United States

• The US attracts many foreign workers annually, but international graduates don’t automatically have work rights after graduation. 
• Applicants must declare they aren’t planning to emigrate during the application process. 
• Post-9/11, the US tightened visa and immigration policies, including a student tax to fund an advanced tracking system. 
• A new internship scheme was introduced in 2007, allowing certain international students to participate in year-long internships for practical training. 

United Kingdom

• In 2006, the UK government allowed post-graduates to stay for 12 months after completing their degree to seek employment. 
• MBA graduates from 50 top business schools can extend their work visa by 3 years. 
• The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme allows skilled graduates to apply for permanent residency since 2005. 
• In 2011, the UK government announced stricter student visa reforms to ensure high-quality students. 

Germany and France

• Germany introduced combined residence and work permits in 2005, allowing international students to stay an additional year after graduation to find employment. 
• In France, students can work part-time (up to 19 hours/week) during their studies with a valid residency permit. 
• After graduation, international students can apply for temporary employment authorization to work with French firms. 🇫🇷

Australia

• Australia allows international students to stay for 18 months after completing an Australian degree. 
• Students can earn points for skilled work experience and English proficiency under the General Skilled Migration Programme (GSM). 
• Since 2007, students need a temporary visa to gain work experience after graduation. 
• Students can no longer stay in Australia post-master’s without reapplying for a specific work sponsorship. 

Canada

• International students don’t need a study visa for courses under 6 months but can work on-campus and off-campus (up to 20 hours/week) with a study permit. 
• The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows graduates to work for up to two years after completing their studies. 
• In 2008, 22% of study permit applications were refused, with higher refusal rates in Africa and the Middle East. 

New Zealand

• No study visa is required for courses under 3 months. 
• Students can work part-time (20 hours/week) during studies if enrolled in courses lasting at least 6 months. 
• Changes in 2007 allowed students to earn points for New Zealand qualifications and two years of full-time study. 
• Students may apply for a work visa for up to two years after completing their studies.