Many peo ple dream of taking a few months or years off and traveling the world. An extended holiday can be expensive but you can offset the cost by working while you are traveling. The rules for working in a foreign country vary from country to country depending on your country of origin, age and the type of job you are looking for.
You can always find temporary work under the table but that is not the best way to go as you are likely breaking the law and working for less than you should be. By working illegally you can inadvertently create a negative situation for legal workers by lowering the wages and creating unacceptable working conditions. If you are caught working illegally you will face deportation and may not be able to return to the country you have been deported from. It is better to get a work visa and find legitimate employment.
Many countries offer temporary work visas to people under the age of 30. This enables you to work while you are traveling. The cost of the visa and the requirements vary from country, so it is best to apply for the visa before you go. There are several companies such as Global Visa and Work Anywhere that will assist you in getting a temporary work visa. Sometimes it is easier to pay the fee and let someone who is knowledgeable about the rules complete the paper work for you. Even if you do not use these firms to help you get a visa, they are excellent resources as to visa requirements and costs.
If you are interested in working in Canada, visit the Canadian Government website for rules and the application process. The website, Canada Visa can help you with your temporary work visa application as can Migration Expert website. All companies who assist you with visa applications charge a fee over and above the fee charged by the government.
If you are want to work in Europe, the Job Monkey website has some good advice on what kinds of visas are available and how to apply for them. Some countries have reciprocal work agreements with the USA and Canada. Again, check with the government website or embassy of the country you want to work in for visa requirements and applications. Another good website for information on working in Europe is Anyworkanywhere.com.
The United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland) have different rules than the rest of Europe and a European work visa is not valid in the UK. Visa applications for the UK are done via the website UK Visas. If one of your parents or grandparents was born in the UK you will have ancestry rights and it is considerably easier to get a work visa. Ireland (or Southern Ireland) is a separate country that is part of the European Union and has its own rules and requirements for temporary work visas.
Australia has a temporary program for people under the age of 30 who want to travel and work in Australia. Visit the government website for more details.
There is a website, Going Global, which provides useful information about working in the United States. The site explains the types of visas available and how to find employment in the USA. The USA government website also has detailed information about temporary employment in the USA. If you want to determine if you qualify for a visa, Visa Bureau website has an eligibility test you can take.
All countries have there own rules and regulations for work visas and permits. In most cases if you are over 30 you will need to have a job lined up to get a work visa as an employer must sponsor you. This can be very difficult if you only want temporary work and don’t know the exact dates you will be in the country. Fees for work visas vary from country to country so it is best to check on the government websites, contact the local embassies or use a service to help get you your visa.
If you want to travel and work in a foreign country do your homework. Be aware of the visa requirements before you travel and if possible get a temporary work visa before you leave home. Don’t work under the table, it is illegal and if you are caught could you will be deported. Don’t rely on the money you will make working to subsidize your holiday. Take sufficient funds for your trip and use any money you do make to help extend your vacation. Even with a visa, work is not guaranteed. A working holiday can be a fantastic opportunity that will enable you to live in a different culture and gain valuable life experience you may not have been otherwise able to afford.
