Want to earn money in a foreign country? To do it legally, you will need to obtain a work visa. This is the proper documentation for aliens wishing to hold jobs, and will also be helpful if you plan on becoming a citizen at some point in the future. This guide will show you how to get a work visa.

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If you are planning to spend an extended amount of time in a country other than your birthplace or place of citizenship, you may be interested in making an income to cover living expenses. This can be difficult to do without a work visa, and in fact it is illegal in many countries to accept a job without one.

Many nations require you to have a job lined up before you can receive your work visa. If you have not reached the country yet, you can check out internet job boards to search for potential employment.

You may also wait until you arrive in your destination country before starting the job hunt. This way, you will be able to interview in person, which generally ups your chances of getting hired. Of course, some employers may not wish to hire you if you don't have your visa yet. Have patience, and make sure you have enough money to sustain yourself in case you don't land a position right away.

Once you have scored a job, you will need to obtain a letter from your new employer. This is known as a letter of sponsorship, and is intended to confirm the fact that you will indeed be working. If you are not sure who to ask to write your letter, contact the person who initially offered you your new job. They will most likely write the letter themselves, or have a secretary type it up. If you do not receive your letter promptly, be sure to follow up. Many employers are extremely busy, and writing your letter may not be top priority. It is important to get it, however, so do not be afraid to follow up if you do not receive it in a timely manner.

To apply for your work visa, get hold of the consulate for the country in which you will be working. The application process will be different for different nations. For specifics, visit the U.S. Department of State website, http://www.state.gov, and click on Visas under the Travel drop-down menu. Once you have located the right application forms, be sure to fill them out completely. Any errors may delay the processing of your work visa.