The first time I passed through an international Customs queue, the necessary declaration card and furrowed brow of the Customs Officer sent me into panic.
For Ethnicity, I listed out my muddled American heritage: German, Scottish, Dutch, Scandinavian. Under Purpose of Visit, I scratched out every box that might apply: Study, Work, Family, Other. Finally, stumped by the Type of Visa question, I bit my lip and drew a series of unconvincing question marks. Needless to say, the Customs Officer made me beg for the requisite passport stamp.
While actual titles and types of travel visas may change with each country and department of immigration, the following is a comprehensive list of general visas to be aware of as you plan your trip. Knowing the difference between each will help you better utilize online immigration sites and determine what you need to apply for a working holiday.
- Visitor – If you are entering a country purely for the purposes of travel and entertainment, you will need a Visitor visa. While these are generally granted upon arrival (due to a government arrangement often referred to as a ‘Visa Waiver Program’), double-check the requirements before you land. The United States and Australia require all visitors to apply for an online visa before entry. Visitor visas can last from 30-90 days and have no age restriction. They do not entitle you to work or access healthcare, so you will need international travel insurance to accompany this visa.
- Student – Whether studying abroad for a semester or pursing a year-long Masters degree, this visa covers you for the duration of your academic course. You must apply for a student visa prior to the start of your studies; evidence that you been accepted into a recognized school or university is required. These visas may allow for part-time employment, depending on the type of study you are undertaking. Student visas are not limited to age and may allow for limited healthcare coverage.
- Business – If you are entering a country for a short period of time (1 day – 3 weeks) for a business conference, meetings or similar opportunities organized by your employer, you will travel on a Business visa. Not to be confused with a Work visa, this allows you to conduct business inside the country based on the terms of employment in your own country of residency. They are not long-term visas.
- Work – Unlike a Business visa, this type of travel visa allows you to work within the country for a specified period of time (typically 12 – 24 months). Applicants usually need proof of a particular skill set that is currently in-demand in the country or evidence of a previous job offer from a recognized employer. This is an ideal visa for anyone seeking to settle more permanently overseas.
- Working Holiday (or Work & Holiday) – Perfect for anyone who wants a mix of work and travel, this type of visa grants you working experience in the country. Typically approved for 6 -12 months, a Working Holiday visa allows you to earn an income with any one employer for a limited period of time (3 – 6 months), with the option to travel in between working gigs. This type of visa is extended to travelers between the ages of 18 – 30 (or 35, in a few lucky cases) and may offer limited health coverage during the visa period.
- Sponsorship – A traveler may be sponsored to remain in the country, either through a current employer, or through a de facto partner or spouse. With the understanding that a Sponsorship visa usually leads to a Resident visa, applicants may lose this visa if they break from their employer or partner at any time. They may stay in the country 12 -24 months with full working and health care rights. There is a minimum, but no maximum, age limit for this type of visa.
- Resident – The most substantial of travel visas, Resident visas are just one step below full citizenship. These are difficult to receive, as they require some previous work and/or sponsorship visa inside the country – plus, piles of paperwork and fees! However, they are not restricted by age and allow you to work in any capacity, for however long you want. Residency is typically granted for life.
~ Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli
Photo credits: Sign for the Barbados Immigration Department – CaribDigita, Wikimedia Commons; Airport symbol – Open Clipart; AIGA symbol – AIGA, Wikimedia Commons