What is the difference between an employment visa, a work permit and a residence permit?

They are often used loosely, but they are distinct. An employment visa is typically the entry document that lets you enter a country to take up work with a named employer. A work permit is generally the authorisation to actually perform paid work once inside the country, and may be issued or activated after arrival. A residence permit is usually a broader authorisation to live in the country for an extended period, often used for everyday identification.

A visa being approved does not mean every later step is immediate. Your dashboard tracks the visa stages (filed, medical, biometrics, issued) so you know which you hold and which is pending.

See /resources/guide-visa-categories-explained.

Answered by an EMIGRATLY specialist · 2026-10-18