What “Must Have Right to Work” Means in Job Descriptions

Four phrases that mean different things

“Must have the right to work” can mean the employer expects applicants to arrive with existing permission; it does not, on its own, reveal whether sponsorship is available. “No visa sponsorship available” is much clearer: that employer is not offering the support an overseas applicant may need for that role.

“Open to international candidates” is encouraging, but it does not promise visa help. “Relocation package provided” may refer to flights or temporary housing for someone already allowed to work in the country.

• Explicit no-sponsorship statement: do not assume the employer will make an exception.
• Right-to-work prerequisite: clarify whether sponsorship is excluded before investing significant time.
• Relocation assistance: ask separately who arranges work permission and which moving costs are covered.

When to ask the recruiter

If the vacancy is silent or ambiguous, ask a brief eligibility question after checking the official advert and your own status. A written answer tied to the specific vacancy is more informative than a generic statement about the employer's global offices.

• State your current location and whether you already hold local work permission.
• Ask: “Does this particular role offer visa or work-permit support for an applicant who currently lives overseas?”
• If support is available, ask which route and whether the advertised compensation satisfies its requirements.

How to record the answer

Keep the vacancy ID, application URL, the dated description and any written recruiter response. Recheck if the role is reposted or responsibilities change. An employer's sponsor licence or accreditation is useful evidence of capacity, not a guarantee for every job.

• Confirmed: the specific job states what support is offered.
• Potential: credible employer-level hiring evidence exists, but the job itself is silent.
• Excluded: explicit requirement for pre-existing unrestricted local work permission when you cannot meet it.