Current Visa and Immigration Policies for Different Countries – What You Need to Know in 2025
Are you planning to study abroad? Once you finish your studies, what happens next? Can you stay back and work? Which countries make it easier for international students to stay and build careers?
In this blog, we will look at the current visa and immigration policies for top study destinations like Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, and Germany in 2025. Let's explore the options you have to stay and work after your studies.
Canada: Pathway to Permanent Residency
Canada is a popular destination for international students, offering the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This visa lets you work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program. What makes Canada even more attractive is its easy route to permanent residency (PR) through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). For 2025, the federal government has further reduced the national target for study permits. Additionally, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is now required for most new study permit applicants at the college and undergraduate levels. This requirement has also been extended to Master's and Doctoral students starting January 22, 2025.
Australia: Focus on Skilled Migration
In 2025, Australia introduced key changes to its post-study and skilled migration pathways. The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) still offers 2–3 years of work rights post-study. Indian STEM and ICT graduates may get extended stays under the AI-ECTA, and regional graduates can earn extra years and PR points. The age limit is now 35 years (with exceptions), and English score requirements have increased (IELTS 6.5 overall, 5.5 per band). The Genuine Student Test has replaced the GTE. Australia’s Skilled Migration Program now includes the new Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), and more occupations are eligible under the expanded CSOL list. With 70% of the 2024–25 Migration Program focused on skilled streams, employer-sponsored and regional visas are prioritized.
United Kingdom: The Graduate Route
The Graduate Route in the UK is a fantastic opportunity for international students. This visa allows you to stay for two years after graduation (three years for PhD graduates). During this time, you can work or start a business. In 2023, the UK issued over 66,000 Graduate Route visas, and this number is expected to grow in 2025. If you secure a job with a Skilled Worker Visa sponsor, you can stay longer and eventually apply for permanent residency.
United States: OPT and STEM Extensions
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students in the United States to stay for 12 months after graduation. STEM graduates can get an additional 24-month extension, allowing them to stay for up to 36 months. While the H-1B Visa remains competitive, the demand for STEM professionals continues to rise. This makes the OPT program a flexible and valuable option for international students looking to stay in the U.S.
Germany: Job-Seeking Visa
Germany offers an 18-month Job-Seeking Visa for graduates. During this time, you can search for a job related to your degree. Once you find employment, you can transition to a long-term work visa or EU Blue Card for skilled workers. Germany continues to attract STEM graduates with its low-cost or tuition-free education at many public universities. This makes Germany a top destination for international students, especially in fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare.
Conclusion
Visa and immigration policies for international students are changing in 2025, making it easier to stay and work after graduation. Whether you are considering Canada’s PGWP, Australia’s regional migration, the UK’s Graduate Route, the USA’s OPT, or Germany’s Job-Seeking Visa, each country offers unique opportunities for career growth.
At Trans Globe, we help you understand these policies and choose the best destination based on your career goals. Start your journey today and secure your future with the right visa and post-study work options.
