Will my professional experience or work during studies affect my chances of getting a post-study work permit or PR in the destination country in Sweden/Latvia?

Yes, your professional experience and work during studies can improve your chances of getting a post-study work permit and, eventually, permanent residency (PR) in both Sweden and Latvia, but the impact varies by country.

- Sweden: After graduation, you can apply for a 12-month residence permit to search for work or start a business. Relevant work experience or internships during your studies can boost your employability and help you secure a job offer within this period. Securing a job is key to moving from a job-seeking permit to a work permit, which is required for PR eligibility (typically after four years of work permits).

- Latvia: There is no dedicated post-study work visa. You must secure a job offer to switch from a student permit to a work-based residence permit. Any work or internships during your studies can make you more attractive to employers and improve your chances of staying and progressing towards PR.

Work experience in your field, such as Computer Science, is especially valuable. However, PR decisions also depend on meeting other requirements like duration of stay and language skills, which are subject to change.