Taking your career overseas is a bold step, but one that can open up all kinds of new possibilities. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, building international experience, or ready for a fresh chapter somewhere new, working abroad can be a truly rewarding move. But before you dive in, there’s one essential step to take care of first: getting a work visa.
At Remitly, we know how complex and sometimes confusing this process can be, especially when you’re trying to make everything else fall into place for your move at the same time. So we’ve put together this guide to help you get to grips with what work visas are, who they’re for, how to apply, and what to expect.
What is an employment visa, exactly?
A work visa is your official permission to live and work in another country for a set amount of time. In most cases, you’ll need a job offer first; it’s not usually something you can get before landing the role.
Countries use these visas to manage their job markets and bring in workers with the right skills, especially in areas where there are labor shortages like healthcare, IT, education, construction, and hospitality. Whether you’re signing up for a short-term contract or planning a long-term move, there’s likely a visa that fits your situation.
Some let you stay for a few months. Others can last years, and even lead to permanent residency in some cases. But here’s the catch: most of them come with a fair bit of paperwork. It’s not impossible, just something to be ready for.
What makes an employment visa different?
The different types of employment visas around the world come with a few specific rules and requirements that set them apart from tourist or student visas.
You need a job first
Most work visas require you to already have a job offer from an approved employer. You can’t usually apply just because you want to work in that country. The bureaucratic process normally starts only once a company says “yes” to hiring you.
They don’t last forever
These visas usually come with a time limit, anywhere from a few months to several years. You’ll need to keep an eye on the expiration date if you want to extend or switch to a different visa later on.
They’re often tied to one employer
In many cases, your visa is linked to the company that hired you. If you want to change jobs, you may need to reapply or get approval from immigration authorities before making the switch.
Not every job qualifies
Some countries only offer work visas for roles that are in high demand like the ones we mentioned earlier, or where if you have extremely specialized skills and experience that they can’t just go and find locally. So it’s worth checking if your profession is on the country’s shortage list before applying.
Some are stepping stones, others aren’t
A few work visas can lead to permanent residency, but not all of them do. If you’re hoping to stay long-term, look into whether your visa offers that option from the start—you don’t want to fall in love with a new country and your new lifestyle, only to find out you have to leave after a fixed period.
A quick look at work visa options around the world
Every country has its own take on employment visas and its own set of rules. These can change from year to year, too. It’s a good idea to bookmark government websites or sign up for notifications so you’re on top of any updates.
United States
The US offers several types of work visas depending on your job and situation. The H-1B visa is probably the most well-known. It’s for people in specialized fields like tech, finance, engineering, or healthcare, and you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree and sponsorship from an employer. Even though it’s for specialists, only 65,000 H-1B visas are issued each year, with 20,000 on top of that for people who have earned a master’s degree at a US educational institution.
If you’re transferring to the US for a company that has there offices, the L-1 visa might be the one for you. Meanwhile for temporary, non-agricultural roles, like hospitality or landscaping, the H-2B visa is often used.
United Kingdom
The UK’s Skilled Worker visa lets qualified professionals like nurses, teachers, and software developers live and work in the UK for the long term, provided they have a job offer and meet salary requirements.
There’s also a Health and Care Worker visa that fast-tracks applications for healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and social care workers.
Canada
Canada has two main routes for foreign workers. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) lets employers hire people from outside Canada when they can’t fill the role locally.
Meanwhile, the International Mobility Program (IMP) allows work in roles that support Canada’s broader economic, social, or cultural goals, like research positions or roles covered by international agreements. We mentioned things can change, though, and the IMP is undergoing reevaluation in Canada, so keep an eye on how that pans out if Canada is your preferred destination.
Australia
If a company in Australia needs your skills and can’t find someone locally, they might sponsor you under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482), which lets you stay and work temporarily.
If you’re aiming to stick around longer or even permanently, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) offers a path to permanent residency again, with employer sponsorship.
Germany
Germany offers the EU Blue Card to highly skilled non-EU workers with a job offer and a minimum salary threshold, which is ideal for professionals in fields like IT, engineering, or medicine. The Blue Card isn’t limited to Germany, by the way—every EU nation except Denmark and Ireland issue them, at time of writing.
There are also more general employment visas for skilled workers in sectors where there’s a shortage of local talent, making it easier for qualified people to fill important gaps.
Other countries to keep in mind
Japan has a range of work visas depending on the field, from engineering and IT to international business and skilled trades. Over in the UAE, work visas—known as Green visas—are often tied to labor contracts and can be renewable, especially if you’re employed by a company based in the country. That said, there freelancers and self-employed people can also apply, if you meet certain conditions.
Every country will have its own rules, but most of them have shortages in certain highly skilled roles. If you’ve got the skills and experience a particular country is looking for, you have a much better chance of getting a visa to work there.
Am I eligible for a work visa?
Requirements vary depending on where you’re headed, but most countries ask for a few core things. You’ll typically need a confirmed job offer from a local employer, along with the right qualifications or experience for the role. A clean criminal record, valid passport, and (sometimes) proof of language skills or a medical check might also be part of the deal.
In some places, your employer will have to show they couldn’t find a local candidate to fill the job, especially if the visa falls under labor shortage rules. It sounds like a lot, but like we said, if you’ve got the job offer and the skills you’re in a good spot to get started.
What documents should I have ready?
- A valid passport (make sure it won’t expire soon).
- A job offer letter or a signed employment contract.
- Proof of qualifications, like academic transcripts or training certificates.
- Language test results (if required).
- Completed visa application forms.
- Payment receipt for any application or processing fees.
- A resume or CV that highlights your relevant experience.
- A health certificate or results from a medical exam (if needed).
- Police clearance or background check, for certain roles and in certain countries.
How to apply for an employment visa
The process can feel like a lot, but once you break it down, it’s totally doable.
Step 1: Get the job offer locked in
You’ll need a confirmed job before anything else. Make sure the company is allowed to sponsor foreign workers and that your position qualifies for a work visa.
Step 2: Find out what visa you need
Visit the official immigration site of the country you’re heading to. That’s where you’ll find the exact visa type, eligibility rules, and a list of required documents. Some employers who are used to sourcing workers from overseas may be able to help with the visa process.
Step 3: Start gathering your paperwork
This part can take some time, especially if you need translations, certified copies, or health checks. Try to get everything sorted early so you’re not scrambling later.
Step 4: Submit the application
Some countries let you apply online, others still use paper forms. Again, in some cases, your employer might handle this part of the process on your behalf.
Step 5: Pay the required fees
Visa fees vary depending on the country and visa type, anywhere from $50 to over $500 USD. There may also be extra costs for faster processing or additional services.
Step 6: Attend an appointment if needed
You might need to show up at a consulate or visa center for an interview, fingerprinting, or to hand in original documents. There can often be long queues or a requirement to book an appointment ahead of time for this type of meeting. But the meeting itself is usually quick—just make sure you bring everything with you.
Step 7: Wait it out
Processing times can range from a few days to a few months. Once your application is in, the consulate will let you know what to expect.
Step 8: Get your visa and make travel plans
Once approved, you’ll get your visa stamped in your passport. Double-check the details, including expiration dates and any work restrictions, before you book your flight and start packing.
Tips for your application
Applying for a work visa can be a bit of a paperwork juggling act, so staying organized makes a big difference. Start as early as you can, ideally three to four months before your job begins, to give yourself plenty of breathing room. Consider keeping both digital and paper copies of everything you send in, just in case something goes missing along the way
Stay in close contact with your employer and the visa office. If you’re unsure about a step or something feels poorly explained, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s better to clarify early than fix mistakes later. And finally, keep a simple checklist or calendar of key dates like your visa appointment, work start date, and renewal deadlines so nothing sneaks up on you.
What if something goes wrong?
Even with careful planning, hiccups can happen. There are a few things to know to handle the most common ones:
If your visa gets denied
First, don’t panic. Ask for the reason in writing, and see if it’s something fixable like a missing document or unclear job details. If things are more complicated, it might be worth speaking to a visa consultant or legal expert—including one at your prospective employer in the other country. Especially if it’s a larger firm, they may have experience of dealing with exactly this sort of hurdle.
If your application is delayed
Processing times aren’t always predictable, especially during busy seasons. In some countries like Spain and France, for example, there might be way fewer people around during peak vacation season in August. But if it’s been longer than expected, reach out to the consulate or visa office for an update.
If you’re thinking of switching jobs
In some countries, that’s totally fine. In others, your visa is tied to the employer who sponsored you. Before making any big moves, check the rules or talk to an immigration advisor so you don’t accidentally put your visa status at risk.
Planning ahead and staying on top of any adjustments to the rules, as well as knowing exactly what you’d need if your own situation changes, all go a long way for your employment visa. It might feel like a paperwork marathon, but with the right info and a bit of patience, you’re well on your way to working abroad.
FAQs
Can I bring my partner or kids with me?
Often, yes. Many countries allow dependents (spouse and children) to join you on a family visa, a bit like the F2 Visa in the US, though their rights to work or study vary.
Can I apply without a job offer?
In most cases, no. Employment visas are almost always tied to a specific job. There are some exceptions, like open work permits, or talent visas, but they’re less common. Even for something like a digital nomad visa, you’ll still have to prove your income.
How long does an employment visa last?
It depends on the country and visa type. Some last one year, others up to five. You may be able to renew or transition into permanent residence later.
Do I need to speak the local language?
Not always, but it almost always helps. In fact some countries require proof of language skills for certain jobs or visa types, especially in public-facing roles.
Can an employment visa lead to permanent residency?
In many countries, yes. But not all. Some visa holders become eligible for permanent residence after a few years of legal work and living in the country.