What are the key post-study work visa eligibility criteria for master's programs in the UK and USA?
24 Sept 2026 · Answered by Swastika Ghosh · 2 min read
Quick Answer
verified
The UK Graduate visa needs a completed eligible degree, a valid Student visa, and an in-country application, giving 2 years for a master's if applied by 31 December 2026. US OPT needs valid F-1 status and one full academic year, giving 12 months, or 36 months for eligible STEM degrees.
The UK and USA use very different post-study work systems, so the eligibility rules you need to satisfy depend heavily on which country your master's is from.
UK Graduate Visa vs US OPT Eligibility
| Country | Route | Core Eligibility | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Graduate visa | Completed eligible degree on a Student visa, apply in-country before it expires | 2 years if applied by 31 Dec 2026, then 18 months |
| USA | Post-completion OPT | Valid F-1 status, at least 1 full academic year, work related to your major | 12 months, or 36 months for eligible STEM degrees |
Sponsorship and Job Flexibility Differences
- No sponsor needed to start: Neither route requires an employer sponsor for the initial post-study permission.
- UK job flexibility: The Graduate visa lets you work in most jobs, unrelated to your degree.
- US job restriction: OPT employment must be directly related to your field of study.
- STEM extension: Only the US offers an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, with extra employer and training requirements.
My Advice
If job flexibility matters most to you, the UK's unsponsored, broad-use Graduate visa is simpler to work with. If you want the longest possible runway, target a STEM-eligible US master's, since the 24-month OPT extension gives you up to 3 years total.
How long can you stay and work after a UK master's?
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