What Are Employment Based Visas

By Tiara

Employer sponsored visas are pretty common these days- you probably know at least one person who is legally living in America due to their job offer. This is because most countries grant some sort of visa for employment to qualified professionals or individuals with significant investment opportunities.

Many people refer to this type of visa as an OVISA, which stands for Occupation Visa. The term “visa” actually refers to both entry into and stay within the country, not just the time spent here. Many people live and work in the United States with an international employer that has secured an EB (Employment Based) visa for their employee.

These types of visas are increasingly popular due to the ease of securing them. There are only two requirements; your employers must be able to prove they will employ you directly, and you must be willing to remain in the workplace for the duration of the visa. If those things sound like you, then it’s definitely worth looking into!

There are many ways to gain employment related foreign national status. Some nations actively advertise open positions requiring citizenship qualifications, while others are more informal.

Who can apply for an employment-based visa?

what are employment based visas

An employment-based visa is only given to people who are able to prove that they have a job ready for you when you arrive in Australia. You must also be willing to give up your existing residence in Canada or another country, so it is important to check out these visas before applying.

Employment-Based Visas are categorized as either work Visa (OVI) or business Visa (BVI). Both types of visa require you to live and work in Australia for at least three months after you receive the visa. If this isn’t done then you will need to start the process all over again!

Work visas are granted to individuals who intend to perform skilled professional jobs in Australia. These include doctors and nurses, engineers, architects, accountants, and other professionals with highly specific skills.

Business visas allow entrepreneurs and employers to bring their own employees into Australia to run their company. This includes setting up a new business, hiring staff, or expanding an established one.

What jobs must I apply for a visa for?

what are employment based visas

Employer sponsorship is one of the most important things to consider when seeking employment based visas. You will need to make sure that you have enough proof that your position at the employer exists and that it can be confirmed as legitimate.

It’s very common for employers to advertise positions, but not everyone who applies actually has what it takes to do the job. If this happens, the employee will likely be offered a lower salary or even no chance of being hired because of poor performance.

This could hurt your career tremendously if you are looking to migrate to Australia on an employment visa. Make sure that you don’t accept a position unless you are confident that you can fulfill the obligations of the role!

You should also confirm that your passport is valid and up-to-date before applying for employment in Australia.

How can I get an employment-based visa?

what are employment based visas

An employment-based visa is for individuals who are able to demonstrate that they have a job offer in Australia or will be earning income here.

These visas are categorized as either temporary (working holiday visa) or long term (spousal, partner, student and working residency visa).

Temporary work visas allow you to come to Australia for a set amount of time to pursue your business or career. You must return home at the end of this period unless you apply for permanent residence.

Long term visas give you more lasting rights in Australia. If you qualify you can live and work here permanently! This includes spousal visas, which help married couples establish lives together in Australia; student visas, where you study and earn an Australian qualification while living in Australia; and working resident visas, where you agree to work in Australia for a certain number of years.

What happens after I apply for a visa?

what are employment based visas

After you have completed all of your applications, you will need to wait for someone to review your documents before you can officially stay in Canada as their guest. This process is called processing your application.

It usually takes several days or weeks, so be prepared for that!

While you are waiting, here some things you can do: look for work, find an apartment or a room to rent, buy groceries, and explore the area around the consulate where you applied.

Employment visas allow you to live and work in Canada under what’s known as a Work Permit. You must return home every few months though — just like any other tourist.

Can I transfer my visa?

what are employment based visas

After spending time in Australia as a skilled worker, can you go back home and start life there as a backpacker? Probably not! That’s why it is so important to understand what employment-based visas are and how long they last.

Most countries grant certain working visas to citizens of their country. These types of visas are usually for one year and include things like teaching or studying at a university. Business people also need work visas to come into the country to run an enterprise.

Unfortunately, some migrants make good use of these visas by living off welfare benefits in the country they have been granted residency in. This is not only expensive for taxpayers, but it can be frustrating trying to find job opportunities for someone who has all the perks already.

Fortunately, most Western nations give immigrants the opportunity to apply for citizenship after about ten years if they live and contribute in the community. If your name is on this list, then you’ll know what kind of visa you hold and when it will expire. Check out our guide here to learn more about Australian immigration laws.

What are the different types of employment-based visas?

what are employment based visas

An employment visa is typically given to individuals who are seeking employment in the United States. These visas allow you to live and work here while your position is vacant or while your employer seeks additional staff.

Employment-based visas are categorized according to what profession the applicant wants to work in, and what position within that field they want to hold. For example, if you’re looking to be an accountant, then you would apply for a business/professional (BPA) visa. If you’re looking to teach at a university, you would apply for an advanced degree (AGA) visa.

There are also nonimmigrant worker visas, which are usually only needed for short amounts of time. A labor certification requires employers to attest to their efforts in trying to find American workers before granting these employees working visas.

Do I need a job offer?

what are employment based visas

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to employment visa requirements. The main thing that most countries look at is whether you are willing to work for employers who want to sponsor you for a visa. So, if an employer wants to hire you then they must be able to confirm that there’s a position available, you’re qualified enough to do the job and you can prove your income.

It’s not always easy to get this information so what some people do is try to fake the second part – their qualifications or ability to perform the job. This may fool some employers but will usually not go unnoticed quickly!

If you know of any potential jobs please send us an email at info@workvisajobs.ca to see if we can help connect you with one of our participating organizations.

What are the requirements?

what are employment based visas

To be able to work in Canada as an internationally recognized professional, you must have your visa status certified by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

This is usually done through Professional Association of Canadian Schools or other similar organizations that verify professionals’ qualifications. They can also perform background checks which include credit reports, criminal records, and more.

In order to stay in Canada, you will need to prove that you do not intend to work here illegally. If this is the case, CIC may grant you temporary resident status instead.

Alternatively, if you would like to become permanent residents of Canada, you will have to show that you have enough money to live on for at least six months. Most employers require this. You can learn more about employment based visas here.

Benefits of Holding an Employment-Based Visa

There are several benefits of holding an employment-based visa, and these perks are what make them so sought-after:

  1. Job Security: Once you secure an employment-based visa, you have a guaranteed job waiting for you. This offers a sense of security and reduces the stress of relocating to a new country.
  2. Opportunity for Growth: Having an employment-based visa often allows individuals to access job markets that might offer better opportunities, compensation, and professional growth than in their home country.
  3. Cultural Exchange: Living and working in a new country provides a chance for cultural exchange, personal growth, and a broader worldview.
  4. Path to Permanent Residency: In many cases, holding an employment-based visa can provide a pathway to permanent residency or even citizenship, given that you meet the necessary requirements and have lived in the country for a certain duration.
  5. Access to Benefits: Depending on the visa type and the country, visa holders might get access to social and healthcare benefits, similar to the country's citizens.

Challenges and Responsibilities

While the prospect of working in a foreign country is exciting, it also comes with its own set of challenges:

  1. Cultural Adaptation: Adjusting to a new culture, its social norms, and sometimes even a new language can be challenging. It might take time to fully integrate and feel at home.
  2. Renewal and Documentation: Ensuring that your visa remains valid requires timely renewals and keeping up with documentation. Falling out of status can have serious legal implications.
  3. Dependent Limitations: In some visa categories, dependents might not be allowed to work. This can affect families where both partners are keen on pursuing their careers.
  4. Economic Changes: Economic downturns, changes in industry trends, or company policies can affect job security, even if you hold a visa.
  5. Understanding Rights: It's crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities under the visa you hold. Some unscrupulous employers might take advantage of foreign workers, so it's essential to be informed and seek legal counsel if necessary.

In conclusion, while employment-based visas offer a myriad of opportunities, they also come with their set of challenges. It's crucial for potential applicants to be thoroughly informed, plan ahead, and be prepared for the responsibilities that come with living and working in a new country.