How To Get A Work Visa To Move Abroad

Moving to live abroad is not just a dream for retirees nowadays; however, if you’re a long way off retirement, chances are you’re going to need a job if you want to live overseas.  So, in this report we’re going to examine how to get a work visa to move abroad…

Perhaps you’ve worked hard to earn a promotion abroad with your current employer?  Or maybe you’ve just landed that new dream job overseas?  Or are you just thinking and planning ahead and getting everything in place so that when your employment visa comes through, you can up sticks and relocate?

Whatever the situation you’re in, if you’re looking for a work visa to enable you to move and find employment abroad, chances are you’re about to embark on an exciting move abroad to further your career and enhance your lifestyle.  And in this report we’ll give you all the guidance you need to make sure you have the visa in place to enable you to expatriate.

It’s a fact that moving overseas can be a complicated as well as a daunting prospect – however, the rewards are manifold which is probably why we make the decision to relocate in the first place!  But if there is one factor that can scupper any move, it’s failing to obtain that all-important work visa before relocating.  Here are six critical steps to ensuring you give yourself the best chance to get the visa application process working for you!

Step 1: Give yourself plenty of time.

Just because you have a job offer doesn’t mean you are guaranteed a visa.  Some countries have the likes of a ‘Critical Skills Shortage List’ which detail the types of jobs most eligible for a work visa.  When your employer decides that you fit a gap in the employment market, allow them time to prepare your visa application and ensure that you are able to produce all the documents required to prove your case.

Step 2: Get good references.

Securing the right references to support your job offer and your visa application is all important.  These are the cornerstones to your case.  Your references must cover all the important salient information required by the immigration office to make a decision on your case.  Make sure they cover everything you have achieved with your former employers, and that the employers are happy to take a call to confirm the facts. 

Step 3: Submit all relevant documents.

To obtain any visa you must make a formal application and this means filling in paperwork and attaching copies of various required documents.  Beyond proof of employment there are certain documents you must provide which vary from country to country.  In all cases, make sure you have a valid passport and that it is not close to expiry.  Other documentary requirements may include proof of qualifications such as educational certification, also biometric data, a valid marriage certificate, bank statements, salary slips, tax returns, details of investments, health reports a police check and more could all be required.  There is potentially a lot of paperwork for a visa application, so be organized and keep a paper trail in a file so you know what you have sent to whom and when.

Step 4: Moving abroad can come at a cost.

Some host countries charge for a work visa and some don’t.  Fees vary from country to country so ask your visa specialist how much the cost of a temporary work visa is for the host country required.  Most immigration departments charge for processing a visa application and have an issuance charge on top.  All expats also have to show that they have a certain amount of money that will prevent them from becoming a burden to their host country.  This money can be provided from independent wealth or through sponsorship.  Finally, take out personal insurance to cover any unexpected medical costs that may come your way when you do move abroad to live and work.

Step 5: Wait for your visa to arrive.

Getting a visa takes time.  Filling in the necessary paperwork, providing the relevant documents and proof of identity plus waiting for immigration authorities to process your application – it all adds up.  Securing a work permit can take anything from a few months to a few years depending on the nation you want to move to.  Be prepared to wait and note that most immigration departments are notoriously slow.  Unless you know someone who can push it through a fast-track route you’re going to have to be patient.

Step 6: Keep your visa application up-to-date.

While on a temporary work visa your circumstances may change, or the work visa you are on may expire.  It is you who must keep on top of your work visa.  Do not expect a phone call or letter from an immigration official.  Instead keep on top of your case as it is your personal responsibility.  Your employer may be able to help if they have an international HR team looking after you.  Under no circumstances remain in the host country beyond the expiry date as stated on your visa.  You may face arrest, deportation and, in extreme cases be banned from entering the host country for a number of years.  In short, it pays to know and obey the visa laws of your new home country.

If you want assistance with obtaining a visa to go and live and work abroad there are many companies who claim to be able to assist such as Global Visas - such companies usually provide immigration and visa solutions to would-be expats.  They can assist both corporate clients and individuals to secure visas and work permits for destinations worldwide, including the UK, US, Canada Australia and South Africa - but ensure you do actually get some guarantee of service before you are forced to hand over any cash!