February 9, 2014

What You Need To Know About Work Visas

Do you know much about work visas? If you want to work abroad, you need to learn about this process. Work visas or work permits are issued by a foreign country and they allow a person to work in that country. It is a legal document that is one of the most important things you need to work abroad.

Whether you have a job offer in another country, are planning ahead for travels abroad, or your employer is relocating you to a foreign land, a properly authorized work visa is a must. Here are a few things to consider:

Choose A Country – The first step is to determine where you want to work. The world is a big place and there are lots of different options. Some popular work abroad job options are ESL, Peace Corp, or Volunteering. When deciding where you want to go, be sure to assess pay. A working wage in Barbados may not be the same as a proper wage in Sweden. It’s important to do your research.

Types Of Work Visas – Next, determine what type of visa you need. Typically there are a few options. The easiest route is for an employer to sponsor you in to the country. You’ll need to contact the employer to see if this is an option. The are also working holiday visas that are short term visas for people who qualify. They are only offered to certain, qualifying citizens of specific countries. Sometimes it is possible to get a work visa based on your professional experience. You have to research what is required on the consulate or embassy website.

It’s All About The Paperwork – The paperwork process may be the hardest and most tedious part of the visa process. A passport is an absolute must. You have to fill in every form, have the correct size photos, and apply to the correct location. Sometimes there is a visa fee and there may be specific deadlines. It’s important to realize that this takes time – anywhere from a few weeks to six months. Plan ahead.

A Few Resources That Might Help – Obtaining a work visa requires some legwork by you. Unfortunately no one will do all of the work for you, but here are a few resources that may help:

The world is an amazing place. Experience it if you can. Try to find a work abroad opportunity that allows you to get a taste of the world. It is possible to find jobs and employers in foreign countries on the job board. Use the JobMonkey Job Board to help you start your work abroad search. Once you determine where you want to go, it’s up to you to get a work visa that allows you to legally work there. Good luck!

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