H-1B, PGWP, and Graduate Route — Work Visa Conversion Data 2026
How many Indian graduates successfully convert from student visa to work visa — H-1B approval odds, PGWP grant rates, and Graduate Route conversion data for 2023–26.
Key Insights
USA H-1B lottery approval rate for Indian applicants with advanced degree cap: approximately 35–40% per attempt.
UK Graduate Route grant rate: 93–95% of eligible applicants — near-automatic for qualifying graduates.
Canada PGWP grant rate: 88–92% of applicants who meet length-of-study requirements.
Australia Subclass 485 grant rate: 85–90% for qualifying graduates with CoE and sufficient funds.
Many Indian students need 2–3 H-1B attempts (across 2–3 lottery cycles) before receiving H-1B status.
Work Visa Conversion Rates — Student to Work Status (Indian Applicants)
| Country | Visa | Type | Annual Approvals (est.) | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | H-1B | Lottery (cap 85,000) | ~35–40% per attempt | Bachelor's+ in specialty occupation; employer sponsor |
| USA | OPT/STEM OPT | Automatic post-graduation | 95%+ who apply on time | F-1 student; filed before OPT end date |
| UK | Graduate Route | Non-lottery | 93–95% grant rate | UK degree from licensed sponsor; enrolled 12+ months |
| Canada | PGWP | Non-lottery | 88–92% grant rate | Full-time study; program 8+ months; graduated |
| Australia | Subclass 485 | Non-lottery | 85–90% grant rate | Australian degree; under 50 age; English met |
| Germany | Job Seeker Visa | Non-lottery | 85%+ grant rate | German degree; sufficient funds for 18 months |
Source: USCIS H-1B Cap Data 2024; UKVI Graduate Route Statistics 2024; IRCC PGWP Data 2024
USA H-1B Success Rate Over Multiple Lottery Attempts
| Attempts | Cumulative Success Rate | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 attempt | 35–40% | Year 1 post-OPT |
| 2 attempts | 58–64% | Year 1–2 post-OPT |
| 3 attempts | 73–78% | Year 2–3 post-OPT |
| 4 attempts | 84–87% | Year 3–4 post-OPT (requires STEM OPT) |
| Never selected | 13–16% | Must transition to another visa/country |
Source: USCIS H-1B Lottery Statistics 2022–2024; EduVed analysis
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Analysis & Insights
The H-1B lottery's 35–40% per attempt rate means approximately 22% of Indian F-1 STEM graduates who rely solely on H-1B never receive it — even after 3 attempts on STEM OPT. This is the primary driver of the 'USA to Canada' migration pattern among Indian tech professionals.
UK Graduate Route's near-automatic 93–95% grant rate makes it the most reliable transition. The challenge is not the Graduate Route itself but the subsequent Skilled Worker visa switch — which requires a job offer above minimum salary threshold from a licensed sponsor.
PGWP's 88–92% grant rate and open-work nature (any employer, any occupation) makes it the most flexible post-study work option globally. Combined with Express Entry, Canadian post-study paths are both reliable and PR-leading.
Sources & Methodology
- 1USCIS H-1B Cap Count 2024
- 2UKVI Graduate Route Visa Statistics 2024
- 3IRCC Post-Graduation Work Permit Statistics 2024
- 4Australian Home Affairs Subclass 485 Data 2024
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