Working Abroad: Exploring Employment Visa Opportunities in Canada, Serbia, and the US

In this guide, we explore the most common employment visa programs in Canada, Serbia, and the United States, including who qualifies, what makes each program unique, recent updates you should know, and how to take the right next step for you.

Canada: LMIA Work Permit

Program Overview: The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Work Permit is Canada’s primary pathway for foreign workers to gain legal employment. Canadian employers must demonstrate they cannot find a local candidate before hiring a foreign national.

Eligible Applicants must have:

• A valid job offer from a Canadian employer
• An employer with LMIA approval
• Relevant work experience and qualifications for the role
• Proof of intent to leave Canada upon expiration (unless applying for PR)
  
  

Why It Stands Out

This program is often a gateway to permanent residency, especially when combined with the Express Entry system. It allows skilled workers to begin building their future in Canada while contributing to the local economy.

Recent Changes: Increased focus has been placed on employer compliance and the integrity of job offers. Processing times have improved in key sectors facing labor shortages (e.g. healthcare, tech, and trades).

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer.
2. The employer applies for a positive LMIA.
3. Apply for a work permit with supporting documents.
4. Enter Canada and begin employment.
5. Pursue PR through Express Entry (if eligible).
   
   

Serbia: Temporary Residence by Employment

Program Overview: This visa allows foreign nationals to legally work in Serbia and gain temporary residence. It is commonly used by professionals relocating for jobs in sectors like IT, manufacturing, finance, or education.

Eligible Applicants must have:

• A signed job contract with a Serbian employer
• Proof of housing and financial means
• Valid travel documents and health insurance
  
  

Why It Stands Out

Serbia offers affordable living, a strong expat community, and a relatively simple legal framework for employment-based immigration. It’s also a stepping stone toward permanent residency after several years of legal stay.

Recent Changes: Serbia has streamlined its online application system and partnered with more companies to fast-track tech and skilled worker recruitment from abroad.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Secure a job offer from a Serbian employer.
2. Collect employment and housing documentation.
3. Apply for a combined work and residence permit.
4. Register with local authorities upon arrival.
5. Renew annually or apply for long-term residency after 5 years.

United States: H-1B and L-1 Work Visas

Program Overview: The H-1B Visa is for foreign professionals in specialized fields, while the L-1 Visa is for intra-company transfers. Both are employer-sponsored and allow foreign nationals to legally work in the US.

Who Is Eligible:

• H-1B: Must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specialty field (e.g. IT, finance, engineering)
  
  
• L-1: Must have worked for the same company abroad for at least one year and be transferring to a related office in the US
  
  

Why It Stands Out

Both visas provide a pathway to permanent residency, especially when employers are willing to sponsor. They are also family-inclusive, allowing spouses and children to accompany the worker.

Recent Changes: The US is modernizing parts of its H-1B lottery system, increasing scrutiny on duplicate applications, and tightening timelines for RFEs (Requests for Evidence). L-1 programs are seeing increased audits and documentation requirements.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Get a job offer from a qualified US employer.
2. Employer files Form I-129 and supporting documentation.
3. Await approval and attend visa interview.
4. Receive visa and enter the US to begin work.
5. Option to pursue a Green Card through EB sponsorship.

What Kind of Support Do Applicants Most Commonly Need?

When planning to move abroad for work, most people do not struggle with where they want to go - they struggle with how to make it happen. We hear the same concerns time and again:

“Am I choosing the right visa? Did I prepare the right documents? What if I make a mistake and lose my chance?”

Here is where people most often need help:

• Choosing the Right Program: Many applicants feel overwhelmed by the options. Clarifying which work visa fits your background, experience, and long-term goals is key in this first step.
  
  
• CV and Job Readiness Support: Employers in Canada, Serbia, and the US expect professional, localized resumes. Ensuring yours is tailored to make a strong first impression can make all the difference.
  
  
• Understanding the Documentation: The paperwork can be complex. Making sure that nothing is missed - from proof of qualifications to employer letters and legal declarations offers you significant peace of mind.
  
  
• Compliance and Accuracy: Small errors can cause big delays. Reviewing every detail to make sure your application is complete and aligned with the latest immigration requirements is a tedious job, especially if you are doing this for the first time.
  
  
• After-Arrival Guidance: Once your visa is approved, you need to focus on settling in - from understanding your rights as a worker to integrating your family into local life. In a new environment, after a life-changing process, this can feel overwhelming when you feel like you need to do it alone.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Whether you are looking to work in Canada’s high-demand sectors, Serbia’s thriving cities, or the United States’ global economy, employment visas can open powerful doors.

However, every path has its own set of challenges - hidden details, time-sensitive steps, and life-changing decisions.

How We Help:

With Diverse Visa, you are not just applying. You are being guided by experts who understand your goals and care about your success. 

Let us help you move forward, one guided step at a time.

If you are thinking about making the move but are still unsure about the best direction for you - we will help you choose the best option for the highest success rate based on your unique case.

Take the first step by filling out the form!