- Yatharth Gulati The desire to broaden horizons and embrace global learning is a shared dream among many students in India. According to a report presented in Parliament, there is an increase of almost 68 per cent in Indian students going abroad in pursuit of higher education in 2022. This number continued to increase unabated in the first eight months of 2023. Studying abroad gives students a taste of foreign culture, exploring new avenues, and the experience of a lifetime. Numerous countries welcome international students and offer them a chance to gain practical work experience after completing their studies. Post-study work options in foreign countries with top-tier companies assist international students in gaining knowledge, relevant experience, and advancing their careers. In this article, we will explore countries that are popular among Indian students and provide post-study work opportunities and highlight recent changes in their policies. Canada Canada is among the most popular destinations for Indian students to study abroad. Sometimes, students intending to study in the USA decide to move to Canada because of the USA’s unfavourable quota-based H-1B programme. The presence of a strong diaspora, coupled with the benefits offered by the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is part of the primary motivation for many students to move to Canada. PGWP allows international students who have completed a course of at least eight months to work in Canada for a duration equal to the length of their programme - up to three years. For students enrolled in a programme with a duration of two years or more, the validity of PGWP may be extended to three years. In the long run, Canadian work experience gained through PGWP helps them qualify for PR (Permanent Residence) through Express Entry. The Canadian government tweaks the rules for the PGWP programme every now and then. So, it’s better for interested students to regularly check the official websites for the latest updates. Recent developments highlight the importance of understanding immigration policies for international students in Canada, with students who enrolled in programmes from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023, are liable to have any time spent outside the country after that date deducted from the length of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). United States of America (USA) The USA has always been a favourite country for international students, especially for Indians. Best-ranked institutions, flexible academic environment, cultural diversity, and advanced technology are key factors why Indian students choose this country to study. Indian students who move to the US can avail three types of visa, namely J-1, M-1, and F-1. J-1 visa is intended for students, who wish to study or do an internship but for a limited time. A J-1 visa is also popular when a student wants to go for an exchange programme at a US university. Students who wish to pursue vocational education or training often qualify for the M-1 visa. Among the three, the most popular visa for Indian students is the F-1 visa, which allows them to come to the US as full-time students. As an F-1 visa holder, an Indian student can complete one year of temporary employment post-study in their major field, through OPT (Optional Practical Training). An international student may start applying for an OPT permit after nine months of being enrolled in a University and must grab a professional work or volunteer opportunity related to the field of their study within 90 days of graduating. In addition to applying for an extension of their OPT while working, a student can also convert their visa status from F-1 to H-1B with approval from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and USCIS, which is primarily for working professionals in the USA. Students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees are also eligible for a 24-month extension to their 12-month post-completion OTP. According to data, Indians are the most active users of the US government's H-1B programme and made up as much as 73 per cent of about 442,000 beneficiaries in FY22. Australia Australia is another popular choice among international students. The country is popular among youth for its education system, technological advancement, healthcare, infrastructure, and other government services. Australia offers a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) that allows international students to live, study, and work in the country for up to six years. Subclass 485 visa gives students the facility to work full-time or part-time. It can also provide a pathway to other visas, such as skilled Subclass Visa 189, 190, and eventually a stepping stone for Permanent Residency. Recently, Australia decided to open 3,000 spaces in Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals (MATES) for Indian students owing to a shortage of skilled labourers in the job market. The government also recently announced an extension of two years on Post-study work rights on Temporary Graduate Visa for students who meet the required prerequisites. France France has consistently ranked as a premier destination for international students aspiring to excel in fields such as management, business, fashion, and culinary arts. France’s enduring appeal as an educational haven lies not only in its institutions but in its ability to transform dreams into reality. More Indian students are flocking to the shores of France for graduate courses than at the undergraduate level. For students earning a Master's degree in France, the French government previously sponsored two-year Post-Study Work possibilities; this period has now been increased to five years. Talent Passport is the name given to this type of work permit in France. France recently announced that students, who have even spent a semester studying in the country for their master’s or above, can avail a five-year short-stay Schengen visa and explore job opportunities. Through this policy, the French government aims to welcome 30,000 Indian students to the country by 2030. Currently, the country also ranks at the second spot on Times Higher Education's (THE) list of Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (GEURS), indicating a bright future for Indian students hoping to study in France and apply for a post-study work permit. United Kingdom In addition to the research, employment, and networking opportunities, the multicultural milieu in the UK promises a multifaceted experience for overseas students. Earlier, the UK's immigration laws were stricter, but now the government is focused on bolstering its world-class post-study work opportunities. Graduate students can stay in the UK to look for work for two years after they graduate, thanks to the UK post-study work visa, which became available to students graduating after the summer of 2021. The duration of the UK Graduate visa varies; it is typically for two years but extends to three years for individuals holding a PhD or other doctoral qualification. Importantly, this post-study employment visa is accessible to all students graduating with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree. Ireland More than a thousand top-tier global corporations, including (among others) Google, Microsoft, Apple, HP, IBM, and LinkedIn have established offices in Ireland. Many international college and university ranking systems include the names of Irish universities. Irish institutions offer a post-study work permit in Ireland, which is one of the main factors that make them a top choice for aspirant students considering further education. Every student who finished their higher education in Ireland is automatically eligible, and no extra paperwork is needed. The length of time a student may stay in Ireland depends primarily on the kind of programme he is enrolled in. The Irish government permits students who completed a bachelor's or master's degree to remain in the country for a period of two years, while a PhD holder may remain for a period of three years. Earlier, this time frame was one year for undergraduates. There are many favourable permits available to Indian students who want to study abroad, both in terms of their academic careers and their post-study employment prospects. Prospective students are recommended to keep up with the latest news and developments in their chosen location. This will help them to make educated decisions about their career. UAE Students who wish to experience the interplay of tradition and culture with modern technologies should strongly consider the UAE as a premier destination for gaining higher education and work experience. In the last few years, the country has emerged as a popular study destination for students who wish to explore the shores of international water after the US and the UK. As per the government data , nearly 1,64,000 Indian students were present in the UAE in 2022. The country is quickly becoming home to numerous international educational institutions, including the University of Birmingham, London Business School, and IIT Delhi recently joining the roster having gained approval to establish its overseas branch in Abu Dhabi. Upon successful completion of their studies, eligible students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa. For students aspiring to enter the job markets in the UAE and work there, various types of visas are available - the company-sponsored work visa, golden visa, standard work visa, and green visa. As the economy expands, there are new avenues for jobs in many industries, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The country’s strategic location as a global business and trade hub is ideal for those looking to gain international exposure. As by rules and regulations, UAE is steadily establishing itself as a haven for those seeking substantial earnings while enjoying the benefits of low tax rates. Germany The availability of affordable and tuition-free education, cutting-edge research facilities, and a reasonable cost of living are key factors why Indian students wish to study in Germany. In 2022, approximately 34,864 Indian students were present in Germany on study visa. The economic powerhouse provides foreign students with ample opportunities to continue living and working in the country, owing to its strong job market, and has long been popular for its engineering, sciences, and technology sectors. Students can apply for a residence permit for up to 18 months as part of their post-study work visa, which allows them to stay in the country for job-seeking purposes. To be eligible for this non-extendable permit, students must provide proof of being able to cover living expenses, successful completion of education, and health insurance coverage. Although the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) strongly advises students to secure employment relevant to their qualifications, there is no restriction to take up any other jobs. Once job seekers secure the employment opportunity they want, they can get their residence permit converted to a work visa for a maximum period of four years. Non-EU nationals can also apply for an EU Blue card, which can be a pathway to opting for a settlement permit for permanent residency if they wish to settle in Germany. There are many favourable permits available to Indian students who want to study abroad, both in terms of their academic careers and their post-study employment prospects. Prospective students are recommended to keep up with the latest news and developments in their chosen location. This will help them to make educated decisions about their career. (The writer is the Co-Founder of Rostrum Education)
