Do I arrange my
employment and or resident visa before I go
overseas?
These issues vary for every country and it is a good
time to head over to the discussion boards at
ELT World and
TESALL and ask.
The
Usual Process
Is
to get a special visa that means that you will be
working in that country - before you leave. You'll need
to get it at the embassy of the country to which you are
moving. Usually, all this can easily be done through
the mail.
Know though that embassy people like government
employees everywhere, are not always as helpful as they
could be, so be very positive and pleasant with them.
Basically, you need to "kiss their (whatevers)" - you
know what I mean. These people are critical to you -
please them. Sing, dance, be very patient - don't lose
your cool. And this is just the beginning - so get used
to it!
They are, btw, sometimes VERY helpful and very
pleasant. The lady who runs the Thai embassy in Korea -
is the very best of the best!
Overseas
Once in the country in which you will be working, you'll
typically need to go somewhere (maybe immigration, maybe
the Ministry of Labor - maybe both) to get your work
permit sorted out. Usually, your residence visa is only
for a short time when you first enter the country. It
will then be extended to the period of time for your
work permit.
Merry-Go-Round
This can be fun - as with all things governmental - when
your work permit can only be issued for the period of
time of your visa - but your visa will only be issued
for the period of time of your work permit - but does
the chicken come before the egg?
Don't worry about it -
some how it all gets done. Lean on your employer - it
won't usually be the first time they have gone through
it. This part always stresses me out a bit - but I have
learned to just have faith that it will all get done
somehow . . .
