,373 for a year; former PhD candidates who held a skilled worker permit need only NOK 85,344 whatever the length. The permit allows full-time and part-time work while you search, including jobs that do not require skilled workers.

    Source: UDI: Residence permit for job seekers who have recently graduated

    Want longer than up to 1 year?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    PortugalUp to 1 year · Residence permit for job seeking

    Can international students work in Portugal after graduation?

    Graduates of a second or third cycle degree, meaning a master's or a doctorate, can convert to a residence permit giving up to one year to look for work or start a company matching their qualifications, under Article 122(1)(p) of the Foreigners Act. You apply with your passport, a sworn declaration of address, an apostilled criminal record certificate, and either a declaration from the institution that you completed the program or your own declaration that you intend to use the one-year window. First-cycle bachelor's graduates are not named in this provision.

    Source: AIMA: Residence permit to look for work after completing a second or third cycle degree, Article 122(1)(p)

    Want longer than up to 1 year?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    SwedenUp to 1 year · Residence permit to look for work

    Can international students work in Sweden after graduation?

    Graduates can apply for a residence permit to look for work or explore starting a business, granted for up to one year after bachelor's or master's studies and for one year to 18 months after doctoral studies. You must apply before your study permit expires, have completed the entire program you were first admitted to with passing grades in all courses, and be able to support yourself for the whole permit at SEK 10,656 a month. It costs SEK 1,500 for an adult and SEK 750 for a child, and your family can apply at the same time.

    Source: Swedish Migration Agency: Residence permit to seek employment after completing your studies

    Want longer than up to 1 year?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    TürkiyeUp to 1 year · Short-term residence permit

    Can international students work in Türkiye after graduation?

    Graduates of a Turkish higher education program can apply within six months of graduating for a short-term residence permit on that ground. It is granted only once and runs for a maximum of one year.

    Source: Presidency of Migration Management: Residence permit types

    Want longer than up to 1 year?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    United States12 months, plus 24 for STEM · Optional Practical Training (OPT)

    Can international students work in United States after graduation?

    Optional Practical Training gives 12 months of work authorization per educational level, and graduates of eligible STEM programs can apply for a 24-month extension. You may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during OPT.

    Source: USCIS: Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

    Want longer than 12 months, plus 24 for stem?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    Czech RepublicUp to 9 months · Long-term residence permit for seeking employment

    Can international students work in Czech Republic after graduation?

    Graduates of an accredited university program can move to a long-term residence permit for seeking employment or starting a business. It runs for up to nine months, cannot be extended, and gives free access to the labor market with no employer or job restrictions.

    Source: Ministry of the Interior: Long-term residence permit for seeking employment or starting a business

    Want longer than up to 9 months?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    HungaryUp to 9 months · Residence permit for job seeking

    Can international students work in Hungary after graduation?

    Graduates can apply for a residence permit for seeking a job or starting a business, valid for a maximum of nine months and not extendable. It has to be filed through Enter Hungary at least 15 days before the study permit expires, because you must still hold a valid study permit when you apply.

    Source: National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing: Residence permit for seeking a job or starting a business

    Want longer than up to 9 months?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    Poland9 months · Temporary residence permit to look for work

    Can international students work in Poland after graduation?

    Graduates of a Polish university can apply once for a temporary residence permit to look for work or prepare to start a business, granted for nine months. You file it in person with the province governor during your legal stay in Poland, straight after graduating, showing medical insurance, an address in Poland and funds for your keep and your return journey. Graduates of full-time programs need no work permit, and graduation exempts them from the labor market test.

    Source: Office for Foreigners: Permit for temporary residence: graduate

    Want longer than 9 months?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    South KoreaPoints-based · Job Seeker (D-10)

    Can international students work in South Korea after graduation?

    Graduates move from Student (D-2) to Job Seeker (D-10). The general route asks for a bachelor's degree, including a Korean associate degree, plus enough points for one of the professional statuses from Professor (E-1) to Special Ability (E-7). The points test is waived if you hold TOPIK level 4 or higher, or passed the Social Integration Program's level 4 interim evaluation, within three years of finishing a Korean degree. A separate D-10 track exists for graduates preparing a technology start-up.

    Source: Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice: Visa Navigator

    Want longer than points-based?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    Switzerland6 months · Job-search stay

    Can international students work in Switzerland after graduation?

    Third-country nationals who graduate from a Swiss higher education institution have six months from the end of the course to look for work matching their qualifications, and may be admitted in derogation of the precedence given to Swiss and EU or EFTA workers if the job is of overriding scientific or economic interest. Basel-Stadt issues that job-search stay as a short-term permit for six months with no extension, granted on proof of sufficient means, suitable accommodation and the final degree. There is no entitlement to it where the only thing you did in Switzerland was a postdoc.

    Source: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM): FAQ Working, study-related questions

    Want longer than 6 months?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    United Arab Emirates60, 90 or 120 days · Jobseeker visit visa

    Can international students work in United Arab Emirates after graduation?

    There is no automatic post-study permit, but graduates can apply for a jobseeker visit visa of 60, 90 or 120 days with no host or sponsor. You need a bachelor's degree or equivalent, plus either a job at the first, second or third MOHRE skill level or graduation within the last two years from a university in the top 500 recognized by the Ministry of Education, and you must meet the prescribed financial guarantee.

    Source: u.ae: Jobseeker visit visa

    Want longer than 60, 90 or 120 days?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    ChinaNo general stay permit · Work-category residence permit

    Can international students work in China after graduation?

    China has no general post-study stay permit. Staying on to work means moving to a work-category residence permit, which needs a work permit certificate from the human resources and social security or foreign experts authorities plus a letter from the employer. Ordinary hires get up to one year, staff of well-regarded registered employers up to two, and recognized high-level talent up to five.

    Source: National Immigration Administration: Service guide for issuing residence permits to foreigners

    Want a country that lets you stay and look for work?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    ItalyNo search window · Conversion to a work permit

    Can international students work in Italy after graduation?

    Graduating in Italy lets you convert the study permit into a work permit, provided the study permit is still valid: you sign a residence contract with the employer at the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione.

    Source: MAECI: Studying in Italy, frequently asked questions

    Want a country that lets you stay and look for work?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    SingaporeNo automatic pass · Long-Term Visit Pass

    Can international students work in Singapore after graduation?

    There is no automatic post-study pass. Graduates of a listed Institute of Higher Learning can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass to look for work, submitting educational certificates and transcripts through ICA's e-Service on the non-Singpass option, and it costs the same SGD 45 and SGD 60 as any other LTVP with a processing time of six weeks. It is not a work pass: to take a job you still need one, applied for by the employer.

    Source: ICA: Long-Term Visit Pass for a graduate of an Institute of Higher Learning seeking employment

    Want a country that lets you stay and look for work?

    These give graduates the longest window, and you can see what there is to study in each.

    Australia · 18 months to 3 yearsCanada · 8 months to 3 yearsDenmark · 3 years

    Not covered yet: Austria, Belgium, France.

    What about working while you study?

    Everything above starts the day your course ends. While you are still enrolled a different limit applies, and it ranges from no weekly cap at all to needing a permit for every job.

    Student visa work hours, compared

    Not sure which of these you would qualify for?

    An advisor can tell you which destinations fit your degree level, your budget and the timeline you are working to, before you apply rather than after.

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