Friday, July 31, 2009

APPLYING FOR UK VISA

How to apply for your UK Visa

Step 1. Determine the kind of UK Visa or Permit, if any, for which you are eligible to apply. This is an important step and you can find information to help you with this question on the British Government’s official visa and work permit information sites.

Step 2. Once you know which visa you would like to apply for, you will need to contact your nearest British High Commission, Consulate or Embassy and ask to have the appropriate application forms sent to you, or you can often download these forms quickly and easily from their websites. You can also apply for some visas online. Decide whether you would like to use a visa representative to assist you with your application.

Step 3. Read through the forms carefully to ensure you qualify and to see what documents you will need to supply. Fill out the forms completely and return to the British High Commission or Consulate in your country with all of the information and supporting documentation they have requested. If you have questions about filling out the forms, you should contact the British High Commission or Consulate on the number provided on your UK visa application forms. When should I apply?

Step 4. You will have to visit your nearest UK visa application centre to have your biometric information recorded (10-digit finger scans and a digital photograph). Your visa application will not be processed until you have provided the necessary biometric information.

Step 5. Wait for written confirmation of your successful UK Visa application from the British High Commission or Consulate to which you applied. If there are any problems they will contact you.

Step 6. If you are planning to work in the UK and have not already created a UK file online with WORKgateways – you can do so now! Apply for jobs and to agencies to start your UK job search. Be sure to upload your resume and keep your file updated as your travel plans become clear. Have a great time in the UK! If you are just “thinking about going.

Timing: When to apply for your visa

With regards the timing of your application, you should check with the the UK High Commission or Embassy in the country you are applying from, as they all have different processing times. However in general, don’t apply too early (ie a year ahead) for your UK Visa. See information for each visa on WORKgateways as to the recommended timelines for applying. Most UK Visa applications (Ancestry, Youth Mobility, Spouse visa etc) will be processed within six weeks in most Commonwealth countries, but that is not a guarantee. If you are applying for the Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa, this may take much longer and you should give yourself several months. It is not normally recommended to purchase your airline tickets until you have received your UK visa if this is something that will effect whether you go to the UK or not.

This information should be used as a guideline only. For official information on work visa and permit processing times please contact your nearest British Embassy or Consulate.

Go to top of page UK Jobs / Working In The UK / UK Work Visas

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Overseas Nursing Opportunities

There are lots of overseas nursing opportunities which can help advance your career, participate in a variety of clinical experiences, and you can generally make more money than you would in the US. Because many countries are experiencing an acute shortage of experienced nurses, this is a good time to expand your horizons.When searching for nursing jobs overseas, you will need to provide proof that you have a suitable equivalent level of education and training and you are registered at home. Some countries also will require you to take an exam.Working in Ireland or the United Kingdom might appeal to you, since one thing you won’t have to worry about is the language barrier. There are agency’s which can match you with both permanent and temporary jobs.Like the United States, there is a shortage of nurses in the United Kingdom, and this agency will help you streamline the various requirements necessary to work there. The most prominent is registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, a requirement of all nurses in the UK that nurses from abroad also must acquire before a work permit can be issued. A recent search at a nursing employment agency found 42 international nursing jobs in countries that included Australia, Switzerland, and several in the United Arab Emirates. For work at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in the capital city of Abu Dhabi-which is 5 miles wide and 9 miles long-nurses who come from overseas are offered a tax-free salary, health insurance, free flights home and back and an annual 40-day leave, and a housing and utilities allowance. The rub is you will need to learn Arabic to communicate with patients and staff.

TIPS FOR STUDENTS GOING ABROAD

Tips for Students Going Abroad

Studying in another country, away from homeland, is an enriching experience for the aspirants. The experience can both be academically and personally rewarding. Yet, it is always good to collect all the relevant information about the country before making your decisions. Here are some things that all 'study abroad' hopefuls should know about:
If you are going abroad for higher studies, you should first check the reputation of the university or the institute you choose to pursue your studies. Make efforts to know about 'which university is the reputed one, for the subject I'm aspiring for?'
Study about the laws and cultural affairs of the country before you make a decision to go there.
As you are subject to the laws and custom of the foreign country, stay away from any disorderly, riotous behavior while you are in the new place.
Apply for your passport at the earliest possible to avoid final moment confusions.
Checkup with the embassy of the respective country to get information about visa-updates and other entry details.
Read carefully the consular information sheet to make yourself familiar with the travel information about the respective country.
The school or the university department, you are going to join, will offer information about different admission criteria for foreign students. You can get information from relevant websites too besides gathering the appropriate information from the ex-students of those universities.
Going abroad for higher studies generally entails huge expenditure. Many universities offer student-funds and merit scholarships for international students. You can avail these funds and scholarships to meet your expenses.
Personal interview is a part of the selection procedure of most universities and schools. Enhancing your communication skills and subject knowledge can help you face the interview with confidence.
Living in a foreign country is an interesting and learning experience. To have a wholesome and pleasant stay students must adapt themselves to culture of that country. For adaption students must first familiarise themselves with the customs and traditions of that particular country. Students can get country specific information from internet or through books.Before going abroad for studying, students are generally apprehensive. Some of the doubts that may creep in students mind are:
Is studying abroad more beneficial than studying at home?
Whether I will be able to adapt to the culture of the country ?
Can I cope with the financial and other demands of studying abroad?
Can I look forward to a healthy life overseas?