- Ritika Gupta The post-study work visa (PSW) has impacted consideration of where to study abroad. In 2024 and 2025, some significant policies will have changed (or will change) for the top five (US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) study destinations. Not only have these changes affected the length of time students can stay after study, but they provided pathways to longer-term statuses. Provided is a brief and evidence-informed description for students to consider when arriving in mid-2025, particularly in regards to where they chose to study and their plans. Canada study permit falls 62%; Indian families weigh costs, PR, & alternatives Work during OPT must be related to the field of study, but has no requirement for employer sponsorship. On Dec. 31, 2023, DHS/USCIS published a final rule effective Jan. 17 of 2025 extending H-1B ‘cap-gap’ automatic extension for eligible F-1 students: the cap-gap period now extends until April 1 of the fiscal year the H-1B petition is filed (formerly, would effectively end on Oct 1). From a practical standpoint, the US remains the only jurisdiction that still affords a long single PSW runway for STEM graduates (up to 36 months). However, given the bottleneck of H-1B sponsorship. United Kingdom — Graduate Route & shifting policy environment What it offers: The Graduate Route is still open as an unsponsored PSW option, which typically allows graduates to work post-study for up to 2 years (and up to 3 years for PhD graduates). It provides graduates the flexibility to find employment at any skill level, while applying for employer sponsorship for a longer duration at the same time. Recent Policy Context (2024–2025): The Migration Advisory Committee's rapid review (November 2024) suggested maintaining the overall design of the Graduate Route, and in its initial response, the Home Office indicated it was not going to be removed immediately. However, broader immigration reform proposals in 2025 have included measures that would reduce the usual Graduate Route length for many students, and dependence restrictions introduced in January 2024 mean most taught-course students can no longer bring new dependants—this has mechanically reduced associated Graduate Route dependent grants. Students should therefore monitor Home Office rule changes closely and verify by institution and program. In the UK, students still have good chances to find work after their studies. It’s best to be careful. Canada — Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and even more narrowly focused changes to eligibility What it offers: Canada, through the PGWP, remains one of the most generous PSW pathways: eligible graduates can receive open work permits for periods of up to three years, depending on program length and institution. The PGWP experience is an essential building block for Express Entry and many provincial nominee schemes. Important updates for 2024-2025: IRCC began eligibility revisions on programs for the PGWP in November 2024, and continued to modify the list of eligible fields and programs through 2025. On June 25, 2025, there were updates to fields of study, and a rolling approach to program eligibility, as well as transitional regulations for certain students who applied before June 25, 2025. This news reduced PGWP eligibility for some programs/fields of study, but provided much closer alignment of permits with labour market demand. Canada is still the gold standard for defining PR ladders transparently. But eligibility depends on a program's codes/fields and application dates. Australia - Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is clamped down. What it offers: Historically, the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa offered a number of streams and allowed for 18 months to 4 years of post-study work depending on the qualification and stream, with pathways to skilled visas and state nomination. Policy changes (2024 — 2025): Starting in late 2024 and into 2025, there were restrictions to 485 eligibility in Australia, a which included reducing age caps for many streams to 35 (with limited exceptions) and the government made additional regional narrowing of eligible qualifications, added English/eligibility scrutiny and reduced conditions for some post-study qualifications. The emphasis of the Genuine Temporary Entrant test migrated to more intensive assessments of student intent. The Department’s pages and public reporting note tightened criteria, and the government's stated aim is to manage net migration. Australia still has strong labour-market access for graduates, particularly in shortage occupations. Students should expect shorter post-study permission windows and a stricter application screen than a few years ago. New Zealand — Post-Study Work Visa, Green List & residency routes What it offers: The Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand allows for up to three years of work for many master’s and doctoral graduates (dependent on currency of study and level of qualification). For some lower-level programmes, work permission is restricted to eligible roles and the Green List. Policy focus 2024-2025: Immigration NZ is refining the Green List (for priority occupations), looking at a linked accelerated residency option. There remains a significant favourability in New Zealand for higher-degree graduates and those in identified shortage roles. Processes for non-degree routes have seen restrictions. Implications of practice: New Zealand provides a clear pathway to PR for degree holders from priority skills; students seeking residency should focus on Green List-aligned qualifications and satisfying employment (for skilled migration to residency purposes). Longest single PSW duration (in brackets, typical duration): Canada PGWP (untailored PGWPs maximum 3 years); US STEM OPT (maximum 36 months). Most flexible; unsponsored option: UK Graduate Route (historically 2 year, 3 for PhD) — but intended cuts have been proposed. Most PR-friendly funnels: Canada Most recent tightening (notable): Australia’s 485 reforms (age cap, duration/eligibility tightening) and Canada’s program/field-eligibility updates (June 2025). Advice for students & families Verify eligibility before you enrol. For Canada and some Australian/UK changes, eligibility now depends on program codes, application dates, and institution listings. Plan the sponsorship ladder early. Where long-term stay depends on employer sponsorship (UK Skilled Worker, US H-1B), begin employer outreach well before course completion. Target shortage lists and high-level qualifications if your goal is residency. Policies are being actively updated in 2024–2025; my advice is to consider the official immigration pages to be the authoritative source for the final eligibility and timing when you submit your application. (The author is the CEO & Counsellor, AAera Consultants)
