Visa sponsorship by country

The Skilled Worker visa lets non-UK nationals work in the UK with a job offer from an approved sponsor. Applicants need a Certificate of Sponsorship, the job must be on the eligible occupation list, and it must meet minimum salary requirements.

Skilled Worker visas can last up to five years and may lead to permanent residence.

International graduates can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for skilled employment. After securing a qualified job and meeting salary thresholds, they may obtain an EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals.

The Blue Card lasts up to four years, allows travel within the Schengen Area, and offers a path to permanent settlement (often after ~21–27 months depending on language).

Ireland's economy hosts global tech, pharmaceutical, and financial firms. The Critical Skills Employment Permit targets high-demand occupations and offers a pathway to permanent residency.

Graduates of Irish universities can stay up to two years on the Third Level Graduate Program before obtaining an employment permit. Salary thresholds and eligible occupation lists apply.

The orientation year (zoekjaar) visa lets graduates of Dutch universities (and certain post-master programmes) live and work freely for up to 12 months.

It provides flexibility to try roles or start a business and can lead to longer-term permits such as the Highly Skilled Migrant visa.

Professionals typically work on an Employment Pass, which requires a job offer, a qualifying salary (around SGD 5,600/month in 2026, rising in 2027), and enough points under the COMPASS system.

Mid-skilled roles use the S Pass, and entrepreneurs may qualify for the EntrePass.

International graduates may get a Post-Study Work Visa for up to three years. From 16 November 2026, graduates of NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualifications not eligible for that visa can apply for a 6-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, within 3 months of their student visa expiring.

To stay longer, applicants typically need a skilled job offer and may later apply for the points-based Skilled Migrant Category residence pathway.

Through Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Worker Program selects candidates for permanent residence based on education, work experience, language skills, and other factors.

Applicants generally need at least one year of skilled work experience within the past 10 years, must meet language and education requirements, and are ranked via a points system.

The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who do not require state or employer sponsorship.

To qualify, candidates need an occupation on the skilled occupation list, a positive skills assessment, an invitation to apply, and a qualifying points-test score.