Finland's strategy to retain young international graduates
Finland is actively revising its immigration policies to address demographic challenges and secure a continuous flow of skilled professionals. A recent report from Schengen News indicates that Finland is set to offer permanent residency to international students who earn a master's degree within its borders.
The initiative, spearheaded by Employment Minister Arto Satonen, aims to address the issue of only about half of the international students remaining in Finland post-graduation. The government is exploring strategies to retain these graduates.
According to a recent EURES (European Employment Services) report, Finland is experiencing worker shortages across 33 sectors, including healthcare, engineering, IT, catering, construction, and metal processing. Granting permanent residency serves as a compelling incentive for young individuals who would otherwise be required to renew their visas frequently.
Besides holding a Master's degree from a Finnish institution, another prerequisite for obtaining residency is passing a language exam in either Finnish or Swedish, Finland's two official languages. These languages have distinct linguistic roots, with Swedish predominantly spoken in regions adjacent to Sweden, particularly in the west and southwest.
The specific details of the language examination requirements are yet to be outlined.
Germany: From studies to settlement permit
Facing an aging population and a deficit in skilled professionals, particularly in technical fields, Germany has developed a pathway for international students transitioning from education to employment. The policy allows international graduates to extend their residence permit for up to 18 months post-graduation, permitting them to work in any field while seeking job opportunities relevant to their degrees.
Once they secure appropriate employment, the European Blue Card is one avenue to permanent residency. This card can lead to a settlement permit, which is granted for life. Typically, cardholders may receive this permit after 27 months in Germany, provided they have held a highly qualified job and contributed to the pension fund during this time. Additionally, they must demonstrate basic proficiency in the German language. For those with more advanced German language skills (B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), the period required to obtain the settlement permit is reduced to 21 months.
The UK and its 'Graduate Route' visa
In 2021, the United Kingdom introduced the 'Graduate Route' or 'Graduate visa', designed to allow international students to remain in the country for two years after earning a degree and three years for those with doctoral degrees. Similar to Germany's approach, this visa acts as a bridge from studies to employment, providing graduates the time needed to secure a job in their field without requiring prior sponsorship, as other visa types require.
Once employed, graduates can pursue permanent residence after five years of work. However, applicants should be aware of the costs associated with the 'graduate visa', which include a fee of £822 and an annual health surcharge of £1,035.
Healthcare professionals, who are in high demand, might consider the Health and Care Worker visa as an alternative, which offers lower fees and is tailored specifically for individuals in the healthcare sector.
Australia: The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Australia's points-based immigration system, similar to that of Canada, features the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which offers two distinct pathways for international students aiming to extend their stay after graduation:
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is designed for international graduates with skills and qualifications in professions urgently needed in Australia, such as engineering, aviation maintenance, and technical roles in agriculture, as well as in art direction and advertising. Applicants can initially stay for 18 months, with the potential to extend up to five years for Hong Kong and British overseas nationals. This extension aims to facilitate a transition to longer-term residency. A complete list of eligible professions is available on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Targeted at students who have completed a degree at an Australian university, this visa allows a stay of two to three years post-graduation. The degree must be listed on the CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Additionally, there is a "Second Post-higher Education Work Stream" that provides further staying options for those seeking to continue their education or professional development in Australia.
The processing fee for this visa is AUD 1,945, which includes the administrative costs associated with the application. This visa serves as a bridge from education to full-time employment, allowing graduates to contribute to the Australian economy while gaining valuable work experience.
Canada: The Post-Graduation Work Permit and the Express Entry pathways
Like other nations such as Germany and the UK, Canada has developed favorable visa policies to retain international students. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) allows graduates to obtain a work permit for up to three years, with the duration varying based on the level and length of the study program. Further details on eligible qualifications can be found on the relevant government website.
During this period, graduates are free to work in any field, gaining crucial professional experience within Canada. This experience is a significant factor considered by authorities when assessing potential applications for permanent residence, with skilled employment being particularly advantageous.
Additionally, the "Express Entry" program offers three pathways to permanent residency, one of which is the "Canadian Experience Class." This option is available to young graduates who have accumulated at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. Points are awarded based on criteria such as age, education, professional experience, and language proficiency, with additional points for holding a Canadian degree.
The UAE's Golden Visa
The UAE's Golden Visa isn't limited to skilled professionals and investors; it's also accessible to outstanding high school and university students. This visa allows talented students to benefit from a 5-year residency, with the possibility of extending it to 10 years for those enrolled in universities ranked in category A or B by the Ministry of Education, based on exceptional academic results.
Additionally, this opportunity extends to international students who began their studies overseas. If your home university is listed among the top 100 global institutions, you may be eligible for a 10-year residency in the UAE.
To streamline the application and renewal process, the UAE offers an "One Touch Golden Visa Service," enhancing the convenience for applicants.
This initiative is part of the UAE's strategic effort to attract and retain young talent, echoing similar visa schemes found in countries like Malaysia (notably for ASEAN region students), Singapore, and the Netherlands. The stakes in securing global talent remain high, and the UAE is committed to being a competitive player in this arena.
