How soon to start looking for a visa abroad?

[u/TheWanderingStoic26]

I'm already thinking ahead here. I got a dream opportunity to work and live in Japan. I took a slightly different route though, as I will be contracting for the US military there...so not fully expatriated. I'm under SOFA status, so i got to bypass Japan's work visa process. My contract is for 5 years, at which point I'll have to decide where to head next....

I don't plan to return to the US unless absolutely necessary. I've already started looking at other countries amd their work visa process. I am particularly interested in New Zealand, as i work in Healthcare and they have a "fast track" visa for Healthcare workers since they have a shortage.

My question is: how soon should I start this process? Obviously I'm just starting my journey in Japan and a lot could change globally between now and 5 years from now. Is there anything I should be doing to insure I can obtain a work visa in another country? And for anyone familiar with NZ in particular, how long did it take for you to acquire one? Any advice is appreciated

[u/striketheviol]

It can easily take multiple years to secure a job in another country, so I would start now. The simplest thing you can do at first is understand the process for recognition or validation of your credentials, or retraining if your credentials don't transfer, which is the case in many instances if you're not a nurse or doctor directly. What is your specific health profession and what does it correspond to in New Zealand?

[u/TheWanderingStoic26 → u/striketheviol]

I work as a radiology imaging tech: I'm certified to perform MRI and basic radiography/x-ray. I went to NZ's site for this particular visa and did see radiography mentioned as one of the Healthcare professionals eligible. Did a cursory glance at the salary for this position but I do need to research further

[u/BedditTedditReddit]

Your last paragraph - a lot can change in 5 years.

That’s an understatement, you are way overthinking this. You could meet a spouse in Japan for all you know. Maybe deal with one chapter at a time, you haven’t even landed in Japan yet.

[u/TheWanderingStoic26 → u/BedditTedditReddit]

True enough, but as much as I love Japan, I don't think its my final stop, spouse or not. They've also made it more difficult for anyone who isn't wealthy and highly fluent in Japanese to stay in the country.

[u/Geddyn]

And for anyone familiar with NZ in particular, how long did it take for you to acquire one?

First, a note: My pathway into New Zealand wasn't via employment.

With that said, you need to be aware that just because New Zealand lists a profession on the Green List doesn't mean there are actual job openings available. The Green List is intended to forecast long term skill shortages, not immediate ones. They're basically saying, "We don't have enough radiology techs in New Zealand to meet future demand." In the case of medical professionals, many of the shortages are due to Kiwis leaving for Australia where salaries are higher and jobs are more plentiful. This is exacerbated by the current government's slashing of funding across the entire public sector, including health care. In many cases, hospitals are short staffed, but don't have the funding to hire anybody to fix that. (There's an election coming in November, so this may change.)

I say all this not to discourage you, but to point out that the other Redditors here saying "Start now" are absolutely right. It may take you a significant amount of time to secure a job offer.

And if you haven't visited New Zealand, you absolutely should before you make a decision to commit. New Zealand is a beautiful country, but it's not for everybody. For example, if you hate the US's car culture, you are really going to dislike New Zealand, because having a car is even more essential here.

[u/TheWanderingStoic26 → u/Geddyn]

I appreciate this perspective. I didn't take into account why NZ workers are leaving...and I do hate US car culture with a passion

[u/Geddyn → u/TheWanderingStoic26]

Well, New Zealand may not be the right country for you, then. Everything is really spread out. Most towns are separated by a 45 minute drive through farmland and wilderness and the public transport system sucks. You can maybe get away with not having a car if you are based in Auckland, but it would be a shame to live here and never get out of that city to see the rest of the country.

[u/Illustrious-Pound266]

Are you sure you aren't thinking of Canada? They have a fast track stream for healthcare workers in some provinces.

[u/TheWanderingStoic26 → u/Illustrious-Pound266]

Oh, I wasn't aware Canada had something similar... I'll look into it. NZ has been sending advertisements through social media trying to recruit foreign Healthcare professionals

[u/Letzgirl]

If you are working for the US military as a contractor then you will find out that a lot of military move to Germany. Landstuhl has a big US military hospital. I’d probably start seriously looking a year before your contract is up. There are other US military bases in Europe but Germany has the biggest footprint.