Many employees and entrepreneurs are enticed by the idea of working abroad. With a growing international economy in many countries, there are opportunities for many to get a work visa and begin their careers abroad. It is important to research what requirements you may need to fulfill prior to starting your work visa application.
If you’re asking yourself if you need a special visa to work abroad, the answer may vary. Temporary work for foreigners may be available, but restrictions often change and vary according to your country of origin. Useful websites can be found which help you find out if your Country of origin will allow you to work abroad visa-free.
If you have a UK passport, you are able to work and study in any other UK or EU nation without a special visa—this also includes Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The time you plan to spend in a EU country will determine if you have to report back to a border agency or embassy so that their government knows you are still in the country.
With a UK passport, you will need to get a special work permit or visa to work in any non-EU country. After applying for jobs abroad, if you are successful, your potential employer will send you a job offer which you will then have to use to get a specific visa to move there. Countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada and America use a point-based system to decipher who is eligible for relocation and a work visa.
In New Zealand, they offer a Working Holiday Visa, which allows individuals aged 18 to 30 to stay in the country for a maximum of 12 months to work. This visa has no restrictions for the type of work you must do while in New Zealand. This visa costs £105 (£85 visa fee + £20 admin) and has the opportunity to be extended once you go to New Zealand.
Canada is also a popular work destination for many UK citizens. A special IEC work permit is available to UK nationals aged 18 to 30. This work permit requires that you prove you have at least $2,500 in your bank account prior to arriving in Canada. This visa allows workers to stay in Canada for a maximum of 24 months and costs $250 from the start of application to completion.
Asia also has working opportunities for UK citizens aged 18 to 29 who want to stay and work in Japan for a year. You must hold a valid passport, have proof of sufficient funds for your arrival in Japan, and you must show that you have a return ticket home for after your stay abroad.
When you first get the notion to search for work abroad, make sure to do extensive research on what you may need to complete a successful visa application form. Any inconsistencies, mistakes, or missing documents can impede on visa processing times.
It’s also important to do a background check of your future employer abroad, as it is possible to be scammed. Reading employee reviews and work experiences online may help you get a better idea of whom you will be working for. If you are able to speak other languages or are interested in teaching English abroad, this will greatly increase your chances of finding work overseas.
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