Is it true that to get a job and settle abroad, one must go through studies with a study visa only?

The idea that you must study abroad on a student visa before you can work and settle overseas is a common misconception. Studying abroad is one pathway - and often a very effective one - but it is not the only legal route to working and building a life in another country. Several direct pathways exist, each with different requirements, timelines, and costs, and your eligibility depends on your skills, work history, and which country you are targeting.

Direct Work and Settlement Pathways Without a Study Visa

Comparing Study Visa Path vs Direct Work Pathway

My Advice

Assess your situation honestly before deciding which pathway suits you. If you have five or more years of professional experience in a field with global demand - software engineering, nursing, civil engineering, data science - direct employer sponsorship or a points-based PR application is often faster and considerably cheaper than returning to university. If you are at the start of your career or want to pivot into a new field where a recognised foreign credential opens doors, the study route adds real value beyond just the immigration benefit. Germany's Job Seeker Visa is particularly worth exploring if you have a technical degree and at least two years of experience - it lets you enter Germany legally, search for work, and transition directly to a work permit without enrolling in any study program.