How to Transition to a Work Visa After Graduation in Australia, Canada, New Zealand & Denmark
If you’re an international student who’s just completed your studies, your next goal is likely to stay and work in the country you’ve come to call home. But navigating the shift from a student visa to a work visa can be legally complex — and time-sensitive.
At TM Acquisition, we help graduates across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Denmark smoothly transition into the workforce through the right legal pathways.
Here’s what you need to know.
🇦🇺 Australia – Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
This visa allows recent graduates to stay in Australia and work full-time.
Streams:
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Graduate Work Stream (for diploma-level, trade, or vocational graduates)
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Post-Study Work Stream (for university degree holders)
Requirements:
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Apply within 6 months of completing your course
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Your qualification must be on the Medium to Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
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English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS 6.0+)
Next Step: Use this visa to gain work experience and transition to a skilled visa (Subclass 189/190) or secure employer sponsorship.
🇨🇦 Canada – Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
This open work permit allows graduates to work for any employer in Canada for up to 3 years.
Requirements:
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Must have studied at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
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Program must be at least 8 months long
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Apply within 180 days of receiving transcripts or completion letter
Next Step: Use your Canadian work experience to qualify for Express Entry (CEC stream).
🇳🇿 New Zealand – Post Study Work Visa
New Zealand offers a flexible work visa to eligible graduates based on their qualification and region of study.
Duration: 1 to 3 years, depending on course and level of study
Requirements:
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Must apply within 3 months of student visa expiry
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Job must be relevant to your qualification
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Full-time employment required to maintain visa
Next Step: Use this visa to qualify for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
🇩🇰 Denmark – Establishment Card (Post-Study Work Visa)
Denmark allows graduates to stay and look for work through the Establishment Card.
Requirements:
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Must have completed a full-time higher education degree in Denmark
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Apply within 1 year of graduation
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No job offer required at time of application
Next Step: Once employed, you may be eligible for a Danish work permit under the Fast-Track or Pay Limit Scheme.
💡 Legal Tip:
Don’t wait until your student visa expires. The transition period is strictly time-limited, and missing deadlines can lead to removal from the country or rejection of your next visa.
✅ How TM Acquisition Supports Graduates:
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Visa strategy planning based on your country and qualifications
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Work visa application support
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Employer sponsorship guidance
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Permanent residency pathway advice
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Help with appeals or refusals if your application was denied
🎓 Your Graduation is Just the Beginning
Take control of your future. Let TM Acquisition help you move from education to employment — legally, strategically, and successfully.
