Immigration Advice Work Permits

October 30, 2009

Overview of South African Work Permits

Filed under: Immigration Requirements,South Africa Visas,Work Permit — New Thirteen @ 2:32 pm

The South African Immigration Act, implemented in 2003, focused on how the allocation of working permits for South Africa could be simplified in order to employ foreigners more easily and to boost tourism in the country. As a result of this act, the South African immigration process has been greatly simplified. With correctly completed documentation, applications are now processed quickly and once approved, a qualified applicant may travel to the country immediately.

Work permit applications are handled by the Department of Home Affairs and once approved you also receive a temporary residence permit. This process may take time, since it involves documents coming from both South Africa and the individual’s source country.

The High Commissions and Embassies take care of intra company transfer applications and secondment. For the first category, the individual company has to have an established presence in both the source country and South Africa, under the same international group. The employee moving from the source country to South Africa should be clearly identified. Secondments, on the other hand, relate to a company in the source country sending an employee to South Africa to provide a specific service and the employee should be part of a wider service agreement. There is no specific criterion, but the selected employee must be able to do the task at hand and should have been employed by the company for not less than six months.

If a particular candidate is successful in his/her South African immigration application, a family member or members can accompany them, as long as the necessary documents are presented. An individual, however, cannot apply for a work permit directly. The employer should handle this, since the requirements have to be employer-specific. Visas are already included in the work permit application.

October 28, 2009

Australia Visa Guide

Filed under: Australia Work Visa,Immigration Requirements,Visa Applications,Working Abroad — New Thirteen @ 11:56 am

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 27, 2009

Move to US with H1B Visa

Filed under: H-1B Visas,Immigration Requirements,US Visas,Work Permit — New Thirteen @ 3:18 pm

The H1B visa, otherwise known as the work permit and specialty occupation visa, allows aliens to move to the USA, to take up temporary employment for a maximum of six years. The H1B is intended to attract skilled workers to move to the USA to ease skills shortages.

US immigration law defines a specialty occupation as a profession requiring theoretical and practical application of specialised knowledge such as architecture, engineering and medicine. The H1B requires a 4-year university degree relevant to the target job or a 3-year course plus three years of relevant job experience.

Candidates who fall short of the above educational requirements can still qualify for the H1B if they have 12 years of relevant work experience.

The H1B visa also allows dependents to move to the USA, along with the principal holder. It grants a minimum residency of three years, subject to a two-year extension and one further year. The maximum residency period is subject to some exceptions, one-year extension after the maximum residency period if the labour certification is pending for at least 365 days and a three-year extension after the maximum residency period if the government approves an I-140 Immigrant Petition.

H1B employees can file monetary claims against their sponsors if they are dismissed prior to the expiration of their contract. Sponsoring employers are required to reimburse the relocation or travel expenses incurred by H1B holders as a result of premature termination of their employment contract.

For taxation purposes, H1B employees are categorised as either Resident Aliens or Non Resident Aliens. A method called the “substantial presence test” is used to determine the tax residency of H1B workers.

October 23, 2009

India Immigration: Visas and Requirements

Filed under: Immigration Requirements,India Immigration,Visa Immigration — New Thirteen @ 10:46 am

An Indian tourist visa typically allows a person to stay in the country for a maximum of six months. Tourists may not work in the country and the visa cannot be extended for more than a further six months. India immigration can also provide a transit visa, which is often used if a person is travelling through India en route to a destination in another country. The validity of the transit visa is for fifteen days only.

The validity of an Indian business visa may range from three months to five years. To be eligible for this visa, Indian immigration requires a letter from a guarantor Indian company that will be given to immigrant, together with an introductory letter written by the employer in the applicant’s country of residence.

Indian employment visas, better known as work permits, can be granted to a trained professional or to an applicant who will be completing a certain task. Either the employer or the employee may prepare work permits.

Applicants wishing to study in India should present a letter to the immigration office, sent by the university or an educational institution confirming that they have been invited to attend a course. The validity of an Indian student visa is usually five years.

Applicants seeking medical treatment in India need to apply for an Indian Medical Visa, also known as an “M” visa. M visas are typically valid for up to one year, but if the applicant needs to stay longer, for medical reasons and can present suitable evidence, an extension can be considered.

October 22, 2009

UK Visa and UK Relocation

Filed under: Immigration Requirements,UK Immigration,Work Permit — New Thirteen @ 2:28 pm

There are various types of UK visas designed for specific groups of immigrants.

For business purposes, Tier 1 is a Points Based Service (PBS) that is designed to assist the relocation of skilled migrants to the UK. Tier 2 Work Permits require visa applicants to have a confirmed employment offer with a British firm. The Entrepreneur visa permits experienced businessmen to live in the UK and start a business within the country. Finally, visa applicants who are simply intending to invest in the British economy can come to the country by obtaining a Tier 1 Investor visa.

Anyone who has been successful in applying for a UK visa in a category leading to settlement can also make an application for permanent residency or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

Study visas, Post Study Work Programmes and Youth Mobility Schemes are among the range of visas for UK immigration that allow people to train or study in the country. The Tier 4 Student visa permits international students to study in the UK. The Post Study Work Programme and Youth Mobility, however, goes beyond the restrictions of a study visa by allowing young people and students to work in the country for a limited time.

Apart from helping skilled individuals to work and live in the UK, assistance is also provided for anyone who wants to settle in the country. Partner and relationship immigration visas, including the UK Marriage visa, UK Fiancé visa or De Facto visa, are given to people with British connections who wish to move and settle in the UK.

The UK Visit visa, commonly referred to as Travel visa or Tourist visa enables tourists and visitors gain temporary access to the country.

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 16, 2009

Living in Australia

Filed under: Australia Work Visa,Immigration Requirements,Visa Applications — New Thirteen @ 11:19 am

Over the years, Australia has attracted millions of immigrants. The usual procedure for a candidate is to apply in his or her country of origin. The process is completed when the applicant has successfully complied with the Australian Immigration Laws during his or her stay in the country. However, the Australian Immigration service is strict in applying both the rules and the quotas. Many factors, such as professional skills, work experience and English language skills are considered. The system has become more challenging and demanding in recent years and the process now requires considerable time and effort to be expended by the applicant.

Australia offers several visas for skilled workers, including the Skilled Independent Regional Visa, Skilled Independent Visa, Skilled Sponsored Visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme. The rules for these visas are always changing and being updated.

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship is responsible for the implementation of the various requirements for an Australian Skilled Visa. It is advisable to apply for this type of visa as soon as possible, because new criteria are always being introduced. Of course, the main requirement for obtaining this visa remains the same, which is to possess skills currently in short supply in Australia. In addition, the government needs to be sure that immigrants will help boost the economy and not be a burden on society.

Australia promises tremendous advantages, with its rich culture and traditions, which are admirable and a source of great pride for the country. It provides many benefits to its citizens, such as excellent education, comprehensive medical and dental facilities, low levels of crime, high standard of living and a wonderful natural environment.

The government issues Family Visas to those who have relatives living in Australia. One way to obtain a family visa is to apply for the Contributory Parent Visa or the Last Remaining Relative Visa.

The Last Remaining Relative Visa is an Australian permanent residence visa, intended for anyone who wants to settle there because they have no other close relatives in their country of origin. The Contributory Parent Visa is designed for those whose children are living in Australia and can meet sponsorship requirements.

Spouse Visa, De Facto Visa and Prospective Marriage Visa are other ways by which a spouse or single person can join his or her loved ones in Australia. In the case of the Prospective Marriage Visa, applicants are usually engaged to be married to Australian citizens, permanent residents or even to holders of eligible New Zealand passports.

The STNI (State/Territory Nominated Independent Visa) allows people with businesses to move to Australia. They can choose an appropriate Australian Business Visa, which is sub-divided into Investor Visa, Business Owner Visa, Business Talent Visa or Senior Executive Visa.

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.

October 9, 2009

Immigration to the US for Skilled People

Filed under: Immigration Requirements,US Visas,Work Permit — New Thirteen @ 4:59 pm

The highly skilled can immigrate to the USA using an EB1 visa or employment based green card. Unlike work permits, which do not confer US immigration status, the EB1 visa grants permanent residency.

There are three types of EB1 visa:

1. Extraordinary Ability (EB1-1)
The EB1-1 visa is granted to foreign talents who can demonstrate their exceptional skills. Those who have won a prestigious national or international award; for example a Nobel Prize or Academy Award, are likely to be granted an EB1-1 visa. Other justifications of exceptional talent include publication of one’s research in a prestigious periodical, art exhibitions, participation in peer reviews, playing lead roles in motion pictures or a breakthrough discovery in a scientific field.

2. Outstanding Professor or Researcher (EB1-2)
This type of US immigration visa is granted to teachers and researchers who have earned notable achievements in the academic field. Scholarly writings, breakthrough discoveries or receipts of prestigious awards are some of the achievements that can justify an EB1-2 visa.

3. Multinational Executive or Manager (EB1-3)
EB1-3 is a U.S. immigration visa granted to multinational executives who have been working with their sponsoring employer for a minimum of one year in the previous three, just prior to the date of visa application. The sponsoring employer must have been doing business in the USA for at least one year.

An EB1-3 visa holder is particularly responsible for managing the company unit or division where the offer of employment lies. Managers under EB1-3 sponsorship should also have the capacity to supervise managerial staff and hire and dismiss employees.

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