Post Study Work (PSW) Visa: Eligibility & Steps to Apply

As an Indian student overseas, you may wonder what your rights are to remain in your chosen study destination after graduation. There are several paths to follow if you want to continue living abroad, but one of the most popular routes for international students is the post-study work visa. The post-study work visa is a type of immigration permit that allows international graduates from eligible university courses to remain in the country to find work. These visas are usually a temporary measure, permitting graduates to stay an additional few months or years beyond their original student visa.

What are the benefits of a post-study work visa?

Aside from the fact that they allow you to live and work in the country once you have finished your studies, post-study work visas have several benefits, including:

• Improving your knowledge of the language and culture, outside of academia.
• Opportunities to obtain global work experience that will stand out on your CV.
• Expanding your professional network and making international industry connections.
• You can travel and explore the country.
• Your family may be able to stay in the country with you.

Post-study work permit rights

Specific rights for post-study work visas vary between countries and may also depend on your circumstances, including the type of degree you study and how long you studied for. In general, however, post-study work visas:

• Allow you to work in the country.
• Allow you to seek employment in the country.
• Do not have any limitations on the number of hours you may work.
• Allow you to travel within the country.
• Allow you to travel in and out of the country, for example, on holiday.

Any limitations will be included in your visa conditions but typically include things like:

• The length of time you may stay and work in the country (often one to three years).
• The type of work you are allowed to do.
• You may not receive access to state benefits, such as a pension.

Read more about the post-study work permit or the Graduate Route in the UK.

Eligibility requirements for post-study work visas

Post-study work visas are designed for university graduates, including undergraduate and postgraduate students. Some professional courses are also included. Eligibility requirements will vary between countries, but these may include:

• You must have studied in the country (usually for at least a minimum period).
• Your study programme must be eligible for the visa.
• You must have completed (or be on track to complete) your study programme.
• Have held, or still hold, a valid passport and student visa in that country.

Other eligibility criteria may apply depending on the jurisdiction.

Are you worried about the cost of studying abroad? Read our article to learn about the cost of studying abroad in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and other popular study destinations.

Things to consider before applying for a post-study work visa

There are many factors you should consider before you apply for a post-study work visa to make sure that it is the right option for you:

Are there any deadlines or limitations for the post-study work visa application?

To be eligible for many post-study work visas, you must apply within a certain amount of time from the completion of your studies, and in some cases, you must apply before finishing your study programme. Some jurisdictions may also require that you are physically in the country when you apply. It’s important to check the specific requirements for your area before applying.

How long does the application process take for a post-study work visa?

Depending on the country, the average wait time for your post-study work visa to be approved can be lengthy, sometimes taking several weeks or even months. Familiarise yourself with what you are and are not permitted to do during this period.

What fees are associated with a post-study work visa?

In addition to the application fee, you may need to pay other fees when applying for your post-study work visa, such as health insurance or permit fees.

How long can you remain in the country with a post-study work visa?

Familiarise yourself with the standard length of a post-study work visa in your chosen country. These can vary significantly but commonly are between one and three years.

What conditions are attached to a post-study work visa?

All post-study work visas will have conditions attached. These will vary significantly between countries and may also depend on the specific details of the course you studied. Conditions may include:

• The length of your stay
• The type of work you can do
• Specific geographic regions you may (or may not) work in
• Access to state benefits

Can you extend or renew a post-study work visa?

Most countries do not offer the option to extend or renew your post-study work visa, however, some countries offer options to extend the visa under specific circumstances, for example, if you work in a particular field, or find work in an under-resourced geographic area.

Are there any other types of visas that might be more appropriate for your circumstances?

Most countries have a range of visas available for people seeking work. It’s worth checking what other options are available, as some may be cheaper, more flexible, or allow you to stay for a longer period.

All set for your study abroad journey? Read about international student health insurance.

Steps for applying for a post-study work visa

1. Check the eligibility requirements for a post-study work visa in your region, including any deadlines.

2. Gather the documents you will need for your application. These will typically include things like:

• Your passport
• Your current immigration document (visa or permit)
• Evidence that you have completed your study programme, for example, a degree certificate, transcript of grades, or letter from your university.
• Credit or debit card to pay the fees associated with your application.

You may also be asked to provide:

• Student identification.
• Results of a recent medical examination.
• Biometrics, if the ones you submitted with your student visa application are no longer valid.
• Proof of relationship for any family members you want to apply with you.

3. Complete the application form and pay any fees. Applications can usually be submitted online.

4. Wait for your visa to be approved. While you wait for the authorities to decide on your post-study work visa, familiarise yourself with any restrictions you may face. For example, you may not be able to leave the country or work until your visa has been approved.

Post-study work visas in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland and NZ

The type of post-study work visa you’ll be entitled to will depend on the country you have studied in and the specific details of your course. All visas have eligibility requirements and conditions, so it’s important to check these before applying.

Note: All facts and figures are correct at the time of writing (June 2024) but may be subject to change at any time due to amendments to local legislature.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in February 2016 by our content writer, Ashwin Sriram. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.