Canadian Immigration meeting on improvements to Immigration system

Immigration Minister Kenney met recently with Federal, provincial and territorial ministers in Ottawa to discuss improvements to the Canadian immigration system.

If Canada wants to succeed in the global economy, our country must be able to attract and retain immigrants with the skills it needs today  while preparing us to face the challenges of the future," said Jason Kenney, federal Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. "After today's discussion, I am confident that our governments' combined efforts will help position Canada as a destination of choice for the world's best and brightest, while continuing to maintain our humanitarian tradition.

Immigration is important to all provinces and territories," said Ramona Jennex, Nova Scotia's Minister of Immigration on behalf of her provincial and territorial colleagues. "We agreed here to improve our cooperative approach to immigration to ensure its benefits are shared across the country. We are pleased that future meetings will be co-chaired by the federal and provincial governments.
The Canadian Government feels that immigration is increasingly important to maintain Canada's competitiveness in the future; Immigrants are desperately needed for Canada's future labour force needs.

Canadian immigration says that that the immigration system must help in welcoming and supporting new immigrants "...in building inclusive, diverse and vibrant communities and a prosperous Canada..." The provinces and territories would jointly manage the immigration system together with Quebec under the Canada-Quebec Accord. To a great extent this already happens.

In recent years the Canadian immigration system has been changed in the hope that it will more closely meet the economic and regional needs of Canada. This will continue in future as the Canadian economy continues it's recovery from the economic downturn.

There have been concerns that processing times have increased recently under the federal skilled worker applications under the Action Plan for Faster Immigration. There may be further changes to make sure that immigration applications are dealt with more quickly. It was also stressed that the provincial nominee program should be used to meet new labour market needs.

Other issues that were discussed amongst ministers were as follows:

• Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications Canadian provinces and territories are working to make such that foreign qualifications are recognized in a fair, consistent, transparent and timely manner..."
•  Settlement and integration services are important so that immigrants can integrate successfully into Canadian society. A set of common settlement indicators will be used to assess service delivery models. Quebec while continuing to have responsibility for their own settlement services will share their experiences on "best practices" with the rest of Canada.
•  It was agreed that the Ministers would work together to reduce levels of immigration fraud.
•   Further efforts would be made tomake Canada a more attractive destination for international students.
• Overall, Canada is being positive about immigration. However, if you qualify for immigration now it may be better to apply sooner rather than later. Future changes to the immigration system may not benefit every one.

Immigration to the Philippines,Philippines Immigration

Immigration to the Philippines

As specialists in Philippines visas and immigration services information, This site offer the full range of visas, work permits, and immigration routes for those who wish to visit or immigrate to the Philippines on a permanent basis.

The Philippines Immigration control is complex for corporate clients and individuals but our offices in the Philippines are able to assist with all Immigration and visa issues to the Philippines.

Moving to the Philippines?

Made up of more than 7000 islands, the Philippines offers a spectacular range of scenery with a tropical climate and a stunning array of wildlife.

A former colony of Spain for almost four centuries, the Philippines is now a Republic with a thriving economy and rich natural resources.

Although Filipino with its eight major dialects is the first language of the country, English is also an official language and is widely spoken, being increasingly the language of choice for business and study.

If you would like to find out more about visiting or immigrating to the Philippines official web site.http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php

Visiting the Philippines

The Philippines offer short-term visit visas for up to 59 days which may be issued for business activities (excluding employment), medical reasons or for tourists and private visitors.

Short-term tourist visas for the Philippines are issued as a temporary immigration service and do not provide the opportunity to apply for permanent residency.

Studying and working in the Philippines are not permitted under this temporary route and those wishing to engage in either whilst in the Philippines will need to apply for a Philippines study visa or work visa respectively.

Study in the Philippines

Study visas are issued for the duration of the course in question and applications must progress through a series of steps.

In the first instance, applicants must secure a place from a school, college, university or other place of study.

If successful, candidates will be issued with a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from their sponsoring educational institution.

This notice must be submitted as part of the study visa application itself along with a range of supporting documentation including:

•     A current and valid passport,
•     Police check,
•     Evidence of the candidate's education to date and,
•     A demonstration of the client's ability to fund their entire stay in the Philippines.

Working Visas in the Philippines

In the Philippines, work visa applications are based upon a candidate obtaining a job offer from a Philippines based firm and will be issued as a Special Work Permit application for those who will only be working in the Philippines for six months or less.

For candidates who wish to work in the Philippines for longer than this period, a standard work permit will be required which may be obtained from outside the country or from within the Philippines.

Applicants will need to provide evidence of their job offer through a letter of request from their sponsoring employer as well as an affidavit of support from the company. Candidates will also need to obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP).

It should be noted that work permit holders must also notify the Philippines immigration authorities when they intend to leave the country and that the Alien Employee Permit must be returned.

Immigrating to the Philippines

For those who wish to relocate to the Philippines on a permanent basis, two methods are offered through the quota immigrant visa and the non-quota immigrant visa.

Philippines Quota Visa

This route offers only 50 places per year and in order to qualify an applicant must be from a country which also accepts reciprocal immigration from the Philippines.

Candidates will need to provide a range of supporting documentation including a valid passport and proof of their ability to support him or herself in the Philippines.

This Philippines immigration service will also require candidates to attend a personal interview.

Philippines Non-Quota Visa

The non-quota visa applies to the spouse of a Filipino citizen, unmarried children (under the age of 21) of a Filipino citizen and those with Filipino citizenship (in this case natural born Filipinos) who have acquired a grant of citizenship from another country.

In all cases, a range of supporting documentation will be required; however, the exact criteria will vary depending upon the  category of non-quota visa application which is being submitted.

Other Philippines Visa Services

In addition to those outlined above, the Philippines also issue a range of visas and immigration services, including the Philippines investor visa, the treaty trader visa and the increasingly popular Philippines retirement visa.

Philippines visit visa , Philippines working visa, Immigration to the Philippines, Philippines Immigration

South Africa Student Visa

South Africa Student Visa

In South Africa, immigration services permit a foreign national student to apply for a South African study visa in order to undertake a course of study within the Republic.

Study visas apply to those immigrating to South Africa to study at primary, secondary and tertiary levels and much like a South African work permit they require an offer, in this case of a place at a recognised educational institution, to be in place before an application is submitted.

It is essential to apply for a South African student visa after receiving your offer and prior to departing for the country. Although the offer of a place is a  pre-requisite it does not of guarantee that you will be successfully granted a South African study permit.

A South Africa study permit application should be submitted as early as possible as the process can take up to eight weeks to complete. Since educational institutions are unable to register foreign students until the process of obtaining valid South African student visas is concluded, it is advisable to apply as soon a place is offered.

The options presented to those wishing to migrate to South Africa are broad and a range of different South African immigration services are available depending on the duration and purpose of the visit.

As a specialist immigration consultancy, We can help you to assess the different categories of South African visas available; enabling you to establish which route is the most appropriate for your relocation to South Africa.

We can help to obtain all classes of South Africa visas from the range of temporary resident permits through to permanent resident permits for long-term immigration to South Africa.

Visa applications can be monitored and managed throughout the process and our immigration consultants can offer immigration lawyer advice helping you to relocate to South Africa as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Visa Benefits

South African study permits fall into the temporary residence permit classification of South African immigration services, a group which also includes work permits and South African visit visas.

These visa services are not designed to provide a route to permanent residence and are granted for the duration of the course of study in question.

Whilst short courses of study can be carried out on a South African visitor visa, or travel visa as it is sometimes known, the 90-day restriction means that courses lasting more than three months will not be allowed.

Applying for a South Africa study visa allows foreign nationals to undertake full time study in the country for as long as the course takes to complete.

In addition, whilst holders of South African study visas may not engage in full time employment they are permitted to work part-time for no more than 20 hours per week.

However, no restriction upon working hours will be imposed in vacation periods if a letter of permission is obtained from the educational institution.

Visa Eligibility

Studying in South Africa places few restrictions upon those obtaining a South Africa student visa and The Department of Home Affairs generally welcomes foreign students who choose to further their studies by migrating to South Africa.

However, one key point to observe is that much like South African work permit visa applications, student visas require that a foreign national immigrating to South Africa in order to study must not prevent a South African citizen or permanent resident from studying by displacing them.

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves throughout their period of study in South Africa including tuition fees and medical insurance.

In South Africa, visa applications for students must include:

• A letter from the educational institution which will act as Confirmation of Acceptance and which details accommodation arrangements for the candidate.
• Evidence of the applicants' ability to wholly support themselves financially.
• A valid return ticket.
• Medical insurance and a statement from the applicant's doctor.
• A valid passport with a minimum of thirty days upon completion of study.
• For applicants over 18 years of age police clearance is required for all previous countries in which they have resided for a year or more.
• For minors, a letter of consent from the parents will also be necessary.

In addition, a range of documentation including the applicant's birth certificate and photographs will be required. This migration consultant will be happy to discuss the requirements with you in detail.

South Africa study visas are granted for a one-year period and can be extended as necessary in order to complete the relevant course. Much like working permits, permits to study are valid only for the original course for which they were obtained. Any change of institution or course will require a new permit.

Dependents

As discussed, a visa for study in South Africa does not constitute a route to permanent residence and is regarded as part of the temporary resident permit group of South African visa services.

However, since a course of study may last for an extended period, spouse immigration and dependent immigration are permitted where applicable and applicant's immediate relatives may immigrate to South Africa for the same duration as the principle holder.

CANADA TOURIST VISA, CANADA TOURISM GUIDE

CANADA TOURIST VISA

A Canadian temporary resident visa, often referred to as a tourist visa or visitor visa for Canada is a temporary Canadian immigration option allowing tourists to visit Canada for a maximum of six months.

A travel visa of this kind is required by nationals of some countries when visiting the country.

In Canada, visit visas of this kind are not intended as a route to settlement and do not offer permanent residence or the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Visiting visas are issued on the understanding that you will not be permitted to work, and that you will depart on or before the expiry of your tourist visa.

Benefits

Applying for a Canadian visit visa is the appropriate method if you wish to enter the country purely for the purpose of visiting.

Visitor visas is the popular route for over 35 million visitors and students each year and will allow you to stay for a period of up to six months.

Applications for visit visas can be submitted for one of three categories.

Single entry Canada Visitor Visa

This category allows you to visit Canada once for the duration of no more than six months.

However, once in the country you can apply for a Canadian visa extension so long as you do so no later than 30 days before the expiry of the original document.

Multiple Entry Canada Visitor Visa

Under this category, you may enter and depart on several occasions during the validity of the Canadian travel visa.

In this case, you will need to specify the length of time you require. The length of time subsequently awarded will be decided by an issuing case officer.

Transit Canada Visa


The third category is intended for people entering the country en route to another destination who will be spending no longer than 48 hours in the country.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to meet the eligibility requirements for a visiting visa, you will need to demonstrate that you:

• Possess sufficient funds to support you and your family for the duration of your visit.
• Do not intend to seek or undertake employment.
• Have no criminal record and intend to abide by the laws of the country.
• Do not pose a security risk.
• You may also be required to complete a medical examination.

Working and studying in Canada


Whilst in the country on any of the above tourist visas it is not permitted to undertake employment.

If you wish to work during your time in the country, you will need an accompanying Canadian work permit. You may study so long as the course is short term and will not exceed the six months expiry date.

Spouses and Dependants

Spouse immigration or fiancé immigration are not specifically provided for under this route and your spouse, common law partner and dependent children over 18 years of age will need to apply for their own visiting visas and meet the appropriate criteria.

CANADA TOURIST VISA, CANADA TOURISM GUIDE, CANADA VISIT VISA

New Green Card Issued by US Immigration,Green Card USA, Green Card, Green Card News

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced recently that they were now issuing a newly designed Permanent Resident Card, known as the "Green Card" with a number of new security features. New technology makes counterfeiting and tampering of the card more difficult.

Below are various features of the new card.

• There is a special ink that color shifts in visual designs (e.g., eagle's head).
• USCIS says that "Fine-lined artwork and complex architecture incorporate patterns that are nearly impossible to reproduce."
• It is now more difficult to make alterations to the photograph as this is now fully integrated into the card. The photograph is also in greater detail.
• Ultra Violet Technology means that there is more  accurate card authentication at border crossings.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) means that inspectors can read unique, 192-bit serial number (192-bits) from a distance and then access personal data on file.
• There is a personalized return address on the back of the card which further enhances security and makes it easier to return lost cards to USCIS.
• The New Permanent Resident Card is now green.

New Green Card Issued by US Immigration,Green Card USA, Green Card, Green Card News

Egypt Visa, Egypt Immigration,Egypt Immigration Visa,Egypt Visa Types

Egypt Visa:

In Egypt, visas are a necessity for most foreign nationals who wish to enter the country whether for a short-term visit or to relocate to Egypt for a longer period.

Nationals of some countries may enter for a limited period without the need to apply for an Egyptian visa, however, residents of all European nations, the USA, and Canada will need to apply for a visa for visiting Egypt for any length of time, as will nationals of any other country which does not appear in the list below.

Nationals of the following countries may enter Egypt for a period of no more than six months without making a visa application:

• Kuwait.
• Palestine (Where applicants hold an Egyptian residence card).

Nationals of the following countries may visit for periods of up to three months:

• Bahrain
• Djibouti
• Guinea
• Jordan
• Libya
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• the United Arab Emirates
• Yemen

In addition, nationals of Yemen may stay in Egypt for a maximum of 15 days without applying for a visa, and Egypt permits those transferring through the airport transit zone en route to another destination to do so without making an application.

Egypt does not specifically provide an airport transit visa, and all those continuing their journey within 24 hours may enter the country if they have valid onward tickets and do not leave the airport transit zone.

This site can obtain visas for countries worldwide and can help clients to secure work permits for a wide range of destinations. Whether you require a short-term visitor visa or something more specialised like a work visa, study visa, marriage visa or working holidaymaker visa, we can assist you at every stage of the process.

As a specialist immigration consultancy our dedicated team of immigration lawyers and migration consultants can take your application through from enquiry to issue and can offer a comprehensive range of essential on arrival services to help you relocate as quickly and hassle free as possible.

Egypt Visa Type 

In Egypt, immigrapestion documents are generally issued as a tourist visa, (often referred to as a travel visa or visit visa) or an entry visa, which covers applicants who wish to temporarily move to Egypt for reasons other than tourism.

Egyptian entry visas are issued to those entering the country to work or study in Egypt and are required as a first step to gaining permanent residence in Egypt.

Egyptian Tourist Visa

Like tourist visas in many countries, this Egyptian immigration service is issued for a maximum period of three months and is intended as a temporary measure for those who wish to visit the country for the purposes of tourism.

Applicants must leave on or before the expiry of the document and this type of Egyptian visa does not permit its holder to work. Egyptian tourist visas may be issued for either single entry or multiple entry.

Egyptian Entry Visa

In Egypt, visas of this kind are designed to cater for those who wish to work in Egypt, undertake a course of study or engage in activity which falls outside the parameters of tourist visas.

Eligibility Requirements: Applications for a short-term visa for Egypt must include a current passport from the country of residence with at least one blank page and a minimum of  six months validity. A range of supporting documentation will also be required.

Long-term residency in Egypt

Long term Egyptian immigration can be granted as either Egyptian special residence or Egyptian ordinary residence.

An application for special residence can be made by candidates who were born in the country before May 26th 1952 or those who have been living in Egypt for more than twenty years beginning before this date.

Special residence also provides for spouse and dependent immigration extending to the spouse and or dependent children of the applicant.

Ordinary residence, or temporary residence applications may be granted for either three years or five years, renewable in either case. Ordinary residence is available to a range of applicants based primarily upon family connections.

Processing Times and Fees

As is often the case with visa and immigration services, both costs and processing times are subject to change and may vary considerably according to the nationality of the applicant and the type of entry clearance being sought.

Although a same day processing service is available at a premium, the standard processing time is ten working days. However, once again this may be subject to change depending upon the nationally of the candidate and the type of clearance required.

In addition, nationals of some countries need to have their application 'referred'. This means that before issuing a tourist visa the Egyptian Consulate in London needs to get approval from the authorities in Cairo.

This process can take between six to eight weeks and as a result, applications should be made as early as possible. Nationals from the following countries will need to undergo this process:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Bangladesh
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Moldova
• Morocco
• Somalia
• Tunisia
• Vietnam

It is also worth noting that the exception of  visitors from the USA and the European Union, all applicants entering Egypt must register with the police within one week of arrival. For tourists this is generally attended to by the hotel or tour company.

Egypt Visa, Egypt Immigration, Egypt Immigration Visa, Egypt Visa Types

FRESH TALENT WORKING IN A SCOTLAND SCHEME

Fresh Talent Scheme Scotland

Fresh Talent Scheme Scotland  is a Working Scheme and it is part of the Scottish Executive's Fresh Talent Initiative.The Fresh Talent working in a Scotland scheme launched on 22nd june 2005.  The Fresh Talent Initiative encourages people live and work in Scotland and also provides supporting efforts to retain indigenous people who wish to begin, or to further, their careers in Scotland.

The Scottish Executive and the Home Office both are working together to implement the Fresh Talent working in Scotland Scheme. This Scheme will enable non-EEA Nationals who have successfully completed an HND, degree course, Masters or PhD at a Scottish university and have lived in Scotland during their studies to apply to stay in Scotland for up to two years after completing their studies to seek and take work.


REQUIREMENT FOR FRESH TALENT WORKING IN A SCOTLAND SCHEME

To be granted leave under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme you must:

• You have been awarded an HND, or a UK recognized Undergraduate Degree, Master's Degree or PhD by a Scottish institution of Higher or Further Education.
• You have lived in Scotland for an appropriate period whilst studying for your HND, degree, Masters or PhD.
• You have Intend to work in Scotland during the period of  leave granted under the scheme.
• You must able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any Dependants without recourse to public Funds.
• You must Intend to leave the UK at the end of your stay, unless granted leave as a work permit holder, highly skilled migrant, business person or innovator.
• Those who have completed a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma will also be Eligible for Fresh Talent Working in Scotland Scheme.

France Visa, France Immigration,France Visa Types

FRANCE VISA

France is one of the twenty five European area nations participating fully in the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

The agreement allows successful visa applicants to move freely between the Schengen states on a short-term visa for tourism or business with a duration of up to 90 days.

As a member of the European Union, French immigration also permits other EU citizens to visit France for up to three months without the need to apply for a French visa. This courtesy is also extended to nationals of a range of other countries, however for nationals of countries not included this visa waiver, an application will need to be made.

In France, immigration services also offer an airport transfer visa to those who need to apply for entry clearance to France only to transfer through the airport transit zone.

Whilst citizens of many nations are permitted to enter France in order to continue their journey to another destination without the need to apply for a visa, France also requires that nationals of some countries must possess airport transit visas.

A Global Visas migration consultant will be able to discuss the requirements for your country.

At Global Visas, our team of dedicated migration consultants and immigration lawyers can assist you in obtaining visas for a wide range of destinations worldwide.

Types of Visa for France :

As discussed, short-term French visas for tourism and business excursions, though not for employment, are issued as Schengen visas.

Though still described variously as a tourist visa, travel visa, visit visa or business visa, a Schengen visa is uniformly issued for short visits. These visas for France allow their holders to visit the country for a period of no longer than 3 months in total.

They can be granted as a single, double or multiple entry visa however, the duration limit remains at three months regardless of whether this is fulfilled in a single visit or over the course of several visits.

In France, visas for short periods cannot be extended and a new visa application must be submitted as required.

Eligibility Requirements :

In France, visa applications for short stay tourist visas and business visas must include the following:

A passport from the country of residence, which is valid for at least three months beyond the duration of the grant of leave. The passport must also have at least one blank page. 

A fully completed application form with the appropriate fee. 

Two passport sized photographs. 

Documentary evidence of sufficient funds to support the applicant for the duration of the trip. 

Proof of the applicant's occupation.

Evidence of the intention to return to the country of residence or continue to another destination.

French Work Permit :

In France, work permit applications must be made by all non-EU nationals who wish to live and work in France for any length of time.

Those who wish to immigrate to France on a long-term basis will need to apply for an Autorisation de Travail, which like a UK work permit, and work permits in many destinations, is an employer led process.

Applications must be made on behalf of the candidate by the French employer concerned.

Once more, EU nationals may work in France without the need for French work permits. However, after the initial three months they must apply for a "Carte de séjour de ressortissant de l'Union Européenne" in effect a French residence permit, which will be granted upon proof of identity, employment, accommodation and payments to the French social security system.

French residence permits :

In the case of work visas, a French residence permit can be granted for the proposed duration of a period of employment. However, for applicants who intend to immigrate to France on a permanent basis, a resident permit can be granted for 5 years.

Beyond this period, residence permits may be renewed for 10 years or more provided that the candidate continues to be employed on a permanent basis.

In France, residence permits also cater for spouse and dependent immigration. The spouse and/or dependent children under the age of 21 will also qualify based on their family ties to the main applicant.

Processing Times and Fees :

Visas for France may take between 24 hours and several weeks to process depending upon the nationality of the applicant and the type of French entry clearance being sought.

France Visa, france immigration, france visa types,