Post-Study Work Visas Compared: USA, UK, Canada & Australia
By VisaViews Editorial · 15 Aug 2026
Post-study work rights can make or break a study-abroad decision. Here is how the big four compare.
- USA — OPT: 12 months, plus 24 more for STEM graduates.
- UK — Graduate Route: 2 years (3 for PhD).
- Canada — PGWP: up to 3 years, a path to permanent residence.
- Australia — Temporary Graduate (subclass 485): 2+ years.
Canada and Australia stand out for the clearest pathways from graduation to permanent residence.