Work and post-study options
Guidance only. Visa and immigration decisions are made by each government. Last reviewed: pending verification.
United Kingdom
Part-time work limits apply on a student visa. After study, the Graduate route and Skilled Worker visa have their own eligibility rules.
How work routes usually work
- Check the work conditions printed on your visa. They depend on your course level.
- Keep full-time study as your main purpose, and never work in roles your visa does not allow.
- Near the end of your course, check Graduate route eligibility on GOV.UK.
- For longer-term work, look at Skilled Worker routes that need an eligible employer and role.
Keep in mind
- Graduate route is not guaranteed and its rules can change
- Skilled Worker needs an employer sponsor
- Placement years and breaks have special conditions
Canada
Work while studying is conditional. A post-graduation work permit depends on programme and institution. No guarantee of PR.
How work routes usually work
- Read the work conditions on your study permit before you take any job.
- Work only within the allowed hours and only while you are actively studying.
- Before you choose a programme, confirm it is eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
- Apply for the permit within the deadline after your programme ends.
Keep in mind
- Rules and hour limits change, so check IRCC often
- Some programmes and institutions are not eligible for a post-graduation work permit
- Permanent residence is a separate process with no guarantee
USA
On-campus work, CPT and OPT/STEM OPT have limits that depend on your degree and status. Employer sponsorship is separate.
How work routes usually work
- Start with on-campus work rules and talk to your school's international student office (DSO).
- Use CPT only when your programme allows it and your DSO authorises it.
- Plan OPT, and STEM OPT if your degree qualifies, with your DSO before graduation.
- Longer-term work depends on employer sponsorship and current immigration rules.
Keep in mind
- Never start work before authorisation is in place
- STEM OPT depends on your degree field
- Employer sponsorship is not guaranteed
UAE
Employment needs a valid work permit and an employer. Student status alone does not allow work.
How work routes usually work
- Ask your institution whether part-time work or internships are allowed for your visa type.
- Make sure any employer arranges the correct permit before you start.
- Build skills and network during your programme through internships linked to your course.
- After graduation, an employer decides on a work visa for a role.
Keep in mind
- Rules differ between emirates and free zones
- Student status does not give work rights
- Check the official UAE portal for current permit types
Australia
Work limits apply while studying. The Temporary Graduate visa has eligibility conditions and is not a path to PR by itself.
How work routes usually work
- Check the work hour limits on your visa grant before you accept a job.
- Keep your attendance and course progress on track to stay compliant.
- Near the end of your course, check Temporary Graduate visa eligibility.
- If your occupation needs it, plan a skills assessment early.
Keep in mind
- Breaking work conditions can put your visa at risk
- Skills demand differs by state and territory
- Migration rules are separate and change often
Singapore
Student status does not give unrestricted work rights. Employment Pass and S Pass are set by MOM with eligibility criteria.
How work routes usually work
- Read your institution's rules on part-time work and internships before applying for any job.
- Work only if your pass and school both allow it.
- After graduation, an employer must apply for a work pass such as Employment Pass or S Pass.
- Check MOM criteria for your qualification and salary level.
Keep in mind
- No guarantee of a work pass after study
- Criteria are set by MOM and can change
- Internships need approval where required
Admission or graduation does not guarantee a visa, work permit, permanent residency or a job. Ayaan Education provides guidance only.
