International Travel and Work Experience Visas

Obtaining a visa to work legally in a country is likely to be your first consideration if you have been offered an internship or work experience abroad. 

Information last updated: 02/10/2023

The Careers Service and Internship Office is not able to provide any immigration advice about visas. However, below we have provided some general top tips for researching visas, as well as some country-specific resources for a few of the most common internship destinations. 

You are encouraged to research the visa that you require as soon as possible. If you are doing an internship or working abroad, check the visa regulations on the country’s embassy website. You may also wish to discuss visa requirements with your employer; however, it is ultimately your responsibility to choose the most relevant visa for your individual circumstances.

The information below reflects the University of Oxford Careers Service’s best understanding of current visa rules and processes. Any changes made by individual countries to their visa arrangements are outside the control of the University.

Please note this is not immigration advice

You must do your own research into which visa you require. This is particularly important following Brexit and the pandemic, as visa rules and entry requirements are subject to change.

 

For more information on embassies in the UK and their contact details, see the government list of official embassy websites and contact details.

All students travelling abroad are advised to check the FCDO Travel Advice website for the latest information on entry requirements, coronavirus and safety and security advice for the specific country you are travelling to.

For more information about travelling during your studies, you can also visit the dedicated University of Oxford webpage on Visa & Immigration for non-EU students.

General Visa Information

Expand All

Although we refer to a placement facilitated through the Internship Office as an ‘internship’, some countries have different definitions of internships, and this will be a determining factor regarding the visa you need. If you have secured a placement with a not-for-profit organisation, for less than 90 days and will not be paid, this could be classed as a ‘volunteering experience’ and some countries would allow volunteering to be undertaken on a tourist visa. Even if you are awarded a bursary via the University towards your travel/living costs, this is not classed as a wage.

  • The term “internship” is widely used in the US and UK but may not be used in relation to working in other countries, or may be used in different ways.
  • Check carefully whether any “visa waiver” would cover you for doing an internship or work experience, or whether this only applies to visitors/tourists.
  • Some countries might allow volunteering on a tourist visa: you should check the policies and requirements for your specific country.
  • Many internships must be undertaken whilst enrolled in full-time study or within 12 months of graduating.
  • If you need to transit through a different country from where you will be completing your internship, you should check carefully whether you require a transit visa to be able to pass through that country.
  • Investigate where the consular/visa services operate and check processing times well in advance. Some countries now have official partner organisations which handle visa applications (agents): this information is available through the relevant embassy’s website.
  • Visa processing times vary but you should allow plenty of time to obtain the necessary visa and apply as early as possible. Some countries may prohibit applications a long time in advance of travel.
  • It is very likely that you will need to send your passport to the consulate whilst your visa is being processed. You should therefore keep in mind that you would not be able to travel abroad during that visa processing period.
  • You may have to make a personal visit at some stage during the visa issuing process. Most establishments are based in London, but some have satellite offices in other major cities (e.g. Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh).
  • It is likely that you will need a letter from the receiving institution/employer, or formal sponsorship, to support your visa application.
  • You may also need evidence of your finances, address where you will be staying, travel insurance, and confirmation of return travel, to apply for a visa and/or to present at border control.
  • Even if you do not require a visa for the country concerned, you may still need to have all the relevant documentation about the internship available to present at border control.
  • If you are a dual national, you should check whether you are required to travel on a specific passport when entering your destination country. For certain countries, if you are a citizen of that country, you must enter on that passport. Issues related to dual nationality may also have consequences for seeking assistance from the FCDO.
  • Please check how long your passport must be valid for to enter a country. You could be denied entry, or denied a visa, if your passport expires within a certain period of time.
  • You may find conflicting advice about the type of visa required (for example, your host organisation may offer different advice from the embassy). It is your responsibility to research the most suitable visa according to your needs, and to make an informed decision that you are comfortable with.
  • You should ensure that you are fully aware of the potential consequences of travelling with the incorrect visa. If the authorities consider you to have the incorrect visa for your stay, they may issue penalties that could have significant consequences.
  • You should be careful not to overstay on your visa. If you overstay beyond the limits of your authorised visa period – whether intentionally or accidentally – it can have serious consequences for you as an individual. You should therefore carefully calculate the number of days that you will be staying in that country.

  • As part of the visa process, some students may require a Letter of Support detailing their participation in an Internship Office programme. Please email internships@careers.ox.ac.uk with your requirements and the Internship Office can send you a signed copy.
  • Occasionally students are asked to provide Proof of Enrolment. All these letters can be obtained through Student Self-Service and not through the Internship Office.
  • Languages students who need documents for their Year Abroad will need these signed by the Year Abroad Office, who can be contacted at year-abroad@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk.

Country-Specific Visa Resources

Expand All

The Schengen Area consists of 27 member countries within Europe, which share a common set of visa rules for short stays. However, when it comes to employment within the Schengen Area, each Schengen member country has its own work-related visa policies. The status of internships can differ between countries: in some, they might count as employment and in others they might count as volunteering or a student-related activity. It is therefore vital to research the particular requirements of the country you will be working in.

Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Schengen Visa to enter the area, whether you are employed or not, or you may be exempt for stays of 90 days or less. For EU nationals, the standard Schengen Area travel rules apply. Non-EU nationals should check the list of countries whose nationals are required to obtain a Schengen Visa to enter any of the Schengen states.

The entry requirements for British nationals to travel to countries in the Schengen Area are due to change in 2024, so you should always check for the most up-to-date guidance. Please note the Schengen Visa Info website collates very helpful information but is not official, so you should always also check government websites to confirm, and consult the relevant FCDO travel advice before travelling.

For short stays in the Schengen Area, you should carefully check that your trip complies with the Schengen 90/180-day rule. When calculating the number of days you will be spending in your destination country, you should also factor in any other recent trips to countries in the Schengen Area. Overstaying beyond the 90/180 days could cause significant consequences, including restrictions on your future travel. You can use a Schengen visa calculator to check that your stay remains within the limits. You should also check how long your passport must be valid for to enter the Schengen Area, as you could be denied entry if your passport expires within a certain period of time.

For any stay longer than 90 days in a Schengen country, you might have to apply for a national long-stay visa for that country. You should consult the relevant country’s embassy/consulate website for more information.

If you are undertaking a placement or studying abroad as part of your degree course, your destination university or research institution should be able to provide you with specific advice on the visa requirements and processes for that particular country.

You can use the following resources to find out more about travelling or working in the Schengen Area:

This section includes information on: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain

Belgium 

If you will be travelling to Belgium, you should consult the FCDO guidance on entry requirements to Belgium. This information applies specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, so for visits of less than 90 days, the standard Schengen Area rules may apply. However, depending on your nationality, purpose of travel and length of stay, you may need to apply for a national visa instead.

If you are working in Belgium, there may be specific visa requirements – depending on the nature of your employment.

Some regions within Belgium have their own rules and exemptions regarding work-related visa requirements, so you should check the regulations with the local authorities for the region that you will be staying in. The FCDO webpage on travelling to Belgium for work has more information on this.

Additionally, if you are staying in Belgium for longer than 90 days you may need to apply for a national long-stay visa.

It is your responsibility to research what visa you might require: you can use the resources below, as well as asking your internship host. You can also contact the Belgian consulate in London to clarify the requirements for your individual situation.

France 

If you will be travelling to France, you should consult the FCDO guidance on entry requirements to France. This information applies specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

Metropolitan (mainland) France is part of the Schengen Area, so for visits of less than 90 days, the standard Schengen Area rules may apply. However, depending on your nationality, purpose of travel and length of stay, you may need to apply for a national visa instead.

If you are working in France, there may be specific visa requirements – depending on the nature of your employment.

Additionally, if you are staying in France for longer than 90 days you may need to apply for a national long-stay visa.

It is your responsibility to research what visa you might require: you can use the resources below, as well as asking your internship host. If you are unsure, please contact the French consulate in London to clarify the requirements for your individual situation.

  • French Consulate in London – information on visa processing times and appointments, and contact details for visa enquiries.
  • France-visas.gouv.fr  – French government website detailing different visa requirements according to nationality and purpose and duration of visit.
  • Gov.uk: Travelling to France for work – FCDO guidance on entry requirements for British nationals undertaking work-related activities in France.
  • Schengen Visa Info: France – application requirements and guidelines for Schengen visas and other types of visas in France.

Germany 

If you will be travelling to Germany, you should consult the FCDO guidance on entry requirements to Germany. This information applies specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

Germany is part of the Schengen Area, so for visits of less than 90 days, the standard Schengen Area rules may apply. However, depending on your nationality, purpose of travel and length of stay, you may need to apply for a national visa instead.

If you are working in Germany, there may be specific visa requirements – depending on the nature of your employment.

Additionally, if you are staying in Germany for longer than 90 days you may need to apply for a national long-stay visa.

It is your responsibility to research what visa you might require: you can use the resources below, as well as asking your internship host. You can also contact the German consulate in London to clarify the requirements for your individual situation.

Italy 

If you will be travelling to Italy, you should consult the FCDO guidance on entry requirements to Italy. This information applies specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

Italy is part of the Schengen Area, so for visits of less than 90 days, the standard Schengen Area rules may apply. However, depending on your nationality, purpose of travel and length of stay, you may need to apply for a national visa instead.

If you are working in Italy, there may be specific visa requirements – depending on the nature of your employment.

Additionally,  if you are staying in Italy for longer than 90 days you may need to apply for a national long-stay visa.

It is your responsibility to research what visa you might require: you can use the resources below, as well as asking your internship host. You can also contact the Italian consulate in London to clarify the requirements for your individual situation.

Spain 

If you will be travelling to Spain, you should consult the FCDO guidance on entry requirements to Spain. This information applies specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, so for visits of less than 90 days, the standard Schengen Area rules may apply. However, depending on your nationality, purpose of travel and length of stay, you may need to apply for a national visa instead.

If you are working in Spain, there may be specific visa requirements – depending on the nature of your employment.

Additionally,  if you are staying in Spain for longer than 90 days you may need to apply for a national long-stay visa.

It is your responsibility to research what visa you might require: you can use the resources below, as well as asking your internship host. You can also contact the Spanish consulate in London to clarify the requirements for your individual situation.

This section includes information on: Bangladesh, China (mainland), Costa Rica, India, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Japan, Peru, United States of America

Bangladesh 

If you travel to Bangladesh, you should consult the UK government website for the latest FCDO travel advice for Bangladesh, which includes some basic information on entry requirements for visitors, as applicable specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Bangladesh. There are a range of different visa types, which differ according to the purpose of visit, length of stay and bilateral arrangement with the country of the foreign national. It is your responsibility to check the criteria of each visa type to find the most suitable visa for your needs. Depending on the visa category, you may have to choose between a single or multiple entry visa.

You can apply for a visa for Bangladesh through the relevant embassy (for British nationals: Bangladesh High Commission in London); you can also apply through the Bangladesh government electronic visa application webpage. You will need to book an appointment at the relevant embassy or consulate in order to submit your visa application.

You should carefully check the application requirements for the visa category that you need. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months when applying for a visa to visit Bangladesh, otherwise your application may be rejected. You may also need to provide documents that show evidence of: the purpose of your visit, travel or accommodation bookings, your ability to support yourself financially during your trip.

If you are unsure of which visa you require, you should contact the Bangladesh High Commission in London, or the relevant embassy if applying from another country.

Resources

 

China (mainland) 

If you travel to China, you should consult the UK government website for the latest FCDO travel advice for China, which includes important information on entry requirements and border checks. Information on entry requirements applies specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

The guidance and resources below apply only to mainland China; the entry requirements for the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Hong Kong and Macao are different to those of mainland China, so please ensure you research the requirements specific to your destination.

Most foreign citizens require a visa to enter mainland China, except in certain limited circumstances. The visa type required depends on the purpose of your visit: the Chinese Embassy in the UK provides a list of visa types and the documents needed for each. The Chinese Visa Application Centre (official third-party visa processing centre) provides detailed descriptions of the activities that each visa type covers. It is your responsibility to check all visa details carefully and determine the appropriate visa for your needs.

If you will be working in China, you may need to apply for a work visa, in addition to a work permit with details of your employment. You may wish to discuss the visa requirements for your specific placement with your host organisation/employer. There can be serious penalties issued if you are deemed to be working in China without the correct documents: please see the FCDO advice on working in China, including specific advice on teaching in China. If you are unsure which visa you require, you should contact the Chinese embassy or Visa Application Centre.

Chinese visa applications are made in person at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. The Chinese embassy advises that this appointment should be scheduled for 1-2 months prior to your planned arrival date in China. You should check that you have all basic and supporting documents required for your specific visa type in advance of the appointment. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in China. You will be required to provide your biometric data (fingerprints) at the visa appointment.

Upon arrival in China, it is mandatory for all foreign nationals to register their place of residence with the local public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival.

If you are unsure which visa you require, you should contact the Chinese embassy or one of the Visa Application Service Centres (in the UK, these are located in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast).

Resources

 

Costa Rica 

If you travel to Costa Rica, you should consult the UK government website for the latest FCDO travel advice for Costa Rica, which includes some basic information on entry requirements for visitors, as applicable specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

When travelling to Costa Rica, the visa requirements will depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, country of residence and length of stay. For visits as a tourist, your nationality will determine whether you need to apply for a tourist visa and how long you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica as a tourist. There are four categories of country, with distinct regulations: the Costa Rican embassy in London provides a list of countries in each category: you should carefully check these lists to determine the regulations for your own nationality.

If you will be studying, working or volunteering in Costa Rica, you may have to apply for the relevant category of provisional visa before travelling. This provisional visa could then be used to apply for a temporary residence permit upon arrival in Costa Rica. You may wish to discuss the visa/permit requirements with your host organisation (employer or university): they should be able to provide guidance on whether and how to apply, based on the specific circumstances of your placement.

All foreign nationals entering Costa Rica are required to provide evidence of return or onward travel at the end of their stay in the country (e.g. a return flight booking). Your entry to Costa Rica could be refused if this evidence cannot be provided at passport control, so you should ensure that you have all travel booked and all necessary documentation available before you travel.

If you are unsure of whether you need to apply for a visa in advance of travelling to Costa Rica, or which visa you require, you should contact the Costa Rican embassy in London.

Resources

 

India 

If you travel to India, you should consult the UK government website for the latest FCDO travel advice for India, which includes some basic information on entry requirements for visitors, as applicable specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

Almost all foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. There are a range of different visa categories: the visa type that you require is determined by the nature and purpose of your intended travel to India, as well as other factors such as nationality.

You should carefully check the criteria for each relevant visa type in order to choose the most appropriate visa for your needs. If you will be undertaking work-related activities, the type of visa you require may depend on whether the position will be paid or voluntary (even if you are awarded a bursary via the University towards your travel/living costs, this is not necessarily classed as a wage). You may need to provide proof of your contract or work/internship agreement as part of your application.

Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of visa application in order to obtain a visa for entry to India.

The visa application process and the processing times can vary according to the category of visa that you are applying for. For most visa categories, you will need to attend an in-person appointment at the Indian High Commission for your visa to be approved.

There are specific regulations and processes for people of Pakistani origin applying for an Indian visa. The FCDO provides some guidance for visa applicants who hold dual British-Pakistani citizenship, and advises that processing times can be substantially longer in this case than for other visa applications.

If you are unsure about your visa requirements, you should contact the Indian High Commission or their external visa service provider, VFS Global.

Resources

 

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 

If you travel to Israel and/or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you should consult the UK government website for the latest FCDO travel advice for Israel. You should carefully read the section on entry requirements, which includes important information about entry rules and the security and immigration checks that can be conducted at Israeli border control. You should also consult the FCDO travel advice focused on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, especially if you intend to enter the Palestinian territories during your stay.

If you are visiting Israel as a tourist, the visa requirements will depend on your nationality. There are around 100 countries whose citizens can enter Israel and stay for up to 90 days as a tourist without applying for a visa in advance. The citizens of certain other countries must apply for a visa from the relevant consulate in advance of travel. There is also a final category of countries whose citizens require confirmation from the Israeli Foreign Ministry before a tourist visa can be issued. The Israeli government website has a list of all countries, detailing the relevant category of visa requirements for each country.

If you will be studying or undertaking work-related activities in Israel, you should discuss the visa requirements with your host organisation (employer or university). If you require a work visa, the employer in Israel may need to request the visa directly from the Ministry of Interior. For student visas, you may need evidence of your admission to the relevant educational institution. It is your responsibility to determine the necessary visa requirements for your particular circumstances.

Even if you are not required to apply for a visa, you should ensure you understand all other documentation requirements for entry to Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories. Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date you arrive. The FCDO offers specific guidance for dual nationals about whether pre-approval is required for travel to Israel.

Visitors from visa-exempt countries will usually be given an entry card upon arrival in Israel, which should be kept with your passport until you leave: this is evidence of your legal entry into Israel and may be required, particularly at any crossing points into the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Entry to the Occupied Palestinian Territories is controlled by the Israeli authorities. New requirements have recently been introduced by the Government of Israel for foreign nationals to enter and stay in the West Bank – meaning you may need to apply for a permit to enter the territory. There is more information on the permit requirements, as well as contact details for enquiries, on the Israeli government website.

If you are unsure of how the entry and visa requirements for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories apply to you, you should contact the Israeli embassy in London to confirm the requirements for your particular needs.

Resources

 

Japan 

If you travel to Japan, you should consult the UK government website for the latest FCDO travel advice for Japan, which includes basic information on entry requirements, as applicable specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

The visa requirements for entry to Japan depend upon your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of 69 countries are able to visit Japan as a tourist for less than 90 days without applying for a visa: please consult the list of visa-exempt countries provided by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This visa exemption is not valid if you will be engaging in income-earning activities, or if you will be staying longer than 90 days.

If you will be studying, working or completing an internship in Japan, you may need to apply for a visa, as the exemptions may not apply. There are a range of different visa types, depending on the purpose of your stay in Japan. You should carefully check the criteria for each visa type, as the correct visa may depend on the nature of your placement and whether you will be earning money whilst in Japan. You should discuss the visa requirements for your specific circumstances with your host organisation (university or employer), as they may need to act as a sponsor in order for you to obtain the ‘Certificate of Eligibility’ necessary for some visa applications.

If you are unsure of the visa requirements for your circumstances, you should contact your local embassy or consulate: in the UK, this is either the Embassy in London or the Consulate-General in Edinburgh. The Japanese UK embassies also have a dedicated 24-hour visa information hotline.

Resources

 

Peru 

If you travel to Peru, you should consult the UK government website for the latest FCDO travel advice for Peru, which includes some basic information on entry requirements for visitors, as applicable specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

The visa requirements for Peru can depend upon your nationality, and the purpose and length of your stay. For citizens of certain countries, it is not necessary to apply for a visa in advance if travelling to Peru as a tourist: you should carefully check the list of countries whose citizens do not require a tourist visa before travel.

If you will be working or studying in Peru, you may need to apply for a specific visa to cover your stay. You may wish to discuss the visa requirements for your specific circumstances with your host organisation (employer or university). The Peruvian Consulate in London provides a list of visa types according to purpose. The travel website ‘Lima Easy’ provides a summary of each visa type: please note that Lima Easy is not an official website, so you should always check any advice with the relevant embassy, consulate, or government website.

Even if you find that you are not required to apply for a visa in advance of travelling to Peru, you should ensure that you have all necessary documentation to present at border control. To enter Peru, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your travel dates. You may also be required to provide proof of a return travel ticket.

If you are unsure of whether you need to apply for a visa in advance of travelling to Peru, or which visa you require, you should contact the Peruvian Consulate in London.

Resources

 

United States of America 

If you travel to the USA, you should consult the UK government website for the latest FCDO travel advice for the USA, which includes some information on basic entry requirements for visitors, as applicable specifically to British citizens travelling on a British passport.

There are a wide range of visa categories in the USA: the type of visa that you require is determined by the purpose of your intended travel and other factors, including your nationality, student status, etc. If you are travelling to the USA for work-related activities, you may require a visa. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services provide a summary of employment-based visa classifications. It is your responsibility to determine the most appropriate visa for your specific employment needs.

You will need to carefully check that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. For some visas, such as exchange visitor visas (J-1), eligibility may be determined by your student status. Employment-based visas may also require sponsorship from your employer. You should therefore discuss your visa requirements with your employer as early as possible, as they may need to provide some paperwork required for your visa application.

If you will be passing through the USA, even if only for a brief flight layover, you should check whether you need to apply for a transit visa.

The visa application process and the processing times can vary according to the category of visa that you are applying for. For most visa categories, you will need to attend an in-person appointment at the embassy for your visa to be approved. The visa application processing fees also depend on the visa type. You can apply directly through the embassy, or alternatively, via a third-party agency which might charge additional fees.

Even if you are just visiting the USA (not for the purpose of employment), you are likely to need a type of entry visa. The visa type can depend on your nationality, among other factors, so you should carefully check the US government website for information on visitor visas and the visa waiver programme.

Resources

CareerConnect Vacancies
Related News

Looking for more?

Check the CareerConnect platform for all our upcoming events and opportunities, book appointments, find jobs and internships, and more.

Login to CareerConnect

Recommended links

Preview of the Oxford Guide to Careers 2024, fold

Connect with us