There are nine countries which provide post-study work opportunities and clear pathways to permanent residency (PR).
By examining these top PR-friendly destinations and following the practical steps, international students can navigate the path to permanent residency more effectively and easily, ensuring a smooth transition from academic life to a stable and fulfilling career abroad.
They can also leverage the opportunity to remain in their dream countries and make big things out of life.
Nairametrics has explored the top nine destinations for ambitious international students.
Countries offering PR after graduation
Canada
Streamlined PR Pathways: Canada’s well-established immigration system includes the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which offers PR pathways to international students. Points are awarded based on factors such as Canadian work experience, education, and language proficiency, making it a top choice for those looking to stay post-graduation.
Another one is the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, which is a merit-based immigration program. This works for skilled workers who have work experience and want to become permanent residents. To qualify, you need to be educated, skilled and have good knowledge of English or French.
There is also the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which are meant for applicants who have some kind of connection to a province, including previous studies completed within the province. You have an advantage if you have gained work experience in the province.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) provides a good opportunity for students who have completed their programs of study or are within six months of completing their studies at an institution in Quebec. It also applies for foreign workers who are 18 years and above and are legally resident in the province.. Interested persons must show proofs of study or work and can speak French.
Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW), may be an option for international students in Quebec who have completed or are in the process of completing an educational credential in Quebec. Interested persons are to apply to the government of the province for Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec [CSQ]). The Province of Quebec will assess you, using its own rules and a certificate will be given to qualified persons, who will be allowed to become permanent residents.
A post-graduation work permit is another pathway which allows most international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) to remain in Canada after their period of study and work with any employer in Canada.
Australia
Under the SkillSelect model, the Department of Home Affairs invites skilled workers to apply for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) based on the claims presented in their expression of interest (EOI) .
The applicant must satisfy most criteria specified in the points test at the time of invitation.
The Skillselect system is points based, with applicants receiving points for criteria ranging from age (44 maximum) to work experience. Applicants must score a minimum of 60 points for their visa to be granted.
Applicants can try the free online Australian General Skilled Migration points test to see if you score enough points for your visa.
New Zealand
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa: New Zealand offers the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa, a points-based system that considers work experience, qualifications, and age. This visa allows international graduates to live and work in New Zealand, paving the way for permanent visa.
International students can apply for this visa if they currently work or have job offers from accredited employers and score six points. They will need to submit expression of interest (EOI) forms. If it is accepted, then they can be invited to apply.
Applicants should be not more than 55 years. Applying for this visa costs NZD $4290 ($2,627).
Germany
Job Seeker Visa for Graduates: Germany’s robust economy and shortage of skilled workers create excellent opportunities for international graduates. The Job Seeker Visa allows students to stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation to find employment, facilitating the transition to permanent residency.
You’re eligible for a Germany job seeker visa if you hold a Nigerian passport and you meet the following conditions:
- You have completed a training course or a study program in Germany.
- You have received a degree in Nigeria that is equivalent to one in Germany.
- You have a degree that is recognised in Germany.
- You have at least five years of professional or academic experience.
- You can prove that you have enough financial resources to cover expenses while in Germany.
- You have completed vocational training and can show proof of German language.
Sweden
Residence Permit for Work: Sweden provides a residence permit for work reasons. After living and working in Sweden for four years, international students can apply for permanent residency, making it an attractive destination for long-term career growth.
To obtain a work permit, you must have an employment in Sweden. You must have an employment contract that you must enclose with your application and your employer must have advertised the job in Sweden and the EU/EEA and Switzerland for at least 10 days before the employment contract was entered into.
To obtain a work permit you must
- have an employment contract (if the employment contract is in a language other than English or Swedish, it must be translated. A copy of the original document must also be attached)
- have a valid passport
- have terms of employment that are at least on par with those set by Swedish collective agreements or which are customary within the occupation or industry
- have an employment that enables you to achieve a good income. This means that you must have a monthly salary that amounts to at least 80 percent of the median salary published by Statistics Sweden (SCB) and which was valid at the time of application.
- Interested persons are to apply to the country’s immigration.
Netherlands
Knowledge Migrant Visa: The Netherlands offers a knowledge migrant visa for highly skilled workers, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. International students with relevant qualifications can take advantage of this visa to secure permanent residency after their studies.
A highly skilled migrant is a highly trained professional who comes to work and live in the Netherlands. For example a physician in training(guest) or lecturer(scientific) researcher. For highly skilled migrants a wage requirement applies.
There are certain conditions that apply to everyone. In addition, employers must have to meet the following
- Have an employment contract with an employee or research institution in the Netherlands. Recognised employers are listed in the Public Register of Recognised Sponsors
- you must prove that you are going to earn sufficient income
- the agreed wage must be in accordance with market conditions.
If you wish to stay in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant, you will require a provisional residence permit (MVV) or/and a residence permit.
In order to apply for a residence permit for a highly skilled migrant, the employer must be recognised by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) as a sponsor.
Denmark
Work-Based Residence Permit: Denmark’s system allows international graduates to apply for a residency permit for work reasons. After living and working in Denmark for a few years, students can become eligible for permanent residency, ensuring a smooth transition from study to work.
You can apply for a Danish work visa online via SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration).
You can apply yourself or grant Power of Attorney to your employer to submit the application on your behalf. Here is the step-by-step work visa application process:
- Choose a Denmark work visa scheme.
- Create a case order ID.
- Pay the Denmark work visa fee.
- Compile the Denmark work visa document checklist.
- Submit the application.
- Take your biometrics.
- Wait for a response.
The Pay Limit Scheme is another scheme designed for high-income individuals who earn DKK 448,000 (appx. €60,180) per year or higher.
For individuals who have job offers for professions experiencing shortage of qualified professionals in Denmark (engineers, doctors and medical consultants, auditors, etc.), the list is updated twice a year, January 1st and July 1st.
Also, the fast track scheme is for individuals who have offers from a company certified by SIRI. This scheme offers faster and easier recruitment for foreign employees with special qualifications, a quick job start, and flexible permit.
France
Temporary Residence and Talent Visa: France provides a temporary residence permit for recent graduates. This can be converted to a work permit upon securing a job.
Additionally, the talent visa is available for highly skilled workers in specific sectors, offering a pathway to permanent residency.
The multi-year “passeport talent” residence permit was created to help foreign employees and self-employed persons develop France’s economic attractiveness. Applicants’ employment contract and stay in France must exceed three months to be eligible. It will allow them to stay for a maximum of four years commencing on the date of their arrival in France.
Your family members may also accompany you and will be issued with multi-year residence permits. This permit will authorise your spouse and any children entering into their 18th year to work. In the three months following your arrival in France, you and your family must visit your local police station in France to request a multi-year residence permit corresponding to your situation.
Singapore
Start-up Visa Programmes: Singapore’s Global Investor Programme and Start-up Visa Programme cater to entrepreneurs and investors. International students interested in starting businesses can use these programmes to gain permanent residency.
In general, it is essential for students to gain relevant work experience in the host countries to significantly boost their PR application. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable references.
Hence, students can attend industry events, join student organizations, and connect with professionals in their fields. Staying informed about immigration is also important as policies can change frequently.
Others have good academic records which can enhance their profile for both job opportunities and PR applications. Also, students can participate in research or projects related to their fields.
It is also important to note that some countries offer additional PR points or easier pathways for those willing to live and work in regional or less-populated areas. Therefore, these options can be explored.
The key features of the pass are as follows:
- Flexibility to start and operate a business in Singapore.
- Availability of passes for eligible family members.
- No foreign worker levy or quota required.
Also, the EntrePass is open to all nationalities/citizenships.
You can apply for an EntrePass if you meet both conditions:
- Have started, or intend to start a private limited company that is:
- Registered with ACRA (Pass holder must hold at least 30% of registered company
