Countries Offering Permanent Residency After Study (2025 Guide)

1. Canada — Offers the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years, which can lead to permanent residency through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
2. Australia — Graduates can apply for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) and transition to skilled permanent residency visas depending on occupation and qualifications.
3. New Zealand — Provides Post-Study Work Visas for 1–3 years; work experience can contribute toward residence under Skilled Migrant categories.
4. Germany — International graduates can apply for an 18-month Job Seeker Visa to find employment and later apply for a residence permit or EU Blue Card, eventually leading to permanent residency.
5. United Kingdom — Graduate visa (18 months) allows staying to work; post-visa employment can support long-term residence through skilled worker visa routes.
6. France — Students can apply for a temporary residence permit after graduation and transition to long-term work permits or the "Carte de résident" after fulfilling criteria.
7. Netherlands — Offers “Orientation Year” visa after graduation, allowing 12 months to find work, after which graduates may qualify for highly skilled migrant residence permits and later permanent residency.
8. Sweden — Students can obtain a 6–12 month residence permit to seek employment, which may lead to a work-based permanent residence permit.