Can you emigrate without any official qualifications?

I

InternetSwag

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Hi all, just a quick one here. I have been working for the same company for over 10 years now. I started at the bottom and slowly worked my way up through the company over the last decade - so no official qualifications, just a lot of learning on the fly and self-educating.

Been looking at emigrating and wondering if anyone had any success doing it without any official degree/diploma etc. Or if I'd need to start now then. As I am working full-time I guess I'd have to do it via Unisa.

It's a bit of a broad question I know, depends on country etc. I'd love to go to any of these countries; Norway, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Slovenia, Australia.

Thanks,
 
Generally speaking you don't need a degree, you need a job offer from a company. Once you have a job offer you apply for a permit / visa, once that's sorted you move. A degree will help you land a job easier, same as in SA.

There are other factors like if your family can join you etc.
 
Depends on the type of visa you will be applying for. If you can get a spousal/ancestral visa then they are not really interested in your qualifications.

Also if you are working for a international company and doing a internal transfer overseas then qualifications won't be looked at much.

However if you are looking at a workers visa or a special skills visa then you are probably not going to get very far without some type of qualification, unless you can get a job offer from a company.

Have you been to any of those countries? Can you speak any of the languages for the European countries?

Switzerland is notoriously difficult to get a visa for.
 
InternetSwag said:
Hi all, just a quick one here. I have been working for the same company for over 10 years now. I started at the bottom and slowly worked my way up through the company over the last decade - so no official qualifications, just a lot of learning on the fly and self-educating.

Been looking at emigrating and wondering if anyone had any success doing it without any official degree/diploma etc. Or if I'd need to start now then. As I am working full-time I guess I'd have to do it via Unisa.

It's a bit of a broad question I know, depends on country etc. I'd love to go to any of these countries; Norway, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Slovenia, Australia.

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Of course you can. I did and so have many others.

Australia however would be very difficult without degrees and such though.
 
I would think that it would be dependent in which field you are and if you can gainfully contribute to the county's economy with a sought-after skill.
 
For some countries all you need is sponsorship. For others, not having a degree will make things much harder.

Countries with point systems (eg Australia, as mentioned), will likely leave you unable to meet the point requirements, or will prioritize you lower. The USA is also very hard to get into without a degree (not impossible, but the requirements are hard to meet).

Which of those that you listed are you most keen on?
 
InternetSwag said:
Hi all, just a quick one here. I have been working for the same company for over 10 years now. I started at the bottom and slowly worked my way up through the company over the last decade - so no official qualifications, just a lot of learning on the fly and self-educating.

Been looking at emigrating and wondering if anyone had any success doing it without any official degree/diploma etc. Or if I'd need to start now then. As I am working full-time I guess I'd have to do it via Unisa.

It's a bit of a broad question I know, depends on country etc. I'd love to go to any of these countries; Norway, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Slovenia, Australia.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
Are you eligible for Trump refugee visa ? That is quickest way.
 
InternetSwag said:
Hi all, just a quick one here. I have been working for the same company for over 10 years now. I started at the bottom and slowly worked my way up through the company over the last decade - so no official qualifications, just a lot of learning on the fly and self-educating.

Been looking at emigrating and wondering if anyone had any success doing it without any official degree/diploma etc. Or if I'd need to start now then. As I am working full-time I guess I'd have to do it via Unisa.

It's a bit of a broad question I know, depends on country etc. I'd love to go to any of these countries; Norway, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Slovenia, Australia.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
For many countries - if you're looking to come in on a Work Visa you'll need a Company sponsorship,and to get that you'd need to stand out from the crowd - either blow them away with your skills,qualifications etc
Then there's the Visa itself,here things like your Available savings,Age,Work History,Education,Qualifications etc will factor in
 
It is possible to get into Australia without a degree, you will need to be sponsored by a company and check several other requirements.

Here's a breakdown of how it can be achieved:
  • Occupation: Your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

  • Work Experience: You need to have at least 3 years of full-time, relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.

  • Skills Assessment: You'll need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessment body for your occupation.

  • English Language: You need to meet the minimum English language requirements, typically an IELTS score of at least 6.0.

  • Age: You must be under 45 years of age unless exempt.

  • Nomination: You need to be nominated by an Australian employer who is approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

  • Other Requirements: You also need to meet health and character requirements.
Work Experience and Skills Assessment:
  • Work Experience:
    The work experience needs to be full-time and after completing any relevant trade or vocational training.
  • Skills Assessment:
    The skills assessment body will assess qualifications and experience to determine if you have the required skills for the occupation.
Example:
If you have a trade qualification and/or 5 years of relevant work experience in a skilled trade, you may be able to apply for an 186 visa without a degree.

Important Considerations:
  • The Direct Entry stream is generally for applicants who are not currently working in Australia and have the necessary qualifications and experience.

  • If you are already working in Australia with a 457/482 visa, you may be eligible for the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

  • It is recommended to seek advice from a migration agent or lawyer to ensure you meet all the requirements.
 
airborne said:
One way to get into any country is money.. lots of it
Click to expand...
Australia makes even that tricky today. They got rid of their golden/investment visa. As someone over 50, the only option is the National Innovation Visa, which I could potentially qualify for. Still seems like a ridiculous amount of hoops for someone like me to jump through.
 
theratman said:
Generally speaking you don't need a degree, you need a job offer from a company. Once you have a job offer you apply for a permit / visa, once that's sorted you move. A degree will help you land a job easier, same as in SA.

There are other factors like if your family can join you etc.
Click to expand...
Getting a job offer might require official qualifications I suppose.
 
Short answer: Possible but honestly out of reach of most people. It requires luck and if you aren't well connected and in good networks or have a ton of money already, you may as well just focus on getting a degree as that's a more realistic path forward.
 
If you're young enough do some caregiving. Every country wants them.
 
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