How long can I work after my MS in the USA, Canada, the UK or Australia?
Post-study work options after an MS typically include up to 36 months of STEM OPT in the USA, up to 3 years of PGWP in Canada, an 18-month post-study work visa in the UK (expected), and 2 to 3 years of post-study work rights in Australia. Check official pages.
After an MS, the typical post-study work period is up to 36 months in the USA (STEM OPT), up to 3 years in Canada, 18 months in the UK (expected from January 2027) and 2 to 3 years in Australia. These periods can change, so check each government page before you plan.
Post-Study Work Options by Country
| Country | Typical post-study work option for MS graduates |
|---|---|
| USA | Up to 36-month STEM OPT for international MS graduates |
| Canada | Up to 3-year PGWP, with immigration-friendly PR pathways |
| UK | 18-month post-study work visa option (expected from January 2027), with globally recognised 1-year MS programmes |
| Australia | 2 to 3 years of post-study work rights for graduates |
Things to Keep in Mind
- The USA figure is tied to STEM programmes, so your course type matters.
- Your actual work period depends on your course, level, institution and visa category.
- Rules change over time, so confirm them on the official immigration pages before the 2027 or 2028 intake.
My Advice
Do not choose a country on the length of work rights alone. Combine it with your course eligibility, costs and job market, and confirm the latest rules for your course on the official government pages.
How long can you stay and work after an Australian master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
More Post-study work questions
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- What are the career prospects in Singapore after completing an MPH at NUS as an Indian student?
- Which Master's programs in Europe would be most suitable for someone with a B.Com (69%) and MBA (70%), given my interest in management-focused roles and lack of extensive work experience?
- Which master's course suits a Supply Chain Management graduate planning to study in Canada?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- Which country is more suitable for a Computer Science master's student who prioritizes lower costs and a strong job market, Germany or Ireland?
- After completing my studies, can I stay back in Ireland and apply for permanent residency for a Master's/Bachelor's?
- Can an Indian student get a job in Germany after a master's without prior work experience, especially with good German skills?
More Australia questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?