Job Discussion Forums

[kanuph]

I am moving to Santiago on March 6th and am looking into my visa options. How easy is it to get a resident visa and do I have enough time? I do not have a contract to work, but have a friend with her own business that could write a letter. Or should I plan on just coming down on a tourist's visa that lasts 3 months and have to leave on a bus to Mendoza to renew it? How easy would it be for me to find work on a tourist's visa since technically it would be illegal? I'd love to hear everyone's opinion on this. The sooner the better, since I'm afraid I may be running out of time!! Thanks guys!

[vcautin]

I think you should first come on a visitors visa and then see. You can apply for a working visa from here too. Most language schools accept native speakers without asking anything further.
Good Luck!!!

[lauren3821]

If you have a friend who could write a letter than it will be easy to get a temporary visa that will allow you to work wherever you want, assuming you have a university degree (maybe there's other ways but this was how I did it). Before you come get you degree legalized, and I can't remember if it was necessary but I also had my degree stamped by the Chilean consulate in Texas (where I was before). Other than that everything can be done here once you arrive, so just enter in with a tourist visa.