Top 5 Countries Offering PR (Permanent Residency) After Study
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Looking to study abroad and get PR after graduation? Some countries make it easy for international students to stay, work, and apply for permanent residency. Find out the top 5 countries offering PR after study and how you can plan your journey!
Many Indian students want to go abroad not only for education but also to live there after studying. That’s why getting PR after studying is very important. Some countries give a good chance to apply for permanent residency after finishing your degree.
If you are planning to study abroad, it is smart to choose a country that also gives easy PR options after graduation. Countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Sweden are known for giving PR to international students after studying and working.
These countries offer post-study work visas, and after working for some time, you can apply for permanent residency. This guide will help you know about the top countries offering PR after study, what are the basic rules are, and how you can apply step by step.
- Top 5 Countries Offering PR After Study
- PR in Canada
- PR in Australia
- Permanent Residency in New Zealand
- Permanent Residency in Germany
- PR in Sweden
Top 5 Countries Offering PR After Study
| Country |
Post-Study Work Visa Duration |
Work Experience Needed for PR |
Average PR Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada |
Up to 3 years (PGWP) |
1 year (full-time, skilled job) |
6–12 months |
| Australia |
2 to 4 years (485 visa) |
1–2 years (depends on visa type) |
6–18 months |
| New Zealand |
1 to 3 years (Post-study work visa) |
2 years (skilled employment) |
4–9 months |
| Germany |
18 months after graduation |
2 years (relevant job) |
6–12 months |
| Sweden |
1 year (to search for jobs) |
4 years (work + residence) |
12–18 months |
PR in Canada
Canada is one of the top 5 countries that offer the easiest permanent residency for international students after their studies. With a per capita income of $53,431 and a globally admired work-life balance, Canada is globally known for its easy and simple PR.
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From 7 July 2025, international applicants need to pay CAD 15,263 (INR 9.55 Lakhs) to apply for a PR in Canada.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
International students can stay and work after completing their studies in Canada for up to 3 years through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This work experience helps students to increase their chances of faster PR in the country and also improves their profile in the Express Entry pool.
Express Entry System (FSW, CEC)
The Express Entry system is Canada’s flagship immigration pathway for skilled workers. It includes:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
PNPs allow Canadian provinces to nominate candidates for PR based on local labour market needs. Applicants can either:
- Apply directly to a province
- Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) through Express Entry
Processing Time and Success Rate
The average processing time for a Canadian PR application is around 6 months via Express Entry. For other pathways:
- Canadian Experience Class: 20 months
- Provincial Nominees: 12 months
- Federal Skilled Workers: 30 months
- Federal Skilled Trades: 63 months
Candidates can improve their chances of getting a PR in Canada through a valid Canadian job offer, CLB 7 or above in IELTS, valid proof of funds, high CRS scores, and early planning.
Also Check: Minimum IELTS score for PR in Canada in 2025
PR in Australia
Australia uses a points-based system to offer Permanent Residency (PR). Candidates need at least 65 points to be eligible for an Australian permanent residency. Points are given for age, English test scores (IELTS/PTE), education, and work experience. The higher your points, the better your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. Students can check their score using the Australia PR points calculator.
Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485
Candidates who have studied in Australia for at least 2 years can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This will allow students to work in Australia for 2 to 4 years. However, an Australian Subclass 485 does not guarantee PR.
PR Pathways – Subclass 189, 190 & 491 Visas
Here are the 3 common PR visa options:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa)
SkillSelect and Occupation List
To start the Australian PR process, you must create a profile in SkillSelect to submit the Expression of Interest (EOI). You must select a job from the Skilled Occupation List that matches your skills. Then you wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The Australian PR visa processing time varies by visa type, usually between 6 to 12 months. Take IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL and aim for a high band score (CLB 7 or more).
Also Read: Minimum PTE Score Required for Australia PR in 2025
Permanent Residency in New Zealand
After finishing your studies in New Zealand, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa. There are two types:
- Open Work Visa: This visa is valid for up to 3 years.
- Employer-Assisted Work Visa: This is valid for 2 years, but you must apply within 3 months after your student visa ends.
Pathway to PR via Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the most common way to apply for PR in New Zealand. You first need to create an Expression of Interest (EOI) and submit it online. If you meet the required PR points, you may get an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Requirements for PR in New Zealand:
- Be 55 years or younger
- Have good English
- Be in good health and character
- Have skilled work experience
Also Read: How to get PR in New Zealand after Study?
Points System and Expression of Interest (EOI)
New Zealand has a points system to check who is eligible for PR. You get points based on:
- Job/Employability: 60 points if working for over 1 year in a skilled job
- Work Experience: 10 to 30 points depending on years
- Education: 50 points for a Bachelor’s, 55 for a Master’s, or PhD
- Age: 30 points for age 20–29
Students need a minimum of 160 points to be selected from the pool.
Work Experience and Income Threshold
One can increase their chances of getting a PR in New Zealand through:
- Try to get a job related to your studies
- Work for at least 1 year in a skilled job
- Your income should meet the required threshold set by New Zealand Immigration
Also Read: Post Study Work Visa New Zealand for Indian Students
Permanent Residency in Germany
After you finish your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Germany, students can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa. This visa allows students to stay in Germany to search for a job related to their studies. Students can also work in different part-time jobs while staying on their 18-month job-seeking visa.
EU Blue Card to PR Pathway
The EU Blue Card is a special work visa for skilled workers. It helps you apply for PR (Permanent Residency) faster. If your job meets the salary requirement (around €45,300/year, lower for STEM) and you have a B1 German level, you can apply for PR in just 21 months.
PR Requirements in Germany
To get a PR in Germany, you must:
- Have a degree from a German university
- Get a job in your field
- Have a stable income and pay into pension insurance for 2+ years
- Show B1 level German language (for fast PR)
- Have valid health insurance
- Show your rental agreement
- Be of good character (no criminal issues)
Also Check: Permanent Residency (PR) in Germany
Settlement Permit Timelines
Here’s how long you need to wait before applying for PR:
| Category |
PR Time |
|---|---|
| General Foreign Workers |
After 5 years |
| German University Graduates |
After 2 years of job |
| EU Blue Card Holders |
After 33 months |
| EU Blue Card + B1 German |
After 21 months |
PR Options for STEM & Engineering Students
If you are a student of STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), your chances of PR are better. Jobs in these fields are in high demand in Germany, and the salary threshold is lower for Blue Card eligibility.
Also Read: Post Study Work Visa Germany: Duration, Fees, How To Get
PR in Sweden
If you study in Sweden and then get a job after graduation, you can apply to stay longer with a work permit. After you live and work in Sweden for 4 years, you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR).
Steps to Apply for PR in Sweden
- Stay in Sweden for 5 years: You must live in Sweden for 5 continuous years. Time as a student counts only if you also had a valid student visa during this period.
- Collect important documents: Prepare all your documents, such as:
- Educational transcripts
- Letter of recommendation (LORs)
- Proof of financial stability
- Proof that you stayed in Sweden continuously
- Passport & residence permits
- Apply online: Go to the Swedish Migration website and fill the PR application form.
- Pay the application fee: After submitting your form, you need to pay the standard PR fee.
- Attend a personal interview: Visit your local migration office in Sweden and give an interview as part of the process.
- Wait for the decision: After the interview, wait for the migration agency to process your PR application. It can take some weeks or months.
- Get your PR card: If your PR is approved, you will get a residence permit card. This card lets you live and work in Sweden permanently.
Students are aware of the best country with easier PR, and they are one inch closer to settling in top world countries to experience a better work-life balance, global recognition, and high salaries. With all details related to PR requirements in the top countries mentioned, candidates should make an informed decision before choosing their destination abroad.
Canada and Australia are best for PR after study. Both countries have clear rules, good job options, and post-study work visas. If you study a course in demand and get a job, you have a strong chance for PR.
Canada is the easiest country to get PR. After finishing studies and getting a job, you can apply through Express Entry. It's simple if your profile matches the points system. New Zealand is also easy if you meet the job and income needs.
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Canada gives PR easily after study. If you study in Canada and do a full-time job for 1 year, you can apply for Permanent Residency through Express Entry or PNP. You also need a good IELTS score and enough savings.