Job Discussion Forums

[tortuga78]

I've been offered a job at this school, but find it curious since I'm an American and the visa procedure seems to take longer than I've got before the job starts. Does anyone know about this school, or if it is possible to process a work visa for Spain in a month?

[Minella]

Hello, I also got an offer from this school recently. I am from Turkey and they told me it is not a problem at all. They are starting my visa procedure next Monday. It takes about a month and 2 weeks to obtain the visa apparently. When are you starting? I am expected to be there in January, because at the moment I am teaching in Vietnam and it will take me some time to get there.
It looks like a decent school, although I couldn't find much info about it on the internet.

Mina.

[tortuga78]

Mina - Please tell me how it goes with the visa process. I can't send you a personal message on this site so I hope you see this. If you or anyone else related to this topic wants to contact me, he/she can at [email protected]. I have been told that I am expected there 13 Dec. for training. They have been unresponsive re: information on the visa and a request to be put in contact with a foreign teacher who's already there. Hope to see you in Madrid!
Matthew

[spiral78]

Guys, I fear this is a scam. Do NOT send any money for visa processing -

Are you aware of the legal difficulties for non-EU member citizens in Spain and the rest of the EU countries? I strongly suggest you read up on this (there are quite a few threads on this forum) if you are not already well informed on this issue.

[Minella]

Well, the school sent me the contract already and they have been in touch with me all the time. The money they want from us is to pay for the flight fare only, but not for the work permit. The school works with a travel agency who also works with the immigration office, so they say...
They apply for a work permit for us which apparently takes a month...
They seem very professional and honest I do not know how to tell if this is a scam! Now I am lost lol

[wiganer]

[Minella]

Basically, the school works with this travel agency who is connected to the immigration office, so they book flights and apply for the work permit for you. That is what they told me. I got in touch with the travel agency and told them I want to book my own ticket and pay for my own ticket. Then they replied and said that they have to do this over there as it is part of the visa application procedure. Now of course I haven't sent any money yet. I am still unsure about all this...I just sent them an email saying I do not feel comfortable sending money to some place I don't even know if it exists or not. So right now I am lost myself! I think I will change my mind about this place...But the strange thing is, this school does exist. It is on the internet...

[wiganer]

[Minella]

They offer 1500 euros net per month. No I am not sending money because it sounds too odd to me. I have found a number on the internet and will call them to find out if the person who is in contact with me works there...
I think it is kids school, or kinder garden. The school exist but I am not sure about the people who contacted me. They may be using the school's name.
Oh man I was so excited about Spain! lol

[IanN]

The simple rule is:

If they ask for money up front then it is most likely a scam.

Please, under no circumstances, send them money up front.


Some extra information found courtesy of the internet.

This is a job advert from a website which helpfully gives an address:
http://www.getesljobs.com/job_detail.asp?jobid=10881

Looking at the address on Google Maps shows that there is an Escuela Infantil at that address but it has a different name.
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Afueras+Valverde+19,+madrid&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=55.806079,114.169922&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Calle+de+Afueras+a+Valverde,+19,+28034+Madrid,+Comunidad+de+Madrid,+Spain&ll=40.497582,-3.688442&spn=0.001656,0.003484&z=19&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=40.497581,-3.688442&panoid=T7YLgjxVn7Y-AIrau5tEBQ&cbp=12,176.68,,0,5.02

For me this is just shouting the word SCAM.

[spiral78]

If I were to give any advice to any non-EU citizen who wants to work in Europe - bring lots and lots of money and make it a year long holiday with bits of work on the side

This is unfortunately impossible since <jan 2009. Under Schengen zone rules, a non EU member citizen can only be in the zone for 90 days, then has to leave the zone for 90 days before returning.

Send no money for a job promising a visa. It is a scam

[tortuga78]

total scam, confirmed after research

[tortuga78]

It reminds me a bit of my Turkish boss, actually.

(this is from the "travel agency" involved with the scam so that we'd send them money orders for "plane tickets")

Hello xxxx,>
> Thanks for making us to understand your sceptical feelings. Your
> message was quite understood and you are very right with your findings
> on the difficulties usually involved in obtaining a work visa being a
> non E.U citizen. How ever, we would like you to know that with an
> employment status in Spain, you are 100% eligible for a resident permit
> visa which also represents a working visa.
>
> We would also like you to understand that we are working along side
> with professional immigration lawyers fully licensed to rendering
> immigration service. So, you need not be scared or doubtful of our
> service. At this stage, we feel you should only be grateful for our
> commitment on this transition for you and not to start assuming a
> negative impression about us. We have been rendering this immigration
> service for more than two years and there has never been a single
> complain from anyone about the organization. You are not the only one
> we are doing this for, we are also assisting some other new teachers
> too, with needs for a work visa and the school is following up every
> processes.
>
> You should be thankful to know that we are trying all efforts to see
> that everything goes well and at the appropriate time for you. The more
> doubts you entertain towards the agency is the more delayed you accord
> to your work visa processing. The choice is yours. We have never
> disappointed any of our clients before.
>
> Lastly, if we are not rendering good service or probably ripping people
> off their money which we believe is your assumption we wouldn't be in
> existence today. You should allow your conscience to guide your future
> endeavours and your new found opportunity with the school. We are never
> compelling anyone to patronize our service. Mr Martinez ought to have
> explained to you about our involvement in this and for you to accord us
> with your co-operation and good trust. . If you are still not
> comfortable with the explanation, you can let us know on time so, we
> can withdraw the application filing with the Spain visa authority.
> We've got so many works still ahead to be completed. Thanks
>
> Regards
> Fernando Pique

[spiral78]