Work Visa

Global Work Visa Solutions

 

Our consultancy specializes in navigating the complex work visa processes for a diverse range of global employment opportunities. Below is a detailed guide to the primary work visas and permits for the key regions you are interested in.

 

1. United Kingdom: Skilled Worker Visa (Formerly Tier 2) 🇬🇧

 

The Skilled Worker Visa is the main route for skilled migrants to work in the UK with a job offer from an approved employer.

 

Key Requirements

 

  • Job Offer: Must have a valid job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office (a Licensed Sponsor).

  • Sponsorship: The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a unique reference number.

  • Skill Level: The job must be at an eligible skill level (generally RQF Level 3 or above).

  • Salary: The salary must meet the general threshold or the 'going rate' for the specific occupation, whichever is higher.

  • English Language: Must prove English language ability at a minimum of CEFR Level B1.

 

Application Process (General Steps)

 

  1. Secure a Job: Obtain a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.

  2. Receive CoS: The employer applies for and issues the Certificate of Sponsorship.

  3. Online Application: Complete the online visa application form.

  4. Pay Fees: Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

  5. Biometrics: Attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

  6. Decision: Wait for the Home Office to process the application.

2. Australia: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) 🇦🇺

 

The Subclass 482 Visa (TSS Visa) allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill vacancies where they can't find a suitably skilled Australian worker.

 

Key Requirements (Three-Step Process)

 

  1. Sponsorship (Employer): The employer must apply to become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).

  2. Nomination (Employer): The employer nominates the position, showing that Labour Market Testing (LMT) was conducted (unless exempt) and that the salary meets the market rate.

  3. Visa Application (Applicant):

    • Work Experience: Have at least two years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.

    • Skills: Meet the required skills and qualifications, potentially including a Skills Assessment.

    • English Language: Meet the required English proficiency (varies by stream).

 

Streams

 

The 482 Visa has Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement streams, each with different occupation lists and pathways to permanent residency.

3. New Zealand: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) 🇳🇿

 

The AEWV is New Zealand’s primary temporary work visa, designed to ensure only genuine, compliant employers can hire migrant workers.

 

Key Requirements (Three-Step Process)

 

  1. Employer Accreditation: The New Zealand employer must first be Accredited with Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

  2. Job Check: The employer must demonstrate that the job pays the market rate and, in most cases, that they have advertised the role to New Zealanders (Labour Market Test).

  3. Visa Application (Applicant):

    • Job Offer: Must have a full-time, written job offer from an accredited employer for an approved job (via a unique "Job Token").

    • Skills & Experience: Possess the required skills, qualifications, or experience for the job.

    • Health & Character: Meet all health and character requirements (e.g., police certificates, medical checks).

 

Note for Applicants

 

You can only apply for the AEWV once the employer has completed the first two steps and provided you with the necessary job token.

4. Germany: Work Visa & Job Seeker Visa 🇩🇪

 

Germany offers a few paths for skilled foreign workers to enter the country, including the standard Work Visa (Employment Visa) and the Job Seeker Visa.

 

Work Visa (For Applicants with a Job Offer)

 

  • Job Offer: A valid employment contract with a German employer.

  • Qualified Position: The job must generally be in a qualified position that matches your degree or vocational training.

  • Qualification Recognition: Your foreign academic or vocational qualification must be recognised in Germany or comparable to a German qualification (often verified via the anabin database).

  • EU Blue Card: A special type of work permit for highly qualified workers with a university degree and a salary that meets a high minimum threshold.

 

Job Seeker Visa (For Applicants without a Job Offer)

 

  • Purpose: Allows you to stay in Germany for up to six months to look for qualified employment.

  • Qualification: Hold a university degree recognised in Germany or an equivalent foreign degree.

  • Funds: Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living costs for the entire six-month stay (Blocked Account or formal sponsorship).

  • Accommodation: Proof of arranged accommodation.

  • No Work: You are not allowed to work while on this visa, but you can convert it to a Work Visa once you find a job.

5. Dubai (UAE): Employment Visa & Residence Permit 🇦🇪

 

The process for working in Dubai (UAE) is primarily driven by the sponsoring employer.

 

Key Steps (Employer-Sponsored)

 

  1. Job Offer & Sponsorship: Secure a job offer. Your employer will act as your sponsor.

  2. Work Permit (E-Visa/Entry Permit): The employer applies for an Entry Permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for you to enter the UAE.

  3. Entry to UAE: You travel to the UAE using the Entry Permit.

  4. Medical Screening: Undergo mandatory medical fitness tests in the UAE.

  5. Emirates ID: Apply for the mandatory national identity card.

  6. Residence Visa Stamping: The employer submits your passport and documents to have the Residence Visa stamped, granting legal residency and work status.

 

Note on Unskilled/Semi-Skilled Jobs (Europe)

 

For roles like driving, delivery, and warehouse jobs in Europe, these are typically covered by national work permit schemes or often require a pre-secured job offer and sometimes language proficiency, with procedures varying significantly by EU member state. These are generally not covered by pan-European programs like the Blue Card.

6. Mauritius: Occupation Permit (Professional / Self-Employed / Investor) 🇲🇺

 

Mauritius offers an Occupation Permit (OP), which combines a work and residence permit, simplifying the process for professionals, investors, and the self-employed.

 

Professional (Employee) OP

 

  • Job Offer: Must have a contract with a Mauritian company.

  • Salary: Must earn a minimum monthly basic salary (currently set high for eligibility, check the latest Economic Development Board (EDB) criteria).

  • Application: The employing company submits the application to the EDB on your behalf.

 

Self-Employed OP (Work + Business)

 

  • Business: Must work exclusively for your own account in the services sector and be registered with the Registrar of Businesses.

  • Initial Transfer: Must transfer an initial prescribed sum (e.g., $20,000) to a Mauritian bank account.

  • Turnover: Must meet annual minimum turnover requirements.

 

Investor OP (Work + Business)

 

  • Investment: Must invest a prescribed amount (e.g., $50,000) in a new or existing business activity in Mauritius.

  • Turnover/Operating Expenditure: The business must achieve minimum annual turnover or operating expenditure requirements.

Note on Work Permit

 

A separate Work Permit (for employees who do not qualify for the OP) is also available and is typically issued by the Ministry of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training.

 

General Documents Required for All Work Visas

 

While specific requirements vary, most work visa applications require:

  • Valid Passport

  • Completed Application Forms

  • Passport-sized Photographs

  • Proof of Academic/Professional Qualifications (attested/legalised where necessary)

  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Job Offer/Employment Contract

  • Proof of English Language Proficiency (e.g., IELTS/PTE)

  • Medical Certificate/Health Check-up Reports

  • Police Clearance Certificate(s) (PCC)

  • Proof of Funds (for some visas, like Germany's Job Seeker)