In this increasingly interconnected world, there are hundreds of opportunities for talented professionals all over the globe. The demand for these individuals is at an all-time high, and it’s often the case that the highest-paying jobs require you to move to a different country.
If you’ve made the decision to work internationally, then you’re likely coming to the realisation that there’s a lot of back and forth with the various pieces of documentation to go through. International mobility is complex, and everything must be done by the book to ensure you have a smooth transition.
In this article, you’ll learn about the small details that are crucial to bear in mind.
Be Prepared to Wait
A global career can offer some incredible prospects, but getting there takes a lot of effort. It’s not often the case that your new employer will help with the logistical challenges surrounding entry to the country, so you’ll have to figure that stuff out yourself.
There are several strict processes in place, and they differ depending on the country you’re traveling to. These things take time, and in some cases, you could be waiting months before you hear back about a specific piece of documentation or verification. Patience is key; there’s nothing you can do to speed things up, so be sure to keep yourself busy in the meantime.
Sort Your Visa Out Early On
One of the most important aspects you’ll need to sort out early is your visa. This is your ticket into the country, and there are many different types to match your motivations.
Depending on the country you’re travelling to, there may exist a few different types even within the work visa category. There are usually graduate visas, which permit an international student to stay in the country to work after studying, and most countries offer the skilled worker visa for those with specific skill sets.
If you’re looking to relocate to the United States and possess extraordinary talent in a specific field, there’s also the O-1 visa to consider. This is a particularly powerful visa offering some of the most flexible terms you’ll find.
Prepare a Plan B
Just because you deserve a given opportunity doesn’t necessarily mean everything will work out. There may be a problem with your application that takes months to resolve, or the country could change its rules of entry, delaying things indefinitely.
Ultimately, there are a whole manner of unforeseen problems that could occur, and while they’re statistically unlikely to, you’ll always want to ensure you have a plan B. As you progress through the fundamental stages of readying yourself for a global career, continue to pursue avenues at home: try to have something ready to go so that in the event things don’t work out, you have options available.
Wrapping Up
Sorting through the application process can be a daunting, arduous task, but providing you take things one step at a time, you’ll get there. Once you’re settled into your career and have embraced a whole new culture, it’ll all have been worth it.
