Widen your horizon with these post-study regulations

Preparation for college doesn't only include things to do before you get in. You should also prepare for success while at college and for your plans beyond. You need to decide upfront whether you plan on doing a back-to-back Master's or you would like to take a break from college lectures and pick up work. It wouldn't hurt you to know what options await you should you decide to take the latter route. Here's a quick look at the post-study regulations for international students across some of the popular destinations.
UK: The UK has removed its post-study work visa option for international students. But, there is a provision for students to land jobs after their studies. The Tier 4 (General) student visa has an extension of four months after graduation. If you could find a potential employer during this time, the employer does not need to pass the 'Resident Labour Market Test' (RLMT), which essentially means the post must be advertised in a certain way for a minimum period and the employer has to prove that no other settled worker can do the job. They can then hire you on a Tier 2 visa which is the visa for full time employment in the UK. The employer must be licensed to the Home Office and you must be offered a job that pays at least £20,800 per year.
USA: Upon completion of your degree course in the US, you may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), an authorisation for full time work for one year after you finish your final examination. OPT should be in a field related to your major of study. Recent changes to the OPT have just been announced.
International students who graduate with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees may now participate in OPT for a longer duration. First, the extension of 17 months for STEM degree is now further extended to 24 months. So, a STEM student can gain practical training for up to 36 months. 
Second, a student graduating with a Bachelor's degree in STEM can gain three years of experience, and then earn a Master's degree in STEM and work for additional three years before worrying about H1-B visa.
On completion of the OPT, you could apply for the H-1B non-immigrant speciality visa.
Canada: International graduates can obtain a three-year open work permit upon completion of their degree programmes. They could work for any Canadian employer in any industry. However, the programme of study must be for a minimum of two years to be eligible to get a three-year work permit. You don't need to have a job offer when you apply for the work permit.
Australia: The two-year post study work visa allows students to work after they complete their Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degrees. Students who complete diploma qualifications are not eligible for post-study work visa. The duration of the post-study work visa depends on the type of your degree programme. Students who graduate with a bachelor's or master's degree are eligible for a two-year work visa, while students who graduate with a Master's by research are eligible for a three-year, and those with PhD degrees are eligible for a four-year work visa.
Shyamala Elango is Director, Educational Services at Inner Universe. She can be reached at elango.shyamala@inneruniverse.org