Migration Related General Questions
People today are willing to move abroad for work, study or for better quality of life. The following FAQ can give an idea how easy it is
Generally, most of the countries look for applicants, who are skilled in their occupation with at least 3+ years of experience, possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification, who can also prove their proficiency in the English language through various internationally recognized tests.
Further for a few countries where applicants have blood relatives already residing or applicants having an offer of employment from an employer in the migrating country will be preferred.
It is easy to get a PR visa for any country for Indians, provided the applicant is a skilled worker and he meets the necessary eligibility requirements. If he meets the eligibility requirements and submits all the required documents, then it is easy to get a PR visa.
The best nations to immigrate to from India are:
- Australia
- Canada
- Finland
- Norway
- Germany
Let us look at the reasons why each of these countries are popular destinations for migrants.
Australia
Australia has favorable factors such as a thriving economy which means more job opportunities. Australia promises a better quality of life and a multicultural society where there is peace and harmony.
The PR visa of Australia has a validity of five years. With a PR visa, you can move into Australia along with your family. You can apply for citizenship after living in Australia for three years with a PR visa.
Canada
The immigrant-friendly policies of Canada and the government’s encouragement of migrants to come and settle here has made it a popular migrant destination. Canada promises a comfortable lifestyle and the right living conditions. There are numerous job opportunities and the promise of personal freedom.
The validity of a PR visa is five years which can later be renewed.
As a PR visa holder, you can apply for Canadian citizenship in the future. You can live, work and study anywhere in Canada and you will be eligible for healthcare and other social benefits enjoyed by Canadian citizens
Finland
Finland offers a high quality of life. It has been ranked the “Happiest Country in the World” for the third year in a row. Residents of the country can benefit from universal healthcare and a successful public-school system. The working conditions here are well regulated. The country offers a safe and secure environment.
Norway
Norway has a high standard of living and is known to be one of the world’s most expensive nations. Yet, with a slightly higher average income than the rest of the world, it is also considered one of the happiest countries in the world.
Germany
Germany offers free healthcare and education for residents, and German cities are consistently among the ‘Most Livable Cities of the World’. The shortage of skilled workers is generating opportunities for immigrants in many industries. The country offers one of the quickest visa decisions. It is western Europe’s most populous country and Europe’s largest economy. When you migrate to Germany, you get access to the whole European union.
The nations that are easiest to immigrate to are:
- Canada
- Australia
- Singapore
- Germany
- United Arab Emirates
Let us look at each country’s immigration aspects:
Canada
There is no doubt that the Canadian PR visa process is easy, and the response time is a maximum of six months. But you can help in the process by taking care to fill your details with care, take a self-assessment to check your qualifications under the points-based system and submit all the required documents on time.
Canada is an attractive option for students not only for its courses but also for the post-study work options which can pave the way to a PR visa.
Canada offers various immigration programs through which you can apply for a PR visa, but each program has its individual eligibility requirements and application procedure. Some popular programs for getting the PR visa are
- Express Entry Program
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
The Express Entry System is the fastest way to get your PR visa.
Australia
Australia promises a better quality of life and a multicultural society where there is peace and harmony.
Australia offers a Permanent Residency (PR) visa for those willing to settle here. The PR visa is valid for five years and lets you work and live anywhere in the country. With the PR visa, you can settle anywhere in the country with your family. You can apply for citizenship after three years of living under the PR visa.
PR visa applications are usually done through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Australia uses a points-based system to assess the PR visa applications. Three visa categories come under the points-based system:
Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
Skilled Nominated Visa 190
Skilled regional (provisional) Subclass 489
The first two are permanent visas while the third one is a temporary visa with a validity of four years which can later be converted to a PR visa.
You can apply under any one of the three categories for your PR visa for which you are most qualified.
Singapore
Singapore has always maintained and continues to have an open-door policy towards migrants. Every year, the number of immigrants to this country continues to increase. In fact, immigrants here account for a large percentage of the population.
A strong economy, low living costs and a high quality of life are the reasons for moving to Singapore. There are different reasons for moving to Singapore, some move here for jobs, others for permanent residency.
If you wish to migrate as a professional, y0u can choose between three different types of work visas to migrate to Singapore.
Employment Pass
You must first get a job in Singapore. Only your employer can apply for an EP on your behalf. You can get the Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass, depending on your experience and qualifications.
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
The PEP is independent from any employer, allowing you to pursue opportunities in Singapore without affecting the Pass ‘s validity. Once you hold a PEP, to pursue a new job opportunity, you can stay in Singapore for up to 6 months, in between jobs. The catch is the PEP is only valid for 3 years and is non-renewable.
To apply, you must either be a current EP holder, or you must be an overseas employer who has not been unemployed for more than six months when you are applying for the PEP.
Dependent’s pass (DP)
If you have moved with your spouse or parents to Singapore, who may be holders of EP or PEP, you will most likely be given a Dependent ‘s Pass (DP). As a DP Holder, you’re permitted to work without a work visa in Singapore. Your employer will then apply for a LOC (Letter of Consent) to require you to work legally.
Entre Pass
This is also known as an entrepreneur pass. It is intended for international entrepreneurs who want to come to Singapore and run the country’s new enterprises. The Entre Pass is valid for a period of 1 year and is subject to further renewal.
Long Term Visit Pass
This is intended for a person who wants to migrate to Singapore with his spouse, children or parents. This must be required by the organization that funded the EP, PEP or S Pass visa for the person wishing to bring his or her dependents.
Germany
There can be various reasons to migrate to Germany. You may wish to migrate to the country for:
- Employment
- Education
- Self- employment
Irrespective of the reason you want to migrate to Germany, there are certain eligibility requirements that you should meet:
Financial stability: Based on the purpose for migration, applicants will have to meet certain financial requirements to prove that they can financially support themselves while in Germany.
Health insurance: It is mandatory to have a health insurance coverage before you migrate to the country.
Basic proficiency in German: You will need basic proficiency in German, you will need to give German language test and pass with an A1 or B1 level while a PR visa will need a C1 or C2 level proficiency.
United Arab Emirates
One of the most common reasons why individuals move to Dubai is better employment opportunities. Living here provides an opportunity for many individuals to live a much better quality of life than they would have had back home.
For people wishing to move to Dubai, there are five different types of visas available. They are:
Employment Visa
In order to get a work permit to work in the UAE you must first get a job. Your employer sponsors your work permit. This work permit is valid for two months and allows you to enter the country.
Dependent Visa or Family Visa
An individual married to resident of Dubai is eligible for a Dependent Visa. Parents who want to move to Dubai to be with their children or vice versa can also use this visa.
Student visa
In order to qualify for a student visa, a relative in Dubai or a university must support the applicant. This visa is valid for a term of one year and can later be extended. Student Visa
Investor Visa
This visa is intended for individuals who wish to invest in a business in Dubai. Investing has many tax advantages in Dubai. The immigrant can invest in an existing Dubai-based company or set up his own business.
This visa is valid for 3 years and is subject to renewal.
Below are the top 10 nations with most immigrants*:
- The US – 46,627,102
- Germany – 12,005,690
- Russia – 11,643,276
- Saudi Arabia 10,185,945
- The UK – 8,543,120
- The UAE – 8,095,126
- Canada – 7,835,502
- Australia – 7,787,057
- France – 7,784,418
- Spain – 5,947,106
(*Based on UN Report entitled “Trends in International Migration”)
For the PR process, countries require identity, qualification, experience, and proof of income, taxation, settlement funds, English language and other documents. The documentation differs from country to country and specific documentation might be required in few cases at various stages. In addition, few countries require Police Clearance Certificates and applicants may have to undergo health examinations as well.
Normally it depends upon the country where you want to migrate and the visa type you are applying, for a few countries it is not a mandatory requirement to show the settlement funds. There are many countries which have it as a mandatory requirement as they basically want to know whether the applicant is aware of the cost of living and have sufficient funds to survive in the new country without depending upon the Government. This is again a basic requirement for a few countries where the visa type is specific to the state or region or the visa is being sponsored by the state or region.
Countries like Australia don’t need the passport to be deposited with the embassy. However few countries it is a mandatory requirement, it depends upon the country which you want to migrate and visa type you are applying.
It completely depends upon the visa type you are applying and the country you want to migrate, in a few countries it is a mandatory requirement to attend an interview as a part of the process. Normally they want to know the purpose for migration and whether the intentions of the applicant are genuine, they check whether the applicant is meeting the requirements, and also whether he/she will be able to survive in the migrating country without any sort of assistance.
Normally countries like Australia or Canada take 8-12 months or more, it differs from country to country. As per our experience in most of the cases, the duration of the process depends upon the way an applicant has planned his/her migration and willing to work proactively to create favorable conditions, like how much in advance the applicant is preparing the documentation and other aspects of the process. Again, it differs from case-to-case basis & the type of the visa. We need to also understand that the applicant will not have any control on the timelines to act by the various authorities, however, he/she can definitely control the time taken in filing the applications from his/her side.
Applicants holding a PR will definitely have an advantage and will be preferred by the employers. There are many international job sites like jobs.Globo Overseas Consultant.com where an applicant can post the profiles and get in touch with prospective employers. It is advisable to have a job before entering the new country so that applicants don’t have to face any problems in getting a job in the new country. The applicant can go for job search services provided by various organizations like Globo Overseas Consultant and others.
Normally many countries allow spouse & children to be included as a part of the PR visa of the main applicant. Few countries might allow parents of the main applicant as well. After migrating on a PR visa many countries allow the PR visa holder to sponsor close relatives who are eligible to migrate.
Work & Settle abroad with your Family
Do you want to build a career and life abroad. The following FAQ will give a quick insight
A Work Visa allows you to legally work in a certain country for a specific period of time.
Most countries require you to have a job offer from that country before you apply for a Work Visa. The Company which has given you the job offer also needs to sponsor your Visa. You may also be required to have a positive Labour Market Test before you apply for the same.
Hence, to get a Work Visa you must first meet the eligibility requirements of the Visa specified by the particular country.
A Work Visa is essentially a work permit that allows you to enter a foreign country and legally work there for a certain period of time.
Different countries have different eligibility requirements and procedures for a Work Permit.
Some countries require you to have a job offer in the country before you can apply for a Work Visa. You are also required to be sponsored by the Company which has given you the job offer.
Some countries allow you to enter on a Tourist or Business Visa. You may then apply for a Work Visa once you have obtained a job offer in the country.
Again, there are certain countries which allow you to apply for a Job-Seeker Visa. You may enter the country on this and then apply for a Work Visa once you get a job offer.
Thus, it is not possible to point out the countries where it is “easy” to get a Work Visa.
The ease of getting a Work Visa depends on a number of conditions like the country, eligibility requirements etc.
If you meet all the eligibility requirements of the Work Visa of a particular country, then you may be able to obtain a Work Visa.
The cost of a Work Visa differs as per the country that you are applying for.
For example, the cost of a Work Permit for Canada is CAD $155. You will also need to pay extra if you include your family in the visa application.
For an Australian Subclass 482 – Short-Term Stream Visa, you need to pay AUD $1,265 for the primary applicant, AUD $1,265 for the Adult Dependent and AUD $320 for the child dependent.
The processing time for a Work Visa depends on the country as different countries have different processing times. It also depends on the country that you are applying the visa from.
For example the processing time for a Work Visa of Canada is 5 weeks when applied from India. On the other hand, if you apply for a Canada Work Visa from the US, the processing time is 2 weeks.
Most countries offer Work Visas to meet the labour shortage in their country. Often employers find it difficult to fill a particular job locally as they cannot find the required skills in their country. This generally happens with high-skilled as well as trades jobs.
You should have the necessary skills that are in demand in a particular country to get a Work Visa. You should also have the necessary educational qualifications and any certifications that may be needed for the job. You should also have the necessary work experience required for the job.
Some countries may also require you to take a Language Proficiency Test. This is particularly true for English-speaking countries where you may need to take an English Test like IELTS before applying for a Work Visa.
To deal with the talent shortage in their respective countries, many countries offer PR to foreign skilled professionals. PR gives you the status of a local and greatly improves the chances of you finding a job. Also, with a PR, you do not require employer sponsorship.
On the other hand, a work permit is for a limited time only and is contract-based as well.
While individual circumstances might differ from person to person, a PR status usually provides you better returns as compared to a work permit
A visa is issued by the immigration authorities at the immigration office. An immigration official has the right to allow the person entry into the country. A work permit is issued by an international or national company that outsources in other countries for the sake of hiring professional staff.
While a visa is a document needed for entering a particular country, a work permit is an employment letter that is issued to an employee by an employer for the sake of entering the country.
You should have the necessary skills that are in demand in a country to get a Work Visa. You should also have the necessary educational qualifications and any certifications that may be needed for the job. You should also have the necessary work experience required for the job.
Some countries may also require you to take a Language Proficiency Test. This is particularly true for English-speaking countries where you may need to take an English Test like IELTS before applying for a Work Visa.
Working in Australia
Australia is the top destination for individuals who want to relocate to another country for work. Australia is a popular destination for many reasons. The country ranks among the top countries in the UN Human Development Index. Australia scores high on access to education, high life expectancy and socio-economic progress.
Australia work visa
Australia offers numerous visa options for workers. The government issues visas to workers based on their qualifications or the skillsets that they have. There are five work visa options available, two of them are temporary and lets you stay in the country for a limited time, the other two options can lead the way to permanent residency.
Working in Canada
Canada with its open-door policy towards migrants is perceived as the ideal place to live and work by those wanting to move out of their country. The good news is there is a huge demand for skilled professionals in the country. The Canadian government is encouraging immigrants to come and settle in the country to meet this shortage.
Canada work visa
Canada has come up with several work visa options to encourage migrants. There are two types of work permits given by Canadian authorities- open work permit and an employer specific work permit.
An open work permit basically allows you to work for any employer. This visa is not job-specific, so applicants do not require the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer letter from an employer who has paid the compliance fee.
The employer specific work permit as the name suggests is a permit that allows you to work for a specific employer.
Working in Germany
There is no doubt that the German economy is facing a skills shortage and is looking at foreign workers to close the skills gap. If you are a qualified and experienced professional, then you have good chances of finding a job here.
Germany work visa
Germany offers the following visa options for foreign workers, these are:
- Work visa for European Union (EU)residents
- Work visa for non-EU residents
- EU Blue Card
- Job Seeker Visa
- Self-employment visa
Germany also offers the Jobseeker visa which allows skilled workers from other countries to come to Germany and search for a job. This visa was introduced to solve the problem of skills shortage in several areas.
With this visa you can stay in Germany for six months and look for a job there.
Study Abroad
Unlike most consultants we work for you not for a university. As we don’t depend on commissions from colleges or universities we are free to advise you on what is best for you.
Carefully consider the immigration options of the country that the university that you are considering is in. This is more important when you intend to stay back in the country after the completion of your course.
Also, review the placement history of the university as well.
The first step is to list your preferences. By listing your preferences and strengths, describe your course of preference. Extensive research on the modules, software and its length for your preferred subject is necessary.
Take into account the countries that have optimum avenues for your preferred course for students to pursue. Check the strength of the destination in your industry base and the availability of any degree of industrial training. Identify your course of preference by listing down your interests and strengths. Research extensively on the modules, program and its duration offered for your preferred subject. And while you’re at it, ensure to explore employment prospects and long-term benefits as well.
By listing your preferences and strengths, describe your course of preference. Extensive research on the modules, software and length for your preferred subject. And while you’re at it, make sure your career opportunities and long-term benefits are discussed as well.
Take into account the countries that have optimum avenues for your preferred course for students to pursue. Check the strength of the destination in your industry base and the availability of any degree of industrial training.
The entry requirements vary between countries and even universities. Read the prospectus of your shortlisted universities to know the requirements.
If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you must prove that you have complete your secondary education and have the required grades as indicated by the university.
If you are a non-native English speaker and want to study in an English-speaking country, you will need to take some prescribed English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL and get the required grades.
Apart from this, countries have different eligibility requirements but fret not there are more similarities than differences.
Countries such as the UK, U.S, Canada, Australia and Germany require proof that you have enough funds to pay for the course that you want to study. This can be your bank statements or copies of your income tax returns. You should have the required band scores in your IELTS exams to get a student visa to study in the UK, US, Canada, Australia or Germany.
Focus your search by specifying what you actually need, perhaps you want to do the course in a country that is not very far from home, or you may be looking at a course that is taught in a particular university or country or you may be particular to do the course at a high-ranking university or are looking at a course within a specific budget. Whatever your requirements, write it down so that you can do your search appropriately.
Know the subject you want to study
You are lucky if you are clear about what you want to study because popular courses are offered at most universities across the world and you can make a choice based on the course and curriculum. You can further filter your choice by considering the international rankings or the university rankings.
But if you are not sure about what you want to study, consider choosing your subject based on the following criteria:
- Subjects you enjoy learning
- Skills you want to gain through the course
University fairs can be a great place to get more information about universities or countries that you have zeroed on. This will give you a chance to speak to university representatives and get first-hand information.
Compare your choices
Once you have narrowed down your list and selected the universities/courses based on the geographical areas or the subject you can see how far they match with the criteria you have decided. This will also help you make a comparison between your choices.
Look for the following information to make an informed comparison between colleges:
- University ranking
- Start dates of available programs
- Content of the course
- Teaching methodology
- Career prospects for the course
- Campus life and activities
- Accommodation options
- Admission requirements
- Course affordability
Carefully consider the immigration options of the country that the university that you are considering is in. This is more important when you intend staying back in the country after the completion of your course.
Also, review the placement history of the university as well.
Every program has different requirements. You will have to carefully analyze the individual requirements of the universities and colleges that you might be considering.
Apart from the requirements of the university and the program you have selected, you should also consider the requirements of the country you have selected to get a student visa. If you wish to study in the US you must have proof that you have finished your secondary school education and have evidence of financial support. For Germany you must first have a confirmation letter from the university before you apply for a student visa.
As for Australia, apart from the mandatory requirements of English language proficiency and proof of funds, you should submit the following documents for a student visa:
1. Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate
2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
3. Australian approved health insurance cover
4. Verification of your criminal records
For the UK you will need a sponsor for your Tier 4 student visa. And for Canada you need to submit clear medical records to be eligible for admission.
Completing higher studies abroad usually ensures that you get paid more as compared to your Indian counterparts.
Studying abroad paves way to improved career opportunities through enhanced knowledge, wider experience and varied skills which are well respected all over the world. Your chances of getting jobs that pay handsome salaries is always high.
Individuals with an international outlook and global exposure are in high demand. Going abroad would expand your people network. As you have connections with people from different places of the world, there is a great chance of exposure to new opportunities.
Study abroad equips you with better soft skills and academic development.When you are in a foreign country, you have no other choice than to speak in a common language. This would obviously improve your speaking and communication skills.
The tuition fees vary from program to program, and from university to university. The cost is also affected by the country that you select. The cost of living in that country, the visa fees that you will need to pay and other expenses during your course will determine your total cost if you want to study overseas.
If you are thinking of working part-time during your course to meet your expenses, ensure you are aware of the rules regarding this in your selected university.
Major factors which cover the study abroad costs
Tuition fees: Tuition fees are the first and foremost cost of studying abroad. It depends, however on the university and the curriculum, as well as the country where you are going to study. Public universities receive funding from governments, so they charge nominal student fees but provide world-class education.
Accommodation/housing cost: The greatest problem for anyone going to study abroad is the accommodation or housing. Various study programs provide lodging fees. But not every student receives university accommodation and they need to pay out more to stay in rented areas.
Living cost: This cost varies depending on the place you are staying and also your standard of living. A student’s day to day costs is included in it. The majority of students strive to offset this expense by working part-time, along with their studies, whenever possible. Part-time work has its drawbacks, however. Food is a big contributor to living expenses as well.
The cheapest way of studying abroad is by doing good research and selecting the ideal place for you. Select a country, university and course that is most suitable for your budget. Look out for scholarship options in the universities you have selected in order to reduce your costs.
When you pick your dreams’ study abroad package, be sure to inquire if they give program participants some kind of scholarship opportunities.
In order to take courses abroad, your college or university can offer its own study abroad programs or provide direct exchange opportunities abroad where you only have to pay your home school tuition.
Always check to see what’s included in the program costs and what extra costs there may be, so you can compare programs equally. A program fee that only includes tuition may seem like the best way to study abroad cheaply, when in reality a slightly more
expensive study abroad program may provide housing, meals, health insurance, and field trips, that add up to less costs.
While a good entrance test is an important consideration for getting a scholarship, a good score will not get you a scholarship automatically.
Scour the website of your selected university to find out if they offer any scholarships. You can also find out about external scholarships such as those offered by the government. Do some research on the scholarship offered by the government in your home country as well as those offered by the government in the country you have selected. Search for funding options offered by external organizations related to your field of study.
Other
factors that are analyzed for the award of a scholarship include –
the candidate’s academic history, financial background, statement of
purpose (SOP) submitted, and extra-curricular activity record and
ensure you meet the criteria to be eligible for a
scholarship.
You can try for a scholarship from the university or college to cover part of your course fees. Getting a scholarship depends on several factors- your academic record, performance in the entrance test or financial background. It can also depend on the quality of your SOP or even your extra-curricular activity record.
It is better to start as early as possible. Do your research to find universities and courses that match your academic goals and aspirations. When selecting universities or courses, you should follow criteria such as location, course duration, tuition costs, accommodation costs etc. Start planning at least one year in advance to get into the university of your choice.
Different countries have different eligibility requirements but fret not there are more similarities than differences.
Countries such as UK, U.S, Canada, Australia and Germany require proof that you have enough funds to pay for the course that you want to study. This can be your bank statements, or copies of your income tax returns. You should have the required band scores in your IELTS exams to get a student visa to study in the UK, US, Canada, Australia or Germany.
Check if you meet the eligibility requirements before making an application.
While a good entrance test is an important consideration for getting a scholarship, a good score will not get you a scholarship automatically.
Scour the website of your selected university to find out if they offer any scholarships. You can also find out about external scholarships such as those offered by the government. Do some research on the scholarship offered by the government in your home country as well as those offered by the government in the country you have selected. Search for funding options offered by external organizations related to your field of study.
Other factors that are analyzed for the award of a scholarship include – the candidate’s academic history, financial background, statement of purpose (SOP) submitted, and extra-curricular activity record and ensure you meet the criteria to be eligible for a scholarship.
You can try for a scholarship from the university or college to cover part of your course fees. Getting a scholarship depends on several factors- your academic record, performance in the entrance test or financial background. It can also depend on the quality of your SOP or even your extra-curricular activity record.
There are numerous government and university-specific scholarships designed to attract students with high achievement as well as those hoping to work after graduation in the country. Many of these scholarships provide a large bulk payment, tuition subsidies, or living allowances intended to make life simpler for those who wish to study abroad.
In addition, student programs planning to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. studies abroad are available as well.