red tape

The visa laws in Denmark are extremely complicated and difficult to navigate. Add to that, EU law, and it gets more confusing. Rus' 90 days tourist visa-free stay is expiring. He applied for an extension, which a spouse of an EU citizen is usually granted for three months at a time if they are with family in Denmark. But we found out that this does not apply to Danish citizens, only every other EU citizen. Whaaat?!? Yup. If I was a citizen of any other EU country, he could stay in Denmark with me under EU law. But because I am Danish, Danish law takes effect. The same is true for him being able to stay with me if I am working or going to school here. If I was another EU citizen, he would be granted a visa to live and work with me in Denmark, but because I am Danish, he cannot. It is frustrating to say the least. There is a family reunification option but that can take up to ten months and the qualifications are difficult to attain so we don't qualify.

Rus' only option is to be here on a study or work visa. He may eventually resort to taking his Master's somewhere in Denmark but it is expensive as a non-EU citizen. The best option is finding a job. BUT, it can't be just any job. It has to be a salaried position from a list of companies approved by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration or one that is on Denmark's positive list (a list of skilled professional shortages). Thankfully, Rus qualifies for a few of the positions on this relatively short positive list; educational assistant, social assistance worker, and childcare supervisor.

But there is hope. Rus had an interview at the Esbjerg International School (located in a small town north of Esbjerg called Guldager) yesterday afternoon that seemed to go well. The other candidates are being interviewed between December 10-12, so we will find out after that. Unfortunately, his 90 day visa free period expires before he hears back from them.
He is leaving the country (with Dean) tomorrow. He has to be out of the country for 90 days before he can come back again. If he gets this position, he can apply for a work visa and come back within 30 days and be able to stay for the length of his work contract.

Here are a few pictures from our job interview trip.  We can't go to a different town without Rus seeking out the oldest church buildings.  This one, Guldager Kirke, is from 1300. Also had to stop in at the Esbjerg public library of course...

Guldager Kirke, circa 1300

I think it's the thick crooked walls that I love the most

ancient collection box

Esbjerg public library

the children's section

the crime/mystery section

...and I can't be around book sculptures without climbing on them