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Advantage Australia

Australia attracts the third largest number of international student’s and is fast becoming a education hub. The Australian system has an excellent reputation in the international community and is known for its academic excellence. Australian universities follow a exhaustive curriculum and are well supported by its world class faculty.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Australian universities have very good research facilities and excellent infrastructure. Australian universities provide a unique blend of conventional teaching coupled with practical knowledge. Australian universities endorse free and innovative thinking.

Australian universities enjoy international reputation for all areas of education and training. The practical and career-oriented course imparted in Australian universities makes sure that the students have the right skills demanded by the employers.

The other factor which makes Australia a lucrative option for overseas study is that is comparatively cheaper than US & UK. Australia is also one of the best places to live with its cosmopolitan culture and warm and friendly people. Australia boasts of many beautiful beaches, breathtaking rainforests and a very happening night life.

If you are an international student and want to pursue your education in Australia you will need a student visa. There are six types of student visas available for Australia:

1) Student Visa 570: This visa is for student who wants to study English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) in Australia.

2) Student Visa 571: This visa enables you to take a Primary or Secondary school course and even Secondary school exchange students.

3) Student Visa 572: This visa enables you to take diploma, advanced diploma and vocational diploma and certificate courses

4) Student Visa 573: This visa enables you to take bachelors degree, associate degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters, higher diploma and advanced diploma.

5) Student Visa 574: This visa enables you to take masters degree by research and doctoral degree in Australia.

6) Student Visa 575: This visa enables you to take non award foundation and full time courses.

Five Most Picturesque Beaches in Australia

Australia has one of the best coastlines in the world, three of the world’s famous ocean meets in the Australian coastline namely, Indian ocean, Pacific ocean and Southern ocean, the coastline of Australia mainland is more than 30,000 Km in length and if the islands are included the coastline goes up to 47,000 Km in length and comprises of around 10,685 beaches. No wonder than the Australians love their beaches and indulge in many activities like surfing, water sports, family outing and these beaches are a part of Australian culture.

Whitsunday Island - Whitehaven Beach
Whitsunday Island – Whitehaven Beach (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are so many beaches in Australia and each one has its own charm, in this blog we have tried to compile the five most picturesque beaches of Australia.

Whitehaven Beach: Whitehaven beach is located in Queensland; it is a 7km long beach along the Whitsunday Island. Whitehaven beach is known for its pristine white sand. Water sports options are available.

Turquoise Bay: Turquoise bay is located in Exmouth, Western Australia. This beach is perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches In Australia. Turquoise Bay is known for is crystal clear water and its proximity Ningaloo, you can try drift snorkel and also watch the colorful coral and variety of fish.

Cable Beach: Another beautiful beach in Western Australia, this beach got its name from the fact that a telegraphic cable laid between Broome and Java.

Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia.
Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This beach is known for its long stretches of sand and the water here always remain at a comfortable temperature, this is also a white sand beach and clear waters.

Wilson’ Promontory or Squeaky beach: This beautiful beach is located in Victoria. Known for its with sand and pristine water this beach got its name from the fact that when you walk or run in the sand it squeaks! It’s one of the best places to swim and surf. The water temperature is cold and it’s recommended that kids should not be allowed to swim as the water can get choppy and rough at times.

Coolangatta Beach: Coolangatta beach has the best surfing condition and is very scenic; this beach is known for its clear water and lukewarm water.

If you are tourist and want to visit Australia, you should get a tourist visa, the different types of tourist visas are:

Australian Tourist Visas

If you want to cherish in the mesmerizing taste of wine in the vineyards and want to soak in the amazing Australian wine culture you should have a Australian Tourist Visa, the different type of tourist visas are:

  1. ETA visitor visa (subclass 976)
  2. eVisitors (subclass 651)
  3. Tourist Visa (subclass 676)
  4. Sponsored Family Visa (Subclass 679)

Eligibility:

In order to apply for the Australian Tourist Visa, the following eligibility criteria should be met:

  • Applicants should provide evidence to prove that they possess sufficient funds to support themselves and their family for the entire period of their visit.
  • Applicants should not seek or undertake a job in Australia.
  • Applicants should not have any criminal record and intend to abide by the laws of Australia.

Green Cards To Be Fast Tracked

The much coveted Green Card, which is equivalent to permanent residency in the United States, is all set to be fast tracked. The Green Card is the proof that a person has been granted permanent residency in US. A Green Card holder is given all the benefits that a permanent citizen of the US has, like live permanently in the United States, work in the United States, you will be protected by the US laws and the local state jurisdiction.green-card

Earlier, there was an air of uncertainty about how long the Green Card will take to reach the applicant, now the US congress has decided to end this predicament about the long queue and overseas workers who have completed their education in the US.

The US Senate Judiciary Committee has approved changes in the nation’s immigration laws and has sent it to the full Senate. This bill will be very helpful for students, especially science, math and engineering graduates of US universities to become permanent residents.

Another important decision is to lift the limits on number of immigrants from each country. This step will be beneficial to people of more populous countries like India and China. This also gels with students pursuing their science and engineering courses from U.S. universities as almost half are them are from abroad.

This bill has also found support from major multinational companies like Microsoft and Facebook as they want to hire many of these students, and it will be easier for them to if their permanent residency status is approved quicker., the same view has also been endorsed by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a group that advocates for US workers. Though there are some apprehensions in some quarters, it will most likely to pass in the US senate.

Seems like good news for everyone!

H-1B Visa: USA’s Most Sought After Visa

USA is a land of dreams, where careers are made and ideas realized. For most professionals round the globe H-1B visa is their ticket to this wonderful nation, where they can realize their potential and fulfill their dreams. The popularity of this visa can be determined by the fact that the cap for H-1B visa for the fiscal year 2014 was reached within the first week of the filing period and we are talking about more than 65,000 visas plus an additional 20,000 which the USICS received on behalf of individuals who are exempted from the cap under the advanced degree exemption. H1According to USICS it received more than 124,000 visa application including the ones under advanced degree exemption.

What is an H-1B visa and why it’s so sought after?

An H-1B visa is a program to employ foreign workers in skilled occupation that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields, including but not limited to scientists, engineers or computer programmers. There are many benefits of H-1B visa that makes this visa program so attractive for foreign nationals, some of them are as follows:

1) An H-1B visa allows you to enter in the US and work there for a maximum time of six years.

2) H-1B visa holders can extend beyond the six year time frame under two conditions – a) if the H- 1B visa holder has applied for labor certification application or an I – 140 petitions one year prior to the expiry of their H-1B visa and the LC or I-140 process is pending. b) I – 140 immigration have been approved but cannot initiate the final step of Green Card.

3) An H-1B visa impacts the remuneration of an individual positively.

4) You can change jobs

5) The H-1B visa allows dual intent meaning there is no need for an alien worker to maintain foreign intent.

6) Spouse and children under the age of 21 years are allowed, they are given an H – 4c visa, an H – 4 visa holder can go to school, obtain driver’s license and open bank account.

Requirements For an H – 1B Visa

1) Evidence that the proposed employment falls under specialized category.

2) Evidence of educational qualification

3) Copy of contract between the employer and the employee.

Canada’s Inviting The World’s Brightest Entrepreneurs

Canada is all excited about its new Start- Up visa for entrepreneurs, Canada’s Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney has been promoting this visa across the Silicon Valley and driving home the point that Canada is open for business.

English: Flag of Canada over country contour F...

The Start-Up Visa, which is first of its kind, will help Canada attract the world’s best and brightest entrepreneurs to build business, create jobs and to help in economic growth. Minister Kenney not only promoted the new Start-Up Visa but met with entrepreneurs and influential figures in the start-up and tech communities including founders of start-ups, accelerators, other business leaders, venture capitalists, angel investors and immigration experts to promote the Start-Up Visa and explain why Canada is a great place to start a business and invest.

Among the prominent dignitaries whom Minister Kenny met is, Dave McClure, founder of 500 Start –Ups, one of America’s leading start-up accelerators, they provide finances and mentoring to entrepreneurs, he also met with members of C100, a Silicon Valley-based organization that supports Canadian technology entrepreneurship through mentorship, partnerships, and investment.

According to Minister Kenny, there is huge interest among entrepreneurs regarding Canada and the new visa, Canada’s economic growth has been amazing, it has low taxes and business costs, an expanding tech sector, Canada is driven by innovation and research, the quality of life in Canada is very good and is an ideal place for innovative entrepreneurs to start their business.

The Canadian Start-Up Visa is a very important plan of the Government of Canada’s plan to build a fast and flexible economic immigration system, as it will create a lot of jobs for the locals, help Canada’s economy to grow and make Canada a favored destination among young entrepreneurs and immigrants.

Spouse and Partner Visa For United Kingdom

The spouse visa is often considered a very important visa program for any countries as it enables the permanent residents of that country to sponsor their spouses and partners to that country and stay with them. The government of United Kingdom has made it very convenient for the individuals who want to sponsor their spouse and partners to the United Kingdom.

UK Spouse Visa

The Spouse visa for United Kingdom is granted for a period of two years, after that you have to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and after the completion of third you can start the process to become a British citizen, this visa allows the spouse to stay in the United Kingdom and work there.

There are some eligibility criteria that must be met in order to get a spouse visa:

  1. You should be above the age of 18.
  2. You must have met and should be legally married.
  3. You must intend to live permanently as man and wife.
  4. You must have enough funds.

UK Unmarried Partner Visa

The defacto visa in UK is known as the Unmarried Partner Visa. It works in the same lines as the spouse visa. You will need a sponsor who is a permanent resident of UK. This visa is also valid for two years and there are no restrictions on working in the UK. The applicant for spouse visa must be above the age of 16 and the sponsor should be a permanent British national and above the age of 18.

Quebec: Contributing To Canada’s Economy And Tourism

Quebec literally means “where the river narrows”, is one of the ten provinces in Canada, it’s Canada’s largest province in terms of area and second largest administrative division of Canada. Population wise also it is the second most populous province in Canada. Quebec is predominantly a French speaking area and French is the official language here.

Quebec’s economy is based upon the substantial natural resources it possesses and also the manufacturing and service sectors which contribute a major chunk in of Quebec’s economy. Quebec is economically so strong that it contributes around 21% of Canada’s total GDP.

 

The province of Quebec is also very picturesque and attracts lots of tourist every year. On an average around 26 million people visit Quebec every year. The province of Quebec has an old European charm to it. Quebec City and Montreal are the two major tourist attractions in Quebec. Quebec offers many exciting outdoor activities to its tourists. You can enjoy a cable car ride, walk across the suspended bridge over a 83 meter high waterfall or walk in ice. You can also visit one of the parks and wildlife areas in Quebec and enjoy, you can also go on mountain climbing trips, hiking, mountain-biking and canoeing. You can also enjoy skiing and hiking through the snow.

Quebec City, which is known for its heritage and culture, is also a major tourist attraction. Quebec City has some of the finest European architecture, churches and museums. This city is host to a number of artists who draw their inspiration from this beautiful city. The city also hosts variety of art shows and theatre which is endorsed by the fans worldwide.

If you want to visit Quebec you have to have a tourist visa to Canada or a work visa to Canada or Quebec. The important visas to Canada are:

1) Canada working Holiday Visa

2) Canada Federal Skilled Worker Visa

3) Canada Work Permit

4) Quebec Skilled Worker

5) Canada Tourist Visa

6) Canada Business Visitor Visa

7) Canada spouse and dependent children visa

Tourism Australia Offers World’s Best Jobs

Every year Tourism Australia holds a contest know as the “World’s best jobs” in which six winners are will each get a job for six month and will be paid 100,000 AUD. The various jobs include Chief Funster, Outback Adventurer, Park Ranger, Wildlife Caretaker, Lifestyle Photographer and Taste Master. The jobs are based out of New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Melbourne and Western Australia.

Working Holiday!

The rules of this competition are simple; anyone who is above the age of 18 and legally allowed to work in Australia can apply for this. According to the Andrew McEvoy, MD, Tourism Australia the main aim of this competition is to improve the number of applications for working holiday visa for Australia. This is important as every individual who comes to Australia, spends around 13000 to 15000 AUD on an average and also contributes to the workforce in the unskilled job category.

This year the competition has already started and applicants have been shortlisted. Today the working holiday visa is offered to individuals from 29 countries and there is a proposal to extend it to 13 more countries. Tourism Australia is spending around 2.3 million dollars on this campaign and another 1.7 million will be raised from corporate funding and state sponsorship.

Youth tourism comprise of more than 25% of all international arrivals in Australia and this campaign is a nice way to showcase what Australia has to offer. If you have not made it to the shortlisted list you can always apply for the working holiday visa to Australia. To apply for the working holiday visa to Australia you should:

  1. Be between the ages of 18 and 30.
  2. You should be a national of a country, who has working holiday arrangements with Australia.
  3. You should not bring any dependent children.
  4. You should be of sound health and character.
  5. You should have enough funds.
  6. You should have heath and tourist insurance
  7. You should be outside Australia when this visa is granted.

New Changes In Visitor & Medical Visas For Australia

The Australian government and Department of Immigration have introduced major changes in the visitor and medical treatment visa. There are few visas that no longer exist and few new visas have been introduced in the same category. Given below is the list of visas for which applications are no longer accepted.

  1. Tourist Visas (Subclass 676)
  2. Sponsored Family Visitor Visa ( Subclass 679)
  3. Business (Short Stay) Visa ( Subclass 456)
  4. Sponsored business visitor (short stay) visa (subclass 459)
  5. Medical Treatment (short stay) visa (subclass 675)
  6. Medical Treatment (long stay) visa (subclass 685)
  7. Electronic Travel Authority (visitor) (subclass 976)
  8. Electronic Travel Authority (business – short validity) (subclass 977)
  9. Electronic Travel Authority (business – long validity) (subclass 956).

Those individuals who were eligible for the above mentioned visas can apply for any of the following visas:

  1. Temporary work (short stay activity) visa (subclass 400)
  2. Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
  3. Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
  4. Medical Treatment Visa (subclass 602)
  5. eVisitor (subclass 651)

The details for above visas are as follows:

1) Temporary work (short stay activity) visa (subclass 400) – This visa allows you to come to Australia on a short term basis for work or work related activities like attending conferences and seminars or participate in cultural and social activities at the invitation of Australian organization.

You may be allowed to enter only or you may be able to travel to and from Australia as long as your visa is valid. This visa allows you to be in Australia till your visa is valid. The validity of the visa can range between a period of six weeks to three months. You can also bring your family with you if you have mentioned them in your visa application

You should meet the character and health requirements, should have a health insurance and also meet the financial visa.

2) Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – This visa is for individuals who want to visit Australia as tourists, for business purpose or visit their families. This visa has four streams namely:

Tourist Stream: This visa is for individuals who want to visit Australia on holidays or recreational purposes.

Business Visitor stream: This visa is for individuals travelling to Australia on short business visits.

Sponsored Family stream: This visa is for individuals wanting to travel to Australia to visit their families; your family member should sponsor your arrival and might be asked to give a bond.

Approved Destination Status stream: This visa is only for individuals from China travelling with organized tour groups. This visa allows you to travel to Australia for a holiday and visit families. You can also study in Australia for a period of three months, you can also do business activities, but there are some limitations. You can be given entry once or till your visa expires, on the accreditation of the immigration department.

3) Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601): This Electronic Travel Authority allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months, three months maximum on each visit. You can enter and exit Australia as many times as possible. The ETA is an electronically stored authority to travel to Australia; ETA is linked electronically to your passport. You can visit Australia as a tourist or on business purpose.

4) Medical Treatment Visa (subclass 602): This visa is for patients who want to get their treatment done in Australia. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for medical treatment; you can be granted a one time or multiple entry visas.

5) The last of the newly introduced visa is eVsitor (subclass 651).

Canada’s New Start Up Business Visa Program

Canada has started new visa for bright and upcoming businessmen, who want to start new business venture and have financial Backing from Canadian investors. The application for this visa has started from 1st April.

Canada’s Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney have said that innovation and entrepreneurship are the essential drivers of Canadian economy. One of the main reasons behind opening this visa is that the new companies will be creating more jobs for the Canadian citizens, lead to economic growth and will help Canada to compete on a global scale.

This Start-up visa is first of its kind in the whole world as it allows entrepreneurs to become a permanent resident of Canada and work with a large number of business partners, with this visa Canada wants to become the global hub for start up business and compete with the other countries.

Two organizations namely Canada’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA) and the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) have been given the task to identify and designate the venture capital funds and investor groups that are interested in the program. The entrepreneurs who want to start a new business must get the support of participating Canadian investors.

To apply for permanent resident status in Canada, the foreign entrepreneur must first secure a significant investment commitment from a designated Canadian angel investor group or venture capital fund. Applicants must also demonstrate language proficiency skills at a Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in listening, speaking, reading and writing, and have at least one year of education at a post-secondary institution.

This is a pilot project and initially it will run for a period of five years, so if you are a young businessman with great ideas make the most of this opportunity.