While the oil & gas industry has slowed down in the recent years due to the global economic downtown, it is still one of the strongest and most prevalent industries across the world. For this reason, amongst many others, oil & gas jobs are continually in high demand. Although these jobs are high in demand, they are becoming less available, as the industry continues to make cuts. If, like many others, you’ve been looking to enter into the industry, either from school or as a career change, but have had no luck close to home, looking abroad may be your next step. Looking abroad may appeal to you, as it will create a wider pool of available jobs, and may even bring higher paying positions, however there are many aspects of moving overseas that you must also consider. If you are thinking about an overseas oil & gas job, you should ask yourself these 3 questions first.

Am I Eligible to Work Overseas?

Before applying for any potential employment opportunities overseas it is important that you determine whether or not you will be eligible to legally work in the country the position is in. First and foremost, you will need to determine the criteria for obtaining a work permit and/or work visa for the country you intend to work in. Eligibility criteria varies for each country, and you must apply through the appropriate countries consulate here in Canada.

How do I File my Income Taxes While Working Overseas?

You will need to learn how the country you will be working in treats income taxes for foreign workers. Aside from knowing that countries taxation process, it is important to understand the impact that working abroad will have on your Canadian taxes.

What do I Know About the Potential Employers and Companies I’m Applying to?

Research the company before applying to work for them. This is especially relevant when applying to international companies, as business in foreign countries may have values and practices quite different than companies you may have worked for here in Canada. It is important that you feel comfortable with the beliefs and processes within the company. You can look through the companies public web page, which should contain their mission statement and company values, and should find statements from current or former employees or clients to learn more about how the company operates to determine if it is the right fit for you. As you can see, there are many important factors to take into consideration when looking for a job overseas, whether in the oil & gas industry, or any other industry. Eligibility, tax implications, and cultural variances are only a few of the aspects that are unique to overseas work. Before applying to any job in a foreign country, ensure that you have done your research on the country, the company, and all of the processes that will be required of you if you land a job. Preparation and a good understanding of all of these aspects will make your job search, and your potential move, unfold as smoothly as possible. References