You have paid your dues, successfully secured a degree, and all that is on your mind is to make that country where you studied your home. But what comes next? For many international students all over, it will seem the only way to get this to happen is to get an international student work permit. No doubt it is hard to come to under complex terms and all especially with very small limit of time that is given to you. But you really do not have to worry. I will guide you every step of the way in this article
Why Do I Need an International Student Work Permit?
Well, you might be asking this question now let me answer. This type of visa can be very advantageous. This is because it can let you work and study at the same time and even after you have competed your studies. If you a looking for a legal way to be employed in the country that you have studied in. With this method you can also get citizenship after you must have gained some working experience
If in the event that you fail to get the permit after schooling, then you will be tagged as an unlawful worker and resident. You may be deported for this act. This is why you really have to take getting this type of permit very seriously
Types of International Student Work Permit
You will need to understand that the rules of post study work is quite different from one country to another
1. Temporary work visa – Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Canada
For example, let’s take a look at the Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada . This is for students that have graduated from any learning institute in the country. Now, this program will allow you to work in Canada for three years and it depends on the period of the program
Application Fee: CAD $255
You must visit the official webpage for more information
[Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)]
2. Optional Practical Training (OPT) – United States
You absolutely have the edge to be allowed to work for up to 3 years if you are a graduate of a STEM course. Also, you will also need to have an F-1 visa if you are a student from outside countrie. This typically gives you permission to work up to a year
Application Fee: USD $410
Visit here for a very detailed instruction on how to apply [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)]
3. Graduate Route Visa–UK
The Government of the United Kingdom are the sole benefactors of the Graduate Route Visa. The GRV is okey for you if you want to work for one or two years. Although it will depend on if you have done your masters/PHD. You can even work for 3 years if you have a PHD
Application Fee: £715
Healthcare Surcharge: £624 per year
You will have to visit [UK Home Office] for more details
4. Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 – Australia
The Temporary Graduate Visa is provided by Australia for overseas students. With this permit, you will have working rights after you have completed your studies. You can work up to 4 years with this permit and the application Fee is AUD $1,895
Please visit [Australian Department of Home Affairs] to be more clarified on the matter
5. Job-Seeker Visa – Germany
Germany allows one to apply for a job-seeker visa once one finishes with studies and allows one to look for a job for a period of six months in the area of specialization. After being hired, one can be able to change to a working visa.
Application Fee: €75
For official information, visit the [German Federal Foreign Office]
How to Apply for an International Student Work Permit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Research Your Eligibility
It is important to find out the requirements of the particular country for the issuance of a work permit for international students prior to applying. Some key factors to check include:
Graduation status: A common prerequisite for most permits is that you have to have a degree.
Institution type: Some countries only issue work permits to those people who have been trained in accredited institutions.
Program length: You should note that work permits may also depend on the period of study that you intend to undertake.
Language proficiency: The UK, Australia, & some European countries demand evidence of fluency in the official language(s) of those respective nations.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Most international student work permit applications require:
A valid passport.
A copy of your diploma or certificate or a letter from the institution you completed indicating your qualification.
Academic documents such as transcripts, performance, or any other proof.
Any other document that may be required to show that the subject has adequate financial capacity.
Step 3: Check the time your current visa is valid and apply before the time expires.
Timing is everything. It is important you start your application very very fast. Your prerequisites will be based on your eligibility after your have graduated. For some permit, they will require you to continue to stay in the country for some time and while you wait to be processed. Note that you must make your application before your student visa expires.
Step 4: You must proceed to pay the application fee
Generally, most of the work permits for international students bear some processing fee. Here’s a quick recap of the fees:
Canada (PGWP): CAD $255
United States (OPT): USD $410
United Kingdom (Graduate Route): £715 + £624 per year healthcare surcharge
Australia (Subclass 485): AUD $1,895
Germany (Job-Seeker Visa) is Targetted at €75
I want to share with you that the modes of payment usually change at times. Wit this, you have to be vigilant and get enquires from the official website of your host country
Step 5: Apply Online or Apply in Person
You must make sure that you apply online and through the site of the country that you want to work. All your necessary documents must be intact so take them seriously. If you do not take them seriously, your application may be denied or even rejected
Step 6: You Will Have To Wait For Approval
There is no specific time for your application to be processed. It depends on the country you are interested in. It can sometimes take months to get a response
Step 7: Start Working!
I want to leave something with you now. Do not be discouraged when your application takes longer than expected to be answered. I advise you keep asking them for the status of your application. And then again. You have to be extra careful of the agreement you make when you are issued the permit. Take the number of hours you are to work seriously
Typical Problems and Their Solutions
- Delays in Processing
It should be noted that immigration offices frequently experience delays. Go ahead and apply early, and you also can check your status online.
- Incomplete Documentation
Ensure documents or submissions are double cross-checked. Sometimes the documents are not completed or there are missing papers, which is one of the most frequent causes of delay.
- Strict Criteria for Eligibility
If you incurred eligibility problems, then you might be rejected, and the only thing left is to reapply or discover other means of gaining some exposure, like an internship or volunteering while searching for a job.
Ways to Improve Your Approval Probability
- Stay Organized: Always compile your immigration history documents in one file.
- Seek Guidance: To deal with work permit issues, many universities have an international students’ affairs division.
- Meet Deadlines: Failure in any of the deadlines excludes you from applying.
- Follow Instructions: Read every instruction on the application form very carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers Related to the International Student Work Permit
- What is an international student work permit?
An international student work permit is a legal document that enables an international student to work in the country of his or her study.
- When should I apply for the work permit of an international student?
You should apply when you deem yourself ready for the job, which is most likely after the completion of your studies and before the expiry of your student visa.
- What can I do to try and make some money while still waiting for the international student work permit?
Some of the countries have provisions that allow you to work while waiting for your visa to be processed depending on the immigration policies of the country in question.
- If my international student work permit is rejected, then what?
If you have been rejected, then you will need to fix all the errors and fill in the application form again. It is advisable to seek the services of an immigration lawyer to advise you.
- How long does it take to get an international student work permit?
The length of processing differs with nations taking between weeks and months depending on the country. You need to check the current timelines for your host country’s immigration website to get accurate information.
- Can one change jobs with an international student work permit?
This depends on the kind of permit that one wants to acquire. Certain permits can be obtained with specific employers in mind, while there are those that allow the holder to work for any employer of their choice.
- Is an international student work permit a permanent resident permit?
In many cases, yes. If you get a permit that enables you to work in your desired country, your working experience will assist you in procuring residence permits in countries such as Canada, Australia, and Germany.
Call to action
For any international student, trying to obtain a work visa can be a daunting task, but if you’ve got all the necessary information and resources, it’s all possible. This permit is your golden ticket to the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, advance in your career, and obtain permanent residency in a country that has now become your home.
If you are willing to move a step further, the first thing you need to do is to look for the details of the requirements of the country where you are going to study. Don’t wait for the perfect time—don’t wait for the dates or for the missing paperwork.
Need more help? If you are unclear about any of the processes, you should consult either your university’s international office or an immigration attorney to ease the process. You have a future out there—don’t wait to start creating it!
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