Advice for Expats on Obtaining Passport Visas for Abroad

For some of you the thought of travelling abroad to start a new life can be quite daunting and leave you feeling anxious. It really does not need to feel that way as long as you have researched and looked into your chosen country and know what exactly is required of you to reside there long term.

The first step for you would be to look at the embassy or consulate of your chosen country and look at the Passport or Visa section.

In some countries you have up to 3 months from entering to apply for a residence visa whereas other countries you will need to start applying straightaway at the embassy or consulate of the destined country, as the process is lengthy.

Various evidence is required by the forthcoming countries in order for you to obtain your Resident Visa. It differs from country to country.

Also you must bear in mind that just because you have obtained a Residence Visa in some countries it does not actually mean you are entitled to work. Therefore you would need to then apply separately for a Work Permit in those countries who do not give permission for you to work on a Residence Visa. It all really depends on countries rules and the relationship that they have with your native country.

Before you apply for your Work Permit you need to check that your profession is one that is available for Foreigners to carry out, this is because some professions are protected and only people native to that country can carry out those jobs.

Lets take a look at France and the requirements in order to live there for more than 3 months. You will need to apply for a long term Residence Visa and this needs to be applied for before you leave your native country.
You need to be precise when applying for this visa as details of it including your status cannot be changed upon arrival in France.


After you have successfully gained the Residence Visa you then need to apply for 1 of the 6 relevant Work Visas. (Seasonal Worker, Employee on Assignment etc...)
On arrival in France you then need to register with the Office Français d’Immigration et d’Intégration.

Turkey is a little different from France in the way that the application for a Residence Visa should be made within 3 months of arrival. You should show that you have enough money to support yourself and medical insurance in your name as well as a permanent address.

The reason that Turkey requires you to show proof of funds is that obtaining a Work Visa in Turkey is difficult as a lot of the jobs are protected which means only the native people can obtain the jobs, although if you have unique skills that a Turkish person does not have you can apply for a Work Permit and will stand a chance of successfully acquiring one.

Canada however is dislike the other two countries mentioned above. Your application should be filed in advance as soon as possible because Long Stay Residence Permits can take up to a year to process, unless you are of a skilled occupation - then occasionally it can be 'fast tracked' through the system. There is various evidence that Canada will take into consideration before granting you with a Residence Visa, such as looking into your occupation, education, police record, health plus more.

But if you can obtain this type of Visa then it is possible for you to live and work in any part of Canada.
Finally if you are planning to stay in your destined country indefinitely and it really feels like home, then citizenship will be your next step.

About the Author:
Kim Kashmere is a writer for an expat community blog that also provides swiss calling cards and India calling cards for international travelers. She is based in the UK and has a passion for photography, especially in appreciating the world's beauty.