Visas - top tips & how to's

I know, I know, the worst bit of travelling and working in a new places is the dreaded paper work. There's endless reals, rules, and regulations you have to follow and jump through hoops in order to get a visa, which in some cases will only give you six months to stay in a country. Even if you do complete the paperwork you also have to have enough money stuffed away in order to be able to pay for the visa and prove that you have enough to survive in your chosen destination.

There's no sugar coating it, applying for a visa can be a complicated and confusing process, however I have a couple of handy tips for making it all go a little smoother.

1)     Rule number one is the most important. Read the paperwork thoroughly. I know its like when you’re a kid and your teacher tells you to read the questions in the exam. It's obvious, but its such an easy mistake to make. You either miss a requirement, or you don’t quite fill the application in with the correct information and that’s it. You’ve gone through all that work and all that faff and your application has been thrown out of the window. Which means you have to start all over again, and believe you me. It gets worse to apply every single time. So check, check and check again.

2)     Apply early. You might be thinking "oh I'll move in the next month or two and I'll apply for a visa in a couple of days". Don’t! Do! It! Applying for a visa can take months! And that’s only if the first application is successful. So make sure you have prepared and you have enough time before you need it.

3)     This is my least favourite piece of advice. But unfortunately I have to say it. Do not book anything until you have your visa completed. I know. It’s the most disappointing thing. I get so excited about looking at flats and booking flights. But it really isn’t worth doing unless you 100% can go and stay.

4)     On the bright side though, here's the easy top tip we can all follow! Know why you’re going. What is your purpose for travelling. All paper work is going to ask you so make sure you have a clear and defined way of explaining your travels. Whether it's to work, see friends or family, or for sightseeing. You can’t just explain that you’re going because you fancy moving.

5)     Last but not least. Be organised! It's easier said than done I know. But making sure you have a folder dedicated to all of your bank statements, ID photos and certificates is crucial. If you cant find the document you need quickly, the likelihood is you're just going to slow the entire process down. Below is a list of the documents most countries will want from you when applying. 

·        Passport containing the most recently issued U.S. visa (if applicable).

·        Non immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.

·        Confirmation and Instructions page printed from this website.

·        One 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) colour photo taken within the last 6 months.

·        Receipt proving payment of the visa application fee.

I know its scary and it probably is the worst bit of travelling but it will all be worth it in the end. You’ll also feel very proud when you have got past all the tricky little questions and hoops.