8 Tips For Moving Overseas For Employment

Moving abroad for employment is a big decision. There are many things to consider, and you want to make sure that you're making the right choice. 

Moving abroad for employment is a big decision. There are many things to consider, and you want to make sure that you’re making the right choice. 

Is It Feasible For You?

First, figure out whether or not a move will be possible. Do some research on the job market in your desired destination and look at how easy it would actually be to find employment there. Researching the country’s culture is also recommended, as this can help you understand what living conditions are like. If moving abroad isn’t an option for whatever reason, then don’t worry about researching visas just yet.

In certain countries such as Australia and New Zealand, which have reciprocal working holiday visa agreements with many others, including Canada, Ireland, and South Korea, you’ll need a job before being able to apply for a work permit. This means that unless you already have employment lined up upon arrival in the country, it can be very difficult to find a job and subsequently get a visa.

Researching Visas

The next step is researching which visa will work best for your move abroad. There are many different types of working holiday visas that allow you to travel and live in various countries worldwide. Your options usually depend on where exactly you want to go, but no matter what, there is always some kind of cost involved. Whether this just means paying an application fee or if it comes with hidden costs such as medical insurance, language tests, fines, etc. It’s important that when applying for any type of working holiday visa, especially one issued by another government department (like not through the embassy), you thoroughly investigate all associated costs. Also, take special notice of any waiting periods or specific dates like the green card priority date. You need to take these into account when you do your planning for your flights and the start date of your new job. 

Finding A Job 

Once you have your visa sorted, it’s time to start looking for employment. Unless you already have a job offer waiting for you when you arrive, this can often be the hardest part of moving overseas for work. Networking is key here, so get online, join groups and attend events related to your industry or field of work. Websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Seek are great places to start.

Accommodation

Unless you’re lucky enough to have family or friends in the city you’re moving to, finding accommodation can be another challenge. Try websites such as Airbnb, Stayz, and Flatmates, which offer short-term rentals or room shares. If you need to rent long-term, it’s best to get started early, as properties tend to go quickly.

Packing Tips

When packing for a move overseas, it’s important to remember that you’ll most likely be doing a fair bit of traveling, so don’t pack everything you own. Instead, pack light and think about what clothes and items you’ll actually need while living in another country. It might also be a good idea to invest in quality luggage that will last.

Money

One of the most important things to remember when moving overseas is to make sure you have enough money saved up. You’ll need it for flights, accommodation, food, and other expenses while you’re getting settled in. So it’s a good idea to have at least three months’ worth of living costs saved up.

Documentation

Make sure you have all your important documentation sorted out before leaving, such as your passport, visa, work permit, etc. You don’t want to be stuck at the airport without them.

Travel Insurance

Lastly, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before leaving for your new country. This will protect you in case of any unexpected events or illnesses while abroad.

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