Immigration

You are currently browsing the archive for the Immigration category.

UK Opens Arms to the Wealthy

January 19, 2011 in Expat Locations, Immigration, Living in Britain by Paul Allen | No comments

As ever, money talks. The UK government may be trying to curb overall levels of immigration into the country, but for those with the cash the doors are opening wider.

At the tail end of 2010 the government’s Home Secretary announced new limits on various components of its points-based immigration system, making it harder for non-EU citizens to enter the country. The changes will take effect from April 2011.

However, it also emerged the Tier 1 Investor and Entrepreneur categories would be made more attractive to applicants. In addition, a new Tier 1 category, Persons of Exceptional Talent, will be introduced for internationally recognised people.  

No details of the changes to the Investor category were released at the time of the announcement. However, it appears one aspect will be to reduce the time it takes for a qualifying person to be granted residency.

Investor criteria

The Investors category is designed for those who intend to make a substantial investment in the UK[1]. To be eligible, applicants need:

a)      A minimum of £1 million of your own money in a regulated financial institution that you can dispose of in the United Kingdom, or

b)      Personal assets of more than £2 million, and a £1 million loan from a financial institution regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Successful applicants receive a three year visa initially, which can be extended for a further two years. Partners and dependent children are also covered by the visa, and are free to work/attend school. After five years visa holders can then apply for permanent residency.

Residency fast-track

Under the upcoming changes, though, it appears there will be a new fast track to residency for the wealthiest. The qualifying periods look like being:

  • 5 years for those investing £1m-£5m
  • 3 years when investing £5m-£10m
  • 2 years when the investment is £10+m

 

When you’re rich, the world really is your oyster.

[1] See the UK Border Agency website for more details, http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/investor/

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Working in Canada – The Points System

October 29, 2010 in Immigration, Moving Abroad Tips, Working Abroad by Paul Allen | No comments

Moving to Canada to work or start a new business can be an exciting venture. To make the most of it though, it is important to know how to go about obtaining a visa.

Canada values immigrants who come to their country to help contribute to their economy. Nevertheless, there are a few restrictions you should know about when applying for a work visa.

In the case of immigrating to Canada for business purposes, it is important to understand the specific visa requirements and the points system.

Some key points to know:

  • Education: This section offers a maximum of 25 points based on the amount of school completed. It starts at secondary education and below, which offers 0 points. PhD or Master’s degree holders receive 25 points, on condition they have completed at least 17 years of full-time study.

 

  • Language: Canada’s two official languages are English and French, and you can receive a maximum of 24 points for fluency in both. Fluency in one yields 16 points, provided you have mastered reading, writing, listening and speaking proficiency.

 

  • Work Experience: Points are only rewarded when you have had at least a year of full-time experience in a managerial, professional, or highly skilled occupation. One year earns 15 points, and four or more years earns the maximum 21 points.

 

  • Proof of Funds: 10 points are awarded to people who have an offer of employment approved by the Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). Otherwise, you will need proof you have either a set amount of funds in a bank account, or have secured work in Canada.

The eligibility requirement is based on the number of household members. As of May 2010, single applicants were required to have at least CAD $11,086, whereas a six-member household needed CAD $26,350.

Securing work in Canada exempts immigrants from this requirement. However, failure to meet any requirements results in ineligibility.

 

  • Age: Because most people in the workforce are aged 21-49, the highest number of points is awarded to this age bracket. Applicants under 16 and over 54 do not receive points in this section. Other age brackets are awarded in two-point increments up to eight.

 

There are a number of Canada Immigration Services that can help you get started if you plan to immigrate from the UK to Canada in search of work. Whether you plan to move to Canada for business or hope to move there permanently, knowing the basics in the immigration process can help you become acclimated more quickly and avoid any procedural snags along the way.

This article was provided by Global Visas, the leading immigration experts for private and corporate clients locally and worldwide. 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Immigrating to America: What You Need to Know

October 20, 2010 in Expat Locations, Immigration, Moving Abroad Tips, Working Abroad by Paul Allen | No comments

The United States is one of the most popular countries in the world for businesses and families to immigrate to. With a diverse array of cultures and companies throughout the large nation, the opportunities for immigrants are virtually endless.

However, because of the strict requirements for people immigrating to the U.S., it is important to know the processes to ensure you get the right visas and documentation for a visit or smooth transition to life as an American citizen or permanent resident.

There are several ways to immigrate to the U.S. depending on the needs of your business, family, or yourself. You can choose from a work or student US visa for a temporary stay, apply for a green card if you have a spouse or relatives who are U.S. citizens, or apply for citizenship if you plan to make a permanent move to the U.S.

A green card affords permanent U.S. residency. People who hold a green card are permanently approved to work within the U.S. despite not having citizenship.

After a certain number of years people with a green card may apply for citizenship if they choose. However, it is not required – something especially important for people to know when there is any possibility of moving back to their home country.

Naturalization, or the process of obtaining American citizenship, is another option, although it applies to those who plan to make their move to the U.S. permanent. After five years of residence in the U.S., green card holders can apply for citizenship. The test required for nationalization measures knowledge of U.S. civics, as well as English language proficiency.

Overall, U.S. immigration laws change rather frequently, so it is vital to know the current regulations in advance, whether you choose to get a USA visa for work, a student visa, or you want to apply for citizenship.

This article was provided by Global Visas, the leading immigration experts for private and corporate clients locally and worldwide. 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Immigration and the UK’s Population Growth

June 9, 2010 in Immigration by Paul Allen | 3 comments

The UK is projected to add another 9 million people to its population by 2030, bringing the total to 70 million. And that, says a new report by think tank Forum for the Future[1], will put enormous pressure on the country’s long-term living standards.

The report makes seven recommendations on how to tackle the challenges. They include:

  • Planning for the growth to ensure adequate public services, infrastructure, jobs and training exist.
  • Trying to change attitudes to consumption.
  • Improving family planning to reduce the birth rate.
  • Having an objective discussion on immigration, to discuss its benefits and discover ways to reduce the economic, social and environmental drivers that incite people to migrate.

 

As the think tank points out, population and immigration issues are hot political potatoes. Nevertheless, immigration has returned to the mainstream political agenda for the first time in years, as was evidenced during the recent UK election.

Indeed, the Government has just announced a new measure (the first in a series) to tighten immigration policy, in the form of an English language test for spouses and unmarried couples. This will require all non-European migrants to demonstrate a decent grasp of English before they can receive a visa.

According to Theresa May, the government’s Home Secretary: “The new English requirement for spouses will help promote integration, remove cultural barriers and protect public services.”

For expatriates of all stripes, local language knowledge is certainly a huge part of the integration equation. Without it, you are condemned to remain on the sidelines of society, restricted in your ability to make friends and deal with everything from local shopkeepers to the gas company.

The UK government’s initiative therefore sounds fair enough. I wonder how we would feel though if other countries – say Mexico or the United Arab Emirates – put onerous language restrictions in place on expatriates from English-speaking countries like the United States, Britain and Australia?

[1] Growing Pains: Population and Sustainability in the UK, Forum for the Future, http://www.forumforthefuture.org/files/population_web.pdf

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,