Sweden Expat Forum

Need work permit/advice asap!

4/9/2010 18:44 EST

I, a US citizen, am only going to Europe to hopefully work and be able to stay permanently somehow because I never want to return to the illegal & evil empire of the uS. I think I have a place to stay temporarily in Europe but no job yet, and I know I need to get a work-permit before 90 days are up or I must leave the EU schengen states for 180 days before returning to try again. I also realize work-permits are supposedly difficult to obtain unless I have a rare specialty or a Masters degree or a ton of money(?).
Can you please help me discover how so many uneducated immigrants can obtain a work permit/residency and stay permanently? I fear I can't even get a restaurant job (which is far below my education level) because the employer is supposed to hire a EU national first, thus eliminating(?) my chances at getting a work permit unless I get very, very lucky?
I would really appreciate any kind advice to my fear as I am relocating to Europe very soon and have no other place to move to after if I fail during my first 90 days? Do you have any strategic ideas? Can a german resident (non-employer) simply 'sponsor' me with an invitation letter? Or, is it much easier than I think to get a work permit in various places in various occupations? Are there certain 'hidden' jobs that I should pursue (as there are NO current job openings in my line of technical work and my childhood EU languages needs to be re-learned for a while first) PLEASE ADVISE ME! Thank you!

abruno

4/16/2010 11:40 EST

If you don't want to be an illegal immigrant sponging off whatever country you land in, then you need to apply for a visa *before* you move there. You can apply to just about any country for a work permit, student visa, or a residence permit on the grounds of either an established personal relationship or political asylum. Any of these applications need some sort of documented proof that you have a purpose for being there other than just feeling like it. And don't be surprised if your education level doesn't mean anything there.

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Eiko

11/25/2010 19:23 EST

For me as a non European Union citizen the residency permit will be a bit more complicated to get. also is followed by work permit since i am 22 years old.
I dont know how that goes for us citizens but it should be easier i guess.
I have a boyfriend in Sweden and we want to live together since we re having a relationship over skype for 2 years .. and spend tons of money on airplane tickets :S
I apply for the permit and they granted me 2 years permit :D which is kinda shocking since they only give 6 months to 1 year.
About jobs,
they have also problems with no free job places and economy crisis. So i suggest u to take a look over net about jobs.. so u will know what places are usually free to look for in the country u want to move. and being there will help you at least find a job that's not posted on net.. like some local store and so. and they wont deny you just because u are foreigner... but u must perhaps know the language.

Good Luck

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