Benefits of Hiring A Good Immigration Lawyer

Many aspirants who are on a journey to the United States of America think twice before hiring an immigration lawyer for their needs. But they forget the fact that a lawyer can make it easier for them as an expert in the field always helps. Usually visa applicants are in the process of gaining permanent residence or becoming a U S citizen. Though hiring an immigration lawyer or attorney can be tough because there are so many options the pros usually score over the cons!

This is because immigration attorneys can offer one better chances of acquiring a green card and applying for citizenship in the U S. A lawyer has the time, experience, knowledge and skills so that the job gets done faster.

HOW DOES ONE SELECT A GOOD LAWYER?

An immigration lawyer should be chosen only after great deliberation. You need one with experience, one who knows the laws "inside-out", one who can give you the finer details and educate you adequately, who is affordable and who gives results.Let us highlight some benefits gained in hiring a good immigration lawyer.

BENEFITS OF HIRING A LAWYERHELPS WITH THE FACTS AND DOCUMENTATION: Let's accept it. The path to immigration is fraught with paperwork, documentation, intricate legal details and practices. Moreover, the laws can be very complex. If you plan to work in the States after receiving a green card or U S citizenship then you should be well-acquainted with all the rules and regulations. A lawyer will help you with just that.

OPTIONS ARE BETTER EXPLAINED: A good immigration lawyer does not just help you out with the paper work but he also helps you with all the options available - most of which we are generally not aware of. Are you eligible for automatic citizenship? How do you get citizenship through marriage? How much does it cost if you wish to file for a green card? What are the laws that one needs to follow after one receives the green card? All these and other pertinent questions can be addressed by a good lawyer with alacrity.

EDUCATION ON PERMANENT RESIDENT LAWS

A good immigration lawyer can help you with a correct understanding of the laws pertaining to permanent residence; or with the laws that you need to abide by if you are a green card holder. The lawyer can come in handy even when you are unsure of your eligibility of permanent resident status and can help you in going through your case for betterment.

CAN HELP YOU GET A JOB LEGALLY

A good lawyer can help you get a job through legal means; if you wish to earn top salaries you can benefit by employing the services of a good immigration lawyer who can cut through all that paperwork

Do You Have an Offshore Backup Plan?

There are no dead-end trails in Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa. They are all interconnected or circular. Can you guess why?

I learned the answer the hard way back in 1986. It was my first game drive. I went with a college buddy to the Etosha Pan in the far north of South-West Africa (now Namibia). There was a watering hole just off the main track, so we decided to check it out in hope of seeing some lions.

After a few minutes, we heard the distinctive snort and headshake of an elephant. Behind us on the single land track was an adolescent bull. He was clearly in musth - a sort of teenage burst of elephant hormones - and therefore extremely dangerous. His distinctive side-to-side headshake signaled an unhappy elephant.

Elephants are a lot faster than most people think: time to move. I had kept the engine running, but we were facing away from the junction of the water hole sidetrack and the main track. I slowly pulled away from the big guy and rounded a sharp corner... only to find myself facing a wall of impenetrable bush.

Lesson: Always have an escape route in the bush.

In this case, we were lucky. After a tense 10 minutes or so during which the young bull nosed around the track, he eventually meandered down to the water hole to splash some mud on his back to keep mosquitoes at bay.

I slowly reversed out of the cul-de-sac, heart pounding, sweat pouring off my forehead. We hightailed it down the main track until we found a "bush loo" - a fenced area where you can do your business without becoming someone's meal. We took a good breather as the lesson sank in.

During my recent visit to Kruger National Park, I deployed the bush sense I'd accumulated in 25 years of African living and saw lots of wildlife safely. After all, I had a wife, child and two in-laws in the Range Rover with me this time. I'm not a footloose college kid anymore.

You can probably guess where I'm going with this. Life is full of dead ends. They're not risky in and of themselves... but they can quickly become a trap. You can either learn the hard way, or seek out someone who has done it already.

Overconcentration of one's investments in one asset class is just such a dead end. Diversity is your escape route. The same goes for geographical concentration. Smart traders hold multiple currencies, for example, sacrificing some growth to hedge against the unknown.

The Offshore Backdoor

But my favorite topic is offshore living. After all, I've done it for a huge chunk of my life.

Now, occasionally I get letters questioning my patriotism for criticizing the U.S. government and encouraging people to explore offshore opportunities.

Those letters don't phase me one bit. I'm kind of proud of them. The United States was designed to serve my needs as a free citizen with "self-evident" natural rights. The U.S. government gets my respect precisely to the extent that it does that. When it fails to do so, one of my natural rights is to look elsewhere on the planet.

That's not unpatriotic... it's true freedom. It's also one of the most liberating backdoors I know. The feeling of having a second home... a place to go to "cool off" or even to escape... that's what I call freedom.

Meanwhile, Across the South Atlantic...Creating a personal escape route from potential dead ends isn't as difficult as it sounds.

For example, next March I'll be visiting Punta del Este, Uruguay. This week I'm in Cape Town, where I have a second home. It's almost exactly on the same latitude as Punta del Este. If I look due west from the other side of the Cape Peninsula (my house is on the eastern side), I'm looking right at it.

Perhaps that's why I always feel so at home there in March, as the Southern Hemisphere's summer winds down and the ocean breezes start to shift around to the north, just as they do in the Fairest Cape.

I embraced the Uruguay opportunity some years ago for a reason: It's the only country on the planet that guarantees foreigners the right to obtain legal residence and citizenship. That, and the fact that the country is the most advanced in Latin America... worlds ahead of most of Central America and better than the U.S. in many respects. There are conditions, of course, but they're simple and inexpensive.

I wouldn't go as far as saying that life in a single country is as dangerous a dead end as my trip by the Namibian water hole. But then again, you never know what's sneaking up from behind.

Why Is an Exam Part of the Process for Immigrants?

There are many different procedures someone coming to the USA from another country has to complete in order for them to apply to live here on a permanent basis. This is the legitimate way to be approved to stay and to eventually be able to apply for citizenship if you so desire. The medical examination for immigration is a requirement you can't get around.

It is essential to verify you don't have certain types of health concerns that could be spread to other people. The goal is to keep such illnesses from spreading around the USA to healthy people due to such exposure. If you are found to have such an illness, you may be quarantined for a period of time while it is treated.

The medical examination for immigration will only be signed and sent by the doctor once all is cleared. It is important to share your medical history as completely as you can. This will help you to get through the assessment with the best possible outcome. If you have a need for ongoing health care or medications, they can help you to get that set up.

Finding a Provider

You can't go to any doctor you wish in order to obtain your medical examination for immigration documentation. They have to be approved to offer such services. This verifies they have been through certain training and they have the right credentials to know the criteria to look for. You should be able to identify those providers though through online searches.

You may obtain a list of them through your immigration services location too. They often strive to offer all the information they can share about such resources. They will give you the address and phone number of those in the area offering medical examination for immigration services. You can contact anyone you want on that list in order to get your appointment scheduled.

Appointment

It can be several weeks before they can get you on the list for an appointment. Don't be discouraged by this, it takes time for medical examination for immigration information to be completed. The volume of people seeking such services from a limited number of providers means you typically can't get in right away.

Take the first appointment they have available and ask them to put you on a list for any cancelations. If you have a flexible schedule and someone else can't make it, they may call you to come in and take that appointment slot. This is a simple way to possibly get moved up the list and to reduce the time it takes for your medical examination for immigration to be completed.

At the time that you schedule the appointment, ask about the cost too. You will need to have the money to pay for it when you show up. Otherwise, you may be asked to reschedule the appointment and they won't see you that day. If you don't have funds to pay for the services, ask about other options at the time you set up the appointment.

They may know of some resources you can consider that you haven't thought about. It certainly doesn't hurt to ask. Plan for the exam to take about an hour to complete. There are plenty of questions the doctor will need to ask you and document the answers to. This is in addition to them actually conducting the exam.

You will be asked to give a blood sample and permission for a TB test to be conducted. The paperwork for the exam can't be sent in until those lab results come back. It shouldn't take more than a few business days to get them.

Check out all of the services Focilmed offers at http://focilmed.com/. We are happy to offer emergency services, help you connect with specialists, and find the right dental provider in the Oxnard area. New providers are added all the time that see the value of what we have in motion. We strive to offer outstanding services through our providers. At the same time, we make it a priority to offer affordable options. We realize one of the many reasons people don't get the care they need is due to the financial side of it. We want to offer solutions that reduce that burden. Quality medical and dental care is important and it is out there!

Where to Go for a Medical Exam for Immigration

Don't get scammed when it comes to immigration medical exam locations. You need to verify the provider is approved to complete such paperwork. Otherwise, you will be wasting your time and your money. Due to the demand for such paperwork to be completed, there are some scams out there. Don't be fooled by anyone who says they can get you through it faster and easier.

You have to go through the proper channels when it comes to a medical examination for immigration. The paper

work that is submitted will be carefully reviewed. Anything that is questionable or out of the ordinary is going to result in a red flag and it will be investigated. They aren't going to just slip your information through.

Current Options

There is a shortage of providers out there able to do conduct a medical examination for immigration. They have to go through specific training and fill out the documents a certain way for them to keep that type of credential. Some providers don't want to hassle with any of it so they don't offer such services.

Others offer the services for a while but they either find it is too complex or they don't comply so they are no longer able to continue with that as part of the practice. Those that do offer medical examination for immigration services are often doing the best they can to get them all done fast enough.

Yet there just isn't enough time in the day to get everything done and their log of appointments can be several weeks into the future. Many of them only offer so many slots per week for medical examination for immigration appointments. This is to ensure their normal patients are able to get in for appointments timely too.

Immigration Services

The most up to date information about immigration medical exam locations is going to be obtained from your provider of immigration services. They want to help you get through all of the necessary procedures and methods. With that in mind, they will help you set up appointments and get things in motion.

They will encourage you to look for a provider in your area if transportation is a concern. There are bus routes and other modes of public transportation you can count on. They can help you to identify a possible provider that is along a given bus route for your convenience.

Online Search

You can look around online for such a provider too. If you have a vehicle, you can expand your search and find those that have the soonest appointments. If you have to be limited by geographical location, you may have to wait longer to get in. However, you don't want to risk missing an appointment.

Don't schedule one that is going to be extremely difficult for you to get to. Make sure you know where you are going, how to get there, and you arrive in plenty of time. You should be there about 20 minutes early. If you show up late, they may ask you to reschedule. Bring your photo ID and a method of payment with you too or they aren't going to be able to do the exam.

Friends and Family

You may have friends and family members who already have their exam done. Ask them where they went and what the outcome was. The information they share with you may be enough for you to base your decision upon. Get the contact details and get that appointment in motion so you can move through the necessary immigration documentation.

Check out all of the services Focilmed offers at http://focilmed.com/. We are happy to offer emergency services, help you connect with specialists, and find the right dental provider in the Oxnard area. New providers are added all the time that see the value of what we have in motion. We strive to offer outstanding services through our providers. At the same time, we make it a priority to offer affordable options. We realize one of the many reasons people don't get the care they need is due to the financial side of it. We want to offer solutions that reduce that burden. Quality medical and dental care is important and it is out there!

What Is SPP For a Canadian Study Visa?

If you have always wanted to join a Canadian college, then you should be aware of the SPP program. When applying, however, you have the freedom to apply through the program or not, but there are of course advantages of applying under the SPP. The major difference between SPP programs and non-SPP applications is basically the number of documents that will be required for your study visa to be processed.

SPP, Student Partnership Program is arrangement between Canadian High Commissions and Canadian colleges to offer easy and quick study visas for prospective students. The processing of study visas is therefore faster and easier under the program and the documents required are not that many as it would be the case with the non-SSP applications.

Documents required under the SPP· There are a number of documents you will be required to avail when applying for study visa under the SSP program. These are;

· Letters of Acceptance from the colleges under the program

· IELTS score sheet that test English proficiency. You need an overall band of 6.0 for any undergraduate course and 6.5 for postgraduate programs

· Bachelor's degree or three years Advance Diploma with 50% minimum and above for postgraduate courses

· 12th grade mark sheet with 55% score and above for any undergraduate programs· Proof of work experience and payment of tuition fee

· Guaranteed investment certificate for living expenses; usually at $10,000

· Visa fee of $150

· Medical results from approved panel doctors

The advantages of applications under the SPP

As a candidate interested in a study visa to Canada, you have the freedom to choose to go the SPP path or not. But the many advantages under the program are what have probably attracted many to apply under it. When you apply under SPP, you will enjoy:

· Less visa documentation requirements

· Streamlined admission for participating institutions and visa guidelines for the same

· Faster visa processing that could take as few as 5 to 10 working days

· Assured quality of the institution you are about to join

· Advance medical reports

· Post study work options

Working after studies under the SPP

As an international student under the SPP program, you enjoy post study work options. This means that you can easily attain a work permit after graduating with a recognized qualification from the SPP accredited institutions in Canada. The work permit scheme comes with defined requirements and you must satisfy them to qualify to work in the country.

In general, students taking up courses lasting for two years and more are eligible for post study work permits that can be as long as three years in Canada. This is according to the prevailing work permit regulations in the country. For course durations that are a year of less, students are eligible for a work permit that equals the study duration.If you are interested in a study visa to Canada, it is important that you start by weighing your options and choosing a good direction. The SPP is one of the best programs you can use for the process.

How to Immigrate to Quebec As a Skilled Worker

Quebec is one of the most prosperous regions of Canada. It is the largest province in terms of land size and output levels. The province has a ranking of 28th for GDP levels in the world. It also has multiple industries such as IT, aerospace, multimedia and software. Currently 1, 45,000 people are employed here in different industries.

So, due to the economic prosperity of this region, the demand for manpower is huge here.

The scheme for Quebec worker immigration is known as "Quebec skilled worker". Under it, the immigrant needs to fulfill certain criteria:

· The aspirant should have qualifications i.e. training as per the area of training (AOT) list of this region.

· The training qualification of the candidate, it should have gained in a period of 5 years prior to making an application for this immigration class. If the diploma is older than 5 years, then the candidate should also have a work experience of 1 year as per his field of education.

Work experience

The work experience should not be older than 5 years. It can be part time or full time, and can be paid or not paid.

The other criteria which are relevant for application are:

· The age of the candidate should not be lower than seventeen years at the time of application.

· He should have proven English proficiency levels of not less than CLB 5.

· A candidate can also prove his proficiency in French levels by getting level 7 in the "Quebec level of competence scale" in French exam.

· A candidate must also have job offer from any Quebec employer.

· The characteristics of a spouse like the language proficiency and education also count in getting residency as a Quebec skilled worker.· The candidate can also get points for the age of the children who are accompanying him. If his children are less than the age of 19, then he can also get points for that. Even more, points can be earned for candidates whose children are younger than 12 years.

· The candidates who are planning to immigrate should also enter into a contract as per which they have financial self-sufficiency for themselves and their family members for their stay in Québec. This self-sufficiency for the family should be for a minimum period of 3 months following a candidate's coming into Quebec.The candidates can seek the help of a Canada immigration agency to get more information on this matter. A candidate can only become eligible for Quebec immigration once he is able to get 49 points whereas if he is migrating with his spouse he should be able to score 57 points.

Manitoba PNP - Family Sponsorship Process

Immigration to countries of interest has not always been easy. People have had to try all kinds of methods to get to their preferred destinations. But instead of using illegal means to get to your country of interest, it is always better to seek legal ways to finally get there. If you are a prospective immigrant to Manitoba, you have lots of ways you can consider and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is one of the categories you can use for your family immigration needs.

As a successful prospective immigrant under the category, you will be issued with a provincial nomination certificate. This immigration category allows Manitoba immigrant families to sponsor eligible family members to the region in Manitoba. The scheme allows your family members to immigrate to the province and gain permanent residency status too. The family sponsorship can be enjoyed by permanent residents of Canada or citizens who are at least 18 years old. They can sponsor relatives to come to the country to work, study or live as permanent residents.

In essence, you can sponsor your spouse or partner, dependent children, parents and grandparents and even adopted children and other eligible relatives. There are eligibility requirements for each sponsorship, fees, processing times and forms to fill so ensure that your relative actually qualifies for the nomination before you go ahead and apply. Below are some of the most important factors you need to remember when thinking of the Manitoba Family Sponsorship process.

Relatives - Those applying for the immigration need to have close relatives in Manitoba willing to support their settlement and are actually willing to do so. As the one sponsoring the close relative, you must show that you can actually support them in settling in Manitoba. Close relatives are deemed as parents, children, siblings, grandparents, nieces and nephews, uncles and aunties and even first cousins.

Age - Applicants going for the sponsorship program need to be aged between 21 and 49 for the application to be considered and to be successful.

Education - As far as education and training goes, applicant need to have completed high school or secondary school and received one year of post-secondary education, diploma or degree.

Work experience - Applicants choosing this immigration process are required to demonstrate a minimum of two years full time work experience in the last five years.

Language - It is also required that immigrant applicants complete high school and post-secondary education in French or English or attain a score of at least 5 in the IELTS English assessment exam.

Adaptability - When applying, a formal settlement plan needs to be completed. The plan basically shows that the applicant is capable of adjusting to the new life in Manitoba and this form must also bear the signature of the relative residing in Manitoba. The sponsor must actually have been in Manitoba for at least 12 months for them to be able to nominate or sponsor a relative to join them. The desired occupation of the relative applying for the immigration must also be indicated on the settlement plan.

The Manitoba family sponsorship process is easy as long as the immigrant applicant qualifies for it. Find out more before starting with the nominations.

Obtaining an Exam for the Citizenship Application

There is plenty of paperwork and documentation to complete if you would like to apply to become a citizen of the USA. Finding one of the immigration medical exam locations close to you that has openings is important. These appointments can fill up quickly so you don't want to wait until the last minute to get it scheduled. Even if you call today, it can be weeks.

Searching

The internet can help you to find immigration medical exam locations and providers. You can select them by state, zip code, or a geographical area. If you live in a small town, you may have to drive a few hours to find a facility. This type of exam can't be done by just any doctor. It has to be done by someone who is authorized to complete this specific type of documentation.

Authorization

In order for the information to count towards the requirements for a green card, you must follow the rules. The immigration medical exam locations with providers who can do this for you are widely spread out. The doctor must be authorized by the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).

In additional to medical facilities such as private practices and hospitals, you may find such providers at military basis. They have the authorization to perform the medical exam on those who may not have citizenship but they are in the USA military branches. They can typically perform them for those enlisted members, veterans, and their immediate family members.

Pricing

Most of the immigration medical exam locations have a set price for this type of service. You may wish to inquire about it at the time you call to make an appointment. Payment is expected at the date of the exam unless prior arrangements have been made. If you can't afford to pay for it, ask about other options they may have. Some have a sliding scale or payment plans in house.

Preparing for your Appointment

Once you have found immigration medical exam locations and secured an appointment, you need to get ready for it. Make sure you arrive a bit early so you don't end up having to reschedule. Account for traffic and other variables that you have no control over. You will need to have your I-693 form with you. This is for the exam and for your vaccinations.

You will need to have a government issued ID with you. They won't see you without this information as there is no way to prove you are who you say you are. For children, their parents need to show ID. A birth certificate is also going to be required. Bring information regarding any vaccinations you have received including the names of them and the dates.

What to Expect

The exact procedures that will be done can vary based on specific immigration medical exam locations. However, you should plan to fill out paperwork that documents your medical history and family history. The doctor will go through this basic information with you. They will check your weight, blood pressure, and other vital signs.

Testing will be done for a variety of communicable diseases. The most common one they test for is Tuberculosis. It takes about 3 days to get the test results back. The doctor will complete the I-693 form as much as they can. They won't be able to sign it as completed though until the test results are back.

If you lack any vaccinations, you may be set up to return for appointments to get them. They can't all be given at once. The doctor won't seal and send your I-693 until all of the vaccinations are current and the testing results are confirmed as negative. If they are positive, treatment plans have to be put into motion.

Immigration and Naturalization Services - Medical Documentation

Finding a qualified INS doctor so you can complete your required medical documentation forms is important. Just because you have some health issues doesn't mean you won't be approved. This is different than a physical that is going to evaluate you to be able to complete a job or something similar.

What are they looking for?

When you see an INS doctor, they are attempting to verify certain types of information. They want to make sure you don't have Syphilis, Tuberculosis, or other types of health issues that can be passed along to other people. If you do test positive, they need to start treatment for you to reduce the risk of health problems and spreading it to others.

They are also looking to verify your immunizations are up to date. It is important for them to be done for both children and adults. There are fewer immunizations required for adults though who are trying to obtain their green card. Children who are considerably behind on getting their shots may need to have several appointments before they can get the medical approval.

The testing will include a blood test and skin test. The results only take a few days to get back. Evaluations regarding any missing immunizations are conducted too. It may be necessary to get those done at a later date if they can't all be done at that particular visit.

Good Health

If you are in good health, the INS doctor can complete those documents and send them in for you. They will give you a copy of them but they have to send originals directly to the agency for you. It is important to continue getting annual checkups and to seek medical attention when you need it.

Needing Health Care

Don't put off seeing an INS doctor just because you know you have some health concerns. This doesn't mean you aren't going to get your documents completed. Depending on their assessment and test results, they can create a treatment plan for you. There will be health problems that can be completely resolved.

Others may require ongoing care about at least they can prevent them from getting worse. There are very few health problems that would be a red flag with the agency. Your INS doctor will discuss this with you if there are any concerns that could hold up the documentation. They will also share with you the various options you have to get it moving in the right direction.

Sometimes, the medical exam is conducted order to gain approval for the individual to gain entry to the US. They are allowed to enter due to the fact they need detailed medical services that aren't being offered to them at their current location. It can take time to develop a plan of action to have them transported and for the procedures to be completed.

The individual may have to return to their land of origin though once the recovery period has passed and the doctor feels they are strong enough to do so. Coming to the US for medical care doesn't mean they can automatically stay. However, many do complete paperwork while they are recovering from a medical procedure in an attempt to be able to stay.

Communication and Comfort

Find a qualified INS doctor you trust and you feel comfortable around. It is important to learn about their qualifications before you see them. You want to know they have the expertise to help you. They should listen well and help you to feel your very best. Your connection with them needs to extend beyond just getting your paperwork filled out.

How Can You Immigrate to Victoria?

For all those people, who are looking forward to immigrating to Australia, Victoria is a nice destination with an ample number of beaches. There are many ways a candidate can go to this province. He can get a nomination from the government of this province itself (visa class 190).

Skilled visa class 489: The second way through which nomination from the government(489) can be sought in those cases when the person is qualified for those skilled occupations for which the local manpower is not available. There are occupation lists which are in demand in this province which need manpower. So, the candidates who are interested in migration to this province should get knowledge about such occupations from the Occupations List released by this Australian province.

However, getting a nomination from the Australian government is no guarantee of the immigration to this province because the final approval for that is given by the Department Of Immigration and Border Protection. The second way for an employee to migrate is to get the sponsorship from a certain employer who must declare that he is unable to find local labor for a certain set of job skills. There are a certain number of applicants which can be nominated by the state government under the skilled migration visa subclass (489). The candidate should not be 50 years of age. The applicant should also have scored a minimum of 6.0 in all the bands of IELTS. Moreover, the candidates should have ample experience and chosen any occupation mentioned in the State Nomination Occupation List for Victoria.

Under this visa class, apart from the selected occupations, the candidate also needs to fulfill certain work experience and English language proficiency needs to become eligible for it.

RSMS: For those candidates, who are looking forward to employer sponsorship, knowledge about Regional sponsored migration scheme(RSMS) is quite essential. The RSMS has many benefits for employees who are looking forward to migration to this province. The benefits are listed below:

· Reside in Australia permanently

· Become a part of a regional institute

· Be entitled to get healthcare at subsidized rates·

 Give sponsorship to other people for permanent residence

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) provides a permanent Australia immigration visa pathway for skilled migrants looking to work in a regional or low population growth area of Australia. The visa allows employers in these areas to sponsor migrants to fill skilled vacancies in their business which cannot be filled locally.

How to Get a PR for Ontario

Ontario is a great place for immigration. Under this Canada immigration program, those individuals can apply for migration here who are required as resources (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program). This nomination scheme requires sponsorship by an employer of an employee for a job in this province.

The employers can make recruitments through two schemes, one which is applicable for the general category candidates and the other for those international students who have a job offer in this province. If a candidate has been nominated for permanent residency under OINP, by a province, he then needs to forward his application to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) which makes the final decision to approve such applications. Under the general category, employers can hire employees who are living outside Canada or foreign workers who are living in this country meeting all the legal requirements. They need to submit the nomination forms of employees mentioning their current residence status.

For being eligible for immigration to Canada to this province, the candidate should have a job offer in various categories of National Occupational Classification. These categories are Skill Type 0, A and B. The employer who is nominating the employee should have been authorized by the government of Ontario.

The other category of employees is international students who have received a job offer in this country.

The employers who are interested in nominating employees under the Ontario Immigrant nominee program need to follow these steps:

1) The interested employers should provide a pre-screen application to the Ontario immigrant nominee program asking for positions for which they would like to hire a non-Canadian national. Employers should submit such applications as soon as possible because the processing of such applications is done on a priority basis.

2) The individuals whose recruitment under the OINP has been approved should then provide a nominee application package under this program.

It's important to apply as quickly as possible under these two Canada immigration categories to Ontario because in the year 2016, this province has decided a limit of 5,500 nominees under these two schemes.

The other category of workers who are eligible for nomination under this scheme are those graduates who have pursued a Master's degree or a Phd degree from this province and they don't even require a job offer from any employer. Those international students who don't have such degrees need to have a job offer from a valid employer in Ontario to become eligible for Canada immigration to this province.

Canadian Immigration Express Entry

Canadian immigration Express Entry is a system that manages permanent residence applications under the existing immigration programs. It basically selects skilled workers to Canada under the Federal Economic programs. Applications need to submit online profiles to Express Entry Pool so provincial governments and Canadian employers across the country can access best candidates invited by the Federal government to apply for the permanent residence.

Who is eligible?

Express Entry immigration is designed for skilled workers who are currently working in Canada or even in other countries. It is therefore important to check with the National Occupational Classification to find out whether your occupation qualifies or not before applying. For you to qualify for the entry, you must be in one of existing immigration programs which are Federal Skilled Trades Program, Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. The programs come with different requirements too including work experience, education and language skills.

The process

The Express Entry system is not as complicated as it might sound. It is actually a short process involving a couple of steps.

Step 1

The first step in express entry requires the potential candidate to complete relevant profile online. The form is secure and is used to provide the needed information regarding their language ability, work experience, skills, education and other details necessary to assess them. Upon meeting the federal immigration program criteria, the candidates are accepted into the pool of candidates. In case candidates do not have job offers supported by LMIA or nomination from territory, they will be required to register with the ESDC job bank to connect them with eligible Canadian employers.

Candidates can also increase their chances with employers by using recruiter and job boards. LMIA is needed from ESDC for job offers to be valid in the Express Entry and to also get points. Permanent residency applications, however do not attract a fee.

Step 2

After the application and assessment of candidates, the highest ranking candidates will then be invited to apply for the permanent residence. The system ranks the candidates on point basis also known as a comprehensive ranking system. The information provided in the profiles is what is used to award the points and those with highest scores in the pool get an invitation to apply. Points are awarded for the job offer, nomination from territory or province and experience and skill factors. Job offers supported by LMIA and nomination by province attract additional points for the candidates. The higher you are ranked as a candidate the higher your chances of getting invitations.

After receiving an invitation, a 60 day window period is offered for you to submit an application for permanent residence. It takes six months or less for the Citizenship and Immigration Canada to process complete applications and candidates can remain in the pool for up to a year. In case they do not get invited to apply for the permanent residence within this period then they are free to submit new profiles to start the process again.

The Canadian immigration Express Entry makes it easier for interested candidates to get permanent residence in the county. Find out if you qualify and start your journey to Canada.

What to Expect and Do When the Government Shows Up at Your Workplace for an H-1B Site Inspection

Since 2009, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has been dropping in at worksites where H-1B employees are employed. These surprise workplace visits are part of the Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP) and conducted by the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) directorate of the USCIS. Most of these site visits are randomly selected and unannounced.

Based on the experiences of my clients and current USCIS policy, here are 10 pointers on what to expect and do in a surprise site visit.   

Be prepared. Any H-1B employer, large and small, can be subject to inspection so expect it to happen (although it might not). Be sure that your human resource department and other key staff know about potential surprise visits and have a response plan, preferably written.   

Be accurate. The FDNS inspector will ask questions to verify information in your H-1B petition. Make sure that you and your employer review the H-1B visa petition and are confident that the information there is entirely accurate.   

Have a copy of the H-1B petition readily available. The employer should have a file with the H-1B petition, paystubs, W-2 forms, and other relevant documents that can be easily found. If possible, you and the employer representative should review the petition before meeting the inspector.   

Inform your client of a possible site visit. If you work at a client's site or location that is not controlled by your H-1B employer, e.g. private practice physician working at a hospital as a hospitalist, be sure the client is aware of USCIS surprise visits. The client should be told to contact you and your employer immediately if a site inspector arrives.   

Notify your immigration attorney if job conditions change. Some changes to your job, such as work location, job duties, hours worked, etc., may require an amended H-1B petition. The site inspector will determine and report a violation if such job conditions have occurred without filing an amended petition. Your immigration attorney can help with the necessary paperwork to avoid costly violations.   

Ask the site inspector for his business card. You or your attorney may need to contact the site inspector after the visit, depending upon the result. It's important to get the name, title, and contact information of the agent.   

Contact your immigration attorney immediately. Call your immigration attorney and see if he or she is available to listen in on the visit, if possible. At minimum, write a detailed description of the site visit and email it to your attorney immediately after the visit along with the inspector's contact information.   

Be cooperative but don't volunteer information. The FDNS inspector will ask you questions about your job, such as salary, work locations, and job duties. Answer honestly but there's no need to volunteer information. Only answer what is asked and provide only the documents requested. If you are unsure of an answer to a question,don't guess! Ask for more time and agree to follow-up with the officer.   

The site visit is usually brief. Site visits typically take less than one hour. The inspector may ask to meet with you (H-1B employee), the HR manager or company representative that signed the petition, your supervisor, or others to confirm your employment details. He or she may take photographs of the facility to include in the compliance review report. He should not do anything that will disrupt operations.   

No news is good news. There's no report card if you pass the inspection so be relieved if you don't hear from the inspector or the USCIS after the site visit. If your employer does receive a notice of intent to revoke as a result of the site visit or any follow-up from the USCIS, contact your immigration attorney immediately.

 This article is intended to help you understand immigration basics, is offered only as general information and education, and is not legal advice or legal opinion about your specific circumstances. You should not act or rely upon the information in this article without seeking the advice of an immigration attorney.

Locating a Doctor for The Immigration Medical Examination

When those who have immigrant status are required to adjust it or those who are non-immigrants still request for "V" non-immigrant status then such individuals are required to go through what is called an Immigration Medical Examination. For immigrants they have to apply for adjustment of status in Form I-485 and those who are non-immigrants have to do so in Form I 539.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THE IMMIGRATION MEDICAL EXAM

As you must be aware an immigration medical exam is mandatory for an individual, if the same is applying for a change of status in the United States of America. In order to have this done the same must be conducted by a doctor, or what is called an Immigration Doctor. These doctors must be specially approved by the USCIS, or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. These immigration doctors are called Civil Surgeons by USCIS and are required to undergo some regulatory checks before they can take on the mantle of serving as USCIS Doctors.

FOR IMMIGRANTS WHO RESIDE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES:

For those immigrant aspirants who reside inside the United States a physician approved by USCIS - a doctor duly trained and qualified to administer the tests can conduct the examination.

FOR IMMIGRANTS WHO STAY OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY:

Those individuals who stay outside the country are required to conduct the examination by physicians who are appointed by the U S Department of State. These immigration doctors are also called 'panel physicians'. For those who wish to find out more about these doctors can log on to the Department of State website, in order to find a specific doctor near the immigrant's location.

ARE THE FEES THAT AN APPLICANT HAS TO PAY FOR THE IMMIGRATION MEDICAL DECIDED BY THE USCIS?

No. The fees are not decided by USCIS. Instead, each Civil Surgeon can fix up his or her own fees for various tests and vaccinations that make up the Immigration Medical Examination. Rates therefore, can vary from doctor to doctor.

WHAT IS THE MEDICAL FORM THAT HAS TO BE COMPLETED?

For applying to take the medical examination the applicant has to print out and carry with him the latest form relevant - the Form I 693. The PART 1 of the form has to be filled out - the form should be filled out but care should be taken that it is not signed, until the applicant is instructed by the Civil Surgeon that it can be done.

How to Get a Permanent Residency for Canada?

Canada has become one of the most coveted immigration destinations. Let's get to know why? One of the most important reasons is the streamlined immigration process to this country.

This streamlined process is now called Express Entry which applies to all the provinces in Canada except Quebec. It helps you to apply under the three categories of Canada experience class, Federal Skilled Worker, and Federal Skilled Trades.

Let's get to know the specific requirements under these categories:

Federal skilled worker: Under this category of Canada immigration, you should have a work experience of 30 hours every week for a period of 1 year in your home country. If you have been working part time, then this experience should be of 15 hours in a week for the period of 2 years.

Any prospective candidate who is looking forward to immigration to Canada should note that he has to show this much experience and any of his unpaid experience won't be included.

The work experience should also be of the levels, skill level 0, A and B as per the National occupational classification code of this country. All this experience should be held in the 10 years prior to making your Canada Immigration Application.

The next category of Canada immigration is Federal skilled trades under which a candidate is eligible if he is able to show the proficiency in French or English languages as per the Canadian language benchmark.

The other minimum requirements for being granted this visa are that you should have a work experience of two years in a specific skilled trade in the previous 5 years you will make your Canada immigration application. Apart from this work experience, you can also have a job offer in Canada for a minimum duration of a year.

Otherwise, it's important to have a certificate of qualification given to you by an authority in a territory or province in Canada for your previous work experience.

The last category for application under Canada immigration is Canada Experience class: Under this category, the candidates need to have experience in Canada. The candidate should have a year of prior working experience in this country. This experience should be in 3 years before you make your application for the Express Entry. The different language skills which are needed for Canada immigration are in different benchmarks of reading, speaking, listening and writing.

This category of Express Entry applies to those who plan to stay outside the Quebec province. If you are approved into the Express Entry pool, you are eligible for a period of a year. Once that time expires, the candidate has to create a new Express Entry profile.

Immigration to Germany Is Increasing

Germany has gained its status as one of the most coveted destinations for immigration across the globe. Almost 11 million people in this country are not born here but in other parts of the world.

The proportion of immigrants is more in Germany among those in the working people. There are cities in the country that are attracting more immigrants than others, like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Hamburg. There is a job seeker visa which is available in people of other countries to find a job here and stay until they find one. The migrants have made an extensive contribution to the German economy.

Immigration in Germany has led to a great growth in the employment in this country. Apart from starting their own organizations, the immigrants have also occupied important jobs in this country like that of senior executives. The occupations for German immigrants are in different sectors including media, and civil services. The association of Germany Trade and Invest is also quite cooperative towards German immigrants who are willing to set their own business in Germany. When immigrants consult the guide released by this agency, they get complete information about the corporate taxation and the other rules which apply to start-ups in this country.

Since the economy of Germany is currently growing, there is also major scope for employment here for people in different sectors like healthcare, IT and engineering. Hence immigration to Germany for job seeking purposes is a lucrative venture for anybody. A job seeker visa is available to a person for 6 months. He cannot be employed on his job seeker visa. Once he has found a job, then he can avail a European Union Blue card to extend his stay in this country. The application for a job seeker visa to Germany should include a cover letter explaining the plans of a candidate once his plans to get employment during the duration of his job seeker visa are not successful. An applicant should also be able to prove that his non-German degree is of as much worth as a German degree. He should also be able to show his prior work experience in his home country through the relevant work experience certificates.

Candidates who are looking forward to immigration in Germany should know that even after submission of visa application and submission of documents, their application can get rejected if they fail in this visa interview.

Are You Still Eligible to Travel Under the Visa Waiver Program?

Imagine arriving at the airport to travel to the United States to negotiate a contract with a lucrative US business. Landing this contract will produce a great deal of profit for your European company. You've taken the necessary precautions to ensure a smooth trip: arrived early for your flight, confirmed the Electronic System for Travel Authorization ("ESTA") application you made last year is still valid, and book your hotel and car rental in the United States well in advance. However, when you get to the check-in counter, the flight agent begins questioning a recent business trip you took to the Middle East. After a bit of discussion, the agent apologises and informs you that you are not able to board the flight, and are no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. In shock, you must now return to your home, potentially lose out on business in the United States, and deal with the process of obtaining a US visa.

Why you may no longer be eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program?

Unfortunately, the above scenario is becoming increasingly more common. If you have applied for ESTA after February 2016, you may have noticed the addition of a number of questions on the application. For example, it now asks the applicant to declare whether they are now, or have been a citizen or national of any other country. The vast majority of people traveling to the United States on the Visa Waiver Program were likely unaware of any changes to the program, as the ESTA application is currently valid for two years.

Accordingly, citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011, are no longer eligible to travel to the United States visa free. Further, citizens who are a dual national of a Visa Waiver Program country and Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen, are also no longer eligible to travel visa free. There are limited exceptions for those present in one of the specified countries for military or diplomatic reasons.

Who does this Act affect?

On its face, the most obvious group affected by this new Act are those who have travelled to one of the listed countries since 1 March 2011. However, an even greater number of individuals who are also dual nationals may be restricted from applying under ESTA because of the new rules. As an immigration lawyer, clients often tell us they are not a national of a country simply because they do not maintain a valid passport for that country. It is important to note that a passport is just a travel document. While a valid passport can certainly be used for proof of citizenship, citizenship is not lost because the document is expired or damaged.

Citizenship of any given country depends on that country's rules and regulations. For example, some nations do not allow dual nationality, and immediately revoke citizenship for nationals who have obtained a second citizenship. Alternatively, other countries require a formal process of renunciation before you are no longer considered to be a citizen. In the most extreme cases, a country may never allow you to renounce your citizenship, and will consider you to be a national for life.

Before applying for ESTA, you should be clear whether or not you are a dual citizen of one of the above mentioned countries. For example, Mohamed was born in Libya to Libyan parents. When he was a child his parents moved his family from Tripoli to Palermo, Italy. Mohamed maintained his Libyan nationality throughout his childhood, and when he turned eighteen-years-old he was naturalized as an Italian citizen. He did not renounce Libyan citizenship. He now wishes to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program on his Italian passport. Mohamed is not eligible to travel visa free because he is still considered to be a national of Libya.

A more difficult scenario to determine would be the following - Amira was born in Bagdad, Iraq. Her parents, both nationals of Iraq, fearing persecution, fled to the United Kingdom when she was a child. Her entire family obtained UK nationality when Amira was six years old. She has not been to Iraq since her family left, and she does not maintain any ties to the country - including a valid Iraqi passport. Amira, now thirty, wishes to travel to the United States to take her children to Disney World. She is unsure if she will be approved on ESTA.

Unfortunately, this case is difficult to analyse. Amira doesn't know if she is still considered to be a national of Iraq. Without any formal renunciation or due process regarding her Iraqi citizenship, she likely is still considered to be a national of Iraq - despite not having a passport from the country. If Amira is in fact a dual national of the United Kingdom and Iraq, and she does not disclose this on her ESTA application, she may be found to have misrepresented herself. Misrepresentation is a serious offence, which renders a foreign national permanently inadmissible to enter the United States. As a precaution, Amira should obtain the proper visa before traveling to the US.

What is the next step?

If you are no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program, either because you have visited one of the listed countries on or after 1 March 2011, or you are a dual national of a Visa Waiver Country and one of the countries listed, you must obtain the relevant US visa before traveling. If you wish to travel to the US for tourism, the B2 visa would be a suitable alternative to traveling under the Visa Waiver Program.

While it may be disappointing to no longer be eligible to apply for ESTA, obtaining a B2 visa offers many benefits. A B2 visa is typically issued for a period of ten years - allowing its holder to travel to the US regularly within that period, without having to apply for a new visa. Additionally, when you enter the United States on a B2 visa, the immigration officer will stamp your entry for up to six months. It is important to note that because the visa is valid for ten years, it does not allow you to remain in the US for that period of time. You should spend no more than six months out of every calendar year in the US on a B2 visa.

A Buddy For Your Immigration Journey - The Immigration Attorney

A friend who was filing for her green card in the United States somehow filled in a wrong figure in one of the immigration visa forms. Subsequently she sent in the form for processing, little knowing that she would be in for a shock. Due to the mistake that she committed, her green card took years - much longer than it should have.

The process of immigration to the United States can be an extremely complicated process - it is said that just like the U S Tax laws, which are extremely difficult to traverse immigration laws of the U S too can be overwhelming to the layman. Therefore, making a seemingly silly mistake can cost the applicant, in terms of both time and money. There can be delays, there could be denials and sometimes in extreme cases, there could even be deportation.

It is for this very reason that immigration lawyers are chosen. They are there to show the way and light the path, which can be full of ups and downs!

WHAT DOES A LAWYER DO?

A good immigration lawyer or attorney helps to:

• Analyze rights

• Interpret the law

• Frame strategies and

• Act as a guide throughout the way.

What's more, a lot of paper work is done by the immigration lawyer. This itself can save you hours. An immigration lawyer will also help an applicant to get organized about all the documents and other items that have to be kept ready for the visa, such as passports, valid marriage certificates or birth certificates.

The lawyer ensures that all the information that is filled in is correct and all the documentation is just right. Statements and testimonies too have to be filled in and the lawyer can help to get them done correctly.

An applicant can make it on his own, but there are a lot of possibilities that mistakes could occur. It is important to remember that even a single mistake could cost you dear; therefore it is advisable to engage the services of a good immigration lawyer or attorney.

Without a good lawyer it is easy to make mistakes, don't you agree?

So most people make all the effort to engage the services of a lawyer who they feel will help them ride the high waves of the immigration voyage.

WHY A LAWYER?

Well, for one, an attorney with experience will know exactly what challenges to expect, how to overcome the delays, what are the issues that need some preparation beforehand, and how to ensure that simple little procedures do not flop for the desired legal surveillance.

This article talks about how important it is to engage the services of a good attorney when on an immigration journey to the United States. U S immigration laws are as complex as the tax laws there, and one can get lost in all the paper work and procedures, some which are hard to follow.

The Canadian Immigration Process Has Been Streamlined

Canadian immigration has become highly popular in the last few years due to the high human development index of this country.

The Canadian government has also streamlined the process of immigration to Canada. It has introduced the Express Entry system under which the candidates are eligible as per the point structure of the comprehensive ranking system (CRS). Under this system, almost 1,200 points are available to the candidates. 600 of these points are awarded if the candidate has a job offer or a nomination from a province in Canada (PNP which stands for Provincial Nominee Program). Out of the rest 600, 500 points are awarded for the human capital factors of a candidate and/or his spouse which collectively imply their individual ages, language proficiencies, levels of education and Canadian work experience if present. The rest 100 out of 600 are available to those candidates who have the right skill transferability combinations of the human capital factors mentioned above, for example, a good language-proficiency combined with a work experience in the native country or Canadian work experience plus work experience in the native country.

It's important for a candidate to get his educational levels assessed. This is highly crucial for candidates who have obtained their education outside of Canada.

It's also important for candidates who are on the verge of completing their degrees that they do so before getting their educational credentials assessment (ECA). ECA is important for candidates who have received their education outside of Canada. It helps the Canadian government to know the worth of education received outside of Canada. It's important to get each and every post-secondary degree assessed to get the highest number of points available. The candidates can also score extra points if they are able to get a certificate of recognition from a province for a certain trade qualification. The candidates who have the maximum points available under this points structure can look forward to immigration Canada.

One way to increase the CRS score is to enhance the score for language proficiency (English or French). It can be by getting a higher score in the designated English language exams which include CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) and IELTS etc.

The educational credential assessment is not mandatory for candidates who are applying for the Express Entry under the Canadian Experience class. But they can still increase their points by applying for the same. Such candidates can get an extra of 200 points, there can be 150 points awarded for ECA and an extra 50 for the experience held under the Canadian Experience class. With an assessment of the bachelor's degree, a candidate can earn an extra of almost 170 extra points. So, make sure that by following all these conditions you are able to score the maximum points and able to attain immigration to Canada.

The Thai Legal System Is An Absolute Minefield - Hold Onto Your Hat And Seek Guidance

You may have watched an episode or two of Suits but when it comes down to it, how much do you really know about the law? Of course every country has its own rules and regulations but how much do we know about our own? Let alone those of another nation! There are so many complexities and loop-holes that render this world an absolute minefield so it is important to know that there are people out there who actually know what they're talking about.

I've watched enough NCIS to have a rough idea about what not to do if ever I need to get away with murder but fleeing to another country might prove difficult as when it comes down to immigration laws I have absolutely no idea what I'm looking at!

Take Thailand for example: Thailand is irrefutably one of the most wonderful places on earth. The people of Thailand are as friendly as they are beautiful, the food is incredible, the weather is awesome, and the sights are insatiable... but their immigration laws... well, they just don't make any sense to me whatsoever. The fried cockroaches I can wrap my head around. Watching six men and a dog ride past on a scooter I can grasp. Walking in to the gent's loo's to find a lady standing at the urinals I can understand; but their immigration laws to me are an enigma!

You're not alone! There are friendly and approachable experts waiting to guide you

But through all of my stress and worry I found that there are actually numerous different agents and agencies throughout Thailand that are fully capable of supporting expats with the necessary support. Whatever your circumstances may be, you will find international advisers in most of the main expat locations; places like Koh Samui, Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Hua Hin. Remember you can also always get in touch with your nations embassy and they will be able to set you off on the right foot and point you in the right direction to find the service and support you require.

The trouble is that you hear so many horror stories! Moving away or travelling through a foreign country is a scary adventure that can end in tears if the correct precautions are not taken. You spend so much time in your mind worrying about the 'what if's' that you end up burning yourself out, rendering you worn and discoloured. It can become impossible to relax and enjoy yourself if you're unsure of what you are doing which is why it is paramount that you allow yourself a little peace of mind.

Seek out legal advice before making any big decisions or moves and you will be all the better off for it. The last thing you want is to be breaking the law in ignorance in a foreign country, particularly if you don't speak their language! It will be very difficult to explain your situation and some people may not be as forgiving and understanding as others! And I am not saying this to put the fear of God in you and talk you out of travelling or moving away to another country; all I am saying is that it pays to be prepared.

Visas, Work-permits, Properties - don't allow room for any mistakesWhether you are simply looking for a Thai work permit or registering a company in Thailand you should seek-out legal advice. Something as simple as buying a new property can become a vastly difficult procedure if you don't have the correct backing and support in place to ensure that you are doing it properly! Imagine investing all of that money only to find that you have slipped through some unfortunate loop-hole rendering you out of pocket and out of a home! Again, these worst-case scenarios are not an attempt to frighten you; but to take the necessary precautions in order to guarantee that you are doing the right thing.

For the most part, so long as you are careful and respectful you should not encounter any issues but anything can happen. Unfortunately we live in a world where there are people out there looking to harm others... but in the same breath there are an even greater number of decent people who would be there to help you at the drop of a hat! Keep an eye out for them!