When relocating abroad, most people planning to migrate believe that immigration routes for securing jobs are strictly upon employment. This is false—there are several ways of relocating to foreign countries for work. One of them is through a Job Seeker Visa.
With a Job Seeker Visa, those seeking employment can travel to some of the countries listed below for a short time. While simultaneously scouring for job opportunities abroad without experience in most cases. The relocation does not require sponsorship or a job offer letter before traveling abroad. The Job Seeker Visa is usually valid for about six months to one year, after which the individual is expected to be gainfully employed. Or explore the possibilities of starting a business.
Depending on the country’s policies or decrees, those who obtain this visa and are successfully employed can upgrade the Job Seeker Visa to a Permanent Work Visa. Some countries with very high demand for skilled workers often have more flexible Job Seeker Visa requirements and eligibility criteria for employment. While other countries with high demand for experienced workers may have strict immigration policies and more stringent work requirements.
Keep in mind that a full-time or part-time employment letter or even a lack thereof does not present as a limitation to relocating. And you don’t need to
apply for jobs abroad online in your home country before immigration. All you need to do is apply for a Job Seeker Visa in the countries below, travel, and start looking for a job. Other visa routes that provide great opportunities for people to work abroad permanently or temporarily include the Skilled Worker Visa. The Employment Sponsorship Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Student Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, etc.
Countries That Issue Job Seeker Visa
Below are some countries that offer Job Seeker Visas to individuals without employment offer letters. Along with the job seeker visa requirements for individually listed countries.
Germany
A job seeker visa is one of several immigration options available to individuals seeking to enter Germany and search for employment within six months. Those who are not citizens of EU/EEA countries will require a job seeker visa. The EU countries are Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Canada, and the USA. If successful in finding employment within six months, individuals can apply for a work visa and residence permit. However, you have to meet the eligibility criteria and requirements before applying.
To be eligible for a job seeker visa in Germany, applicants must be third-country nationals requiring a visa to enter Germany. They must equally possess a minimum of five years of work experience. And also proof of completed academic or vocational training. As well as have adequate financial aid to support their stay in Germany.
Several documents are required for a job seeker visa application, including a completed and signed job seeker visa application form. A valid passport with a copy, passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, and financial means. Evidence of valid health insurance, proof of academic qualifications, a recognized degree or diploma, a detailed CV, and a cover letter.
The application must be submitted to the nearest German embassy, consulate, or visa application center. Processing time for job seeker visas in Germany usually takes four to six weeks, and the cost of the visa is around €75.
Spain
Just like Germany, Spain allows citizens of non-EU countries (countries that are not a member of the European Union) to relocate and search for jobs. To be eligible for a Job Seeker Visa in Spain, some of the requirements include educational qualifications recognized in Spain. Or equivalent qualifications from your home country. Health insurance is another prerequisite for acceptance and is expected to last till when the visa expires.
Alongside degrees and qualifications, other support documents like bank statements, proof of funds, and police clearance documents are essential. The police clearance certificate from your home country validates your criminal records. Once every document required by the Spanish consulate in your home country is provided, pay and apply for the visa. The processing time for the visa in Spain usually takes a few weeks to some months. And successful applicants can stay in Spain for six to nine months while filling out job applications.
Denmark
Every year, thousands of people from foreign countries relocate to Denmark due to the numerous employment potential. Denmark is among the most amazing luxury destinations in the world with picturesque villages, excellent cuisines, scenic views, etc What allows applicants to relocate and work in Denmark is a Danish job-seeking permit, which is valid for up to 6 months.
For the duration of their stay, selected persons are not authorized to work while they have a job-seeking permit. To work requires a fresh application for a residency and work permit under one of the Danish job schemes. To apply for this work visa, the applicant must select the appropriate work visa scheme that best suits their job position and create a case order ID. The visa application form varies based on the type of visa, and the correct application fee must be paid.
Once the applicant confirms their visa type, they can proceed to make payment for the necessary fees and submit all required documents. All of which must be completed within the same year. The completed application form can be submitted online or at the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Results may take up to 3 months and during this period, applicants are expected to have their biometrics taken within 14 days. The response time for visa applications may vary based on the type of visa.
Austria
Only highly skilled individuals are eligible to apply for a job seeker visa in Austria. As the criteria for acceptance are very stringent. The Austrian embassy in the applicant’s home country provides the necessary application forms. The job seeker visa is also known as a category D visa and the validity of the visa is six months. The requirements range from skills, and academic qualifications, to university and postgraduate degrees, language competence, vocational certificates, etc.
Other important documents include a valid passport, some photographs, evidence of accommodation, and sufficient funds. As well as concrete health insurance documents that support the visa criteria. After which the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) authorizes the Austrian consulate in your home country to grant you the visa.
Sweden
For three to nine months, individuals who can obtain a job seeker visa to go to Sweden can search for jobs or start a business. Eligibility criteria for interested persons seeking to get a job or be accepted in Sweden include professional degrees or qualifications.
Before application, some of the documents that might come in handy are a valid passport, academic transcripts, proof of adequate funds, health insurance, and a signed letter of consent (digital copy).
The signed letter of consent provides the Swedish Council for Higher Education the liberty to contact higher academic institutions in the applicant’s home country to authenticate the educational documents.
United Arab Emirates
Aimed at drawing competent and skilled workers from across the globe, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Job seeker visa enables interested persons to visit UAE. And search for new job opportunities without an employment offer letter. The validity of the visa spans approximately 2 months, 3 months, or 4 months.
In line with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) policies in UAE, applicants in professional and humanitarian fields are eligible. Meaning interested persons must possess at least a first, second, or third skill level for their visa to be approved. Also, applicants must be a graduate and have a Bachelor’s degree from one of the top 500 universities in the world. With no more than 2 years after graduation before the visa application.
Documents required include a colored photograph, a copy of a valid passport, academic qualification certificates, adequate means of sustenance, etc.
Portugal
Another country that has introduced the job seeker visa is Portugal. Although the Portuguese government is yet to list publicly list some of the eligibility criteria. The visa is valid for approximately 4 months. Only if the applicant can secure employment after entering the country for the duration of 120 days will there be a review and possible extension to 60 days. And upon employment, the individual can apply for a residency permit.
To be eligible, interested persons will need a passport that is valid for three months. Two photographs, a criminal record certificate, and health, and travel insurance. As well as evidence of financial aid equal to at least three months’ salary to apply for the visa. Additionally, if the applicant is unable to secure a job within the time frame, he/she must return to their home country.
