Work Visa

A work visa is a type of visa that grants the holder authorization to accept employment in a foreign country. It may be issued as a stamp in the passport or as a separate document. In most cases, a Work Visa or Permit is mandatory to accept employment in a foreign country.

Work visas are usually temporary, but may be renewed. Some countries issue permanent work permits or allow holders to change to a residence visa after a certain period of time. Various countries have a different system in which foreign nationals must first apply for a long-stay visa and then obtain a work permit once they arrive in the country.

The rules regarding work visas vary depending on the country of issue. In some cases, work visas are highly specific and are granted for a particular job. Under the terms, the holder might not be able to take any other job in the same country apart from the one authorized by the visa. In these cases, the prospective employer based in the destination country usually has to sponsor the visa application and send a cover letter.

Some countries issue more general work visas that permit the holder to take any job in the country and work for the duration of the visa’s period of validity.

There are two main types of work visas.

• Temporary work visa. This type of work visa is valid for only a few years; depending on the country, you either have to renew it or return home once it expires. Some countries may also allow you to transfer to a permanent work visa if you find a new job.
• Permanent work visa. Permanent work visas allow you to live in a foreign country permanently, and after living there for a specific time, you can even apply for citizenship.