Comparison of Post-Study work visa for US, UK and Canada for 2025

United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are the most popular destinations for study abroad. Several top universities, career-centric programs and numerous post-study work opportunities make these countries a first choice for Indian Students. However, selecting among these top study abroad destinations can be a difficult decision. While selecting a programme and university to study aboad, candidates must consider the post work opportunities in the country. Another important point to consider is the post study work rules, and for how many days one is allowed to stay in the country.

This Story also Contains

1. Comparison of post-study work visa for US, UK and Canada
2. Post-Study Work Visa UK
3. Post Study Work Visa Canada
4. Post Study Work Visa USA

This comparison of post-study work visa for US, UK and Canada for 2025 will help candidates understand each country’s visa requirements, cost, duration and application process of each country. Through this, candidates can make an informed decision about which country to choose for higher studies and post study employment.

Comparison of post-study work visa for US, UK and Canada

Post-Study Work Visa UK

Post-Study Work Visa is called Graduate Visa in the UK. It is issued to students who have completed their courses in UK. The validity for post study work visa UK is 2 years. For PhD or Doctoral students, the Graduate Visa validity is 3 years.

Eligibility for Post Study Work Visa UK

Candidates can apply for Graduate VIsa if they are meeting the following eligibility criteria:

1. They are living in UK at the time of application.

2. They hold a valid Student visa UK or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

3. They have completed their studies in UK.

How to apply for Post Study Work Visa UK?

Candidates can apply for a Graduate visa from UK Government's official website. Below are the detailed instructions to apply for UK post study work visa.

• Candidates first need to visit the UK Immigration: ID Check’ app’ to verify their identity.

• On the app, sign in using an existing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, or create a new account on the app.

• Now, scan the biometric residence permit (BRP) or passport.

• The instructions to complete the application process will be made available on the app.

• Submit the required documents.

• Once the application process is complete, it usually takes around 8 weeks to get the decision on a Graduate visa UK.

Documents Required to apply for Post Study Work Visa UK

Candidates will be required to submit the following documents while applying for Graduate visa UK.

1. Valid Passport

2. Biometric residence permit (BRP) or eVisa (student visa)

3. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number

4. A letter from your scholarship or sponsorship provider (if applicable)

Application Fees for Post Study Work Visa UK

The application fees for graduate visa are to be submitted during the application process. Candidates must note that UK charges an additional Healthcare surcharge on candidates applying for Graduate Visa. If a candidate gets a job in the UK Health sector, they will get a refund of healthcare surcharge.

• Graduate visa application fees - £822

• Healthcare surcharge - £1,035 for each year

Post Study Work Visa Canada

Candidates who have completed their graduation from a designated learning institution and wish to work in Canada can apply for post-graduation work permit (PGWP). The Post Study Work Visa Canada is generally issued for three years, however, the validity of the visa depends on the level and duration of the program, as well as the expiry date of the passport, whichever comes first.

Eligibility for Post Study Work Visa Canada

The general eligibility criteria for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada are mentioned below:

• Candidate must have completed a course as a full-time student at a designated learning institution in Canada.

• The duration of the programme must be at least 8 months to be eligible for PGWP.

• Candidates must apply for PGWP within 180 days after they graduate.

• Candidates must demonstrate their English or French language proficiency. They must achieve CLB 7 in all language areas.

• There are other special cases for eligibility, which students can check on the official website.

How to apply for Post Study Work Visa Canada

Candidates can fill the application for PGWP online or offline in both ways, depending on where they are located. In most of the cases, the application form is filled online. Below are the detailed steps to fill the application:

1. Create an account or sign in on the official website for Canada visa.

2. Read the application guide and submit the application form carefully.

3. Answer the questions asked during the application form submission.

4. Upload the necessary documents.

5. Submit the application fees.

6. It usually takes 80 to 180 days to process the application.

Documents required for Post Study Work Visa Canada

• Proof of academic progarmme completed in Canada. Any of the following documents are required:

• A degree of diploma certificate

• An official letter from the school

• Academic transcripts

• Proof of language proficiency (result must be less than 2 years old)

• Valid Passport

Application Fees for Post Study Work Visa Canada

The application fees for Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada is CDN$155. In addition to this, candidates are required to pay CDN$100.00 “Open Work Permit Holder” fee. In some cases, medical exam fees, police fee, or services at visa application centre fees are also to be incurred by the applicant.

Post Study Work Visa USA

USA allows F1 visa holders to work in the country after completing their studies in a US university. Candidates looking for work after studies in USA in can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). With OPT visa, candidates can stay an work in USA for up to 12 months, while STEM OPT Extension Visa holders can stay for 36 months.

Eligibility for OPT Visa USA

• The candidate must hold a student visa USA.

• The candidate need to apply for OPT before the completion of work related to the course.

• The nature of employment must be related to the course of study

• Candidate must find a job within 90 days of completing of course.

How to apply for OPT Visa USA

• The university's Designated School Officer (DSO) need to recommend your case for OPT.

• Candidate must pass the accreditation process to be nominated for OPT.

• Candidate need to fill the OPT I-20 application form, available on the university website.

• Upon nomination, candidate need to submit an OPT I-20 application form to the Office of International Services.

Documents Required for Post Study Work Visa USA

• Valid Passport

• Student Visa USA

• Official transcripts

• Any other documents as required by the visa office

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