Job Discussion Forums

ladygringa · Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 14

I plan on teaching in Quito for 6-10 months beginning in october. I learned one cannot get a work visa without proof of employment before leaving the U.S. So apparently a tourist visa is the thing to get if I plan on looking for work once there.

Have any Americans run into problems finding work without the old work visa? That is, does simply having a tourist visa (and periodicly extending it) suffice?

And how long does it take to obtain?

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Forget the work visa. You won't get it--and all it means is that your wages will be taxed.

Most folks arrange a Cultural Exchange visa at the Ecuadorian consulate closest to them before going. Employers provide you with the necessary documents on their end, and then you add yours to them before visiting the consulate. The visa will cost you 80 dollars. It will mean that what you receive in Ecuador is a stipend for volunteering, and it is not taxed.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:44 pm Post subject:

The problem is, even for a intercultural exchange, volunteer, or student visa, which are what virtually all schools use, you need your school before you come.

If you haven't got your place lined up, you've pretty much got one option. Tourist visa. And many people manage on this, but it can be rough, because extending past 6 months, while possible sometimes (not legal, but possible) is never guaranteed. Neither is upgrading your tourist visa while you're here. Again, this can happen, but it is neither legal, nor sure.

Good luck, and feel free to PM for Quito info.

Justin