The second round of visa interviews is typically referred to as the “visa interview” or, less frequently, as the “transit interview.” This is usually one day for individuals who are applying for an F-1 student visa or H-1B work visa. If you have received your I-94W form in the mail, this will be during that same day!
The purpose of this visit is to make sure that you will return home after graduation and look like you plan to remain there for some time. Many countries require at least two years spent outside their borders before they grant citizenship so this makes sense. Some employers also request this requirement.
Since most students graduate with little money, many people must consider working abroad while studying a degree program. Therefore, having proof of employment can help prove that you will not go back home soon is very important. For these reasons, the timing and length of the visa interview has become more critical than ever.
A non-immigrant work visa is called a “visa” or, less commonly, an “employment visa.” The term “nonimmigrant” means traveling for business purposes (rather than visiting friends or touring Spain) so most people refer to this as a Business VISA. You must have permission to enter Canada as a visitor or temporary resident in order to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa.
In addition to the visa, you will need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself while in Canada, and proof of sufficient income can be via:
A stable source of employment with paystubs and/or W2s
Two years’ worth of tax documents
Proof of adequate housing
Most EU citizens do not require a visa to visit Canada for a short stay (up to six months). If your main reason for coming to Canada is to study, talk to Canadian embassy staff about whether you need a student visa instead.
Becoming an RVSI member is one of the most important things you can do if you’re seeking employment in Canada. Not only does it give you access to job listings, it also gives you information about what documents you will need for work and how to prepare them.
By becoming an RVSI member, you’ll get the chance to connect with other members who have done business here before. By talking to others, you’ll find out which types of businesses hire immigrants and why. You may even be able to pick their brains as to whether or not this new employer is trustworthy!
Another way to make sure that your immigration experience goes well is to research potential employers ahead of time. Do some background checks, look up reviews and speak with people who have worked for the company.
Visas are not issued to people who live in or travel to Australia as tourists, so it is important that you understand what kind of visa you will need before you arrive.
If you intend to stay longer than three months, then you should know about the Business Traveler (B) class visa. This type of visa allows visitors to remain in Australia for up to one year and business owners qualify.
For B visas, applicants must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves while in Australia and that they will leave after their visit. Applicants also must show that they will return to their home country after leaving Australia.
Business travelers do not need to apply for an entry clearance through ASIO or another government agency; instead, their employer applies on their behalf. Yours may be able to help you find information about this by looking at your employment documents and/or contacting them directly.
Another option if you already have proof of income and residence in Australia is to use the eVisitor Program, which does not require employers to submit paperwork. You can read more about these programs here.
The next major area of inquiry is about your health. This can be anything from questions about current medical conditions to more general inquiries about your fitness as an individual and potential impact on the job if you cannot perform it.
If there’s one thing that employers look for, it’s whether or not someone can show self-confidence and clarity when under pressure. Being healthy shows that you have control over yourself and will work hard even when things get tough.
So what kinds of information do you need to include in your visa applications? Make sure to discuss any ongoing illnesses, surgeries, prescription medications, etc. That way, your answers are factually accurate and you don’t leave out important pieces of info.
You also want to make sure to talk about any significant injuries. For example, if you had knee surgery and they ask how you feel about returning to strenuous activities, this could hurt your chances significantly.
Finding an appropriate venue to apply for your visa can be tricky, especially when you’re under time constraints.
You don’t want to search too long before coming across as looking like you’ll be in Australia for a while, so look for venues that are close to public transport or where you already have some commitments at the time of your visit.
General inquiries about visas can be done directly through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) – their website has all the information you need!
They also offer free consultations via phone and video chat services, which is helpful if you’re not able to come into a office setting.
It is very important that you do not forget anything during your visa interview, as these documents can be used to deny or accept your visit.
It is best to pack your visa for the day before so that you are prepared when the interviewer asks if you have it with you. Make sure to check this every morning before going anywhere!
You will need to bring some form of identification such as a passport or driver’s license. You should also know what country you will be visiting in and how long you plan to stay. This information can be found online and from acquaintances.
In addition to all of this, you must make sure that you do not belong to any terrorist groups or organizations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does conduct investigations related to terrorism at international airports, so being aware of this could prove helpful.
The next thing you’ll need to do is prepare for your visa interview! This will be one of the most important parts of the process, as you want to make sure that you have all the appropriate documents in order to verify your identity and prove that you meet the requirements for the visa.
You can find lots of resources online and through our website and apps about what documents you’ll need for this interview, but we wanted to give some more detail so here it is!
We've prepared some key points for you to read over so you're totally ready for when your appointment comes around.
While it is not mandatory to attend an in-person interview if you are applying for a non-immigrant work or business visa, it is highly recommended as a way to confirm your qualifications and determine whether or not you look like you belong in the country.
Visas are only given to those who are genuinely looking to live and work in Canada, so making sure that you appear legitimate is important.
For most employers, attendance at the visa appointment is either paid by the employer or covered by workplace insurance.
It can also be done via video chat which some people find more comfortable than attending in person. However, there may still be questions asked about you face to face at the meeting.
