Choose your field, highest qualification and where you are now – we show the step-by-step pathway, the assessing body and the visa options.
Many graduates worry about which country to choose for a Master’s. Here is a simple comparison of the post-study and PR picture (general information, late 2026 – rules change often).
| Country | Master’s length | Post-study work | Path to PR | Things to watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 1.5–2 years | 485 visa – 2 years (Indian nationals up to 3 years for a Master’s under AI-ECTA) | Points-tested 189/190/491, or employer 482 → 186. Clear points system. | Genuine Student test, higher visa fee, choose a course linked to a skilled occupation |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 1 year | Graduate Route – 2 years (announced to reduce to 18 months from 2027) | Skilled Worker visa with sponsor; settlement period proposed to increase | Higher salary thresholds, dependants restricted for most Master’s students |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 1–2 years | PGWP up to 3 years (field-of-study rules for many college programs) | Express Entry / Provincial Nominee – competitive CRS scores | Study permit caps, tighter PGWP eligibility |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 1.5–2 years | OPT 12 months (+24 months for STEM) | H-1B lottery, then employer green card – very long backlogs for Indian nationals | H-1B lottery odds and the new high fee on many H-1B petitions |
Master’s → 485 → work experience, Professional Year, NAATI CCL, regional study → skilled or employer PR.
If you already have experience: skills assessment + strong English (Superior = +20 points) → EOI → 189/190/491.
With an Australian job offer: 482 Skills in Demand → 186 PR after 2 years.
Australia has a transparent points-based PR system. Book a consultation and we will map your best Australian PR pathway.