On Tuesday, I had a meeting to sort out the renewal of my Czech work permit. In order to apply for a new two-year permit, I had to submit:
The one thing that they didn't require was the nostrification of my diploma and transcripts. I was told last year that having the nostrification would be mandatory for all non-EU citizens when applying for, or renewing, a Czech work permit. Well apparently the rules changed. Now it is only necessary when applying for a new work permit. Since I am renewing an existing work permit, the nostrification is not necessary.- A copy of my previous work permit
- A copy of my passport ID page
- A copy of my Czech biometric ID card
- A passport-sized photograph
- A signed power of attorney for the Bureau of Labor
I'm really glad that I was notified about this change. I gave up an entire day of my vacation in Atlanta just running back and forth between the University and the court house to get the apostille needed in order to apply for nostrification. And poor Steven had to drive me back and forth across town to get it done.
Since I have everything ready for nostification I was advised to go ahead and do it even though I don't need it. The reason was that "you never know when the rules will change again". That's comforting.
I received my first work permit when I was still in the USA. It was valid for two years. In 2011, I received my second work permit. It too was good for two years. This new one will hopefully be the last one I ever have to apply for. This permit will last until 2015. However, I will be eligible to apply for permanent residency in 2014. Getting permanent residency is not the same thing as getting citizenship. And I will not give up my American passport. Having permanent residency doesn't even mean that I will live here forever. But the big benefit for me will be that with permanent residency I will never again have to apply for a work permit or a new long-term visa.
So here's to applying for, hopefully, my last Czech work permit. I should have it in about 30 days. In the meantime, now I also have to start gathering all of the documents needed in order to apply for my last long-term visa.
Note: It's now the end of March and I still don't have my new work permit. Apparently, there is some delay and the Czech government is way behind. I'm told that it should be ready within another week or two.
Note: I finally received my work permit on April 10th.
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Oh the joys of Czech Bureaucracy :-) Despite being EU nationals, who should be treated in the same way as Czech citizens, my wife & I have still had many encounters with Czech bureaucrats determined to make our lives as difficult as they possibly can. See my current battle over exchanging my UK driving licence for a Czech one http://rickyyates.com/my-latest-run-in-with-czech-bureaucracy/.
ReplyDeleteI wish you well in your current work permit and visa quest. Whilst you should be able to obtain 'permanent residency' after five years, I believe that unless you are over 60, you are required to pass a Czech language test. How's your Czech????
Yes Ricky, the joys of Czech bureaucracy. Although I do find that, quite often, they make for some funny stories. Eventually that is, once I've calmed down.
ReplyDeleteThe Czech language proficiency level required for permanent residency was increased from A1 to A2 this year. My Czech works but it could be a lot better. My goal is to finish B1/B2 this year so I should be fine for the exam next year.
I agree with the part about "poor Steven", however, I think a "poor Chris" is in order. I truly thought you were going to stroke out when we thought you might not get your transcript notarized before you left town. Just chalk it up to one more of our adventures.
ReplyDeletenot having a work permit is like a death setence if you are looking for a job abroad. Unless your a reincarnation of Einstein to get sponsored!
ReplyDeleteAlma