Obtaining Work Permits for Expat Spouses
By Julie Cook Ramirez
In most countries, the spouse of an expatriate worker is not automatically granted a work permit under his or her accompanying spouse's visa. While the spouse may attempt to obtain a work permit in his or her own right, it is usually a difficult, lengthy process, requiring a potential employer to demonstrate that the person in question brings skills that are not available locally.
Some foreign governments require that the job be advertised for a specified period of time, thus giving locals the opportunity to apply. That said, however, there are a few exceptions:
Australia
: Spouses and dependents of visa holders under the Temporary Business (Long Stay) category are able to work and study while living in Australia. Specific work conditions, if any, will be listed on a visa label attached to an individual's passport.
Canada
: Spouses or common-law partners of "skilled people" coming to Canada as temporary foreign workers may be authorized to work without first having a confirmed job offer. They may be issued an open work permit--that is, not job-specific.
Denmark
: A spouse or cohabitating companion of a foreign national with a residence permit allowing for a stay of three years or more may be granted a resident permit, along with the right to seek employment during the same period.
France
: Foreign spouses of corporate officers and senior executives are automatically issued work permits. The spouse must have entered France lawfully and have an open-ended job commitment from an employer drawn up under French law and stipulating a gross monthly salary of more than EUR 2,000.
Netherlands
: Partners and children of expatriate workers earning more than Euro 45,000 annually no longer need apply for a separate work permit. They are allowed to work freely during the course of the assignment. To qualify, companies must apply to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service for Knowledge Migrant status for their expatriate employee.
New Zealand
: A partner of a person holding a work visa or work permit allowing a stay in New Zealand of more than six months may apply for and be granted an open work visa and work permit for the same period as their partner. They do not need to provide an offer of employment.
Singapore
: Should a Dependent's Pass holder wish to take employment, the employing company is required to complete the Letter of Consent application form and submit it to the Work Pass Division. Employment may not begin until the employer has received the Letter of Consent.
Sweden
: The spouse or cohabitant of a foreign national holding a work permit for at least six months can obtain one for the same period.
United Kingdom
: The spouse, unmarried partner or child of a work-permit holder is free to accept employment or otherwise engage in business in the United Kingdom as long as the endorsement in their passport places no restriction on such activities.
United States
: The U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services will issue an Employment Authorization Document to spouses of L1 (inter-company transfers) and E1/E2 (treaty traders and investors) visa holders, allowing them to engage in employment in the United States. The spouse does not need to meet any special conditions.
Source: The Permits Foundation, The Hague in The Netherlands.
January 1, 2006 Copyright 2006© LRP Publications
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