Work Permit / Job Offer

Work Permit Visa: Explore Opportunities to Work Abroad

Introduction

A work permit visa opens doors to exciting opportunities in foreign countries. Whether you’re seeking professional growth, exposure to new cultures, or a chance to enhance your skills, a work visa can be your gateway. Each country has its unique requirements and procedures for work permits. Let’s dive into the details!

Work Visa Details

• Validity: The duration of a work visa varies based on your employment contract and the state of the labor market. Some countries, like New Zealand, offer work-to-residence visas, allowing you to transition from a work visa to permanent residency.
• Application Process: Typically, your employer initiates the work permit application. They coordinate with the country’s immigration office to secure clearance.

Eligibility Criteria

When applying for a work permit visa, ensure you meet the following requirements:

1. Intent to Leave: You must confirm that you’ll leave the country after your work assignment ends and your visa expires.
2. Financial Stability: Demonstrate financial capability to support yourself and any dependents during your stay.
3. Clean Record: No criminal history.
4. Good Health: Pass medical examinations.
5. Job Restrictions: Stick to the duties assigned by your employer; avoid taking on additional jobs.

Top Countries for Work Visas

Choose your destination from the map below:

• Canada: Offers work permits ranging from 8 to 24 months.
• UK: Grants work visas for 3 to 5 years.
• Germany: Duration varies based on employment terms.
• Europe: Explore work opportunities across European countries.
• Poland: Consider Poland for diverse job prospects.

Welkin Migration Support

For personalized guidance, rely on Welkin Migration, a renowned work visa and migration consultant. Their services include:

• Document checklist and preparation
• Comprehensive visa application support
• Assistance with collecting and organizing required documents
• Visa interview preparation (if needed)
• Consulate follow-up and updates

Canada

Canada offers various work permit options for foreign workers. Let’s explore some of the key pathways:

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
• Purpose: The TFWP requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This assessment ensures that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
• Eligibility: Foreign nationals who have a job offer from a Canadian employer and meet specific requirements can apply for a work permit under this program.
2. International Mobility Program (IMP):
• Purpose: Unlike the TFWP, the IMP does not require an LMIA. It caters to specific groups of foreign workers, including intra-company transferees, professionals, and business visitors.
• Eligibility: Foreign nationals who fall under specific categories (such as CUSMA professionals, CETA intra-company transferees, and CPTPP workers) can obtain a work permit without an LMIA.
3. Open Work Permits:
• Purpose: An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada. It is not job-specific.
• Eligibility: Open work permits are available under various programs, including the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which allows young people from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada.
4. Specific Programs:
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: For temporary agricultural workers.
• Caregivers: Work options for caregivers, including the Live-In Caregiver Program.
• Overnight Camp Counsellors: Opportunities for camp counsellors.
• French-Speaking Workers Outside Quebec: Francophone Mobility work permits.
• Business People: Eligibility for business visitors, traders, investors, and professionals.
• H-1B Visa Holder Work Permit: For H-1B specialty occupations visa holders living in the U.S.
• Open Work Permit for Ukrainian Nationals: Available for Ukrainian citizens.
• Open Work Permit for Hong Kong Recent Graduates: Allows recent graduates from Hong Kong to work in Canada.

The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers various work permit options for individuals seeking employment. Let’s explore some of the key pathways:

1. Skilled Worker Visa:
• Purpose: The Skilled Worker Visa is the most prominent category within the United Kingdom’s points-based immigration system.
• Eligibility: It is designed for skilled workers who have a job offer from a UK employer and meet specific requirements¹.
2. Global Business Mobility Visa:
• Purpose: The Global Business Mobility suite of visas is designed for individuals employed by a foreign company connected to a sponsoring UK business.
• Eligibility: These visas cater to employees of foreign companies who need to work in the UK temporarily¹.
3. Global Talent Visa:
• Purpose: The Global Talent Visa is for individuals with exceptional talent or promise in fields such as science, engineering, humanities, arts, and digital technology.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be endorsed by a relevant endorsing body in their field².
4. Health and Care Workers:
• Purpose: This visa category is specifically for health and care professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
• Eligibility: It allows qualified professionals to work in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) or social care sector.
5. Temporary Worker Visas:
• Purpose: These visas cover various temporary work categories, including Seasonal Worker visas, Government Authorized Exchange visas, Creative Worker visas, Religious Worker visas, Charity Worker visas, and International Agreement visas.
• Eligibility: Each category has specific requirements and is suitable for different types of work.

Greece

If you’re interested in working in Greece, there are several work permit options available for non-EU citizens. Let’s explore them:

1. National Visa for Employment:
• This visa allows you to work in Greece as an employed worker.
• You’ll need to apply for a national visa specifically for employment purposes.
• The conditions and procedures for obtaining this visa can be found on the European Commission’s EU Immigration Portal.
2. Residence Permit for Employment:
• Once you arrive in Greece, you can obtain a residence permit for employment.
• This permit allows you to legally reside and work in the country.
• Ensure you meet the necessary requirements and follow the procedures.
3. Work Visa for Seasonal Work:
• If you’re planning to work seasonally in Greece, a national Greek type D visa is sufficient.
• For longer stays (more than a year), you’ll be issued a work visa with the requirement to obtain a residence permit upon arrival.

Europe

 If you’re a non-EU national looking to work in Europe, there are several work permit options available. Let’s explore some of the key pathways:

1. EU Blue Card:
• The EU Blue Card is a specialized residence permit and work authorization designed to attract highly skilled people from outside the EU and EEA, including US citizens.
• Benefits:
• Faster permanent residency: You can apply for permanent residency after just 33 months of legal residence in the issuing country, which is significantly faster than regular work permits.
• Family reunification: The Blue Card allows you to sponsor family members (spouse and children) to join you in the EU country.
• Reduced sponsorship dependence: Unlike regular work permits, you don’t need visa sponsorship from a company.
• Eligibility:
• High qualifications: A university degree (or equivalent) and often at least 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Solid job offers: A salaried position in the EU that lasts at least a year and pays a high salary (above 1.5 times the national average).
• Essentials: Valid travel documents, health insurance, and proof that you meet any licensing requirements for your profession (if applicable).
2. Schengen Visa:
• The Schengen visa allows you to enter and travel through most countries within the European Economic Area (EEA).
• It’s not specifically a work permit but can be relevant for short-term stays or business travel.
• Remember that the Schengen area includes all 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
3. Other National Work Permits:
• Each EU country has its own work permit options for non-EU nationals.
• Research the specific requirements and procedures for the country you’re interested in working in.
• Common categories include temporary work permits, permanent work permits, intra-company transfer permits, and highly skilled migrant permits.

Portugal

If you’re considering working in Portugal, there are several work permit options available for both EU and non-EU nationals. Let’s explore them:

1. EU Citizens:
• If you’re a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you won’t need a Portugal work visa. However, if you plan to stay more than 90 days, you’ll need a Residence Certificate (Certificado de Registo), which can be obtained from the Town Hall closest to your residence in Portugal. The cost for this certificate is approximately €15.
• Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, do need a visa to work in Portugal.
2. Types of Work Visas for Non-EU Nationals:
• Employee Residence Visas: These cover various employment scenarios, including sports activities.
• Self-Employed Work: If you’re planning to work independently, you’ll need a residence visa.
• Entrepreneur Visas: Encourage foreign investments in small and medium-sized businesses.
• Highly Skilled Workers, Teachers, or Performing Artists Visas: These are tailored to specific professions¹.
3. Application Process:
• Once you secure a job offer in Portugal, your Portuguese employer should apply for your work permit by contacting the Portuguese Labor Authorities (Autorização de Trabalho).
• After approval, you’ll need to apply for a Portuguese work visa from the Portuguese Embassy in your home country.
• The type of residency permit you’ll need depends on the basis of your employment contract.
• Prepare the necessary documents, including a valid passport and passport-size photos, following Schengen Visa guidelines.
4. Temporary Residency Permit:
• If your work contract is longer than six months, you’ll need to apply for a temporary residency permit before your visa expires. This allows you to continue living and working legally in Portugal.