Immigration Advice Work Permits

September 30, 2009

Moving to Australia with a Student Visa

Filed under: Australia Work Visa, Student Visas — New Thirteen @ 5:03 pm

Australia is one of the premier destinations for foreign students. Foreign nationals who plan to move to Australia require a student visa, which comes in various types, depending on the course to be studied and the educational level of the academic programme. In order to qualify for student visas, applicants must have no overdue debts, good moral character and be in good health.

Independent ELICOS Visa (Subclass 570), as its name suggests, is intended for students who want to move to Australia to take up English Language Intensive Courses. Schools Visa (Subclass 571) is for those taking up primary, junior secondary or senior secondary education. Students enrolling in Certificates I, II, III and IV, Diplomas, and Advanced Diploma courses need a Vocational Education and Training Visa (Subclass 572). For university courses leading to Bachelor Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Associate Degree, there is the Higher Education Visa (Subclass 573). Students enrolling in bridging or foundation courses, where there is no degree involved, need to obtain a Non-award Visa (Subclass 575). Postgraduate Research Visa (Subclass 574) is intended for students who wish to move to Australia in order to take Masters or PhD courses.

On being granted a student visa, you can move to Australia not only to study, but also to take a full-time job, though this is only possible during school vacations. Foreign students are also allowed to take a part-time job during the school season, for a maximum of 20 hours per week. In addition, family members of postgraduate visa holders, along with AusAid dependents, are eligible for unrestricted work rights.

September 29, 2009

FAQs about Canadian Visas

Filed under: Canadian Immigration, Immigration Requirements, Visa Applications, Work Permit — New Thirteen @ 1:33 pm

What is a work permit?

A work permit is a Canadian visa that grants a foreign national the right to work in Canada on a temporary basis. However, obtaining a work visa does not mean gaining permanent resident status. The number and types of work visas granted by the Canadian government depend on fluctuating labour demand and availability of local workforce.

Are work permits granted based on point-based system?

Other types of visas require applicants to meet a point threshold, but this is not the case with Canadian work permits. It is the sponsorship of a Canadian employer that matters most in the pre-approval of a work visa.

Can a work visa be upgraded or changed to another immigration status?

Yes. Alien workers can change their immigration status during the lifetime of their work permit.

Can the principal visa holder bring his dependents to Canada?

Marriage and spouse immigration are allowed under this type of Canadian visa; however, dependents need to apply for the work visa in their own capacity in order to be legally employed in Canada.

How should I apply for a Canadian visa?

Once the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) confirms job vacancies for foreign nationals, you may begin requesting a Canadian visa from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Jobs based in Quebec also require visa approval from the provincial immigration authority.

Are there any professions who are exempted from work permits?

Yes. Such professions include aircraft inspectors, reporters, onboard airline personnel, government representatives and expert witnesses.

September 27, 2009

Indian Visas for Foreign Visitors

Filed under: India Immigration, Tourist Visas — bronco @ 9:54 am

Foreign visitors to India can stay in the country for up to six months, subject to extensions, in some cases. Common examples of short-term Indian visas are business, medical and tourist.

India tourist visas, commonly known as visit visas or travel visas, are intended for foreigners who intend to visit friends or relatives or travel to tourist destinations in India. The maximum period of residence allowed by this type of India visa is six months. A tourist visa can be issued individually or for a group, ‘collective visa’.

To qualify for this type of India visa, applicants must have a valid passport issued by their country of residence. A transit visa may be issued to foreigners who are arriving in India as part of long-term travel to another country. This type of India visa grants 15 days of residence and requires applicants to prove their intention to leave the country within the prescribed period.

A business visa grants five-year residence and the right to engage in key business activities, such as negotiating contracts and attending conferences. However, business visa holders are not allowed to work as employees of Indian based companies.

To qualify for a business visa, applicants must have a valid passport and letters from their sponsoring Indian company and employer, which indicate the purpose of the visit, date of departure and sources of income while residing in India.

A medical visa allows foreign patients to undergo treatment in India for six months, with the possibility of a six-month extension. Depending on the medical condition of the patient, this type of visa can be extended again, up to a maximum of 12 months.

September 25, 2009

US immigration Card Lottery in October

Filed under: Green Card, US Visas — New Thirteen @ 3:31 pm

Applications for Diversity Visa 2011 (DV-2011), also known as the Green Card Lottery, will be acknowledged by the US immigration service on 2nd October 2009. The lottery scheme does not require a green card applicant to have family members or employer sponsors in order to enter the USA. The closing date for the Green Card Lottery is 30th November 2009.

Every year, the Green Card Lottery issues some 50,000 diversity visas to non-American citizens living in countries outside the USA, which have low rates of immigration. The lucky applicants will be randomly chosen and must be able to meet specific requirements. For example, they must either have completed a high school education or its equivalent or, in the last five years, have had two years work experience, which requires the same amount of training or work experience. For married couples, it is advised that they apply separately, as this gives them a better chance of being selected.

Since applications for the Green Card Lottery do not require sponsors, they also do not require special services, such as the legal services of an immigration lawyer or of a migration agent. USA immigration recommends reviewing the details of submitted documents accurately; for instance the format of the digital portrait must meet specific requirements.

Workpermit.com can help applicants ensure that their documentation is well organised and a qualified US lawyer is available to help interested applicants regarding legal matters, etc.

September 24, 2009

Moving Down Under

Filed under: Australia Work Visa, Immigration Requirements, Working Abroad — New Thirteen @ 11:24 am

Life in Australia is both exciting and relaxing at the same time. The country is unquestionably beautiful from the wilderness of the Outback to the bustling city life. There are plenty of activities and places to explore, from the stunning architecture of Melbourne to the breathtaking Gold Coast beaches.

Australia also has a rich economy, with its first world status boasting an amazing range of job opportunities that are open to immigrants. If you would like to apply for a permanent residence status in Australia, as a worker, you can qualify as long as you have the skills that are in demand by Australian government. However, there are certain measures you have to take note of.

It is true that the Australian immigration system is less stringent than that of many other countries. For example, if your spouse is a sponsored worker with a temporary or permanent entry visa, you will be given unrestricted work rights. If you are already in Australia and currently hold a temporary principal visa, you can apply for a permanent visa. There is no limit to the number of visas that can be granted to a skilled worker with a temporary entry pass.

However, for your Australian immigration process to be successful, the number one rule is for you to do it right the first time, as mistakes can delay or disqualify applications. Forms have to be accurate, supporting documents have to be legitimate and paperwork and other requirements have to be complete.

If you are applying as an individual skilled worker, be selective with the skilled occupation you are applying for. Qualified occupations may change from time to time, so it’s important that your skills match what the Australian government needs. Employment experience, in your chosen field is also necessary and your previous experience can lift your status.

Finally, avoid taking unnecessary risks. Go to qualified agencies or those that are properly affiliated with the Australian Embassy. Even if you have to wait for the processing of your application, make sure that you are dealing with professional Australian immigration consultants.

September 22, 2009

How to Apply for a UK Visa

Filed under: Immigration Requirements, UK Immigration, Visa Applications — New Thirteen @ 5:00 pm

What is a visa?

A visa is a certificate appended to a passport, which authorises the owner to enter and travel within a certain country. A valid UK visa will guarantee your entry into the country unless your personal circumstances have changed, your visa has not been updated accordingly or you provided inaccurate information during the visa application.

How can I apply for a UK visa?

You must file your work permit visa in the country where you are a legal resident. You can send your UK visa applications via post, in person or online. In some countries, visa application centres (VAC) offer a more convenient way to send application forms. Officials will take note of your biometric information, check if you pass all the visa requirements and attend to your inquiries, though fees may be charged for some of these services.

What are the visa requirements?

If you have an ordinary work permit or TWES, you must be able to carry out the duties and responsibilities stipulated in your work permit if you are to obtain a UK visa. You must commit yourself to the sponsoring employer unless your work permit says otherwise. You should also be able to prove your capacity to support yourself and dependents in your own right, without relying on government grants or subsidies. Depending on your country of origin and length of stay, you may be required to undergo a tuberculosis test. Finally, you must declare your intention to leave the country when your visa expires.

Can I bring my dependents?

To bring your dependents into the country you must provide documents to prove their relationship to you. If you do not have an existing visa, you must present your original work permit and other supporting documents.

September 18, 2009

Canadian Visa and Emigration to Canada

Filed under: Canadian Immigration, Citizenship, Immigration Requirements — New Thirteen @ 4:32 pm

Canada’s immigration routes include work visas, the Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP), temporary visas and family visas.

Skilled-worker visas are issued to applicants who have complied with one of the route’s three requirements, which demand an offer of arranged employment for the applicant; that the applicant is an international student, a temporary worker or a foreigner who has been residing in Canada for one year or that the applicant should have at least one year experience in an occupation. Apart from complying with these requirements, the applicant should also score a minimum of 67 on a test, which contains factors such as education, language ability, work experience, age, adaptability and financial means.

In terms of PNP, each of the country’s provinces that have signed up for the programme chooses immigrants who will benefit it in some way. Temporary visas in Canada can be obtained from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Website and includes work permits, business visas and study permits. Study permits are needed if an applicant intends studying in Canada for more than six months. Although work permits can easily be obtained, the employer must receive a positive Labour Market Opinion first.

For business visas, there are three categories in which an applicant must score at least 35 in a test. In addition, a business visa applicant must meet several other criteria, including at least two years in the management of a qualifying business for investor category; proof that his business will be able to contribute to the country’s economy in the entrepreneur programme and the need to have been self-employed in cultural activities or athletics or have farm management experience for self-employed people.

For permanent residency, sponsoring relatives through a Canadian family visa is usually the fastest route.

September 15, 2009

American Immigration and Immigration Solutions

Filed under: Tourist Visas, US Visas, Visa Immigration — New Thirteen @ 3:16 pm

Apart from possibly improving an individual’s career prospects, relocation to the USA offers generous rewards both mentally and financially.

To help immigrants settle, community groups are spread throughout the country, and places of worship are everywhere, to suit every religious belief.

Once a USA visa holder is granted permanent resident status, he has the right to permanently live and work anywhere in the country, apply to become a citizen of the USA, when eligible, request visas for husband, wife or unmarried children, receive supplemental income, social security and medical benefits if eligible, own property in the USA, apply for a driver’s license in the state in which he or she is resident, leave and return to the US under certain conditions, attend public school, join the U.S. Armed Forces in certain branches and own a firearm unless there are local restrictions.

To become a USA immigrant, a foreign individual needs to secure a visa. For short-term visa services, you should apply for the B1 business visa and B2 travel visa. For longer periods and to work and live in the US, an L1 visa and H1B visa should be applied for. Foreign individuals, who wish to establish their own business in the country, need to have either an E1 or E2 visa.

Longer term USA immigration requires EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4 and EB-5 visas, which are all designed to permit qualifying individuals to apply for permanent residency in the country through employment opportunities. There are several other routes for this category, based on family ties and the American Green Card Lottery.

September 9, 2009

Arriving in India – An Immigration Guide

Filed under: Immigration Requirements, India Immigration — New Thirteen @ 11:57 am

Travelling to exotic India requires a number of documents. If you want to make the entire India immigration process go smoothly, the first thing you need is a valid national passport. If you do not have one, you should obtain an internationally recognised or authorised travel document, with a recent picture, in order to enable India immigration authorities to ascertain your true identity and nationality.

Before arriving in India, you must ensure that you are an Indian visa holder. The duration of stay depends on the visa issuing authority or if a specific endorsement has been arranged previously. There are exceptions, however, for citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, as they are not required to obtain a visa. For Maldives nationals, a visa is also not needed if the purpose of entry is tourism or the duration of stay up to a maximum of 90 days.

Foreigners without valid documents, those who enter India from unauthorised ports or those suffering from harmful diseases that may threaten public health may be denied entrance by India immigration authorities.

An immigration check will also be carried out on the arrival of a foreigner in a designated port. A disembarkation card should be filled and stamped accordingly, before you will be allowed to cross the immigration line.

To avoid being held by Indian immigration authorities, a foreigner has to abide by the conditions as stated on the visa. If the visa allows a foreigner to stay in the country for more than 180 days, registration is necessary at the place where he or she is staying, within the specified period.

Anyone on medical missions or who has come for employment or education purposes should register within 14 days of their first arrival in India. Registration certificates will be issued for guidance and future reporting.

September 6, 2009

Work in South Africa in the Financial, Retail and Communication Sectors

Filed under: Immigration Requirements, South Africa Visas, Working Abroad — New Thirteen @ 9:04 am

This article looks at some of the top companies in South Africa, including Old Mutual PLC, Pick ‘n Pay Group and Telkom SA, which have an ongoing requirement for either local or immigrant workers.

Even though Old Mutual PLC, an international insurance company, has its headquarters in London, it primarily focuses on the South African market. The company specialises in banking, stock market speculation, healthcare, investments, asset management and employee benefit packages for a wide range of clients. Because it has a continuing requirement for labour to work in all areas, Old Mutual PLC has a broad variety of job opportunities. The company provides the best health care facilities for its employees and maintains a professional source of help for those who have issues with marital or family distress, emotional difficulties, alcohol and drug abuse, difficulties with their children, stress overload and HIV positive diagnosis, etc.

South Africa’s retail sector is proud to present Pick ‘n Play, one of the largest and most successful food, clothing and general merchandise retailers. The history of the company goes way back, when it was started as a family-owned business. Four stores were bought in 1967 and since then the company has grown into a large supermarket chain that now has 14 hypermarkets, 106 supermarkets and 74 diminutive “family” stores in South Africa. Pick ‘n Play also has a majority interest in a group of stores known as Score. The company has openings from entry level to senior managerial positions.

The wire-line communication company, Telkom SA, is a mix of private 60% and state-owned 60%. The monopolistic company handles international connections to and from South Africa and fixed-line communications within the country. It has vacancies in management and administration, engineering and IT, etc. The company provides many benefits to its employees, including medical care, financing, retirement policies, telephone discounts, long service recognition, financial assistance for study schemes, training and educational leave.

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