The most known transition for international learners is to change their student visa to work visa if they wish to remain in the country. What seems a kind of thrilling, may also be a bit overwhelming at times. If you are now asking yourself how you can transition into the process, then you can expect to find this guide helpful as it will lead you through the steps on how to do it.
1. Check Your Immigration Status Now
This leads us to the first process before going through the work visa and that they involve understanding the rules and regulation of the student visa being used. Certain types of student visas let you seek part-time or intern while studying that is a plus point when it comes to seeking a work visa. However, in most of the countries, a student visa will not enable you to work full time upon your completion of the course.
You should be very clear on when your student visa will expire. However, to work here legally you will have to secure a working visa before this can happen.
2. About Work Visa Requirements
All the countries in the world have their own classifications for the work visas and people have to meet the condition for the classification. Typically, you will need:
An offer from an employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa for you.
A position that is consistent with job description, job specification, and in certain circumstances, the availability of the job opening.
Your educational certificates and sometimes even your previous employment experience certificates.
You should definitely do your homework on such things as the available work visa options. For instance, in America, you seek an H-1B visa, and in Canada, change to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
3. Secure a Job Offer
This beautiful city is essential as a stepping stone to move from the student Visa to a work visa. After getting an offer letter from an employer they can better direct you to the work visa process.
To increase your chances of landing a job:
Begin your networking as soon as possible—go to the job fairs, contact potential employers and don’t forget about social networks such as LinkedIn.
Ensure your resume and cover letter align you with the job and emphasize your qualification and experience in an international environment.
Do not reject intern or starter positions because these provide a potential for full time employment.
Some countries value highly skilled people more, you may find it easier to get a visa being a technician, engineer, doctor, nurse, or an accountant.
4. Apply for the Work Visa
Once you have a job offer and more importantly when you know the visa type which should be available to you, it is time to apply. Here’s what you’ll generally need to do:
Get your employer involved: Also, it is the most common type of visa where your employer will help you apply for the visa. This means they will provide documentations to your employer, which could include, proof of employment offer and employer details.
Prepare your documents: You’ll usually be expected to demonstrate your educational achievement, passport, visa status, transcripts and diplomas, a resume, and letters of recommendation may also be required.
Submit your application: The steps that you should follow should be given in the website of the immigration authority of the country that you wish to visit. The fundamental rule is to post your application before the student visa validity period and monitor further deadlines and additional requirements.
5. Wait for Approval
After submitting your work visa application, there is always some time that one has to wait. This depends with the country one intends to visit and with reference to the visa being applied for. All through this time, it is important to be informed about the progress of the application. You might be asked for the additional documentation or even an interview.
This is because when you are waiting for your visa there are rules and regulations that are governing a student visa and you need to make sure that you are not violating any of them. Should you have graduated before, it is also important to determine whether one can work during the processing of the visa application.
6. Start Working!
Well done when your work visa has been approved! You now have the permission you need to get a job in your host country. Try and familiarise yourself with your newly granted visa as it may well have conditions different to the student visa – including length of stay or permitted work, the option of renewal and any restriction with your employer.
7. Consider Long-Term Plans
When adjusting from a student visa to a working visa, you must decide whether you want to stay where you live or move elsewhere. Temporary work visa can guarantee immigration to permanent resident status or even naturalization in future depending on
immigration laws of the country of work. Once the need arises to make the stay more permanent, one should start early in planning.
Conclusion:
Migrating from the student visa to a work visa can be quite a process, however this does not have to be a daunting one. One can always use the services of overseas consultants to ensure a smooth operation of the entire process. They know all the legalities and formalities pertaining to these applications, and the respective time frames that should be followed, so that you don’t go wrong with your application. If you engage the services of professionals, your aim will be in finding employment and building a career while the professionals handle the logistics of acquiring and obtaining a work visa which will be easy and uncomplicated.
