Visa Guide
Visa Guide
Types, Passport Differences,
and Requirements
Visa requirements vary by country and type of visa. Read on to discover how to optimize the visa application across various scenarios.
What Is A Visa?
A visa is an official document or endorsement stamped or affixed in a passport, permitting the holder to enter, leave, or stay in a country for a specified period and for specific purposes, such as tourism, work, study, or residency. Visas are issued by the immigration authorities of the country the individual wishes to visit or reside in, and they typically outline the conditions and duration of the permitted stay.
What does a visa look like?
A visa can take various forms depending on the country issuing it and the type of visa being granted. Generally, a visa is a stamp or sticker affixed to a passport page. It typically includes the following information:
Name, Nationality, Passport Number, Date Of Birth, Sometimes a Photograph of the Visa Holder, Issuing Country, Visa type, Validity Dates, Number Of Entries, Conditions.
Here are a few common examples of what visas might look like:
- A stamp with the visa details and immigration officer’s signature.
- A sticker with printed information and security features like holograms or watermarks.
- An electronic visa (e-visa) confirmation that is sent via email and needs to be printed for presentation during travel.
- A visa vignette, which is a vignette (sticker) placed in the passport indicating visa details and validity.
- A digital visa, where visa details are stored electronically and linked to the passport.
It’s important to note that the appearance and format of visas can vary significantly between countries and visa types.
Types of visas
Various visa categories grant holders distinct privileges based on their purpose of stay in a foreign nation. Below, we outline several commonly encountered visa types, including those relevant for corporate relocations of your employees.
Non-immigrant visas
Nonimmigrant visas are temporary permits granted to individuals for specific purposes such as tourism, business, study, or temporary work in a foreign country. These visas have conditions, durations, and restrictions based on the purpose of the visit and typically require applicants to submit relevant documents and attend a visa interview. Unlike immigrant visas, which lead to permanent residency, nonimmigrant visas are temporary and come with specific limitations on stay and activities.
Immigrant visas
Immigrant visas are designed for individuals seeking permanent residency in a foreign country. They are often granted based on family relationships, employment opportunities, humanitarian reasons, or diversity visa programs. Unlike nonimmigrant visas, which are temporary, immigrant visas lead to lawful permanent residence and, in some cases, eventual citizenship. The application process for an immigrant visa is typically more complex and involves demonstrating eligibility, completing extensive paperwork, undergoing background checks, and attending interviews. Upon approval, immigrants are granted the right to live and work permanently in the host country, with the potential for naturalization and full citizenship rights over time.
Work visas
A work visa is a type of legal authorization that allows individuals to work in a foreign country for a specified period. These visas are typically granted based on employment offers from companies or organizations within the host country. Work visas may be temporary or permanent, depending on the duration and terms of employment.
Applicants for work visas often need to demonstrate their qualifications, skills, and experience related to the job they have been offered. This may include providing educational credentials, work experience certificates, and other supporting documents. Additionally, employers may need to provide evidence of the need for foreign workers and comply with labor market regulations, such as proving that they have attempted to hire local candidates first.
Work visas may come with conditions such as restrictions on the type of work allowed, the employer with whom the individual can work, and the duration of stay. Some work visas are tied to specific industries or professions that are facing shortages of skilled workers in the host country.
The application process for a work visa typically involves submitting a complete application, attending an interview at the embassy or consulate, undergoing background checks, and paying required fees. Once approved, the visa holder can legally work in the host country for the specified period, often with the possibility of extending or renewing the visa depending on the circumstances.
It’s important to note that work visa policies, requirements, and durations can vary significantly between countries, and individuals considering working abroad should familiarize themselves with the specific rules and regulations of the host country’s immigration system.
Transit visas
A transit visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to pass through a country en route to their final destination. It is typically issued for short periods and is intended for individuals who need to transit through a country’s international airport or seaport without staying for an extended period or leaving the designated transit area.
Transit visas are often required when the traveler’s journey involves connecting flights or traveling through multiple countries with layovers in between. They allow passengers to leave the airport or seaport to wait for their next flight or mode of transportation, but they usually do not permit entering the country beyond the transit area.
The application process for a transit visa may vary depending on the country and the traveler’s nationality. Generally, applicants need to provide proof of onward travel, such as flight itineraries or tickets, as well as a valid visa or travel documents for their final destination. Some countries may also require a visa for the traveler’s nationality even if they are only transiting through the country.
Transit visas may be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry visas, depending on the traveler’s itinerary and the country’s regulations. They typically have a limited validity period that corresponds to the duration of the transit, and travelers must depart the country before the visa expires to avoid overstaying their permitted stay.
It’s important for travelers to check the transit visa requirements of any countries they will be transiting through to ensure they have the necessary documentation for a smooth transit experience. Failure to obtain the appropriate transit visa can result in denied entry or deportation from the transit country.
Tourist visas
A tourist visa is a type of visa issued to individuals who wish to visit a foreign country for leisure, recreation, or sightseeing purposes. It allows travelers to stay in the host country for a limited period, usually ranging from a few days to several months, depending on the visa regulations and the traveler’s nationality.
Applying for a tourist visa typically involves submitting an application form, providing supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial means to support the trip (such as bank statements or a sponsor’s letter), travel itinerary, accommodation arrangements, and sometimes a return ticket. Some countries may also require travelers to undergo a visa interview at the embassy or consulate.
Tourist visas are generally granted for single or multiple entries, allowing travelers to enter and exit the host country within the visa’s validity period. Single-entry visas permit one entry into the country, while multiple-entry visas allow multiple entries during the visa’s validity period, which can range from a few weeks to several years.
The conditions and requirements for tourist visas vary between countries and depend on factors such as the traveler’s nationality, the purpose and duration of the trip, and any bilateral agreements or visa waiver programs in place. It’s important for travelers to check the specific visa requirements of their destination country well in advance of their planned trip to ensure they have the necessary documentation and meet the eligibility criteria.
Tourist visas do not typically permit travelers to engage in paid work or business activities while in the host country. If travelers intend to work, study, or engage in other activities beyond tourism, they may need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a work visa, student visa, or business visa, depending on their circumstances. Overstaying a tourist visa or violating its terms can lead to penalties, deportation, or future difficulties obtaining visas for travel.
Applying For A Visa
The visa application process varies by country. While some nations offer a straightforward application process, others may require additional steps, such as health examinations and interviews. Also, depending on the country, the applied visa might authorize single-use or multiple entries.
Below are the standard visa application steps to help guide your employees through a frictionless application process.
Identify the type of visa required
Begin by identifying the best visa option for your needs. Visit the official immigration website of the country or collaborate with relocation specialists such as Localyze to explore available visa options. Verify the eligibility criteria for each visa category to confirm that your employee meets the necessary requirements. This thorough examination of specifics will facilitate a smoother hiring and relocation process.
Access the visa form
After selecting the appropriate visa, download, print, and complete the application form . Submit it via mail, email, or electronically through an e-visa service if available.
The visa agency representative may request supporting documents to validate the application. Refer to the following section for a list of required items.
Provide biometric information (optional)
Following the application process, applicants may need to schedule an appointment with their nearby visa agency to provide essential biometric data. This typically involves submitting photographs and fingerprints as part of identity verification and immigration documentation. Applicants who have already provided updated biometric data can bypass this step and proceed to submit the required document list directly to the visa agency for further processing.
Submit visa fees
Visa offices require an application fee for each submission, depending on the visa type and destination country. You can pay these fees online via the official portal or by visiting the visa application office.
Wait for updates
Applicants receive updates of their approval or rejection in varying time frames, depending on the visa authority. You should also receive a unique application number to share with your hires. This number helps them track the status of their application on the visa authority’s website.
Collect visa
Upon receiving the approval notification, arrange for applicants to collect the visa from the designated visa application center. Alternatively, have the document delivered to their home or office.
Required documents
Refer to the following list of documents needed for your applicant’s visa application. Note that these items may differ with each nationality. We recommend speaking with a country’s immigration office or a trusted relocation expert like happyfacetravels.com for a comprehensive list based on your relocating talent’s background.