Important Updates
Important Updates
September 25, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaAsharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد
September 26, 2025 | United StatesBusiness Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent
September 26, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Artificial Intelligence Screening Piloted at Border Crossings
September 26, 2025Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Introduced
September 26, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Additional Concession Granted for Individuals With Pending Applications Due to Processing Delays
September 25, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaAsharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد
September 26, 2025 | United StatesBusiness Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent
September 26, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Artificial Intelligence Screening Piloted at Border Crossings
September 26, 2025Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Introduced
September 26, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Additional Concession Granted for Individuals With Pending Applications Due to Processing Delays
September 25, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaAsharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Investing in the UK’s Future Part 2: Evaluating Countries’ Allure for Post-Graduate Employment

February 28, 2024

Post-Graduate

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Olga Nechita Porthole

Olga Nechita

Practice Leader

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 3540 3249

Related industries

  • Academic Institutions, Higher Education and Non-Profit Organizations

Related insights

  • Investing in the UK’s Future Part 1: Retaining International Graduates for Economic Growth

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Olga Nechita Porthole

Olga Nechita

Practice Leader

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 3540 3249

Related industries

  • Academic Institutions, Higher Education and Non-Profit Organizations

Related insights

  • Investing in the UK’s Future Part 1: Retaining International Graduates for Economic Growth

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Olga Nechita Porthole

Olga Nechita

Practice Leader

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 3540 3249

Related industries

  • Academic Institutions, Higher Education and Non-Profit Organizations

Related insights

  • Investing in the UK’s Future Part 1: Retaining International Graduates for Economic Growth

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Olga Nechita, Huma Malik, Elizabeth Collier

The first blog in this series discussed the various visa options the UK offers to graduates. As countries across the world compete to develop a highly skilled and advantageous workforce, the attractiveness of a country’s visa options continues to be a key factor in the socioeconomic advancement of its workforce.

The second blog in the series provides an overview of some visa options offered to graduates in other countries competing with the UK for skilled migrants.

United States

One notable visa option available to students graduating from US universities is the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This program allows graduates to gain practical work experience in their field of study for a specific time, typically up to 12 months.

In certain cases, students in STEM fields may be eligible for an additional 24-month extension. Once in OPT status, a common route to remain in the US is the H-1B specialty occupation visa if they have a job offer with a US employer.

However, the process requires the employer to register in a lottery with an annual cap on the number of visas available. Graduates with a U.S. master’s degree or higher are included in both the regular cap of 65,000 and the advanced degree cap of 20,000. This provision aims to prioritize individuals with higher qualifications, providing a better chance for advanced degree holders to secure an H-1B visa.

In addition, selected graduates can apply for a cap gap extension, which addresses the gap between the expiration of their OPT status and the start date of their H-1B employment.

Canada

Students graduating in Canada can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) valid anywhere between eight months and up to three years. The length of the PGWP is generally granted for the same length of the study program the graduate completed in Canada, and not longer.

Upon completion of their PGWP status, the graduate can apply for a new form of Canadian work permit. Some work permits require a labour market impact assessment (LMIA), whereas others are LMIA exempt.

Whether or not a graduate qualifies for an LMIA exempt work permit depends on a wide range of factors including their country of nationality, job position and duties and work experience. Certain foreign nationals who are citizens of a country with whom Canada has an international trade agreement can obtain LMIA-exempt work permits.

Currently, the most common route to permanent residence (PR) in Canada is through the Express Entry system (this system is used in all the provinces except the Province of Quebec), which allows individuals to express interest in becoming permanent residents.

Express Entry profile applicants receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors including age, work experience (both inside and outside of Canada), education and ability in Canada's official languages. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts a draw and invites applicants to apply for PR approximately every 2 weeks. On each draw, IRCC sets a minimum CRS score and issues Invitations to Apply (ITA) for PR to applicants who meet or exceed that score.

Graduates from Canadian universities may also be eligible to apply for PR through various provincial nomination programs (PNPs).

Each province has its requirements to obtain a nomination certificate, which can then be used to apply for PR at the federal stage. In Ontario, for example, graduates from Canadian universities with a job offer in a skilled occupation who intend to live and work in the province permanently can register an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a nomination certificate.

Canada’s approach to retaining global talent is an exemplary model for other nations, including the UK.

Australia

Graduates from Australian universities may apply for a 485 visa – known as a Temporary Graduate visa – which is designed for graduates who qualify as relevant to an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Under the Graduate Work stream (for applicants who have recently graduated with qualifications relevant to certain occupations), visa holders are permitted to remain in Australia for a further 18 months to gain work experience. This was temporarily increased to 24 months for applications made on or before 2 September 2023.

Under the Post-Study Work stream (for applicants who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution), visa holders are permitted to remain in Australia for between two and four years depending on their qualifications. 

Under both streams, Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders are eligible to stay for up to five years. There is also the 407 Training visa, which allows holders to be nominated by an approved sponsor to complete relevant workplace-based training. 

Most Australian visas under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) scheme are based on a points-based system that considers factors such as the English language, Australian qualifications, occupation demand and work experience.

European Union

When discussing options for recent graduates (who are not EU nationals) in the EU, there is the Students & Researchers Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/801). This directive allows recent graduates to remain in the EU country for a minimum of nine months for job-seeking purposes and/or setting up a business. 

The implementation of this directive differs on national levels, meaning that some Member States could have opted for more favourable treatment of recent graduates.

For instance:

  • Some Member States decided to extend the minimum nine-month period, such as Portugal (12 months), Poland (12 months), Spain (12 months) and Germany (18 months).
  • Some Member States also decided to accept job-search permit applications from student permit holders of other EU countries (with some local conditions applied), such as Portugal, the Czech Republic and Germany.
  • And finally, some Member States foresee facilitations for recent graduates that have found a job, for instance, a reduction of salary thresholds or labour market test requirement waivers, including Austria, the Czech Republic, France and Germany.

Looking ahead

In its 2018 report, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) highlighted the undeniable economic advantages brought by international students to the UK. These benefits encompass contributions to local economies, subsidisation of domestic students’ education and research and the enrichment of university communities.

The UK’s appeal to graduates persists, and as the MAC undertakes another review of the Graduate visa, there is value in drawing inspiration from successful programs implemented by other nations.

Despite the government’s continued emphasis on reducing net migration, bolstering the UK’s capacity to retain highly skilled talent remains crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

Need to know more?

For details or questions related to your options as a graduate, please contact Director Olga Nechita at [email protected], Associate Huma Malik at [email protected] and Immigration Paralegal Elizabeth Collier at [email protected].

This blog was published on 28 February 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Olga Nechita Porthole

Olga Nechita

Practice Leader

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 3540 3249

Related industries

  • Academic Institutions, Higher Education and Non-Profit Organizations

Related insights

  • Investing in the UK’s Future Part 1: Retaining International Graduates for Economic Growth

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Olga Nechita Porthole

Olga Nechita

Practice Leader

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 3540 3249

Related industries

  • Academic Institutions, Higher Education and Non-Profit Organizations

Related insights

  • Investing in the UK’s Future Part 1: Retaining International Graduates for Economic Growth

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Olga Nechita Porthole

Olga Nechita

Practice Leader

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 3540 3249

Related industries

  • Academic Institutions, Higher Education and Non-Profit Organizations

Related insights

  • Investing in the UK’s Future Part 1: Retaining International Graduates for Economic Growth

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know

Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.

Learn more

Media mentions

Reuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Blog post

Visa Applications and Document Services: Avoiding Delays and Ensuring Compliance

Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know

Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.

Learn more

Media mentions

Reuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Blog post

Visa Applications and Document Services: Avoiding Delays and Ensuring Compliance

Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.