If you’re planning to take up jobs abroad, the employer sponsored work visas might be something that would interest you. These visas will let you live and work in a foreign country, under the sponsorship of an employer. Applying for this visa involved several steps, but it usually starts with a job offer from an employer.
Here at Checklist Visa, we’ll share the basics about this type of visa, including the process of application and transitioning to permanent residency. That way, you will have an idea of what to do in case you are given the opportunity to work abroad.
What is an Employer Sponsored Work Visa?
Employer sponsored work visas enable companies to bring foreign workers into their country to perform specific work. The process starts with the employer offering a job offer to the foreign worker. After that, the employer will have to apply for permission to sponsor the worker and have to prove that there are no local workers who can do the job. When approved, the worker can start the application process for the visa. The visa is common in several countries and is mostly used for skilled jobs.
There are certain conditions that a worker must meet to get approved of the visa. First of all, he or she should meet the specific qualifications for the job being offered, such as educational attainment or relevant experience. Also, you will be under the sponsorship of your employer. Therefore, if you ever change jobs, you’ll have to obtain a new visa.
Some countries will allow the holders of employer sponsored visas to continue on through permanent residency. However, you need to meet certain conditions. The eligibility requirements will vary from one country to another. Remember that both the employer and employee are obliged to adhere to the legal requirements for the approval of this visa.
Countries Offering Employer Sponsored Work Visas
Here are some countries known to offer the employer sponsored work visas:
United States
In the U.S., employer sponsored work visas enable companies to hire foreigners for particular jobs. A job offer by the employer is a requirement, along with filing a petition with the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services). The most common categories under this visa type include H-1B for skilled workers and L-1 for company transfers.
An employer has to show that the worker possessed skills required in a specific job and could not find any qualified US workers to fill the given positions. Once the employer’s petition gets approved, the foreign worker can apply at a U.S. consulate for the visa. Once the visa is approved, it allows them to come to the United States to stay and work there for a certain period of time, usually three years.
United Kingdom
The UK is another country offering employer sponsored work visas. Through this, UK-based businesses can bring in skilled workers into the country to perform specific jobs. The most common type is the Skilled Worker Visa. An employer needs to have a sponsorship license to sponsor the foreign worker. Also, the foreign employee must first receive a job offer from the employer before applying for the visa.
The UK employer has to apply for the sponsorship. Meanwhile, it is the foreign employee who has to apply for the visa. Both the employer and foreign worker should meet specific conditions. Once the visa is approved, the foreign worker can travel to the UK and live and work there. Usually, it’s good for up to five years, with the possibility of an extension. The foreign worker will also have the option to apply for a permanent residency in the UK.
Canada
Canada also allows businesses to hire foreign workers through the employer sponsored work visas. The employers must first acquire a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that the job cannot be filled by a Canadian. Only then can a worker apply for a work permit based on the job offer.
Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows employers to bring foreign workers into the country to work temporarily. This program is applicable in industries facing labor shortages. Once the work permit is granted, the worker can live and work in Canada temporarily, with options to extend, depending on the employer.
Australia
In Australia, businesses can hire foreign workers through the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. Through this visa, foreign employees can take up jobs if there are no qualified local workers available to perform the role. To learn more about this, read our blog about the Australia TSS Visa.
The visa is available in short-term and medium-term streams, depending on the type of job. In addition, the employer should be approved sponsors and has to nominate the worker to take up a specific position. Only then can the foreign employee apply for the visa. With this visa, the worker can stay in Australia up to four years, with the option to renew and apply for permanent residency.
Application Process for Employer-Sponsored Visas
These are the usual steps for applying for an employer sponsored visa, generally applicable to most countries offering this type of visa:
1. Job Offer
The first step to getting the employer sponsored visas is accepting a job offer from the company where you intend to take up the job.
2. Labor Market Test (if required)
In some cases, the employer may have to go through the labor market test. It is a process where the employer must prove that there are no local workers that can fill in the position.
3. Employer Petition
Next, the employer will proceed to file a visa petition through the relevant government authority. For instance, if it’s in the United States, it will be through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
4. Approval of Petition
Upon receiving the petition from the employer, the immigration authority will go through it. If it meets the conditions, they will approve the petition.
5. Worker Visa Application
Once the petition is approved, the foreign worker can start the process of applying for the employer sponsored work visa. This can be done through the respective embassy or consulate of the foreign worker’s home country.
6. Document Submission
Just like with applying for any visa, the foreign worker must submit the required documents. The requirements will vary per country, but these usually include the job offer and proof of qualifications.
7. Visa Interview
The foreign worker may be asked to come for an interview to the consulate or embassy as part of the visa approval process. Refer to our visa interview tips for this.
8. Visa Approval
Once your application for the employer sponsored work visa is approved, your employer can make the necessary arrangements to bring you into the country. This includes booking your flight ticket.
Transitioning to Permanent Residency
Many countries allow the transition to permanent residency for foreign workers holding the employer-sponsored work visa. The qualifications will vary per country, but usually it requires the foreign worker to live and work in the country for a specific period. In some countries, the worker must stay with the same employer, meet a specific income level, and pass background checks.
The period of stay will vary depending on the country. Also, switching employers could affect one’s eligibility. In some cases, you may also need to meet other requirements, such as language proficiency, health and character checks, etc.
FAQs on Employer Sponsored Work Visas
Can you bring family members with the employer sponsored visas?
Yes, many countries allow holders of employer sponsored work visas to bring family members. This usually applies to spouses and dependent children, and they will have to apply for their own visas. In some countries, they will be allowed to take up work. Note that the rules will vary per country so it’s important to check the specific visa rules for the country where you will be taking up work.
Can the employer sponsored visa be renewed?
Yes, employer sponsored work visas can usually be renewed. For this, the employer will have to reapply or confirm the sponsorship. Also, in order to get approved, the worker must continue to meet the eligibility requirements, including skill level and job status. The renewal process will vary depending on the country and it must start before the current visa will expire.
How long does the processing of employer sponsored visa take?
The processing time for employer sponsored work visas will vary depending on the country, type of visa, and other factors. But it will generally take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. You may be able to request for expedited processing but for an added fee. It’s important to apply the visa as soon as you receive the job offer.
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