Want to Get a Post-Graduate Work Permit in the UK or the USA?

For students pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom or the United States, the journey doesn’t simply end with earning a diploma. An increasingly important consideration is understanding the post-graduate work permits offered by these countries—valuable pathways that allow international graduates to stay and work after completing their studies. These permits not only provide a chance to gain practical experience in a global setting but also serve as stepping stones to longer-term career opportunities abroad. For aspiring students and recent graduates, knowing the ins and outs of these policies is essential to planning their futures in an increasingly interconnected world.

Studying abroad provides you with high-quality education, international exposure, and a global experience. There are many benefits to studying abroad, but one important advantage is that it makes you employable. To utilize your international degree, work experience abroad should be your goal. So you’ll need to get a post-graduate work permit in your study abroad destination.

Luckily for you, Educatly is here to provide you with all the information you need. Here's everything to know about the post-graduate work permit in the UK and the USA!

The USA

1. A post-graduate work permit (or a post-study work visa) is also called Optional Practical Training (OPT), enabling you to live and work legally in the USA. 

2. You must have finished at least a 1-year program at a university certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Student and Exchange Visitor Program. 

3. The USA’s OPT can be taken twice, whether you’re an undergraduate or a graduate. 

4. You’ll be able to get as many jobs as you want or even start your own business there!

5. You do no need a job offer when you apply. You have 90 days to find a job after you get the OPT.

6. You need to apply for a job that’s related to your field of study.

7. If you have a degree in one of these fields (STEM), you can get a 3-year work permit: actuarial, biological, life, physical or computer Sciences, engineering & technology.

The UK

1. As a student, you must have a student visa or what’s also known as Tier 4 visa. In that case, you can actually have a part-time job while you study and work for 20 hours a week!

2. You have to have finished your degree in an eligible university in the UK and have a letter from the university declaring that you got your degree.

3. A post-graduate work permit (or a post-study work visa) is also called a Graduate Route Visa, and it will enable you to legally live and work in the UK.

4. The post-study work visa lasts 2 years, but if you have a Ph.D. degree, it will last 3 years.

5. You’ll be able to get any job you want.

6. As an established employee in the UK, if you’re making more than £30,000 a year, you can extend your visa when it expires. You can then apply for a skilled worker visa (Tier 2), which will boost your visa for 5 more years. After that, you can actually apply again and get a lifetime visa.

Educatly hopes the information about the post-graduate work permit in the UK and in the USA will encourage you to take that step, or at least help you decide where and what to study. With so many opportunities, understanding post-graduate work permits can help you envision a future in one of these countries!

Are you ready to study abroad? Just browse through more than 100,000 diverse programs worldwide, Educatly offers a diverse array of educational opportunities tailored to your interests and career goals.

Signing up is easy! Simply create a profile and explore our extensive database to find the perfect program for you. You can browse more than 39,000 programs in the USA or more than 40,000 programs in the UK and select a suitable program for you!

Whether you're drawn to renowned universities in bustling cities or serene campuses in scenic locations, Educatly ensures you'll find a match that suits your aspirations.

To receive personalized guidance every step of the way, schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced educational advisors. They're dedicated to helping you navigate the application process, understand visa requirements, and secure scholarships or financial aid, ensuring you access top-tier educational opportunities with confidence.