Want to relocate abroad but don’t have have a job offer letter? This does not have to imply postponing your plans. A job seeker visa is a temporary residency permit that permits you to look for work in the country for a set length of time without the need for a sponsor or an offer letter.
In most nations, if you find work and complete the conditions, you can obtain permanent residency.
These are eight countries that provide visas for job seekers:
1. Germany
Duration: six months
Eligibility criteria: You must be at least 18 years old, have a Bachelor’s degree, and have at least five years of work experience. You must provide proof of financial stability to demonstrate that you can cover your expenses while looking for work in Germany, which could be in the form of a blocked account for €5,604 (Rs4,94,105) or an obligation letter from a sponsor.
Documents: A passport valid for at least 12 months issued within the last ten years, three passport images, a cover letter, proof of academic qualifications, proof of accommodation and financial means, your CV, health insurance, and your birth certificate or Aadhar card.
2. Canada
The Federal Skilled Worker Program in Canada allows people to apply for permanent residency based on their talents, education, and work experience. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including language proficiency and adequate funding.
3. Austria
Austria offers a job-seeker visa to “very highly qualified workers (experienced top-level personnel, such as scientists and senior-level top-managers).
Duration: six months
Eligibility criteria: A minimum score of 70 on Austria’s 100-point list of criteria for extremely highly qualified personnel is required. Awards, research and innovation, academic degrees, gross compensation, and language ability are among the abilities and qualifications on the list.
Documents: Your valid passport, photo, proof of local lodging, health insurance, and proof of enough means of sustenance, as well as documentation supporting the individual criterion you check off on the points list.
4. Italy
Those with an Italian job seeker visa can stay in the country for up to six months to look for work. Candidates must have enough money to support themselves throughout their stay and health insurance.
5. Sweden
If you have finished courses leading to an advanced level degree, you can apply for a residence permit in Sweden to hunt for work or to investigate the possibility of starting your own business.
Duration: three to nine months
Eligibility criteria: You must have completed coursework leading to an advanced level degree. This means that your diploma must be equivalent to a 60-credit Master’s degree, a 120-credit Master’s degree, a professional degree worth 60-330 credits, or a postgraduate/PhD-level diploma.
Documents: A valid passport, academic transcripts, proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and a digital copy of a signed letter of consent authorizing the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) to contact higher education institutions in your home country to verify your educational documents are required.
6. Australia
Anyone can apply for permanent residency in Australia via the Australian Skilled Independent visa based on their talents, education, and work experience. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including language proficiency and adequate funding.
7. United Arab Emirates
Duration: 60, 90 or 120 days
Eligibility criteria: You must be a lawmaker, manager, business executive, or a professional or technician in scientific, technical, or humanitarian domains, i.e. in the first, second, or third skill level of jobs as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Alternatively, you must have graduated within the last two years from one of the best 500 universities in the world, according to the Ministry of Education’s classification. You must have a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and be able to meet the financial guarantee requirements.
Documents: A valid passport, colour photographs and attested qualification certificates.
8. Portugal
Duration: 120 days (renewable for another 60 days)
Eligibility criteria: While eligibility information is not accessible on the official website, please contact the Portuguese Government’s Diplomatic Portal for more information.
Documents: A completed visa application, a passport valid for at least three months, two pictures, a criminal record certificate, travel insurance, and proof of financial resources equal to at least three months’ pay are required.