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How can two people of different countries be together?

Replies: 13 - Last Post: Apr 23, 2012 4:29 AM Last Post By: sneaker_fish

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KatieKAL

KatieKAL avatar

Apr 20, 2012 4:28 AM
Posts:  3

How can two people of different countries be together?

Is there anywhere that allows you to get a work visa without having to have work already lined up?
My partner is a citizen of a country in South America, and I am an Australian Citizen.
We are trying to figure out where we can go to be together long term rather than a few weeks/months here and there.
Most countries require work visas which is no problem.
BUT you have to have job to get a visa, and you need a visa to get a job.. so its an impossible circle.
Is there anyway around this or a country that doesn't work like that?
Any information greatly appreciated!

alexander_vi

alexander_vi avatar

Apr 20, 2012 1:27 PM
Posts:  142

1

BUT you have to have job to get a visa, and you need a visa to get a job.. so its an impossible circle.

I think this is because you don't understand how work visas work. A country will issue work visas to foreigners who meet their requirements of skills and qualifications in demand. So you apply for jobs in such categories. A potential employer will only look at your resume if a work visa is a realistic possibility. If it is and they want you then they will apply for the work permit on your behalf. This is how it generally works. So if you don't have such skills and qualifications a work visa is not a realistic possibility; don't even bother to try.

If you still want to be together, get married. While only some, Western developed countries, recognize unmarried partners, all countries will recognize marriage. This way you can live together if one of you can manage to live somewhere.

zzark

zzark avatar

Apr 20, 2012 2:23 PM
Posts:  109

2

BUT you have to have job to get a visa, and you need a visa to get a job.. so its an impossible circle.

I agree with Alexander.

And . . . yes, it is circle. But it is one that tens of thousands of people solve.

You've got to find the job and have your future employer facilitate your visa and working papers.

If unmarried, both of you - your partner and you - will need to have skills that are in demand. In most countries obtaining visas and working papers are a bureaucratic hassle that employers will not be willing to endure unless you have something to offer.

emma33

emma33 avatar

Apr 20, 2012 2:36 PM
Posts:  311

3

You don't really have to have a job to get a visa, because you can usually enter countries on a tourist visa and then, if you find the job, (as zzark says), then your employer organises the visa. This happened to my sister - she came to visit me in Indonesia and then got a job offer as a teacher, so the school organised her visa. It also happened to a friend of mine in Thailand.

The trick might be to go to a country that a) has jobs in the areas you are qualified in, and b) allows for you to spend some time there as a tourist looking for work.

If you tell us the kind of skills you have and the types of countries you are interested in living in (i.e. developing countries or first world countries?) then it might be easier to give advice.

Nice_But__

Nice_But__ avatar

Apr 20, 2012 6:36 PM
Posts:  1,143

4

If you are under 30, there are working holiday visas.

Which country is boyfriend from? NZ has WHVs for several S. American countries.

Some countries - e.g., NZ - do not require you to be married - thus if one of you gets a work visa, the other can come in on a partner visa (which usually allows them to work as well, but is tied to the partner, not tied to a specific job)

KatieKAL

KatieKAL avatar

Apr 20, 2012 11:40 PM
Posts:  3

5

Thanks guys you are all very helpful! My partner is from Colombia, he is an acrobat and I'm a journalist, but I'm happy to do any kind of work even if its teaching English or working in a cafe you know. First world would be better if it is possible.

travelinstyle46

travelinstyle46 avatar

Apr 21, 2012 7:48 AM
Posts:  3,270

6

An 'acrobat'? If he is good enough, try the Cirque du Soleil. They could get him into Canada if they wanted him.
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/jobs/home.aspx If he juggles balls on street corners, forget it.

A 'journalist'? Of what kind? Without meaning to be nasty, that's a meaningless term these days. Especially if you add the word 'freelance' in front of it. Are you published? Do you have an impressive resume to send to employers?

As noted, it is all about meeting the criteria of a country and an employer. You asked, "Is there anywhere that allows you to get a work visa without having to have work already lined up?", and the answer is yes, but it all depends on what you have to offer.

I can't imagine anyone with a degree in Journalism and a successful career writing, "but I'm happy to do any kind of work even if its teaching English or working in a cafe you know."

WanderinWilco

WanderinWilco avatar

Apr 21, 2012 10:46 AM
Posts:  1,102

7

Many countries, many procedures. I have experienced the problem too. Working in Russia with my Sudanese wife was easy but I had to turn down an excellent job opportunity in Hanoi as Vietnam refuses visas for Sudanese. China appears non-friendly towards black Africans also. I suggest a lot of researching is called for to find somewhere that meets your particular criteria.

Good luck.

Dave

Nice_But__

Nice_But__ avatar

Apr 21, 2012 3:31 PM
Posts:  1,143

8

I can;t find any countries that have working holiday visas agreements with Colombia.

So either; one of you gets a job with a work visa, and the other one comes in as a partner (some countries allow partner visas, some insist on marriage visas).
Or you both go to the same place independently; finding a job that will get you a work visa (or as an Aussie, getting a working holiday visa somewhere), or getting a student visa to study something; a postgrad diploma in journalism or international affairs; a language course; a performing arts diploma...

'Even teaching English', rather puts down the profession that I've been doing for over a decade; it is not a 'last choice' of activity, and if it is then you shouldn't be doing it because you wouldn't do it well and you affect others' education and development.

KatieKAL

KatieKAL avatar

Apr 21, 2012 7:47 PM
Posts:  3

9

Thanks everyone. We will keep looking into it obviously. He usually has no worries because he's very successful in his role and has been performing around the world for 10 years. I do have a degree in journalism, communication and creative advertising and a very good resume and career history behind me, the issue is lack of job availability in my industry. I've never had a problem in Australia but am not sure with other countries.

emma33

emma33 avatar

Apr 21, 2012 9:36 PM
Posts:  311

10

Good to know you both have established careers. I think the thing to do would be to come up with a list of possible countries and then do some research into their work and visa situation - it's going to change so much from country to country. Good luck!

travelinstyle46

travelinstyle46 avatar

Apr 22, 2012 8:53 AM
Posts:  3,270

11

In that case, check out my suggestion of the Cirque du Soleil, the most successful in the world. If he is up to their standards and can get a job, you joining him in Canada should not be too difficult.

The only problem might be the fact that the time between applying for Residency and getting the visa averages 2 years. But if he could get a job offer that would then expedite his entry and you might be able to tag along as a spouse/partner.

As a journalist, you could probably pass the test for a Residency visa for Canada. The same is true of other countries but it is not something that happens overnight. You do NOT have to have a job lined up beforehand to get a visa but you do have to go through the process.

Scuba_albany

Scuba_albany avatar

Apr 22, 2012 7:28 PM
Posts:  145

12

http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/35relationship.htm

The Australian immigration's criteria of a "de facto" relationship. Basically you need to have shacked up together for a year and be able to prove it.

After that you can apply for his partnership visa.

sneaker_fish

sneaker_fish avatar

Apr 23, 2012 4:29 AM
Posts:  32,884

13

have you considered new zealand? As an Australian you have a right to live in the country. That's assuming your partner can find work legally of course. But, at least that's only one visa requirement you have to meet.
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