United News of Bangladesh

The tallest and tiniest living dogs, according to Guinness World Records, recently had a playdate — and despite their extreme size difference, it played out like a typical dog park hangout, full of sniffing, tail wags, and playful running around. Reginald, a 7-year-old Great Dane from Idaho, and Pearl, a 4-year-old chihuahua from Florida, hold official records as the world’s tallest and shortest dogs. While Reginald, also known as Reggie, stands over 3 feet tall (3 feet 3 inches or 1 meter), Pearl is just 3.59 inches (9.14 cm) tall — about the size of an apple. Despite the staggering contrast in stature, the two bonded with ease. Pearl comes from a line of record-holding chihuahuas. Her late aunt, Millie, also held the title of the world’s shortest dog before passing away in 2020. Both Pearl and Millie weighed just one ounce at birth. “I never imagined I’d have another dog break the same record,” said Vanesa Semler, Pearl’s owner from Orlando, Florida. Guinness organized the two-day meet-up in Idaho Falls, where Reggie lives. Although Pearl has a fondness for dogs of all sizes, Semler admitted she was nervous due to Reginald’s towering presence. “To my surprise, Reggie was just like Pearl — but in giant form,” she said. “He’s incredibly gentle and friendly.” Reginald seemed more intrigued by the film crew than Pearl herself, according to his owner, Sam Johnson Reiss. “He’s a people dog more than a dog’s dog,” Reiss said. Reggie approached Pearl with caution, showing an awareness of her tiny frame. “He was careful not to step on her. He was alert and a little unsure.” Reggie’s remarkable height was evident from a young age — even at 9 months, he was taller than adult Great Danes at the dog park. Although the two dogs had minor disagreements over toys and beds, they eventually enjoyed exploring the Idaho farm together. “I think Pearl made a great new friend,” Semler said. Pearl, a true diva at heart, even chooses her outfits each day by placing a paw on her preferred clothes — something Semler says helps when media outlets request interviews. “She’s always been our diva. Now, she’s everyone’s diva.” But Pearl isn’t the only one with a flair for drama. Reiss admits that Reggie can be just as fussy. “He’s got diva tendencies too,” Reiss said. “Reggie’s cheeky, mischievous, and he definitely knows how to get what he wants.”

Financial markets are volatile. Consumer confidence is at its lowest level in five years. Economists say recession risks are rising. It all adds up to financial uncertainty for a lot of Americans. Roughly half of U.S. adults say that President Trump's trade policies will increase prices “a lot," according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center of Public Affairs Research. And about half of Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about the possibility of the U.S. economy going into a recession in the next few months. Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial planning app, says it's a period of uncertainty for everyone, including experts. “No one has a crystal ball. No one, even the people that do this professionally and have done it very successfully for many years, know what’s going to happen,” he said. If you're worried about how economic uncertainty might affect you, here are some expert recommendations: Take stock of your finances The first step to preparing for uncertain financial times is knowing your starting point, Watson said. Look at your budget or your debit card expenses so you can understand how much you spend every month. “Take stock of where you are across a number of different categories,” Watson said. Looking at the state of your savings and investments can also provide you with an idea of your overall financial health. Find where you can cut back The more nonessential expenses you can pause, the more you can save for an emergency. “Your choice is really to cut now or cut later, so it's easier to cut now and have a cushion,” Watson said. If you're having difficulty finding where to cut back, Jim Weil, managing partner at Private Vista, a financial planning firm, recommends that you divide your expenses into three buckets: needs, wants and wishes. Wishes are larger expenses that can be postponed, such as a vacation to Europe. For the time being, cut back expenses from the wishes section until you feel like your finances are in a good place. Take care of your mental health Between news about tariffs and job losses, you might feel your anxiety rising. So, it's important that you protect your mental health while also caring about your finances, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate at Credit Karma. Sometimes, reading too much news that can affect your finances can become overbearing and create more stress than you need. “It's good practice to stay informed but you don't want to let the news cycle consume you,” Alev said. If you find yourself feeling high levels of stress or anxiety when it comes to your finances, it's best to contact a professional who can assist you, such as a financial therapist. If looking for regular mental health services, most health insurance covers some type of mental health assistance. If you don't have health insurance, you can look for sliding-scale therapists around the country, including through FindTreatment.gov and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America directory. Focus on what you can control Rather than worrying too much on the economics of the entire country, Alev recommends that you focus on the aspects of your personal life that you can control in order to feel more confident in case there is a recession. “Identify any changes that you might need to make to have more of a safety net in place that could give you confidence,” Alev said. Things you can control include budgeting, creating an emergency fund and cutting unnecessary expenses. Create an emergency fund Whether you are worried about your job security or the high prices of goods, it's best that you sit down and reassess your budget to create an emergency fund. An emergency fund can feel unattainable if finances are already difficult, but having even a small amount of cash saved can make the difference, Alev said. Ideally, your emergency fund should amount to three to six months of expenses. Weil recommends you start thinking about any special commitments that you might have in the next year or two, such as college tuition or moving. If you are planning for a large financial commitment in the near future, Weil recommends that you plan to build a larger emergency fund. Do monthly finance check-ins Alev recommends regularly adjusting your budget to keep your financial goals on track. Monthly budget check-ins can help identify when you are overspending or if your needs change. “A budget is only as good as it is to help you actually make decisions, so don't be afraid to update and adapt your budget as the months go by,” Alev said. Choose which type of debt to tackle first Many Americans struggle with debt, whether it's credit card debt or student loan debt, which limits their ability to save. But, if you want to create an emergency fund while also tackling your debt, it will take some prioritization. “I would think about different kinds of debt differently," Weil said, adding that you can place debt in three buckets: short-, medium- and long-term debt. Weil recommends that you prioritize paying off high-interest debt such as your credit card. By making extra payments or paying over the minimum payment, you will be able to pay it off quicker. Student loan debt and long-term debt such as a mortgage can be tackled with more modest payments while you focus on creating an emergency fund. If you have credit card debt and you can't make too much progress in paying it down, Alev recommends you try to eliminate or reduce the amount of credit you use. Don't panic about your investments While the stock market has had some bad days, it's best that you are not reactive to the market. If you have investments, especially in retirement vehicles such as your 401(k), it's best not to make rushed decisions, Alev said. “You really want to try not to panic. It can be unnerving but most likely, you should have time to make that up,” she added. If you're closer to retirement, Alev recommends that you look into more conservative investments.

After spending six months aboard China’s space station, three Chinese astronauts safely returned to Earth on Wednesday. Their landing capsule made a gradual descent using a red-and-white parachute and touched down in Dongfeng, located in northern Inner Mongolia near the Gobi Desert. The return was postponed by a day due to poor weather conditions, including strong winds and limited visibility, which are common during the spring sandstorm season in the region. Astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze had been stationed at the Tiangong space station since their launch in October. On Tuesday, they officially handed over operations of the station to a newly arrived crew. Amazon launches its first internet satellites to compete against SpaceX's Starlinks The Shenzhou 20 spacecraft, which delivered the new crew, also brought scientific equipment for research in space life sciences, microgravity physics, and technological advancements for the space station. Tiangong, meaning “Heavenly Palace,” represents China’s growing role in global space exploration. Constructed entirely by China following its exclusion from the International Space Station over U.S. national security concerns, the station enables long-term scientific research in orbit. Operated by the People’s Liberation Army, the Chinese space program continues to expand. During their mission, the astronauts contributed to the station's development and research activities. Notably, Cai and Song completed a record-setting nine-hour spacewalk, according to China's space agency. China’s ambitions in space are rapidly advancing. The country has already deployed a rover on Mars and landed a probe on the moon's far side. It plans to send astronauts to the moon before 2030.  

Witje, a 4-month-old gray seal, glides effortlessly through his new habitat, occasionally stopping to look through a viewing window at onlookers. Orphaned and brought in with a swollen flipper and eye injury, he now lives at the newly opened World Heritage Center (WEC) in Lauwersoog, a seal rescue and rehabilitation facility in northern Netherlands. The WEC replaces the long-established Pieterburen Seal Center, which opened in 1971. The new facility, built at a cost of over €40 million (around $45 million), is better equipped and located closer to the Wadden Sea — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — which provides a more natural environment for the seals. Curator Sander van Dijk says the center treats around 200 seals each year, many of them orphaned pups or animals injured by human activity, such as entanglement in fishing nets or boat collisions. “We’ve seen a steady increase in seals caught in marine debris over the past 15 years,” he noted. Witje now swims in seawater, rather than tap water, to better mimic his natural habitat and aid healing, as saltwater helps wounds close more quickly. The WEC can care for about 70 seals at once and includes 12 intensive-care units for severely injured animals. These specialized enclosures limit swimming to help seals rest and reduce the risk of infection through frequent cleaning. The facility is not just a rescue center — it also serves as an educational hub. Visitors can learn about the Wadden Sea, the world’s largest uninterrupted tidal flat system, which spans the coastlines of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. Currently home to 10 seals, the WEC offers panoramic views of the sea. Staff hope Witje will soon be healthy enough to return to the wild.

In 2024, more Chinese adults turned to digital formats for reading, with a noticeable rise in the use of mobile phones and audio platforms, according to a national survey on reading habits. The survey, conducted by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication, was presented at the Fourth National Conference on Reading in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. Findings show that 78.7% of adults read digital content on their phones, and 38.5% listened to audiobooks — both figures representing year-on-year increases. In 2023, on average, adults in China read 4.79 physical books and 3.5 e-books, with both numbers rising compared to the previous year. Sun Shoushan, head of the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association, noted that advancements in digital technology and supportive policies have fueled growth in both the scale and reach of digital reading in the country. He added that digital reading has become a regular part of daily life in China, evolving from a niche activity into a widespread habit, with a diverse reading ecosystem now catering to all age groups and settings. Another report from the conference revealed that digital reading users in China reached 670 million in 2024, a 17.52% increase from the previous year. China's digital reading market also saw strong financial growth, with revenue reaching 66.14 billion yuan (approximately 9 billion USD), up 16.65% compared to 2023.

Thousands have gathered in New Mexico for a vibrant celebration of Native American and Indigenous culture, as the annual Gathering of Nations powwow gets underway. Touted as the largest event of its kind in North America, the festival began Friday with a striking grand entry, where dancers in colorful, bell-adorned regalia made their way into the arena at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, moving in time with powerful drumbeats. The multi-day event brings together performers, artisans, and musicians from Indigenous communities around the world. Highlights include the selection of Miss Indian World and majestic horse parades, where riders are judged on their connection with their horses and the craftsmanship of their traditional attire, including beadwork and feathered headdresses. Powwow roots Powwows are a relatively modern phenomenon that emerged in the 1800s as the U.S. government seized land from tribes throughout the Northern and Southern Plains. Forced migrations and upheaval during this period resulted in intertribal solidarity among Plains people and those from the southern prairies of Canada. Alliances were formed, giving way to the exchange of songs and dances during gatherings between different tribes. In the decades that followed, powwows were advertised to pioneers heading westward as “authentic” Native American dance shows. For some, it was an exploitation of their cultures. Assassin’s Creed Mirage partners with Shangri La museum for historic exhibit The word powwow was derived from pau wau, an Algonquian Narrtick word for “medicine man,” according to the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Scholars say English settlers misused the word to refer to the meetings of medicine men and later to any kind of Native American gathering. Today, some of the large powwows like the Gathering of Nations have become more commercialized events that use dancing and drumming competitions with big prize money to provide a glimpse into Indigenous cultures. Reconnecting with culture At ceremonial dances, participants wear traditional regalia specific to their tribe, whereas powwow attire often is more contemporary and flashy with sequins and sparkles. It's about dressing to impress the judges, said Warren Queton, a Kiowa Tribe legislator and adjunct instructor at the University of Oklahoma who has participated in community dancing and cultural events since he was a boy. Queton, who served as the head gourd dancer at the university's recent spring powwow, said ceremonial dances are deeply rooted in community, identity and cultural values. It's a struggle to keep traditional cultural practices and commercial powwows from being lumped into the same category, he said. They have very different meanings in Native American and Indigenous cultures. There has been a focus on promoting smaller powwows held in tribal communities. Queton said these gatherings serve as a way for people who live elsewhere to return home and reconnect with their families and the land, and to share traditions with younger generations. “Knowing where you come from, your land, your oral traditions, your language, but also values and traits — that can only be learned from a community,” he said. “That’s why those smaller dances are so important because people learn those community values. They’re all a part of our identity.” Capturing good energy There still are elements of tradition woven in to modern powwows. Competitors wear feathered bustles, buckskin dresses, fringed shawls and beaded head and hair pieces. Some of the elaborate outfits are hand-stitched designs that can take months to complete. The sounds, movements and emotions that radiate from the dancing are challenging to capture on canvas. But Cochiti Pueblo painter Mateo Romero did just that when he partnered with the U.S. Postal Service to create a series of powwow stamps to be unveiled Friday during Gathering of Nations. Powerfully hypnotic, atavistic and somatic is how the artist describes the dancing. One of his pieces depicts what is known as a fancy shawl dance with its dips, pivots, hops and twirls. Each tassel on the shawl flows and flips, accentuating the dancer's movements. Romero said he used color, thick and thin paint and soft and hard edges along with photographic elements to create something that feels alive, embedded with feeling and bright pops of color. Romero called it a huge honor to transform powwow culture into a postage stamp filled with “good energy.” “I look at it as a sort of vehicle to express this sentiment, the energy, the celebration, the vibration, the beauty of it,” he said. “It’s the power of it.”  

A devastating coral bleaching event, the most widespread and severe ever recorded, has now affected 84% of the world’s coral reefs, according to a report released Wednesday by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). This marks the fourth global bleaching crisis since 1998, and it has now surpassed the previous record from 2014–2017, which impacted about two-thirds of reefs. The current event, which began in 2023, is fueled by rising ocean temperatures, and experts are unsure when it will end. Mark Eakin, executive secretary of the International Coral Reef Society and former NOAA coral monitoring chief, warned that ocean temperatures may never fall below the level that causes global bleaching again. “This is reshaping our planet and threatening the oceans’ ability to support life and human livelihoods,” Eakin said. 2023 was the hottest year on record for Earth, with much of that heat absorbed by oceans. Sea surface temperatures in non-polar regions reached an average of 20.87°C (69.57°F), a dangerous level for coral survival. Coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the sea,” are vital to marine biodiversity, supporting around 25% of all marine life. They also play a key role in food supply, tourism, and protecting coastlines. Bleaching occurs when high temperatures stress corals, causing them to expel the algae that give them color and nutrients. This leaves behind a white skeleton, leaving the coral vulnerable and often leading to death. The bleaching has become so extreme that NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch had to expand its alert system to track the increasing threat to coral survival. Restoration efforts are underway. In the Netherlands, researchers are growing coral fragments in labs, including samples from the Seychelles, to eventually help restore wild reefs. In Florida, similar projects aim to rehabilitate heat-stressed coral and return them to the sea. However, scientists stress that these efforts alone are not enough. The primary solution, they say, is to cut greenhouse gas emissions—mainly carbon dioxide and methane—from burning fossil fuels. “The only real way to protect coral reefs is to tackle climate change directly,” Eakin emphasized. “Otherwise, everything else is just a temporary fix.” Melanie McField, co-chair of the Caribbean Steering Committee for the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, added that public awareness and action are crucial. “Doing nothing is a death sentence for coral reefs,” she warned. The report comes amid controversial policy shifts in the U.S., where President Donald Trump’s administration has pushed to expand fossil fuel use and scale back clean energy initiatives. Eakin criticized these moves, saying, “Rolling back environmental protections will have catastrophic effects on ecosystems like coral reefs.”

Spring allergy season has returned, bringing discomfort to millions of Americans with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. The intensity of your allergy symptoms depends on where you live, what specific pollens you’re sensitive to, and your daily habits. Experts say climate change is contributing to longer and more intense allergy seasons. However, treatments have also become more advanced and effective in recent years. Here’s expert advice for managing allergies so you can still enjoy the outdoors: Cities With the Worst Allergy Conditions in 2024Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks the toughest cities for allergy sufferers based on pollen counts, use of allergy medications, and availability of specialists. The top five for this year are: Wichita, Kansas New Orleans, Louisiana Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Tulsa, Oklahoma Memphis, Tennessee Types of Pollen That Trigger AllergiesThere are three main sources of pollen allergies: Tree pollen (early spring) Grass pollen (late spring and early summer) Weed pollen (late summer to fall) Trees like birch, cedar, oak, maple, and walnut are frequent offenders, while common grasses include Bermuda, ryegrass, Johnson grass, and Kentucky bluegrass. How to Monitor Pollen LevelsYou can track pollen in your area using tools from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, which provides daily counts via its website and email alerts. Tips to Reduce Pollen ExposureThe most effective way to manage allergies is to limit your exposure: Keep windows shut at home and in the car. Wear long sleeves outdoors to keep pollen off your skin. Change clothes and shower after being outside to remove pollen from your body and hair. Cover your hair with a hat or scarf if you can’t wash it daily. Avoid getting into bed with clothes worn outside. Rinsing your nose and eyes with saline can help flush out pollen. Also, face masks (like those used during the COVID-19 pandemic) can block some allergens—though they won’t protect your eyes. Managing Allergy SymptomsNasal sprays sold over the counter are often the most effective treatment, but they need to be used correctly. Dr. Kathleen Mays recommends aiming the spray toward your ear rather than directly up the nose to avoid irritation. Oral antihistamines such as Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec can also help, although they might take longer to work. If your symptoms are significantly interfering with daily life—affecting sleep or concentration—seeing an allergist for more specialized treatment, like immunotherapy, may be beneficial. Some popular home remedies, like eating local honey, aren’t effective for allergy relief. According to Dr. Shyam Joshi, honey doesn’t expose you to the airborne pollen that actually causes allergic reactions. Is Allergy Season Getting Worse?Yes. Due to climate change, winters are warmer and plants have longer growing seasons, which means pollen is in the air for extended periods. In some areas, pollen counts have hit record highs. For instance, the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Center reported a count of over 14,000 pollen grains per cubic meter in late March—a level considered extremely high.

Vultures tend to have a bad reputation. Commonly seen as unattractive and associated with death, they're often among the least appreciated animals. But conservationists in Africa are working to shift that perception. They're highlighting the crucial role vultures play in the environment—along with their economic value—to help protect these endangered birds. A recent BirdLife International report estimates that vultures contribute $1.8 billion annually to ecosystems in southern Africa. This surprising figure reflects their essential work in cleaning up carcasses, controlling pests, and supporting anti-poaching efforts. “They might not be the most attractive or popular animals, but they’re incredibly important,” said Fadzai Matsvimbo, extinction prevention coordinator at BirdLife International. This report comes at a critical time—six out of 11 African vulture species are classified as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In some regions, populations have plummeted by nearly 90%, Matsvimbo noted. By raising awareness through the report, conservationists hope both the public and decision-makers will begin to understand vultures’ ecological value. The research focused on Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, where vultures were shown to quickly clean up carcasses, helping prevent disease and reducing pests like rats and stray dogs, benefiting local communities. Vultures also have powerful digestive systems that allow them to consume harmful bacteria and toxins—including anthrax and botulism—that would be lethal to other animals. This week alone, over 50 hippos reportedly died from suspected anthrax in a Congolese reserve, underscoring the vulture’s unique ecological role. “Vultures are nature’s top-tier sanitation workers,” said Matsvimbo. She also pointed to India’s vulture population collapse, which triggered a public health crisis. A study found that half a million people in India may have died due to the resulting rise in infections. In Africa, vultures are also valuable to wildlife rangers, acting as indicators of dead animals and helping track poaching activity. They’ve even helped farmers locate lost or injured livestock. As scavengers that feed only on dead animals, vultures are especially vulnerable to poisoning—either deliberately by poachers or accidentally from pest control efforts. One poisoned carcass can kill hundreds of vultures. Other threats include power line collisions and killings tied to superstitions. Some believe vultures have clairvoyant abilities, leading to the use of their body parts in traditional medicine, especially their heads. Kerri Wolter, CEO of the South African-based VulPro vulture rehab center, works to rescue and release injured birds. She says vultures’ sharp eyesight and keen instincts have led to beliefs that they can predict death. “Our mission is to shift perceptions,” said Wolter. “We want people to see vultures and think, 'wow, that’s an amazing creature.’” Both Wolter and Matsvimbo blame pop culture for contributing to vultures’ bad image. Hollywood often portrays them as evil, Wolter said—comparing it to the negative impact Jaws had on public opinion of sharks. “I love The Lion King, but every time vultures show up, it breaks my heart,” said Matsvimbo. “They’re always the villains. I’ve got a bone to pick with those filmmakers—no pun intended.”

Securing permanent residency (PR) is a significant milestone for international students aiming to build a stable and prosperous future abroad. It offers long-term benefits such as job security, access to social services, and the freedom to live without visa restrictions. As global education becomes a pathway to migration, students are increasingly choosing countries that provide clear PR opportunities. Let’s explore the top five destinations where education opens doors to permanent residency. Top 5 Countries Offering Smooth Transition from Student Visa to PR . New Zealand The structured migration pathway in New Zealand allows graduates to transition from student status to skilled professionals, eventually leading to PR. The first critical step after completing studies in New Zealand is the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV). This visa is available to those who have held a student visa and recently completed an eligible qualification. The duration can be extended up to three years, depending on the level and duration of the qualification studied within the country. Holders of a degree-level 7 or above qualification- studied full-time for at least 30 weeks- are permitted to work for any employer in any job. Conversely, graduates with a non-degree level 7 or below qualification must secure employment that is directly related to their field of study. To qualify, the programme must have been pursued full-time in New Zealand for its full duration and appear on the green list roles. Read more: Study in New Zealand: Application process, cost for international students The list link:https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/working-in-nz/qualifications-for-work/green-list-occupations This visa can be granted only once, making the application process critical. It must be submitted within three months of the student visa's expiry. There are exceptions: doctoral graduates are allowed six months, and those transitioning from an eligible qualification to a higher-level but ineligible programme may have up to twelve months post-completion of the first qualification to apply. The visa application processing time is efficient, with 80% of applications processed within three weeks. Additional benefits include provisions for immediate family members. Partners of PSWV holders can apply for a work visa, and dependent children may study as domestic students without paying international fees. Read more: 10 Cheapest UK Universities for Non-EU, International Students For those aspiring to transition from temporary to permanent residence, employment in roles listed on New Zealand’s Green List becomes highly advantageous. This list identifies occupations in demand, divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories, offering two residency pathways: Straight to Residence Visa: Available to individuals working in a Tier 1 Green List role for an accredited employer. This visa grants indefinite stay, with 80% of applications processed within six months. Work to Residence Visa: Designed for individuals employed in a Tier 2 Green List role for at least 24 months under an accredited employer. This visa also permits an indefinite stay.The journey culminates with a Permanent Resident Visa, which may be obtained after holding a Resident Visa for a minimum of two years. Applicants must meet all conditions attached to their current Resident Visa and demonstrate a commitment to New Zealand. One common pathway to prove this is having spent at least 184 days in the country during each of the two preceding years before applying. This stay does not need to be continuous. Processing for Permanent Resident Visa applications is efficient as well, with 80% completed within two weeks. Further details on resident visa conditions are outlined here:   https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/already-have-a-visa/your-visa-conditions/check-your-visas-conditions/resident-visa-conditions Ireland This European country promises a route for international students seeking PR after completing their education. The system begins with the Third Level Graduate Scheme. It is designed to support non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) graduates in transitioning from study to skilled employment. This post-study work visa applies to those who have successfully completed a qualification at Level 8 or Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications from a recognised Irish awarding institution. Read more: Study in Ireland: Application process, cost for international students Graduates holding a Level 8 qualification are granted a 12-month stay, enabling them to remain in the country legally while seeking graduate-level employment. Meanwhile, those with a Level 9 or higher qualification may also receive an initial 12-month permission, with the total student permission capped at seven years. Two key employment permit options are available under this framework: General Employment Permit Critical Skills Employment Permit, which has replaced the earlier Green Card permit model.The Critical Skills Employment Permit targets sectors facing significant skill shortages. Roles listed under this category are regarded as high-demand and are designed to encourage long-term residency by offering a more direct pathway to permanent status. Applicants must submit their employment permit applications at least 12 weeks before their intended start date. The current list of eligible occupations can be accessed here: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/employment-permit-eligibility/highly-skilled-eligible-occupations-list/ Holders of the Critical Skills Employment Permit are entitled to apply for permission to live and work in Ireland without requiring a further employment permit once the initial permit period has been completed. This is typically recorded under Stamp 4, which signifies permission to remain and work without additional conditions. Long-term residency becomes a viable option after five years (60 months) of legal residence in Ireland. It is designated as an employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). To apply, applicants must present documented evidence of continuous legal residence based on employment permit conditions. This status must be confirmed by immigration stamps in the passport or expired Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards. Importantly, only the periods covered by valid stamps or IRP cards are considered; gaps without such documentation are excluded from the calculation. Successful applicants receive a confirmation letter from Immigration Service Delivery. This official permission allows the individual to reside and work in Ireland for an additional five years without needing to reapply for a work permit. Finland A welcoming post-study pathway awaits graduates in this Nordic nation, where foreign students are given a practical opportunity after completing their academic commitments. Those who have earned a degree or completed research in the country may apply for a two-year residence permit to look for work or to establish a business. This post-graduation permit supports graduates who don’t yet have a job. It also applicable for those who doesn't meet the financial requirements for a work-based residence permit. Read more: Higher Studies in Finland For Bangladeshi Students: Admission, Visa, Scholarship, and Costs The flexibility of the system allows graduates or researchers to apply for this residence permit within five years from the expiry of their previous student or research permit. During this period, work-based residence permit applicants must have a job or successful business. It markes a pivotal step towards long-term settlement. Two types of permits categorize this phase: the A permit (continuous) and the B permit (temporary). Graduates issued with an A permit enjoy a broader set of rights, including the eligibility to apply for a municipality of residence through the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. This classification plays a significant role in enabling access to local services and formal civic integration. Progressing toward PR is structured yet achievable. To qualify, an applicant must have held a continuous residence permit (A permit) for four uninterrupted years. Temporary permits (B permits) are not counted towards this required duration. Additionally, applicants must have lived in the country for at least two years during this four-year period, ensuring not only legal residence but also meaningful integration into the society. Read more: Finland ranked again the world’s happiest country in 2025: What’s the secret A crucial requirement is the continuity of permits. Gaps between A permits, even brief, disrupt eligibility. Therefore, those aiming for PR must remain vigilant about permit renewals and application deadlines. Applying for a permanent residence permit must also occur before the expiration of the current residence status. If the permit has already lapsed, eligibility for permanent residence is lost. Any new application filed from abroad will be treated as a first-time residence permit, incurring the relevant fee and processing time. Denmark International graduates emerging from a Danish higher education institution have the opportunity to apply for a residence permit. Students at any level- bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD can apply for this three years permit to seek employment within the country. This transitional phase is specifically tailored for international students who wish to explore career opportunities upon completing their studies. The application process for this permit can take up to eight months. It is essential that applicants maintain their Danish address and refrain from residing abroad for more than six consecutive months. Read more: Study in Denmark: Costs, opportunities for international students However, an exception is made for individuals who were enrolled in international programmes such as Erasmus Mundus, Erasmus+, Nordic Master, or who completed a PhD in Denmark. These groups retain their residence rights even if they relocate temporarily or give up their Danish address, granting them greater flexibility during their post-study phase. In addition to the job-seeking permission, graduates are provided with a limited work permit. This allows them to take on part-time employment of up to 90 hours per month between September and May. During the summer months of June, July, and August, they are permitted to work full-time. This arrangement supports a balanced transition between academic life and professional engagement while searching for a longer-term role. Aspiring residents may also work toward a permanent residence permit, typically granted after eight years of continuous legal stay under a temporary residence permit. For some applicants who meet certain exceptional conditions, the required period may be reduced to four years. In all cases, the applicant must be employed at the time of the final decision regarding their PR. Read more: Study in South Korea: Admission, Visa, Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for International Students To fast-track eligibility, candidates must meet at least two out of four supplementary criteria: Passing the Danish Language Test 3, demonstrating strong language integration.  Maintaining four years of employment, reflecting long-term economic contribution.  Either passing the active citizen exam or engaging in activities that show civic participation.  Earning a minimum average annual income of DKK 331,249.35 over the past two years (based on the 2025 threshold). The figure amounts to BDT 5,894,772.76 as per exchange rate of DKK 1 = BDT 17.80. All applications- whether for a new permit, extension, or PR- must be submitted before the current permit expires. For extensions, applicants can initiate the process up to three months in advance, ensuring a seamless transition and uninterrupted legal status within the country. Italy Foreign students aiming to build a long-term career in Italy often find themselves considering a post-study pathway that leads to PR as well as employment. One such option allows students who complete their higher education in Italy to remain in the country on a Job-Seeking Visa. This permit grants them up to 12 months to explore job opportunities following graduation. Read more: Higher Studies in Italy: Application Process, Costs, Student Visa, Scholarships, and Benefits To initiate this process, it's essential to apply for the permit before the student visa expires. The application must be submitted to the Immigration Office, complete with all required documentation. Processing time typically ranges from 60 to 90 days, during which the applicant can legally reside in the country. Once a job is secured, the residence permit may be converted into a work permit. It extends the right to stay for two years, with the option for renewal. A unique aspect of this system lies in the ‘in quota’ and ‘extra quota’ visa classifications. Visas falling under the ‘in quota’ category are governed by Italy’s annual Decreto Flussi. This is a governmental policy that caps the number of work permits available for non-European Union nationals. Categories affected include seasonal work, non-seasonal employment, and self-employment. Applicants seeking a visa under this category must ensure that quotas are still open at the time of application, or risk rejection due to limits being reached. By contrast, ‘extra quota’ visas are not subject to numerical restrictions, allowing qualified candidates to proceed unhindered if all criteria are met. Those who manage to convert their job-seeking visa into a work permit are positioned well to begin fulfilling the prerequisites for PR. After five years of legal residence under a valid permit, individuals may apply for PR. Read more: Study in Lithuania: Application Process, Visa, Scholarships, Costs, and Benefits However, this five-year period must be continuous, meaning the applicant must not have left Italy for more than six consecutive months or a total of ten months across the period. Furthermore, the applicant must prove financial stability, employment, integration into Italian society, and proficiency in the Italian language at level A2. All these criteria should be met according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Registration as a civil and tax resident is also mandatory at the time of applying for PR. As part of the broader integration criteria, applicants may also be assessed on their knowledge of local culture and civic understanding. To avoid disruptions in legal residency, graduates must apply for a residence permit renewal at least 30 days prior to their current permit’s expiration, especially if they are awaiting employment confirmation or continuing work under a renewed contract. Bottom Line These Top 5 Countries stand out as leading destinations for international students seeking post-study work visa and PR pathway. New Zealand, Ireland, Finland, Denmark, and Italy each start with offering of time-bound permits to seek employment. It includes legal stay, stable income, job integration, and language proficiency. Permit durations vary from 12 months to three years, with clear transition routes to work permits. Timely applications, adherence to permit conditions, and fulfilling country-specific criteria are essential. Read more: How Bangladeshi Students Can Attest Certificates Online Before Going Overseas