Work After Study: UK, Canada, USA, Australia Compared

Graduate visa: 18 months from Jan 1, 2027

Canada

PGWP if program and school are eligible

USA

OPT, plus 24 months STEM OPT

Australia

Check Home Affairs for current options

Quick Answer

The UK Graduate visa shrinks from 2 years to 18 months for applications from January 1, 2027. Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit if your program and school are eligible, with a language level of CLB 7 for degrees and CLB 5 for college programs. The USA offers OPT, and STEM OPT adds 24 months for eligible STEM graduates. For Australia, check Home Affairs for current options.

Why post-study work matters

For many Nepali students, the right to work after graduating decides which country they choose, because it affects how quickly you can recover your costs and build experience. The rules are different in each country and they change often, so use the official page for the year you will graduate, not the year you apply.

UK: the Graduate visa

The UK Graduate visa lets eligible students stay and work after finishing their course. It shrinks from 2 years to 18 months for applications from January 1, 2027, according to GOV.UK. Read our full guide to the UK Graduate visa change to plan around the date.

Canada: the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit if your program and school are eligible. The language level is CLB 7 for degree programs and CLB 5 for college programs, according to IRCC. Check that your program is eligible before you accept an offer. See our guide to Canada costs, GIC and PGWP.

USA: OPT and STEM OPT

Optional Practical Training (OPT) lets you work in your field after graduation. You can file from 90 days before to 60 days after your program end date, and STEM OPT adds 24 months for eligible STEM graduates, according to Study in the States and USCIS. Ask your designated school official (DSO) about timing. See our F-1 interview and OPT guide and H-1B lottery guide.

Australia: check Home Affairs

Australia has post-study work options for eligible graduates, but the details depend on your qualification and change often. We do not state a duration here because we have not verified the current rule for 2026. Check the Home Affairs site for the visa that applies to you and read our Australia guide.

How to use this when you choose a country

Decide which option matters most: length, flexibility or a route to staying longer.
Check that your specific course qualifies (PGWP and STEM OPT depend on the program).
Compare the visa costs in our visa cost comparison.
Read the destination page: UK, USA, Canada or Australia.

For help choosing, see the top education consultancies in Nepal.

Sources

Checked in October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm on the official site when you apply. For help with your own application, talk to our counseling team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the UK Graduate visa from 2027?

The UK Graduate visa shrinks from 2 years to 18 months for applications from January 1, 2027, according to GOV.UK.

Who can get a Canada PGWP?

You need an eligible program at an eligible school. The language level is CLB 7 for degree programs and CLB 5 for college programs, according to IRCC.

When can I apply for US OPT?

You can file from 90 days before to 60 days after your program end date. Ask your designated school official about timing.

How much extra time does STEM OPT give?

STEM OPT adds 24 months for eligible STEM graduates, on top of standard OPT.

What is the post-study work visa in Australia?

It depends on your qualification and changes often. We have not verified the current duration, so check the Home Affairs site for your course.