Do
I arrange my employment and or resident visas before I
go overseas?
These issues
vary for every country and it is a good time to head
over to the discussion boards and ask.
The Usual
Process
- if there is one . . .
Is to get a
special visa (for working in
that country) before you leave. You'll need to get it
at the embassy or a consulate of the country to which you are moving.
Usually, all this can easily be done through the mail.
Know though
that embassy people, like government employees
everywhere - are not always as helpful as they could be.
So be very positive and pleasant with them, dress
professionally if you need to go in person.
Basically, you need to "kiss their (whatever)" -
you KNOW what I mean. These people are critical to you -
please them. Sing, dance, be very patient - don't lose
your cool. And this is just the beginning - so get used
to it!
They are,
btw, sometimes VERY helpful and very pleasant. The lady
who runs the Thai embassy in Korea - is the very best of
the best!
Overseas,
Finally!
Once in the
country in which you will be working, you'll typically
need to go somewhere (maybe immigration, maybe the
Ministry of Labor - maybe both) to get your work permit
sorted out. Usually, your residence visa is only for a
short time when you first enter the country. It will
then be extended to the period of time for your work
permit.
The Famous Visa and Work Permit Merry-Go-Round
This can be
fun, as with all things having to do with government, when your work
permit can only be issued for the period of time of your
visa - but your visa will only be issued for the period
of time of your work permit - but does the chicken come
before the egg?
Don't worry about it, some how it all
gets done. Lean on your employer, it won't usually
be the first time they have gone through it. This
part always stresses the author out a bit, but I have learned to
just have faith that it will all get done somehow . . .
and it always does.
