What are the post-study work visa opportunities in Canada and the USA?

Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), letting you work for up to three years after completing at least eight months of study at a designated learning institution. The PGWP is open, so you can work for any employer, and this experience can help you apply for permanent residency.

In the USA, F-1 visa holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing up to 12 months of work in your field. STEM graduates may qualify for a 24-month extension (total 36 months). After OPT, you may transition to an H-1B work visa if sponsored by an employer.

Canada’s PGWP is typically longer and simpler, while the USA offers a shorter OPT period with a more complex path to long-term work visas.