How to Apply for Permanent Residence in Germany & Basic Requirements to Qualify for work parmit

As of the 1 January 2005 introduction of the new German Immigration Act, foreigners need only obtain a German residence permit, which gives them the right to work, rather than separate residence and work permits. Citizens of the US, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and Switzerland may apply for their residence and work permit while remaining in Germany as visitors. Citizens of these countries, however, are not allowed to work in Germany until after their work and residence permit application is approved.

Citizens of most other countries are required to apply for and obtain a residence and work permit prior to entering Germany at their German consulate.

The procedure as of 1 January 2005 is as follows:

Stage 1: The residence permit application (which also provides access to the labour market) for the candidate is received by the German embassy in the country where the candidate lives.

Stage 2: The Embassy passes the application to the immigration office (the Auslaenderbehoerde) in the place where the job is to take place for initial approval. The immigration office, in cooperation with the local employment office (the Arbeitsamt) that issues the permission, makes its decision.

Stage 3: If the candidate's application has been approved, the Embassy provides an entry visa to the candidate.

Stage 4: Upon arriving in Germany, the foreign national and any accompanying family members must apply for their work and residence permits at the local foreigners authority.

To qualify as for a German work permit, the basic requirements for the employee and the German company are as follows:

• The potential employee has to be employed on equal terms as a German employee.
• German or other European nationals are not available to fill the position.
• Usually the employee must have a university degree comparable qualification. For some positions there are special requirements.
• The German company must be registered at the Labor Authorities in Germany and apply for a Corporate Registration Number.

South Africa Citizenship

Applying for South African citizenship enables people in possession of South African permanent residence to gain the right to vote along with a number of other benefits.

 In South Africa, citizenship can be obtained through three routes, by birth, by descent or by undergoing the process of South African naturalisation.

South African Immigration Services :

 South African visas and the range of immigration services for those who intend to migrate to South Africa provide different routes for specific immigrants.

 South African visa services are varied and depend upon both the period of time a candidate intends to spend in the country and the purpose of their visit.

 Applicants who wish to relocate to South Africa for a limited period to visit family or for the purposes of tourism may find that a straightforward South African visitor visa, sometimes referred to as a visit visa or tourist visa will suffice.

 However, where clients want to live and work in South Africa either for an agreed period of time or on a permanent basis, a wealth of temporary residence permits and permanent residence permits are available.

 As a specialist immigration consultancy, We can help you to rationalise the structure of South African immigration, allowing you to assess your eligibility and embark upon the right immigration solution.

 South African Visa Benefits :

 The benefits of South Africa citizenship speak for themselves. Successful candidates applying for citizenship through birth, descent or by naturalizing will gain the complete freedom to live and work in South Africa afforded to existing citizens.

 No restrictions will be placed upon their stay in the country and citizens may seek and undertake employment in whatever manner they see fit.

 Visa Eligibility :

 Qualifying for a grant of South African citizenship may be achieved by:

Birth,

Descent or
Qualifying as a permanent resident.

 By Birth :

Qualifying for this route to South African citizen status depends upon the applicants being able successfully prove the date and location of their birth as well as details of their parentage.

 Applicants must have been born in a location which exists within the country today. Requirements vary according to the following distinctions.

 Births occurring before 1949 :

 In these circumstances, it is necessary only to demonstrate that the applicant was born in South Africa before 1949.

 Births occurring between 1949 and June 1961 :

 Where applicants were born during this date range, it must be shown not only that the birth took place in the country, but also that the applicant's father was not a prohibited immigrant when the birth took place.

 Applications will need to show that the father was either a South African citizen or parmanent resident. 

 Births occurring between July 1961 and 1994 :

 For candidates who were born in this period, it must be shown that the birth took place in South Africa and that EITHER the mother or father was a permanent resident or citizen when the birth took place.

 Births occurring since 1995 :

 Finally, births occurring since 1995 and up to the present time must demonstrate the birthplace and the citizenship or permanent residency status of at least one parent OR, show that the applicant does not have the entitlement to citizenship in any other country.

 By Descent :

 Where applicants born outside the country are applying for South African citizenship, a submission can be made on the grounds that one parent is a citizen.

 It is important to note that this provision for those immigrating to South Africa to naturalise also extends to adopted children providing that the adoption is legal.

 By Naturalising :

 South African naturalisation is the process through which permanent residents, that is, candidates who began with a South African visa for business, a work permit or one of the other temporary South Africa immigration services, can complete the process of becoming a full citizen.

 Where candidates of neither South African birth nor descent wish to apply, the following conditions must be satisfied.

•  Applicants who wish to naturalise must be over the age of 21. 
• Applicants must have a grant of permanent residency in South Africa and must have lived in the country for a minimum of five years. Of the five, one year must be the year directly preceding the application, and the remaining four years of residency must have been conducted within the last eight years as a whole.
• In cases of spouse immigration, where the husband or wife of an existing citizen is migrating to South Africa, the above requirement can be shortened to two years.
• Applicants must have a solid grasp of one of the eleven official languages of South Africa; these are - Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.
• Applicants who immigrate to South Africa and pursue a grant of citizenship must be considered to be of good character.

Ireland Work Permit , Ireland Work Visa

An Irish work permit application allows foreign nationals to live and work in Ireland on a temporary basis in order to undertake a specific position of employment with a particular company.

Ireland’s popularity as a migration destination continues to grow. Ranked highly by the United Nations for its quality of life, those immigrating to Ireland face a wealth of opportunities and a fairly liberal structure of immigration visa services.

Irish work permits apply to all non-EEA (European Economic Area) citizens and,  for some categories, applicants wishing to migrate to Ireland can receive an Irish Green Card.

The Irish immigration system is a comparatively uncomplicated structure with a small number of clearly defined immigration services from the straightforward Irish tourist visa for short visits through to permanent residency routes.

However, applying for an Irish visa that best suits your needs is essential and as a specialist immigration consultancy, We can help you to determine which route is the most appropriate for your relocation to Ireland.

Visa applications can be managed from your initial inquiry through a range of on arrival services to help you adjust to life in Ireland.

Visas are monitored throughout their progress and we can help you to obtain anything from a short-term Irish visit visa to a longer-term work or business based solution.

Benefits

Those migrating to Ireland may do so on the premise that they have an offer of employment from an Irish based company and that they will be living and working in Ireland to fulfil this specific position.

Work permits are not dissimilar to the Irish Green Card; one similarity which contrasts with UK working permits is that in Ireland a working visa of this kind can be applied for by either the employee or the employer.

Another advantage, which separates Irish working permits from Green card applications, is that in some cases, job opportunities with lower salaries may qualify and in addition, jobs which offer salaries in the region of €30.000 are not subject to the same shortage sector requirements as Green Cards.

Although intended as a temporary immigration service, an Irish working permit may potentially lead to the opportunity to become a permanent resident in Ireland. The initial grant is for two years which can be extended for a further three years.

Beyond this the permit may be extended indefinitely, proving that the position of employment still exists, during which time an applicant, if they choose, may begin the process of naturalisation as an Irish citizen.

Eligibility

In Ireland, work permit applications are made where an agreed position of employment offers a salary of €30,000 or more. In Ireland, Green card applications also make provision for job offers with salaries in this region.

However, the key difference is that these Irish visas for working do not restrict applicants to jobs strategically important sectors, although occupations that are “contrary to the national interest” will not be considered.

In some circumstances a permit for work may be issued where a job offers a salary below €30,000, however, these instances are rare. A list of ineligible jobs is in place for which applications will not be considered.

Briefly, the ineligible jobs list includes clerical/administrative, general operatives and labourers and a range of specific trades.

An additional requirement of Irish work permits is that all positions for which an application is being submitted must undergo a Labour Market Needs Test.

In Ireland, immigration requires this process to prove that no indigenous Irish permanent resident or Irish citizen is available to fulfil the position. The aim is to prevent the displacement of Irish workers by foreign nationals entering the country. The Labour Market Needs Test involves the advertising of the position to ensure that no Irish or EEA national is available for the position.

Finally, applicants must be able to provide documentary evidence of sufficient skills, qualifications or experience to fulfil the requirements of the role for which the application is being submitted.

Changing Employer

Changing employer is permitted for an applicant in possession of a permit to work in Ireland. However, the scheme is intended as a means to aid employers to fill positions rather than a vehicle for immigrants to live and work in Ireland per se.

Whilst changing employer is permitted, a new application must be made each time and in addition, whilst applicants are in possession of their first permit they are expected to stay in that position for at least one year.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent immigration

Whilst an Irish working permit does not grant its applicant free and unlimited access to the job market, it offers at least the potential for applicants to settle permanently in Ireland.

Even in cases where successful applicants do not achieve settled status in Ireland, it is likely that they will reside in the country for a period of some years.

As a result, family immigration for the spouse and dependents of an applicants is permitted. Once family members are legal residents in Ireland they may apply for a spousal work permit or dependent work permit in order to seek and undertake employment.

US H1B VISA 2010-2011-UPDATES

U.S. H-1B visa is one of the most useful useful temporary U.S. visa categories for entry- level professionals to the U.S. specialty. In the past many Indian IT professionals have gained entry to the U.S on H-1B visas. When the U.S. economy is doing well, there is usually a lack of U.S. H-1B visas.
Currently, there are still good access to the to the U.S. H-1Bs. The last H-1B Count was on 9 July 2010:

If you have a bachelor's degree or higher and have an offer specialty-level jobs in the U.S., your employer should consider applying for the U.S. H-1B visas. H-1B visa can be used for entry to the U.S. for a start date of October 1, 2010 or later. No one can predict when the supply of U.S. H-1B visa runs out. If you want to work in the U.S. it may be appropriate to apply sooner rather than later for the H-1B visa.

Canada Quebec Skilled Worker Visa

The Quebec skilled migration class for Canadian permanent residence is an option for skilled immigration to Quebec, which compares to the Canadian skilled workers visa used in other Canadian provinces.

Both programmers provide points based routes to Canadian Immigration, which offer permanent residency status for workers with desirable skills.

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, in matters of immigration, Quebec takes a key role in determining which immigrants settle in the province based on their ability to adapt to living in Quebec.

If you wish to immigrate to Quebec but do not meet the requirements of this route, you may still be able to live and work in Canada permanently if you apply for a Canadian visa of another kind.

As a Canadian immigration consultancy, We can help you move to Quebec, and help you decide which of the range of visas for Canada and Canadian work permits is most appropriate for your needs.

Which ever route you choose to relocate to Quebec, this site can provide a complete Canadian visa service taking care of everything you will require for your relocation to Canada from immigration lawyer expertise, detailed information on the processes of immigration and more.

Benefits

As with the federal version of the skilled working visa for Canadian permanent residence, applying for a Quebec skilled worker visa for Canada affords unrestricted access to the domestic job market without the need for a Canadian work permit, a sponsoring employer, or a specific job offer.

Unlike the range of Canadian visit visas and tourist visas for Canada, this route is intended as a permanent Canadian visa for immigration. In accordance with this, no restrictions are placed upon the type of work that successful applicants may undertake.

Eligibility Criteria

The Quebec immigration selection system for this type of visa calculates a candidate's ability to become economically established and to integrate and adapt to Quebec culture.

Applicants must successfully score a minimum of 60 points, or 68 for an applicant bringing a spouse or common-law partner in order to gain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

However, under this route, visa applications are still subject to assessment by the Canada immigration service body, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, (CIC).

CIC will require documentary evidence to demonstrate your ability to support yourself and your family and to prove that you do not have any criminal convictions.

The Points System

Immigration visas for Quebec assesses candidates on the ten selection factors set out below:

Factor 1 - Education

A successful Quebec skilled working visa application awards a maximum of nineteen points based on the level of education achieved by a candidate.

 PhD. = 11 points

 Master's Degree = 11 points

 Bachelor's Degree (4 years full-time) = 9 points

 Bachelor's Degree (3 years full-time) = 8 points

 Bachelor's Degree (2 years full-time) = 7 points

 Bachelor's Degree (1 year full-time) = 7 points

 Post-secondary Diploma (3 years full-time) = 7 points

 Post-secondary Diploma (2 years full-time) = 5 points

 Post-secondary Diploma (1 year full-time) = 4 points

 High School Diploma = 3 points

Second Specialty

 Diploma (2 years full-time) = 4 points

 Diploma (1 year full-time) = 2 points

Favoured Training

Favoured Training = 4 points

Factor 2 - Employment

This factor is crucial to your Quebec visa application and accounts for a maximum of 15 points. However, a minimum of 8 points is essential to qualify.

Points in this section are awarded via one of the routes below:

• Quebec Immigration - Assured Job Programme - 15 points
• Occupations in Demand - 12 points
•  Employability and Occupational Mobility - 8 points

Quebec Immigration Assured Job program

This programmer applies where a job offer has been made - To gain 15 points under this route, applicants must:

• Be in possession of a job offer from a Quebec employer which has been approved by the Quebec immigration service authorities.
• Be able to satisfy the requirements of the position.
• Have occupied a similar position for at least six months during the ten years prior to the application.
• Commit to occupying the job on arrival in Quebec.

The programmer also places responsibility on the Quebec employer who must:

•   Have been in business for at least 12 months in the province.
•   Agree to reserve the position in question for the applicant.
•   Be able to prove that the position could not be filled from the domestic labour market and that a Quebec based candidate could not have been trained within the period of a year or less.

NB: The last requirement is not necessary for the following exempted professions:

Computer engineers (except Software Engineers), computer systems analysts and consultants, electrical and electronics engineers, machinists and machining and tooling inspectors - setter-operators for computer controlled machine tools, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians, software engineer

Occupations in Demand

Shortage occupations present a greater likelihood of an applicant finding employment.

A list of such industries is provided below. In each category an applicant must intend to practice in the profession upon arrival and must have filled a similar role for at least six months in the period prior to application.

• Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors
• Chemical Engineers
• Chemical Technologists and Technicians
• Chemists
• Computer Engineers, except Software Engineers
• Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
•  Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
•  Electrical and Electronics Engineers
•  Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)
•  Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers
•  Industrial Designers
•  Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics
•  Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
•  Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors
•  Mathematicians, Statisticians and Actuaries
•  Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
•  Mechanical Engineers
•  Other Professional Engineers
•  Physicists and Astronomers
•  Software Engineers
•  Tool and Die Makers

Employability and Occupational Mobility

This category of Quebec visas for immigration assesses an applicant's credentials based upon education, work experience, age, language ability, time spent in Quebec, ties to Quebec and spouse situation. A minimum of 30 points must be reached. If a candidate is successful, the points are translated into the minimum 8-point requirement for the employment section of the Quebec skilled work visa.

Factor 3 - Work Experience

Work experience is another essential area under the Quebec immigration selection system for visas for skilled workers.

It is worth up to ten points with a minimum of one point. Work experience must have been conducted within the ten years prior to the application.

•  5 years + = 10 points
•  4 years and 6 months = 9 points
•  4 years = 8 points
•  3 years and 6 months = 7 points
•  3 years = 6 points
•  2 years and 6 months = 5 points
•  2 years = 4 points
•  1 year and 6 months = 3 points
•  1 year = 2 points
•  6 months (Minimum requirement) = 1 point

Factor 4 - Age

Up to ten points are awarded for age, distributed as follows:

•  46 years or more = 0
• 40 to 45 years = 1 point
• 39 years = 2 points
• 38 years = 4 points
• 37 years = 6 points
• 36 years = 8 points
• 20 to 35 years = 10 points
• 19 years or less = 0

Factor 5 - Language proficiency

In Canada, immigration visas for workers with desirable skills consider candidates' ability in the English and French languages. In Quebec, greater emphasis is put upon the latter.

Points are awarded per ability for listening and speaking. This category can be worth up to 24 points:

French Language

•  High (per ability) 7-8 points
•  Moderate (per ability) 3-6 points
•  Basic (per ability) 1-2 points
•  Maximum 16 points

English Language

•   High proficiency (per ability) 3 points
•   Moderate proficiency (per ability) 2 points
•   Basic proficiency (per ability) 1 point
•   Maximum 6 points

French Education

•   High School or higher 2 points
•   Maximum 2 points

Factor 6 - Visits to and Ties with Quebec

Canada visas for Quebec immigration award a maximum of 9 points under this criterion as follows:

Previous Visits to Quebec

•    Full-time training for at least 1 semester = 4 points
•    Full-time training for at least 2 semesters = 6 points
•    Paid work equivalent to at least 3 months = 4 points
•    Paid Work equivalent to at least 6 months = 6 points
•    Government approved internship of at least 3 months = 5 points
•    Government approved internship of at least 6 months = 6 points
•    Visit equivalent to 2 weeks to 3 months = 1 points
•     Visit equivalent to 3 months or more = 3 points

Ties with Quebec

In this section, a relative from the list below must be a permanent Canadian resident or Canadian citizen and must reside in Quebec to be considered valid.

•    Mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, spouse or common law/conjugal partner = 3 points
•    Grandparent = 2 points
•    Other relative or friend = 1 point

Factor 7 - Spousal characteristics

Spouse and fiancé immigration to Canada is permitted under this type of Canadian visa application and a maximum of 17 points can be awarded according to the circumstances and skills of your spouse or common law/conjugal partner.

Education

•    High School Diploma = 2 points
•    Post-secondary Diploma - 1 year full-time = 3 points
•    Bachelor's Degree - 3 years full-time = 4 points
•    Favoured Training = 1 point
•    Second Specialty = 1 point

Work Experience

•  6 months = 1 point
•  1 year or more = 2 points

Age

•    46 years or more = 0
•    40 to 45 years = 1 point
•    20 to 39 years = 2 points
•    19 years or less = 0

French Proficiency

•     Basic (per ability) = 1 point
•     Moderate (per ability) = 2-3 points
•     High (per ability) = 4 points

Factor 8 - Presence of accompanying children

A maximum of 8 points can be added to Quebec visa applications if children are included in the application.

•     12 years or less (per child) = 2 points
•     13 to 17 years (per child) = 1 point

Factor 9 - Financial Autonomy

This category awards only 1 point but it is an essential requirement of immigration to Quebec. Candidates must meet the minimum financial requirements for financial independence.

Factor 10 - Adaptability

A maximum of 10 points are awarded for a candidate's ability to adapt to living and working in Quebec.

Points are awarded as follows:

•     Personal qualities = 0-6 points
•     Motivation = 0-2 points
•     Knowledge of the province of Quebec = 0-2 points.