How long can I stay back in Germany, France, Ireland, and UK after completing my masters?
After a Master's, you get 18 months in Germany on a Job Seeker Residence Permit, about 12 months in France, 24 months in Ireland under Stamp 1G, and 18 to 24 months in the UK on the Graduate Route Visa, depending on when you apply.
Your post-study stay-back period varies significantly across these four countries. Germany gives you the longest standard window at 18 months, Ireland offers a generous 24 months, France sits around 12 months, and the UK gives you 18 to 24 months depending on exactly when you apply for its Graduate Route Visa.
Post-Study Stay-Back by Country
| Country | Stay-Back Duration | Visa Name |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 18 months | Job Seeker Residence Permit (Section 20) |
| France | About 12 months, up to 2 years in specific circumstances | APS / Passeport Talents graduate pathway |
| Ireland | 24 months | Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) |
| UK | 18 to 24 months (PhD graduates get 3 years) | Graduate Route Visa |
Work Rights on Each Visa
- Germany's permit lets you work any job, full or part time, while you search for a role matching your qualifications, before switching to an EU Blue Card.
- France's APS pathway allows part-time work of roughly 964 hours a year while you job hunt or start a business.
- Ireland's Stamp 1G allows full-time work up to 40 hours a week to gain experience or secure a critical skills permit.
- If you apply for the UK Graduate Route on or before 31 December 2026, you get the full 2-year stay; applications from 1 January 2027 onward get 18 months.
My Advice
If the UK is your target and you are close to graduating, check whether you can submit your Graduate Route application before the 31 December 2026 cutoff to lock in the longer 2-year window rather than the reduced 18 months that follows.
How long can you stay and work after a France master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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