Immigration Advice Work Permits

November 21, 2009

Getting a visa to South Africa

Filed under: South Africa Visas, Work Permit, Working Abroad — New Thirteen @ 9:35 am

South Africa’s Immigration Visas gives visitors the opportunity to go to the country for long-term work, excursions, study-based projects and permanent residency.

Work visa South Africa
Working in South Africa requires a work permit, which enables an individual to be employed there in a specific pre-arranged position and for a set period of time.

Visas in South Africa are also available for individuals who wish to start a business or invest in an existing enterprise.

Study visa South Africa
Studying in South Africa requires the South African Immigration Study Permit.

South African Immigration for Spouse and Family
Visas for a spouse can only be obtained by a life partner or spouse who is a permanent resident of South Africa or a bona fide citizen.

Family visas can be obtained for the entire family if necessary.

South African Retirement Visa
For retirees who wish to live in he country, a South African retirement permit can be granted. Its duration is for four years, but it can be renewed for an indefinite number of times.

Permanent Residence Visa in South Africa
Many of the visas previously mentioned are issued as a temporary residence permits. However, their holders may also qualify for permanent residency permits.

Visa to South Africa
Visitors to South Africa who only intend staying there temporarily, for holidays or visiting family and friends, may be granted Tourist Visas or South African Visitor Visas, which are normally valid for three months.

November 14, 2009

US Immigration via Green Card Lottery

Filed under: Immigration Requirements, US Visas, Visa Applications, Working Abroad — New Thirteen @ 9:14 am

The Diversity Immigrant Visa or the Green Card Lottery is an immigration programme aimed at citizens of countries with low US immigration rate. Countries not covered by the programme are those that have sent more than 500 immigrants to the US over the past five years. Countries exempted from DV-2010 include China, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, Colombia, South Korea and Ecuador.

If your country is not on the list of eligible recipients of the Green Card Lottery programme, you can still qualify if either one of your parents was born in any of the approved countries.

To date 80% of green card lottery visas have been issued to European and African nationals, but no single country can have more than 7% of the total issued.

To qualify for the US immigration programme, you must be a graduate of the foreign equivalent of the 12-year US primary and secondary education programmes. Completing the elementary and secondary education in one’s native land does not necessarily mean meeting the educational requirements of the immigration programme, since each country has different educational standards.

Among the citizens of countries eligible to obtain a lottery visa, educational attainment is not the only requirement. Work experience can override the educational requirements for anyone who has been employed in certain professions for two or more years. To date, workers covered by the immigration programme include accountants, computer scientists, medical personnel, physicians, teachers, engineers, cartoonists, multimedia specialists, machinists, chemists, microbiologists, biologists, musicians and veterinarians.

November 11, 2009

Australian immigration – the facts

Filed under: Australia Work Visa, Immigration Requirements, Working Abroad — New Thirteen @ 10:52 am

The Australian Department of Immigration deals with businesses and private clients who have immigration issues in Australia. The team is composed of highly trained MARA consultants and former immigration officers who are best qualified to help applicants understand the country’s immigration policies.

Australian immigration had seen a substantial growth in the past 15 years and among the millions of immigrants are families becoming reunited and skilled workers. The number of Immigrants rose from 30,000 in 1992-93 to 177,600 in 2006-07. In current 2008-09 year, Australian visa figures are still quite high, at 115,000, mainly because the nation has managed to avoid the worst effects of the recession, unlike many other parts of the world.

Most skilled workers are from the UK, at an estimated 1.1 million, while Irish immigrants total only 57,338. One of the reasons why the employment level in Australia has grown is the huge number of skilled immigrants who have moved into the country.

Australia has an extensive list of temporary and permanent visas for skilled, unskilled and family immigrants, Australia Spouse Visa, Australia Child Visa, Australia Parent Visa, Australia Remaining Relative Visa, Australia Business Owner (Provisional) Visa, Australia Senior Executive (Provisional) Visa, Australia Investor (Provisional) Visa, Australia State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (Provisional) Visa, Australia State/ Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (Provisional) Visa, Australia State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Provisional) Visa, Australia State/ Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa, Australia Skilled (Independent) Visa, Australia Skilled (Sponsored) Visa, Prospective Marriage Visa Australia, Spouse (Provisional) Visa Australia, Investor Retirement Visa Australia, Working Holiday Visa Australia, Educational Visa Australia, Entertainment Visa Australia, Sport Visa Australia, Dependent Child Visa Australia, Australia Business (Short Stay) Visa, Australia Business (Long stay) Work Visa, Australia Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay) Visa, Australia Skilled – Recognised Graduate Visa, Australia Skilled – Graduate Visa, Skilled-Regional Sponsored Visa Australia and Australia Skilled-Independent Regional (Provisional) Visa.

November 4, 2009

Guide to Canadian Visas

For foreign nationals wanting to permanently reside and work in Canada, the visa types include the Canada family class visa and Canada spouse visa.

The Canadian family visa allows an existing permanent Canadian resident or citizen to sponsor their foreign national relatives for an agreed time, which is between three and 10 years in the country until they can establish themselves. Immigration is also allowed for the spouse, conjugal partner of a permanent Canadian resident through a sponsorship system.

For short-term relocation in Canada, Canada temporary visas include work permits, business visas, and study permits. If an international student wants to study in the country for more than six months, a study permit must be secured. For a work permit, the employer must first receive a positive Labour Market Opinion before it is granted.

For the release of business visas, there are three categories in which an applicant must score a minimum of 35 in a points test. In addition, a business visa applicant must meet certain criteria, like at least two years in the management of a qualifying business in the investor category; the ability to prove 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.

October 28, 2009

Australia Visa Guide

If you wish to live and work in Australia, the following are the types of visas you might consider, the skilled independent visa, skilled sponsored visa, spouse visa, contributory parent visa, De Facto visa, last remaining relative visa and prospective marriage visa.

The skilled migration visa is one of the best ways to enter Australia. This is because skilled workers can easily fulfil and complete the requirements for a permanent Australia visa. Applicants can use their skills, work experience and language proficiency.

The Australian General Skilled Migration programme is intended for people who don’t have firm employment contracts, but have the expertise required in the Australian labour force. There are certain requirements, one of which is that the work experience and skills must qualify for Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.

Recently, the programme has highlighted the importance of effective English skills, so more points are awarded to proficient English speakers. There are two different categories of visa, sponsored and independent.

Sponsored visas have more requirements than independent visas. People who apply for this particular version must be sponsored by an Australian relative or by the Australian government. In addition a bond has to be paid.

Independent visas are issued to applicants who have the necessary skills and qualifications, but do not have employment contracts. Since they are more likely to meet the requirements, they have fewer restrictions and are considered to be the preferred category of skilled workers.

Australia visa have subclasses that are assessed on the basis of a points system. Applicants who fail to reach the number of points required are listed on the reserve pool in case the system is amended at some point.

October 20, 2009

Canadian visa Tips

Filed under: Canadian Immigration, Immigration Requirements, Work Permit, Working Abroad — New Thirteen @ 2:52 pm

Canada is one of the most popular destinations in the world, particularly for immigration. There are over 200,000 new immigrants and visitors every year, who enter the country via a comprehensive visa system.

One of the more common options is the Federal Skilled Worker Class visa. This is designed to cater to workers with desirable skills that will provide a boost to the Canadian economy. A points system, based on age, work experience, education and ability to adapt is in place to screen potential applicants. Anyone who is granted entry will also gain the same rights as a Canadian citizen, except for the right to vote. For those who fail to pass the point system, there are other alternatives available.

For example, there is the Immigrant Investor programme. Simply put, this entails an applicant making a minimum investment of $400,000 in a government or province-approved venture. In addition, they must prove that they are capable of successfully setting up and operating a business and have a net worth of at least $800,000.

Another alternative is the Entrepreneur Programme. This requires the applicant to either purchase or invest in a commercial undertaking that will boost the economy and provide jobs for residents and their families.

Yet another alternative is the Canadian Family Visa. With this, Canadian citizens can sponsor foreign relatives for an agreed period of time, which can be between 3 and10 years. During this time, the relative must establish themselves within the society and the workforce.

October 15, 2009

All it takes is a Visa

Filed under: US Visas, Work Permit, Working Abroad — New Thirteen @ 3:53 pm

More and more people from many countries around the world are clamouring to get to the land of milk and honey, that is the United States of America. With the job opportunities available there, its democratic government and first class education system, many still see the USA as the ideal place to live and work, the country with just about the highest standard of living in the world.

However, before anyone can set foot in the country and live the American dream, they must first obtain an American visa. To be able to live in the United States, the applicant must present documents indicating an ability to live and survive in the country. Certain assessment tests are available online and they can help to get an idea of what it will be like to live in the United States.

Those with relatives already living in the country have a better chance of obtaining American visas, but it does not always hold true. Certain other documents are still required to ensure that the applicant will be able to live, without being a drain on society. If you believe you meet the criteria for a visa try the assessment tests online and see if you are. If not, you can check out what you need to do to get an American visa.

Another helpful tip is to consult an emigration officer or visit the United States Embassy in your native country, in order to discuss the matter further.

October 12, 2009

South Africa Immigration Guidelines

Filed under: Immigration Requirements, South Africa Visas, Working Abroad — New Thirteen @ 10:15 am

South Africa is currently encouraging visa applications from investors who wish to establish businesses and create opportunities for immigrants to move to the country.

An independent government body, the Immigrants Selection Board (ISB), regulates South African visa applications.

People who may qualify for a South African Visa include those of good character, who are not likely to be a burden on the welfare system in the country and who have skills and experience in occupations, which are currently under-represented.

It is advisable that you complete the application process while in your country of residence and wait for the result before moving to South Africa. However, there are circumstances under which visa applications from within South Africa are allowed. These include you being in the country on a valid South Africa work permit, that you are married to a South African citizen or a permanent resident and are in the country on a valid temporary residence permit. It is also possible that a family member is sponsoring you, for immigration purposes, or you have been exempted from holding a temporary residence permit.

Several types of visa that the South African Immigration offers include medical, student, working, business and retirement.

South African citizenship is also available for anyone who wishes to live permanently in South Africa. When granted, the applicant is entitled to various benefits and rights including the right to vote. Citizenship can be obtained in three different ways, by birth, descent or by naturalisation.

All visas are subject to the ISB’s directive.

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 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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