Can students apply for a job seeker or work permit visa in countries like the UK or Germany after studying?
Yes, students can apply for post-study work permits in both the UK and Germany after completing their studies.
- UK: After finishing a qualifying degree, you can apply for the Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay and work for up to 2 years if you apply by December 31, 2026 (or 18 months if applying from January 1, 2027). This visa lets you work in any job without employer sponsorship during this period.
- Germany: After graduation, you can apply for an 18-month Job Seeker Visa to find employment related to your degree. During this time, you may work in any job to support yourself. Once you secure a relevant job, you can apply for a work residence permit or EU Blue Card, which can lead to permanent residency.
Both countries require you to apply before your student visa expires and meet criteria like proof of financial means and valid health insurance. LeapScholar can assist you with the application process and planning.
Still have doubts?
Speak to a LeapScholar expert — free, no obligations.
More Post-study work questions
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- Can you explain the difference between Germany and Ireland regarding dependent visas and family stay for a PhD?
- Are golden visas available after education, and what are the eligibility criteria in UAE for a Master's/PhD?
- How does the show money requirement work for Australia visa applications?
- Will I be eligible for a post-study work permit after completing my master's degree in history in USA?
- How much money do I need to show for the visa process in Poland?
- What are the alternative plans if my education or visa application does not go as expected for a Diploma?
- Can you suggest courses from Canada, and what is the visa process and required documents for Canada?
More Germany questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- Is the USA the best country option for my AI or data science master's program, or should I consider other countries in UK/Canada?
- What scholarships are available for Cybersecurity Master's programs in UK universities?
- Which universities in the UK offer MS Accounting & Finance for a B.Tech Computer Engineering graduate and ₹40 lakhs budget?
