You’ve crossed the finish line, cap in hand. Now comes the question every international graduate asks:
“Where can I stay, work – and maybe settle – without emptying my bank account?”
This 2025 guide puts the three most popular stay-back options head-to-head: the UK’s Graduate Route, Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and Germany’s 18-Month Job-Seeker Residence Permit.
We break down fees, work rights, family perks, and the fastest path to permanent residence (PR).
Quick Compare (2025 Rules)
| Country | Stay-back length | Base application fee* | Extra costs | Spouse work rights? | PR fast-track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | 2 yrs (3 yrs PhD) | £880 | IHS £1 035 / yr → £2 070 total for 2 yrs | Yes (Graduate Dependant) | Switch to Skilled-Worker, ILR in 5 yrs** |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Up to 3 yrs | CAD 255 | Biometrics CAD 85 Medical (≈ CAD 100) |
Yes (Open work permit) | Express Entry (CEC) after 1 yr Canadian work |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 18 mos | €75 visa / €100 residence-permit card | Health-insurance €120-/mo average | Yes (family reunion once job found) | EU Blue Card → Settlement in 21– 33 mos |
*Base fee for main applicant, 2025 rates. **UK government is debating whether to stretch ILR eligibility to 10 yrs, but—per the latest briefing—the Graduate Route itself remains intact.
1 · United Kingdom – Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa)
How long can you stay?
Graduates of UK bachelor’s or master’s degrees get 2 years; PhD holders get 3 years.
What does it cost in 2025?
- Application fee: £880 (online).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1 035 per year → £2 070 for a 2-year Graduate visa.
Work & family rights
You can work for any employer, be self-employed, or switch jobs without Home-Office consent. Spouses and kids already in the UK as Student dependants can extend as Graduate dependants and work full-time.
PR pathway
- Land a job that meets Skilled-Worker salary thresholds.
- Switch to a Skilled-Worker visa before your Graduate visa expires.
- Clock a total of 5 years on Skilled-Worker and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
2 · Canada – Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
How long can you stay?
The PGWP mirrors your study length:
- < 8 months course → Not eligible
- 8 months – < 2 yrs → Permit equals program length
- 2 yrs+ program → 3-year PGWP
If multiple programs add up to 2 years within 2 yrs, you also get 3 yrs.
What does it cost?
- Application fee: CAD 155
- Open-work-permit holder fee: CAD 100
- Total: CAD 255 (≈ ₦290 000)
- Biometrics: CAD 85 if not done within last 10 yrs
Work & family rights
The PGWP is an open permit—no employer sponsorship needed. Your spouse is eligible for an open work permit linked to your PGWP. Kids can attend public school tuition-free.
PR pathway
After 12 months of skilled work (TEER 0-3) you can enter Express Entry → Canadian Experience Class. Recent IRCC levels plans aim to prioritise in-Canada CEC candidates all through 2025 – 2027.
3 · Germany – 18-Month Job-Seeker Residence Permit
How long can you stay?
Graduates of German universities may apply for a Job-Seeker residence permit valid for up to 18 months to find qualified employment.
What does it cost?
- Visa fee (if applying abroad): €75
- Residence-permit card: €100 max for first issue.
- Health insurance: €120–€140 per month for graduates under 30 (public Krankenkasse student tariff).
Work & family rights
While job-hunting you can take any job (even outside your field) to support yourself.
Once you land a qualified role paying the threshold salary (for 2025: €43 760 ≈ 45.3 % of the pension ceiling), you can convert to an EU Blue Card.
Spouses and children may join you after you switch into the Blue Card or Skilled-Worker permit.
PR pathway
- Hold an EU Blue Card for 21 months if you reach B1 German; 33 months with A0–A2.
- Apply for a Settlement Permit (permanent residence).
Cost-of-Stay Snapshot (Single Graduate, 1-Year Horizon)
| Expense Category | UK (₦) | Canada (₦) | Germany (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fees* | ≈ ₦1 620 000 | ≈ ₦290 000 | ≈ ₦160 000 |
| Mandatory health cover | Included in IHS | Provincial (mostly free) | ₦960 000 / yr (≈ €120 × 12) |
| Total first-year outlay | ₦1 620 000 | ₦290 000 | ₦1 120 000 |
*UK fee + two-year IHS; Canada PGWP + biometrics; Germany visa + residence-card issuance.
Which Pathway Fits You?
- Need the lowest upfront cost? Canada wins (CAD 255 vs £2 950+ in the UK).
- Fastest PR? Germany wins if you can hit B1 German (21 mos on Blue Card).
- Highest starter salaries? UK (£28 k+ graduate salaries) > Germany (≈ €38 k) > Canada (≈ CAD 45 k).
- Easiest spouse access? Tie: UK & Canada offer open work rights from day 1.
- Freedom to change jobs? All three allow it, but Canada’s PGWP is completely open; UK requires switch to Skilled-Worker for PR clock.
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FAQs
Can I renew the UK Graduate Route?
No. You must switch into another visa (e.g., Skilled-Worker or Innovator Founder) before it ends.
Does Canada’s PGWP require a job offer?
No. It’s an open permit. You can travel, freelance, or job-hunt without employer paperwork.
Can I learn German after switching to the EU Blue Card?
Yes. Many graduates reach B1 within 18 months via Volkshochschule evening courses (~€270 per level).
Conclusion
Post-study work visas are not created equal.
If budget is king, Canada’s PGWP offers the cheapest runway.
If speed to permanent residence matters, Germany’s 21-month Blue-Card shortcut is unbeatable—as long as you learn German.
The UK still commands the highest median graduate salaries, but its IHS makes the Graduate Route the priciest option.
Crunch your numbers, map your long-term goals, and pick the pathway that turns your new degree into a life-changing career abroad.