SETTLE ABROAD WITH YOUR FAMILY
Migration has become a common phenomenon in recent times with more people willing to move away from their country and settle down in another country. People today are willing to move abroad for work, study, or for a better quality of life.
An individual that moves from one place to another – in search of work and better opportunities – is said to have migrated.
Migration can be both for the short term or on a permanent basis. Those who decide to settle permanently in another country are deemed to be “permanent residents” of that country.
A permanent resident is different from a citizen and holds a passport from another country.
The reasons for moving abroad differ from person to person but the primary motive to migrate can be either for employment, studies, a better quality of life or just to expand one’s horizons.
The benefits of migrating to another country are many. It gives opportunities to live in a new environment, meet new people and experience a different culture. It provides opportunities to learn a new language. Besides this, migration gives an opportunity for professional development and personal growth.
WHY MIGRATE ABROAD?
Settling abroad in one of the world’s leading countries is one of the most life-changing things you can do. Some of the biggest reasons people settle abroad are:
- Better salary and job prospects
- An enhanced standard of living
- The more stable political environment
- Vibrant multicultural cities
- Better healthcare and education
- Opportunity to bring more members of the family abroad
- A better life for children
- Opportunity to bring more members of the family abroad
Migration is all about relocating from one place to another. Usually, there might be diverse push and pull factors at work, either working on their own or together.
Pull factors – that is, factors that draw a newcomer to a specific country – are primarily social and economic. Economic migration is where an individual move abroad to find work or for following a carefully laid down career path for themselves.
Social migration, on the other hand, is when an individual relocates overseas for either a better quality of life or to be closer to family.
Generally, the top three reasons believed to be the motivating factors for migrating overseas are –
- Increased earning potential,
- More job opportunities, and
- Better healthcare and education.
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), there were an estimated over 232 million international migrants globally.
An international migrant is a person living outside the country in which they were born. Crossing borders in search of work, education, and new horizons, a migrant is primarily driven by the search for new opportunities and better livelihood.
TOP COUNTRIES TO MIGRATE
Statistics for the year 2021 with the World Population Review, an independent organization, reveal that the United States – with 48.2 million – had the highest number of foreign-born residents, also referred to as immigrants.
With 15.9 million living abroad, India was the country with the highest number of former residents living internationally.
The leading countries for migrating overseas include, among others – the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia.
The COVID-19 pandemic situation has led to a shift in the perception of many looking to migrate overseas. In 2020, there was reported an upswing in the number of individuals conducting online searches to migrate overseas.
Countries that emerged top of the search were those promising a safe and secure environment, high employment rates, and the availability of diverse immigration options.
Canada, Australia, and Germany are considered to be the top three countries for immigration post-COVID-19.
Australia: A multicultural society and a thriving economy, Australia have a lot to offer a newcomer. Australian permanent residence visas are issued with a validity of five years, allowing you to move to the country and settle in Australia with your family.
You can apply for Australian citizenship after living in Australia for three years on a PR visa, provided you fulfill the other eligibility requirements.
Canada: Found to be the most welcoming country for a migrant, Canada has streamlined immigration policies making it easier to apply.
432,000 newcomers are to be welcomed by Canada in 2022. A majority of these will be through economic immigration.
Express Entry has a standard processing time of six months (from the date of receipt of the completed application).
Canada PR visas are issued for five years and can be renewed. After living in Canada as a permanent resident for a minimum of three years out of five years – that is, 1095 days – you can apply to take up Canadian citizenship. Provided, however, that you meet the other eligibility requirements.
Germany: High demand for skilled workers in Germany is generating many opportunities for immigrants in diverse industries and sectors.
Germany is said to offer among the quickest visa decisions. Moreover, when you choose to migrate to Germany, you gain access to the entire European Union (EU).
The easiest country to immigrate to will be as per your individual circumstances and requirements.
HOW CAN I MIGRATE?
Permanent residency might be gained through different routes. The most common ways of becoming a permanent resident are through–
- the work stream,
- the family stream,
- the study stream, or
- as an investor or via a business stream.
If eligible, you might be able to acquire permanent residence straightaway, provided immigration routes suitable for your individual circumstances are available, open, and accepting applications.
Conversely, you might opt to go to a foreign country to study abroad or work overseas first and apply for permanent residence later on. Working or studying abroad might make you eligible for different immigration streams of the country that you study/work in. For example, previous and recent Canadian work experience makes you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) that comes under Canada’s Express Entry.
Moreover, many countries allow you to stay back in the country after you have completed your study abroad. Post-study work options are offered by countries such as the UK and Canada, among others.
Generally, a country’s family stream permanent residency is available for partners, children, parents, or other dependent relatives of an individual that is either a permanent resident or citizen of that country.
Under the workstream immigration pathway, you can gain permanent residence based on your having the skills in demand, or being sponsored by an employer in that country for a work-based visa.
Other pathways for permanent residence are also available. These vary from country to country.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Generally, the eligibility criteria for migrating overseas include meeting the –
- Basic eligibility (such as for the Express Entry of Canada, or Skill Select of Australia),
- Language requirements,
- Health requirements (to be verified through a Medical Examination by a panel doctor),
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), and
- Proof of funds, if required.
The specific requirements will vary from program to program, and from country to country.
REQUIREMENTS
Each of the immigration programs has its own minimum eligibility requirements. The required paperwork – supporting the claims made by you in your application – will depend on the program applying to.
It is advisable to confirm your eligibility before applying.
Usually, verification will be made by the government concerned of your education, identity, work experience, and general background
STEPS TO APPLY
- STEP 1: Check eligibility.
- STEP 2: Find out if you score the required points, if applicable (67 points needed for Express Entry, 65 points for SkillSelect).
- STEP 3: Arrange the list of requirements with the help of Y-Axis overseas professionals.
- STEP 4: Register an Expression of Interest profile
- STEP 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- STEP 6: Submit the completed application.
If applying under the provincial route to Canadian permanent residence, you will have to go through a two-step application process. Firstly, a nomination by any of the provinces/territories part of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will have to be secured.
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Every year, thousands of people turn to Future Fly Immigration Services to achieve their global ambitions. Our knowledge, expertise, and experience in global immigration practices make us the first choice for individuals and families seeking to build a new life abroad.
GET EVALUATED
Migration is a highly technical process.
Our Evaluation Experts analyze your profile to help you make an informed decision.
Your Eligibility Evaluation report contains:
- SCORECARD
- COUNTRY PROFILE
- OCCUPATION PROFILE
- DOCUMENTATION LIST
- COST &TIME ESTIMATE
QUICK FACTS
- Generally, countries look for applicants skilled in their occupation, with at least three years’ work experience. Those with close relatives living in the country or an offer of employment are preferred.
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher education might be needed.
- Proficiency in the English language might be required.
- IELTS is not mandatory. IELTS is one of the acceptable standardized tests. Other tests are also available.
- The best nations to migrate to from India include – Canada, Australia, Germany, Finland, and Norway.
- Spouses/partners and children can be included in the permanent residence submission. Certain countries allow the parents of the main applicant to be included as well.
- After migrating and settling abroad as a permanent resident, you might be able to get your parents to join you, and also sponsor eligible close relatives.
- Most countries allow permanent residents to live, work, or study anywhere in the country.
- A job offer is not mandatory. Certain immigrant pathways don’t require you to have a job offer from an employer in Canada to be able to apply.
FAQ's
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.
Basic demographic information, in addition to its information relating to qualifications, experience, English language scores, any other country residence information, dependents information, any relatives or friends information staying in the new country, health and character information.
Earlier there used to be a condition that once the PR is granted the applicant(s) need to move out of the country & reenter. However now this has been relaxed by most of the countries, they are simply making the changes to the visa type and applicant(s) can remain in the new country as per the PR guidelines.
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.
Costs will depend upon the country you are applying & the visa type; normally there will be a visa fee which you will have to pay in the migrating country’s currency.An applicant will have bear the other costs like migration agent fee, notary charges, courier charges, English language test charges, nomination & other authorities fees. In few instances like an application for Parent Migration they might ask for security deposit as a part of assurance of support.
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.