Do you want to know what is the difference between work permit and work visa? Work permits and work visas are two distinct documents. You need either or both of them to be employed in a country. A work visa allows you to enter a country, and work permit authorizes you to work. Want to know more? Keep reading our blog to understand the difference in an in-depth manner. You can also learn about the exceptional cases where a work visa and a work permit is the same!
This Blog Includes:
- What is the Difference Between a Visa and a Permit? The Basics
- What is the Difference Between Work Permit and Work Visa? The Meaning
- Key Differences Between a Work Permit and a Work Visa
- Do You Need a Visa If You Have a Work Permit?
- Are Visa and Work Permit the Same?
- Work Permit & the Employer’s Role
- Permit-Visa Rules & Geographical Variations
- Visas that Permit You to Work
- Is it Work Visa or Work Permit in Canada?
- What is the Meaning of Work Permit Visa?
- Is Work Permit and Visa the Same in UAE?
- Can I Change Employer-Specific Work Permit to Open Work Permit?
- What is the Difference Between Work Permit and Work Visa? What are its Implications for Dependents?
- Is it Possible to Change from a Work Permit to a Permanent Residence?
- FAQs
What is the Difference Between a Visa and a Permit? The Basics
A visa and a permit are completely different. A visa is an endorsement on your passport. It allows you to enter a country for a specific period or leave the same. A visa is issued for different purposes. For example, a work visa for work, a tourist visa for tourism, a student visa to study abroad, etc.
On the other hand, a permit gives you ‘permission’. What is the difference between work permit and work visa? The permit is useful after you have entered the country on a visa. For example, a work permit gives you permission to work in the country, a study permit to study, a temporary residence permit to reside temporarily, and a permanent residency permit to reside permanently or for a long period.
What is the Difference Between a Regular Visa, E-visa and a Visa on Arrival?
What is the Difference Between Work Permit and Work Visa? The Meaning
You must understand the difference between a work permit, and a work visa. The reason? You need them to work abroad.
Meaning of Work Visa
A work visa is an endorsement on your passport. You can apply for a work visa to enter a country to work there. You are responsible for applying for a work visa. A work visa will allow you to board a flight, reach the destination country, and enter the same. If you have a work visa, the visa officials will understand that you are entering the country for work.
A work visa only indicates the purpose of travel. It is not permission to work. You need a permit for that.
Meaning of Work Permit
What is the difference between work permit and work visa? A work permit gives you the right to work, It is legally required for you to get a work permit for the country you intend to work. It is issued after a labour market test is conducted. The government asks the employer to prove that no other local person is suitable to take up the job.
Moreover, the employer has to state that they have no choice but to hire a foreigner with the relevant skills. Therefore, a work permit application is always started by the employer. You need a work permit before you apply for a visa.
Key Differences Between a Work Permit and a Work Visa
To help you understand- what is the difference between work permit and work visa? we have provided the table below. The table contains the features and the main differences between a work visa and a work permit
Features | Work Permit | Work Visa |
Meaning | A work permit gives you permission to work. The permit depends on the type of work you are undertaking and may be tied to an employer | A work visa is the entry ticket you need to enter the country for work. The visa types differ based on the duration and the type of work. |
Types | General work permits, employer-specific work permits, sector-specific work permits, internship permits, post-study work permits, etc | Skilled worker visa, seasonal work visa, work visa for internal company transfers, work visa for digital nomads |
Issued by | The employment or labour department of the destination country | Embassy/consulate of the destination country |
Need | You need this after you have entered the country and want to start working | You need this before you enter the country |
Employer-Tie Up | Generally, you are only permitted to work with the employer you have obtained the work permit. Otherwise, you need an open work permit | The visa is granted for the specific work. It is not tied to any employer |
Eligibility Criteria | You must get a job contract with a recognised employer | You must get a work permit, and meet other visa requirements |
Who Will Apply | The employer will start the application on your behalf | You will apply |
Application | You need to get the work permit first | After getting a work permit you can apply for a visa |
Validity | The validity depends on the job contract’s validity | This depends on the duration of stay permitted in the country |
Common Use | It is used to start working | Used as an entry ticket to reach the country |
To learn more about the difference between a work permit, and a work visa, watch this video:
Do You Need a Visa If You Have a Work Permit?
Yes. Generally, yes. You need a visa even if you have a work permit. A work permit will not be useful if you don’t have a visa. It will only become valid once you reach the country, and to reach the country you need a visa. A visa will give you the entry required. To start working, you can show your work permit. The permit is authorization given by the destination country allowing you to work. This means you need both if you intend to work abroad.
Are Visa and Work Permit the Same?
No. A visa and a work permit are not the same. What is the difference between work permit and work visa?A visa only grants you entry into the country, it does not give you the right to start working. On the other hand, a work permit allows you to work in the county. Generally, you need both to start working. It must be noted that in certain countries, the visa and the work permit are the same! For example, the UK.
How to Get a Skilled Worker Visa in UK? Latest Guidelines
Work Permit & the Employer’s Role
After you get a job offer you need to ask the employer for a work permit. To get a work permit, the employer has to apply to the employment or labour department of the country. A proper review is conducted on the requirements of a foreign worker, and a work permit is issued. The employer is responsible for the following-
- The employer must start the application process and ask you to join and complete it.
- The employer must provide you with the necessary salary, and the proper working conditions for you to work.
- If the employer is sponsoring your visa, they are responsible for providing you with the job offer letter and completing the visa paperwork.
- They must comply with the labour laws, and balance their need for talent with the immigration rules.
Permit-Visa Rules & Geographical Variations
Now you know- what is the difference between work permit and work visa. It must be noted that the visa rules and work permits are not the same in all countries. This means there are cases when you may encounter the following conditions.
Situation | Description |
You only need a work permit | In some countries like Canada, you only need a work permit to start working. You do not have to apply for a visa. The reason? The Canadian work permit will allow you to enter the country and work. |
You only need a work visa | For example, the US H1-B visa will allow you to enter the country, and work. In this case, you do not need a separate permit. |
Uniform visa system | This means you only need a Schengen visa for a short-term stay to enter any of the Schengen states like Germany, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, etc. A separate visa is not needed. However, you need a work permit from each country before applying for the visa |
The visa policies showcase international relations, and the work permit reflects the labour market trends.
Visas that Permit You to Work
The USA issues visas that permit you to live and work in the country. This means that no work permit is needed. This is an exceptional case. You do not have to care about – what is the difference between work permit and work visa? If you are applying for any of the following-
- H-1B visa – This visa is issued for skilled workers to work in speciality fields. For example, tech occupations.
- R visas – Granted to religious workers like clergy
- TN visa – Available to Mexican and Canadian professionals under NAFTA.It covers jobs like teachers and engineers.
Visa Options in the US After Graduation: Complete Guide
Is it Work Visa or Work Permit in Canada?
Now that you know what is the difference between a work permit and a work visa, let’s talk about Canada. Canada is an exceptional case. The country issues no separate work visas. The work permit in Canada acts as your visa as well. This means you do not have to get a separate visa. You are allowed to enter the country and work there with just a work permit.
What is the Meaning of Work Permit Visa?
There is no meaning for work permit visas. There is nothing called a work permit visa. There is either a work permit or a work visa. Typically, you need a work permit first, and then you can apply for a visa. The permit will allow you to work in the destination country, and the visa will permit you to travel and enter the country.
Jobs in Canada with Work Permit
Is Work Permit and Visa the Same in UAE?
No. A work permit and a work visa are not the same in the UAE. They are completely different. what is the difference between work permit and work visa? After you get a job offer, your employer will start the UAE work permit application. The work permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Once, the permit is issued you will get permission to work in the country.
However, to travel to the UAE a visa is mandatory. This will allow you to enter the country and stay there. For workers, the UAE typically issues a residency visa. You can apply for a visa once you get the permit. You need both for employment.
Can I Change Employer-Specific Work Permit to Open Work Permit?
Now you know what is the difference between work permit and work visa.A work permit is usually tied to an employer. This means while you are in the country you can only work for that employer. Depending on the country, you may be permitted to apply for an open work permit. The open work permit will allow you to work for any employer in the country.
However, to change your employer-specific work permit to an open work permit you must meet specific requirements. For example, if your contract was terminated due to no fault of yours you may be eligible for an open work permit. In other cases, family members may apply for an open work permit. It is best to consult the concerned government authorities regarding eligibility.
What is the Difference Between Work Permit and Work Visa? What are its Implications for Dependents?
To work as a foreigner you need both- a work permit, and a visa. Applying for these has different implications for the family. The rules are different based on the goals and status. The children and spouses of the main applicant may have to apply for a separate visa. The visa will cater to the following-
- The right to work as a dependent
- The duration of stay
- The right to study in the country
Several counties offer family reunification visas. This allows immediate family members or sometimes the main relatives to apply for a visa. However, as a dependent, they will have limited work options. Moreover, spouses may have to get their work permits to get a job.
Is it Possible to Change from a Work Permit to a Permanent Residence?
Yes. It is possible to change your work permit to permanent residence. You can apply for permanent residence if you want to stay in the country for many years. However, the eligibility requirements for a permanent residence permit differ from country to country.
In general, you are required to gain work experience and stay in the country for a specific time. You also need to meet additional requirements. For example, a clear language proficiency test, or knowing the culture.
Permanent residency can be obtained through employer nomination, a point-based system, investment, or family sponsorship. For example, you can apply for employer nomination to get PR in Australia.
FAQs
No. A work permit is not a visa. A work permit only authorises you to work in the country. This means you are legally permitted to be an employee. However, to go to the destination country you need a visa.
The UAE work permit is valid for 30 days and is renewable for 30 additional days. This means you have a total of 60 days to get a residency visa, a UAE Labour Card, and an Emirates ID.
You can get a general work permit, employer-specific work permit, sector-specific work permit, internship permit, post-study work permit, and more. The exact permit, and its requirements vary depending on the country.
After a work permit approval, apply for a visa. The visa application has to be submitted by you in-person or online. You can apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate of the destination country. You can schedule an appointment at the visit the nearest visa application centre.
We hope you now have the answer to your question- what is the difference between work permit and work visa? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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