| Canada | Australia/New Zealand | United Kingdom | United States | Europe and Asia |
Work Permits
Western Europe
Europe welcomes foreign workers who have skills that are in demand, as long as they play by the rules. Nonresident workers are required to have a work permit. While thousands work there illegally and some employers may encourage you to work “black” to save them tax money and paperwork, don’t do it. If you are caught, you can be hit with hefty fines or even barred from the country.
Misinformation abounds, and calling the immigration authorities may leave you more confused than before. The best way to get the facts is from us, who specialize in Immigration Law.
Work permits are generally issued for specific jobs. Technically, you are not allowed to enter a country to look for work, although you can’t help it if someone happens to offer you a position while you're on vacation.
In Europe, the process usually works this way:
If you change jobs you must start the process all over again.
Generally, a European employer who wants to hire a non-European Union citizen must demonstrate that they can’t fill the position with an EU citizen. Those with valuable skills stand a good chance of getting a permit, while those in lower-paid lines of work will not get one, except possibly for seasonal jobs in resort areas.
The employer does not have to prove that there is not a single qualified person in all of the EU, just that they have made a diligent effort to find one. This usually means that they have to advertise the position in a local newspaper for two to four weeks before the job can be offered to a foreigner.
Immigration law in the U.K. is complex, and much depends on what country you are from. If you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country (including Canada and Australia) and if your grandfather was born in the U.K., then you may not need a work permit. Citizens of non-EU and non-Commonwealth countries need a work permit, and your chances of getting one depend on your skills and salary level. Those seeking unskilled jobs can basically forget about working in the U.K.
Work Permits for Professionals
Even for those in high-paying professions, the paperwork and hassle involved can be a deal-killer. Fortunately, we can handle the whole process. We are one of the oldest and largest Immigration Consultancy Firms. We will see you through the whole process and offer specific advice for a reasonable fee. Many employers assume that getting a work permit is tougher than it actually is, so knowing about a service like World Visas beforehand and mentioning it to your prospective employer can improve your prospects. The employer can make a phone call to us and get a good assessment of what your chances are.
Workers in several European countries almost never encountered hostility because of the nature of job. But keep in mind this is a controversial issue for some people. Work regulations can change often, the above is not the definitive word and certainly not legal advice. Let us research your particular situation to make sure you're in compliance. If you make a good-faith effort with your employer to comply with the law, you're unlikely to get in trouble.
Thailand is a beautiful and scenic country. The people are charming, the food is extraordinary and the life style and the good transportation links in this strategically well located country to do business in the region have attracted many expatriates. Thailand for its part welcomes foreigners both as tourists and on a more long term basis. (Recently the Thai Government Board of Investment (BOI) has instituted incentives in order to encourage companies to establish their regional headquarters in the country. Additionally, Thailand is now promoting the country as a retirement location and has instituted long term visa provisions for retirees in order to encourage foreigners to retire in the country.) Thailand, however, like most countries requires that those wanting to reside in the country follow the laws on immigration and work and that they respect the country’s other laws on tax, outlawed activities, etc.
Although our company does not involve itself in facilitating immigration, work permits or re-entry permits, we do work with law firms and others in Thailand that specializes in this service. Please note that in mid July 2003, the Government of Thailand announced large fee increases for immigration services and that the process is now more expensive than previously. Below is a general explanation of the process that may be helpful. We note, however, that the discussion below is only general and that we would recommend you further consult with the many specialists that offer services in facilitating visa, work permits, tax cards and other necessary paper issuance for foreigners.
Work Permits in Asian Countries
If you want to work in Asian countries, you need a work permit. However, before you can apply or be issued a work permit you must have a non-immigrant visa. This is required to apply for a work permit. It can be acquired prior to your arrival. It also often can be arranged in the country after your arrival or if you are in the country already and must depart for various reasons can be arranged at a Asian Consular Office in a neighboring country.
Generally you should apply for this visa several days before you plan to leave the country outside of the Asian country that you are visiting. The Consulate or the Consular Officer may also ask for copies of the registration documents from the company you are going to work for. Recently, consulates have been warning people who have non-immigrant visas that they must present their work permits to get another visa next time (they even stamp this message next to the visa). Also since 9-11, Asian laws on visas, re-entry permits, etc. have changed and it is best to try to get the latest information from us so that you have all the documents you will need.
In applying for a non immigrant visa at a consulate in a neighboring country, beware that some overzealous consulate staff may ask you things like "how do you like working in the country or how has you company treated you so far?" This is often a way to trick you into disclosing information that might indicate you are working without a permit. Be careful in how you reply and only answer questions asked.
Multiple-entry visas
Remember, it is always best to get a multiple-entry visa so you will not have to waste time and expense on visiting a consulate for a new visa every three months (in the event there is some problem with your work permit paperwork or you cannot get a long visa). Oftentimes, the Consulate will try to encourage you to get a single-entry and may even tell you that they do not issue multiple-entry visas. They do, however, and often a patient and friendly approach will get you what you seek.
Extending Your Visa in Country
Until about a year ago, extending a non-immigrant visa was a laborious process that required you to take similar paperwork required by the Labor Department for your work permit. Now, all that has changed and you can get a one-year extension in country in most cases.
A lot of people misunderstand the difference between a visa and a re-entry permit much to there own disadvantage. Here is the key point: your visa is the controlling document. Everything is dependent on the dates there. Your reentry permit or work permit is only good till the date stamped in your passport to leave the country. Any re-entry permit you get will expire when your visa expires. If you depart the country without a re-entry permit, your visa is invalidated as will be your work permit. This is a key distinction so after going through the process of getting a longer term visa and a work permit; please ensure you have a re-entry permit before departing the country. Also, for your initial trips after getting the visa and work permit, you may have someone knowledgeable look over your documents prior to leaving on the trip.
Helping Your Chances
World Visas Inc. will help you all the way. The more complete and official-looking documents you submit (i.e. Thai tax returns, Thai taxpayer identification card, etc.), generally the better. Usually you are wise to carry them with you in case you need them. However, only show them if asked or if it seems that your request will be refused. Once you return with your new visa, your work permit can be extended.Overstays - Overstays (staying in the country beyond the date your visa expires) is illegal and will probably result in a fine. Usually the best way to handle this is to depart the country immediately and try to explain to the immigration officer the reason for your error. If your overstay is not long, generally you will just get a short lecture although you should be prepared to pay the fine if required. Don’t argue and keep in mind that the Immigration lockup is not a desirable place to be.
There are 24 countries who require a Schengen Visa to enter. Cyprus is expected to join sometime soon and Romania and Bulgaria by 2011
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. The duration of your total stay in Schengen countries shall not exceed 90 consecutive days.
Schengen visa does not apply to citizens of other European-Union countries. US, Canadian and Australian citizens, traveling on a valid passport, do not need a Schengen visa.They may enter the country and stay up to three months. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.
Citizens of other countries are kindly requested to contact their Consular Authorities and inquire if they need visa or not.
Applicants for Schengen visa are required to apply in person, before the Consular officer in charge. Applicants are strongly advised to call the nearest Consular Authority in their country of residence and get an appointment.
If you have severe disability issues preventing you from coming to the Consulate, please contact us and ask for advice. Underaged children cannot apply for visa. Both of their parents must fill out and sign the application form before the Consular officer.
To download your do-it-yourself Schengen visa kit, see the following section.
This is a do-it-yourself kit that should be used to complete the application form for a Schengen Visa.
1. Order the Kit and provide a valid email address.
2. Check your email for download instructions. Please also check your "junk" mail box for an email from World Visas Corporate
What is included in the kit:
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Yes |
...Instructions for filling out a passport application |
Yes |
...Fees |
Yes |
...Photo specifications |
Yes |
...Completed sample application form |
Yes |
...Free application form |
Yes |
...Information about the Schengen Visa |
Yes |
...Where to submit an application |
Yes |
...List or required supporting documentation |
Yes |
...List of countries that will require a Schengen Visa |
Yes |
Disclaimer: All of the application forms are provided free of charge with the purchase of the above in-depth instructions kit.
Price: |
US $30.00 |
Order Your Kit Now |
Total |
US $30.00 |
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Attention: |
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Over the years we have made many thousands of happy holidays possible.
Our team of experts understand that often people book holidays without realising they need a tourist visa to enter the country. Our team takes away the headache of obtaining your tourist visa. We can obtain multiple entry visas or short term single entry, depending on your current trip and future travel plans.
Tourist visas are often the hardest to obtain as each embassy, consulate or High Commission have unique requirements based on the nationality of the applicant often making the decision to grant a tourist visa subjective to the officer dealing with the case.
At World Visas we recognize the differences and work with you closely to put together a good file. We prepare all our cases, including tourist cases, in a way that we know each specific embassy, consulate or High Commission will instantly recognize and accept. We also make applications for countries that do not have consular representations in a country.
However unusual your holiday destination we are able to assist you in obtaining a visa to go there.
The requirement in Immigration today for a fast and efficient visa service has never been greater.
As people travel more frequently, the time available to obtain or simply renew a current visa is reducing, making the need for professional services more important. Over recent years we have noticed more people are requiring Immigration Visas for emerging markets. This often includes countries where visas require a complex and time consuming process.
Our team are experts in dealing with visa officers in over 100 different embassies, consulates and High Commissions. Our skills and expertise reduce the risk of an application failing on a technicality and our professional relationship with the officers in charge allows us to present your business visa application with the greatest chance of success.
As consultants and licensed agents, we are often able to receive our client's immigration visas within time frames not published by the Embassy, Consulate or High Commission.
Visit the World Visas online assessment area today to get your application moving. Just answer a few straightforward questions and a World Visas consultant will contact you.
Hot Destinations
There are many countries in Europe which have become hot destinations for Immigration with Denmark topping the list.
There are many lucrative things which make people immigrate to Denmark. Universities in Denmark offer good study options to students (both undergraduate and postgraduate level) with the option of taking up a job and staying there only. The availability of jobs, higher wages and the standard of living offered to the citizens, the climate and the stable political scenario are the factors which make Denmark great place to immigrate.
Government of Denmark issues Danish green card which allows you to work and stay in Denmark along with your immediate family like your spouse. This Danish green card is issued on the basis of certain points allocated in various criteria like Age, Education, Language skills and Work Experience. This card is issued to you if you score at least 100 points in these different criteria sections and have a valid health insurance policy. Another very important criterion to get this card is that you should have sufficient funds to sustain you and your family while you look for work in Denmark. With this Danish Green Card you get the residence permit for you and your immediate family to stay in Denmark for 3 years.
In this Danish Green card Scheme other than the areas mentioned above, you can also score some bonus points for various factors.
In the Education segment, the top most criteria is that you should have a bachelor’s degree recognized and assessed by CIRIUS, which is a Danish Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation body set up to assess academic credentials of immigrants. You can score up to 105 points in this segment with 30 points for a Bachelor’s degree and 80 for a PhD with 10 bonus points for occupation related education like dietician, dentist, lawyer etc.In the language skill section you can earn 30 points which includes knowledge of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German. You will have to clear Exam equivalent to at least Danish Language test level I which has four levels with points varying from 5 to 20 or by proving that you have completed at least one year's study in higher education which was taught in one of these languages..
You can score up to 15 points in work experience segment. The points are high if you are a researcher or have experience in the field which is in demand in Denmark. You can also claim up to 15 points for Adaptability if you have studied or have work experience in Europe but you can’t claim both simultaneously. As far as Age factor is concerned you get 10 points if you are 35-40 yrs and 15 points if you are less than 34 yrs. The benefit of this card is that your spouse can also work during the residency period.
Contact a World Visas representative for more details.
Student Visas
There are more than four thousand higher education institutions in Europe, from top-level research establishments to small, teaching-focused colleges. Europe itself is no less diverse, extending from the Arctic Circle to the coast of Africa, where tiny principalities sit side-by-side with many of the world’s leading economies.
A fascinating destination, but which country should you go to? Which university should you choose? What do you need before you leave? What will happen when you arrive? These are just some of the questions you’re probably asking yourself already. World Visas is here to help. We provide up-to-date information on thirty-two European countries, their universities and what it takes to live and study in them. Use World Visas to find the university that suits you best. A well-informed decision will make your time abroad even more valuable.
Why Study in Europe ?
Europe has a world-wide reputation as a centre of excellence in learning. Year after year, European universities rank prominently among the top 100 in the world. And only Europe can offer state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research opportunities together with the chance to walk in the footsteps of so many of the world's most influential thinkers.
Europe is developing a scheme of quality assurance. A comprehensive quality control process is planned for 2010, by when Europe will be emblematic of a guarantee of quality in higher education.
These high academic standards are achieved without breaking the bank. Tuition fees and daily costs are reasonable, the education sector being a top priority for Europe's competitiveness.
Europe boasts many centuries of academic excellence. A rich academic heritage is based around many landmarks in human knowledge, and today's European higher education institutions benefit from this lasting legacy.
Contact your World Visas representative for a comprehensive assessment.
Spouse Visas
No immigration matter is more personal or more sensitive than a fiancee or marriage visa. And that's how we treat them. Our 5 years of experience has taught us that each case requires individual attention and close monitoring from beginning to end. We do as much of the case work as possible to give our clients the very best chance of success and to allow them to focus on their relationship at this critical juncture in their lives.
We accept no more than 30 new (full service) clients per month to ensure quality service and individual attention. We are service oriented, not sales oriented
Some unique features we offer:
|
WORLD VISAS |
DO-IT-YOURSELF |
OTHER COMPANIES |
Cases Handled |
> 2500 |
0 |
• Varies |
Success |
100% |
n/a |
Other large firms have less than 100% success |
Research |
• We’ve already pretty much seen it all |
• Reliance on instructions & web sites that are often incomplete, out-of-date or just plain wrong |
• The fewer the cases, the more they are learning on the job with YOUR case |
|
WORLD VISAS |
DO-IT-YOURSELF |
OTHER COMPANIES |
Status Reports |
Our custom-designed Transparent Office lets our clients look right into our case management program and see everything we see. Includes extensive Embassy processing trend data. Our clients all become addicted! |
• Web Site Processing Dates, which are updated only twice per month and contain no trend data |
At best, links to government sites containing limited data |
Professionals |
• Five full-time legal personnel |
None (unless you yourself are well trained) |
Number of professionals, education, experience, skill level varies |
Overseas Paralegals |
India, Manila, Egypt, Dubai, Pakistan and more |
None |
Typically, none |
Why use World Visas ?
We offer personalised service, systems and monitoring tools to make sure our clients remain at the centre of everything we do.You can contact us by email, phone or in person at any stage of your application with any questions you may have and we will advice you to the best of our knowledge and experience.
