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Post-study work visas for Indian students by country (2026)

Canada gives 3 years of work after a master's of at least 8 months. The UK gives 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026 and 18 months after that. The USA gives 12 months of OPT, plus 24 months for STEM degrees. A longer stay only helps if the job market in that country will actually hire you, so weigh both together.

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What can you do after a master's in each country?

Each row shows what the official page says, with its source and the date we checked it. Where an official figure is not confirmed, the row says so. Pick a country name to open its own guide.

Post-study work rights by country
CountryWhat the official page saysSource and date
United Kingdom
  • Graduate visa length if you apply on or before 31 December 2026: 2 yearsApplies until 31 December 2026. Confirm on the official page
  • Graduate visa length if you apply on or after 1 January 2027: 18 monthsApplies from 1 January 2027. Confirm on the official page
  • Course rule for the Graduate visa: A UK master's from a licensed sponsor. If the course is longer than 12 months, at least 12 months studied in the UK. You must hold a Student visa and be in the UK when you apply.
  • gov.ukChecked on
  • gov.ukChecked on
  • gov.ukChecked on
Canada
  • Post-graduation work permit after a master's of at least 8 months: 3 years
  • Share of the program that must be done in Canada, in class: At least 50%
  • Language proof for the work permit (since 1 November 2024): Needed by most applicantsApplies from 1 November 2024. Confirm on the official page
USA
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) after a degree: 12 months
  • STEM OPT extension: 24 months
  • Study needed before OPT: At least one full academic year of full-time enrolment at a SEVP-certified school. F-1 status for that whole year is not required.
  • Work hours for post-completion OPT: At least 20 hours a week
Australia
  • Temporary Graduate (485) stay, Post-Higher Education Work stream: 2 to 3 years depending on qualification
  • Temporary Graduate (485) age limit when applying: 35 or under exceptions apply
Germany
  • Residence permit to look for a job after completing studies in Germany: up to 18 months
  • EU Blue Card minimum gross salary 2026: EUR 50,700 a year
France
  • Post-study permit length: Official figure being verified

Can part of my degree be abroad and still lead to a work visa?

Sometimes. Each country sets its own time rule for the part of the course spent there. Exchange semesters usually do not count.

Time rules for split degrees
ItemOfficial figure or ruleSource and date
Course rule for the Graduate visaA UK master's from a licensed sponsor. If the course is longer than 12 months, at least 12 months studied in the UK. You must hold a Student visa and be in the UK when you apply.gov.ukChecked on
Share of the program that must be done in Canada, in classAt least 50%canada.caChecked on
Study needed before OPTAt least one full academic year of full-time enrolment at a SEVP-certified school. F-1 status for that whole year is not required.uscis.govChecked on
Residence permit to look for a job after completing studies in Germanyup to 18 monthsmake-it-in-germany.comChecked on

Is the UK rule changing soon?

Yes. The length of the Graduate visa depends on the date you apply. Read the UK Graduate visa page for the dates, fees and course rule.

Where do these facts come from?

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