✅ Post-Study Work Checklist
Your comprehensive checklist for navigating post-study work visas and international career transitions
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Complete Post-Study Work Checklist
This comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to know and do for your post-study work journey. Use it to track your progress, stay organized, and ensure you don't miss any important steps or deadlines.
Planning Phase
- • Research destinations
- • Understand visa options
- • Prepare documentation
- • Budget planning
Application Phase
- • Submit visa applications
- • Job search activities
- • Medical examinations
- • Background checks
Settlement Phase
- • Immigration formalities
- • Accommodation setup
- • Banking and insurance
- • Local registration
🎓 Pre-Graduation Checklist (6-12 Months Before)
Academic Documentation
Required Documents:
- ✅ Official degree certificate
- ✅ Academic transcripts
- ✅ Course descriptions
- ✅ GPA/grading system explanation
- ✅ Diploma supplement (if available)
- ✅ Official translations
Verification Steps:
- ✅ Verify degree recognition
- ✅ Apostille/certification for international use
- ✅ Multiple certified copies
- ✅ Digital scans for online applications
- ✅ Store originals securely
Destination Research
Country Selection:
- ✅ Research 3-5 target countries
- ✅ Compare visa options and requirements
- ✅ Evaluate job market conditions
- ✅ Assess cost of living
- ✅ Consider cultural fit
- ✅ Check language requirements
Visa Research:
- ✅ Understand eligibility criteria
- ✅ Identify required documents
- ✅ Check processing times
- ✅ Calculate total costs
- ✅ Research success rates
- ✅ Identify application deadlines
Personal Preparation
CV & Resume:
- ✅ Prepare international CV format
- ✅ Get professional CV review
- ✅ Prepare cover letter templates
- ✅ Create LinkedIn profile
- ✅ Prepare portfolio/website
- ✅ Get professional headshots
Language Preparation:
- ✅ Assess language requirements
- ✅ Take language proficiency tests
- ✅ Prepare for language interviews
- ✅ Practice business language
- ✅ Consider language courses
📝 Application Phase Checklist (3-6 Months Before)
Financial Preparation
Banking & Finance:
- ✅ Proof of financial means
- ✅ Bank statements (3-6 months)
- ✅ Scholarship/grant documentation
- ✅ Budget for visa fees
- ✅ Emergency fund planning
- ✅ Cost of living research
Insurance:
- ✅ Health insurance requirements
- ✅ Private health insurance policy
- ✅ Travel insurance
- ✅ Insurance documentation
- ✅ Coverage verification
Job Search Preparation
Online Presence:
- ✅ Professional LinkedIn profile
- ✅ Personal website/portfolio
- ✅ GitHub profile (for tech)
- ✅ Professional email address
- ✅ Online CV/resume
Networking:
- ✅ Join professional groups
- ✅ Attend industry events
- ✅ Connect with alumni abroad
- ✅ Research company cultures
- ✅ Prepare elevator pitch
Visa Application Documents
Personal Documents:
- ✅ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✅ Birth certificate
- ✅ Police clearance certificate
- ✅ Medical certificate
- ✅ Passport photos
- ✅ Visa application forms
Supporting Documents:
- ✅ Accommodation proof
- ✅ Employment contract (if required)
- ✅ Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- ✅ Child documents (if applicable)
- ✅ Power of attorney (if needed)
✈️ Post-Approval Checklist (1-3 Months After)
Arrival & Registration
Immigration:
- ✅ Register with immigration authorities
- ✅ Apply for residence permit card
- ✅ Report address changes
- ✅ Register with local police
- ✅ Apply for social security number
Medical & Health:
- ✅ Register with healthcare system
- ✅ Find local doctor
- ✅ Update vaccination records
- ✅ Arrange dental care
- ✅ Understand emergency services
Banking & Finance
Banking Setup:
- ✅ Open local bank account
- ✅ Transfer funds internationally
- ✅ Set up direct deposit
- ✅ Get debit/credit cards
- ✅ Understand banking fees
Taxes & Insurance:
- ✅ Register for tax purposes
- ✅ Understand tax obligations
- ✅ Set up health insurance
- ✅ Arrange car insurance (if needed)
- ✅ Understand social benefits
Accommodation & Daily Life
Housing:
- ✅ Find temporary accommodation
- ✅ Secure long-term housing
- ✅ Set up utilities
- ✅ Get internet/phone service
- ✅ Register address officially
Daily Essentials:
- ✅ Get local SIM card
- ✅ Learn public transportation
- ✅ Find grocery stores
- ✅ Locate pharmacies
- ✅ Join local community groups
🌍 Country-Specific Checklists
🇨🇦 Canada - Express Entry
- ✅ Valid passport and travel documents
- ✅ Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- ✅ Language test results (IELTS/TEF)
- ✅ Proof of work experience
- ✅ Police clearance certificate
- ✅ Medical examination
- ✅ Proof of settlement funds
- ✅ Job offer (if applicable)
🇬🇧 UK - Graduate Route Visa
- ✅ UK degree certificate
- ✅ Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate
- ✅ Proof of English language ability
- ✅ Financial means (£1,334/month)
- ✅ Tuberculosis test results
- ✅ Criminal record certificate
- ✅ BRP card collection
🇺🇸 US - F-1 OPT
- ✅ Form I-765 application
- ✅ Form I-983 training plan (for STEM)
- ✅ SEVIS fee payment
- ✅ Current F-1 visa
- ✅ Degree completion verification
- ✅ Employer E-Verify enrollment
- ✅ Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
🇦🇺 Australia - PSWR
- ✅ Skills assessment (if required)
- ✅ Health insurance (OSHC)
- ✅ Police clearance certificate
- ✅ Medical examination
- ✅ Proof of English proficiency
- ✅ Academic transcripts
- ✅ Passport with visa
🇩🇪 Germany - Job Seeker Visa
- ✅ University degree certificate
- ✅ Proof of financial means (€11,208/year)
- ✅ Health insurance coverage
- ✅ Accommodation proof
- ✅ Police clearance certificate
- ✅ Medical certificate
- ✅ Visa application form
🇸🇬 Singapore - Employment Pass
- ✅ Job offer with S$3,000+ salary
- ✅ Degree qualification
- ✅ Employment Pass application by employer
- ✅ Personal particulars form
- ✅ Medical examination
- ✅ Police clearance certificate
- ✅ Passport copy
📥 Download Your Checklist
📋
Complete Post-Study Work Checklist
Download our comprehensive PDF checklist to track your progress and ensure you don't miss any important steps.
Free download • Updated regularly • 50+ pages of guidance
📊 Track Your Progress
Planning Phase
Research destinations
Gather academic documents
Prepare CV/resume
Research visa options
Application Phase
Submit visa applications
Prepare financial documents
Complete medical exams
Secure job offers
Settlement Phase
Complete immigration formalities
Set up banking
Find accommodation
Register locally
What's Your Next Step?
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Regular Updates: Immigration requirements change frequently - always check official sources
- • Professional Advice: Consider consulting immigration experts for complex cases
- • Documentation: Keep multiple copies of all documents and store them securely
- • Deadlines: Many visa applications have strict deadlines - plan accordingly
- • Costs: Factor in all costs including visa fees, medical exams, and translations
- • Backup Plans: Have contingency plans in case your primary application is delayed