Moving Abroad For Work – Top Immigration Tips From A New Expat

For over eight years, I have had the pleasure of helping individuals and their families move from their place of residence to the UK. Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to be asked by Fragomen to head up our Qatar Practice—meaning I was now on the receiving end of an international move.

What struck me the most was the sheer amount of information thrown my way that I had to read, digest and comprehend before being required to make life-changing decisions. Tax, housing, pensions, shipments, new job, old job, contracts, schooling and, of course, immigration considerations were all vying for my attention.

What should take priority?

Being an immigration lawyer by trade, I appreciate the critical importance of immigration in the global mobility process. Without the appropriate visa, nothing else is possible or indeed will matter. You can kiss goodbye to your immediate dreams of living overseas if you cannot obtain approval to enter the country.

Since immigration is so vital, here are some tips I would share with anyone looking to move abroad.

1. Visa type

   It is vital to understand the visa category that has been proposed and the terms and conditions that apply. In Qatar, visa types are relatively limited, but the rights afforded to individuals very much depend on the job designation. For example, my job title allowed me to sponsor family members and also drive a car while living and working in Qatar.

   Furthermore, it is prudent to ensure that you have a good understanding of the limits imposed by the visa to avoid surprises and challenges later, such as children's ability to attend school, access to public healthcare and the availability of long-term residency options.

2. Getting the documents right

   Each country has its own documentary requirements that individuals are expected to obtain, usually prior to entering the country. In Qatar, for example, it is a requirement in certain circumstances to submit one's degree, transcript and University Verification Letter (UVL). Some universities resist providing the UVL, which can be problematic because the Qatari authorities are very specific about what they require. It is, therefore, important to ensure you work closely with your immigration advisor to confirm what is or isn't possible to providegetting it wrong could lead to unnecessary delays and, quite possibly, a denied visa. Thankfully, with persistence and a few trips to my university, I was able to obtain the correct UVL and continue my...