Help me make this happen

July 10, 2012 6:45 PM

Relocation to Barbados and employment options for a US citizen. More inside.

My partner and I are in a serious relationship, not married yet, she has just been offered a "cannot refuse" type offer from her current employer that would be a serious boost to her career and financially. They will be providing her housing, relocation costs, etc. She will be residing in Barbados no later than October 1st.

I desperately want to go with her but am not sure how I would be able to financially support myself while there.

I am employed at a job I am not enamored with but it has two benefits (a) pays my sizable student loan payments and (b) going into the office is totally perfunctory, all I need is internet and telephone access. My ideal plan would be to keep my current job and work remotely. Are there any special visa requirements for this, where I would be staying for one year or more?

Would TEFL be another option?

If I've omitted anything I'll followup. Help me make this happen.

Thank you all in advance for your advice!!

posted by karmaportrait to work & money (4 answers total)

Not sure why you are considering TEFL as English is the national language of Barbados. If you can keep your present job and do it remotely that won´t be a problem. You need a Visa for more than a 28 day stay. To obtain this scroll down to length of stay in Barbados.
posted by adamvasco at 7:22 PM on July 10, 2012 [2 favorites]

Got to chucle at the TEFL thing. That island has a higher literacy rate than the US, and, yes,in English...and many many bookstores.
posted by Postroad at 7:35 PM on July 10, 2012 [2 favorites]

Unless both countries are part of a reciprocal agreement (as exists in the EU) you will almost always need a visa to live and work in another country. This is generally not a simple process.

The Barbados Immigration Department website is the place you should start. It isn't particularly well designed, but seems to be saying you can only get a work permit if an employer in Barbados applies for one on your behalf. However, I find it hard to believe that they do not allow any immigration on the basis of relationship to a legal resident (though they may require you to be married). The site provides e-mail addresses and contact numbers.

(With all due respect to adamvasco, the links he's provided do not say what he claims they say. The first merely states that you, as a U.S. citizen, can stay in Barbados for up to six months as a tourist without a visa. Most countries bar people on tourist visas from working, even for a foreign employer. The second link, referring to a 28-day limit, seems to be aimed at non-Americans.)

It may also be worth your girlfriend asking her employer if they can help arrange a family visa for you.
posted by Perodicticus potto at 11:14 PM on July 10, 2012

the TEFL came from a couple websites (here) and another which lists it as a job location (screenshot).
posted by karmaportrait at 4:43 AM on July 11, 2012