Visa and Immigration Info

Germany's New Immigration Law (DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW)

2023-07-01T09:23:00.004-07:00

Expansion of the definition of qualified professionals, making it easier for skilled individuals to access the German labor market.
Introduction of the 'Opportunity Card', based on a points system for individuals with potential.
Additional provisions for IT specialists, recognizing the importance of digital skills in the economy.
Simplification of the immigration process for nationals from the Western Balkan states.
Provisions for family reunification, including residence permits for parents and parents-in-law.
A path for asylum seekers to transition into skilled worker status.
In light of the persistent demand for skilled labor, the new immigration law in Germany, known as the Skilled Immigration Act, has undergone crucial updates to attract and retain international talent.

Implemented in June 2023, these reforms address the bureaucratic hurdles, expand the definition of qualified professionals, and introduce innovative pathways for skilled immigrants.

Whether you’re an IT specialist, a seasoned professional, or someone with promising potential, this article is a must-read to understand the life-changing opportunities and the streamlined process the updated law offers.

Express Entry: Canada's New Permanent Residents Process For skilled Workers

2023-05-31T17:36:00.002-07:00

Canada has launched a new process to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents.

New Express Entry Categories

The first-ever category-based selection for Express Entry was just announced today. Category-based selections will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply (ITAs) to prospective applications with specific skills, training or language abilities. This will better allow for the selection of applicants with the most in-demand skills to be chosen to receive permanent residence.

This year, the focus will be on Express Entry Candidates who have a strong French-language proficiency or experience in one of the following fields:

Why UK is Banning International Students from Bringing Family Members (DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW)

2023-05-25T16:58:00.007-07:00

The UK government will prevent international students from bringing dependants with them beginning January 2024 – unless students are in postgraduate programmes with a research focus
The move is intended to help curb net migration
The Graduate Route will not be affected in new immigration restrictions – eligible students will still be allowed 2-3 years to remain in the UK under this route
Students will not be permitted to switch to the Skilled Worker Route until they complete their programme

Immigration is at an all-time high in the UK, and the government wants to tighten up the profile of migrants who come to the country and bring down the net migration total.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

"The UK is a top destination for the brightest students to learn at some of the world’s best universities. But we have seen an unprecedented rise in the number of student dependents being brought into the country with visas.

It is time for us to tighten up this route to ensure we can cut migration numbers and meet the government’s pledge to the British people to cut net migration. This is the fair thing to do to allow us to better protect our public services, while supporting the economy by allowing the students who contribute the most to keep coming here."

US Embassy resumes No-Interview 'Dropbox' Visa Renewal in Nigeria

2022-02-01T09:16:00.001-08:00

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has lifted the restriction on no-interview visa renewal popularly called dropbox for Nigerians renewing their visas after three years.

Applicants must be applying to renew visa in the same classification as their expired visa.

The Embassy press release states:

How To Study in Canada Without IELTS & Top Universities in Canada That Do Not Require IELTS

2022-01-27T07:26:00.002-08:00

The IELTS is a standardized and widely recognized English language assessment test for international education and global migration. It evaluates the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers, who wish to study in or migrate to countries, where English is the language of communication.

IELTS is one of the most trusted English language tests across the globe with more than 10,000 organizations recognizing it internationally. The IELTS certification is recognized by the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Europe and 140 more countries across the globe. The certification is accepted by academic institutions, companies, professional bodies and government organizations.

Even though IELTS boosts chances of getting an international university, it is a costly exam and it takes away time and energy for prospective students.

Respite for International Students in United States - Trump administration rescinds rule on foreign students

2020-07-14T20:54:00.003-07:00

Facing eight federal lawsuits and opposition from hundreds of universities, the Trump administration on Tuesday rescinded a rule that would have required international students to transfer or leave the country if their schools held classes entirely online because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision was announced at the start of a hearing in a federal lawsuit in Boston brought by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs said federal immigration authorities agreed to pull the July 6 directive and “return to the status quo.”

A lawyer representing the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said only that the judge’s characterization was correct.

Traveling During the Coronavirus Outbreak; All You Need to Know

2020-03-27T17:59:00.002-07:00

Since reports of the coronavirus surfaced in late December, over 550,000 people have been infected and over 22,000 have died around the world. As the virus continues to have a global impact.

Here is everything you need to know about traveling right now.

What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus was first discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, within the Hubei province of China. WHO announced on Feb. 12 that the official name for the specific strain of coronavirus is COVID-19.

On March 11, WHO tweeted that they have officially characterized coronavirus as "a pandemic."

Germany's Skilled Labour Immigration

2020-02-06T05:26:00.001-08:00

The German parliament passed the law on the immigration of skilled workers on 7 June 2019
The new law will enter into force on 1 March 2020
Both academics with a university degree and workers with qualified professional training recognized in Germany are considered a specialists
Improved possibilities for foreign students in Germany to change their residence status
Permanent settlement permit for those who have completed a vocational training course in Germany
If you do not have an employment contract but can prove you have qualified professional training, you will receive a residence permit for six months in order to find a job
Main professions sought for are: doctors, physiotherapists and nurses, IT specialists, engineers and craftsmen in the construction industry, experts in aerospace, mechatronics, electrical engineering, energy technology and other STEM professions (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology).
They can enter the country without training - provided they can prove that they have been working in the business for several years.

The Skilled Immigration Act, is a new law which expands the possibilities for qualified professionals to travel to work in Germany. The new regulations will enters into force on 1 March 2020. In future, it will be easier for skilled workers with vocational, non-academic training from non-EU countries to migrate to Germany in order to work. The current conditions for qualified professionals with university degrees will remain in place, with some relaxations of the rules.

Germany Immigration language skills requirement

2020-02-06T05:24:00.001-08:00

Learning the German language is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for your life in Germany. After all, German is spoken in most companies. Even if you don't need to prove your knowledge of German for your job, it will look good on your CV and improves your chances as you apply. Prospective employers will know that you are committed and have made an effort to learn German. Depending on your future plans, you can partake in specialised language courses in your home country or in Germany – it might even be mandatory.

Work in the nursing and healthcare sector: If you intend to work as a nursing professional or a doctor in Germany, you will need to have your foreign professional qualifications recognised. In addition, you will need to prove your knowledge of German with a certificate from a recognised language centre, such as the Goethe-Institut or a telc-certified institute. The required level of proficiency may vary between B1 or B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) depending on the different German states.

Foreign qualifications recognition in Germany

2020-02-06T05:14:00.002-08:00

In order to work in Germany, it is helpful to have your foreign qualifications recognised. In somes cases, it is even mandatory. It really depends on your profession:

Who needs recognition? In Germany, certain professions are "regulated”. Germans and foreign nationals may only work in these professions if they have a very precise qualification. This applies to professions such as doctors and lawyers. It also applies to different masters of manual trades if they work as independent contractors. If you want to work in one of these regulated professions, you need to have your professional qualification recognised in Germany. On the website “Reglementierte Berufe Datenbank” you find a list which contains all the regulated professions in Germany.

US Travel Ban (DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW)

2020-02-03T05:01:00.001-08:00

The scope of the ban is sketchy at the moment, but clearly stated is that:

The restrictions will take effect on February 22
Trump administration claims countries added to the list did not meet specific security criteria
Issuance of visas that can lead to permanent residency WILL be suspended
Non-immigrant visas (visit, business and student), designated refugees, and temporary workers are EXEMPT from the restrictions
'Some' applicants will be able to apply for waivers from the restrictions

President Trump on Friday added six countries to his list of nations facing stringent travel restrictions, a move that will virtually block immigration from Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, and from Myanmar, where the Muslim minority is fleeing genocide.

Turkey e-Visa (DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW)

2016-07-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

e-Visa is an official document permitting entry into and travel within Turkey. The e-Visa is an alternative to visas issued at Turkish missions and at the ports of entry.

Applicants obtain their visas electronically after entering required information and making payments by a credit or debit card (Mastercard, Visa or UnionPay).

How to apply for Turkey Visa

2016-07-12T10:04:00.002-07:00

Visa for Tourism and Business visit differ from Work and Education visit.

While some applicants may be exempt from visa for their tourism or business visit to Turkey, the others can obtain an e-Visa. All other applicants will need to obtain a visa through Turkish Representations/Embassy in their country.

Visa Types:

U.S. Visa Dropbox Renewal / Interview Waiver (DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW)

2016-07-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Dropbox Renewal Program or Interview Waiver program allows certain visa applicants who have previously been issued U.S. visas to renew their visas without attending an interview.

UPDATE:

Indefinite Suspension of “Dropbox” Process for Renewals

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria has indefinitely suspend interview waivers for renewals, otherwise known as the “Dropbox” process. Visa applications will no longer be accepted by DHL in Nigeria. Those who have already submitted their passports via “Dropbox” to DHL for processing either at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, or the Consulate General in Lagos, will not be impacted by this change.

Visiting Abu Dhabi, UAE (DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW)

2016-06-30T11:33:00.002-07:00

While the citizens of some countries are granted visas upon their arrival at the airport, others can easily obtain it from the UAE embassies and consulates worldwide or through authorised travel agents.

Citizens of the following Countries (including all 28 EU member states) will get their visa upon arrival at all UAE airports or other points of entry.

Nigerians can now obtain 5-year visa to South Africa

2016-06-09T03:25:00.003-07:00

The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, has announced his government’s decision to commence the issuance of five-year visas to Nigerian professionals, business people and other frequent fliers.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos Wednesday, Munguni said his government was now prepared to eliminate the difficulties usually faced by Nigerians when seeking South African visas.

Studying in Australia

2016-05-10T12:17:00.002-07:00

There are various visas that you can apply for to study in Australia which depend on the type of study you choose to undertake.

Higher Education

If you would like to study in Australia at a university or tertiary level then you may be eligible for the Higher Education Sector Visa or Postgraduate Research Sector Visa.

If your intention is to study a non-award foundation studies course or components of a course (other than English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) that does not lead to an award then the Non Award Sector Visa may suit your needs.

Visiting Australia

2016-04-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

When you are planning to visit Australia, there are important things you should know such as what visas to apply for and requirements for the visa application, your obligations while in Australia and information about complying with the conditions of your visa.

You will also need to know what you can and cannot bring into Australia, knowing the duty-free concession limits and what to experience when travelling through Australian airports and seaports.

There are important things you should know before applying for, or being granted, an Australian visa.
This includes information about:

How to Find the Cheapest Flight to Anywhere in the World

2016-04-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

by: Nellie Huang

As I’ve often preached, travel doesn’t need to be expensive.

Most of the time, airfare is the biggest expenditure on your trip and it takes up a chunk of our hard-earned savings. The best way to reduce this expenditure is to find the cheapest flight possible.

After spending the past 12 years traveling around the world, I’ve learned quite a few tricks when it comes to finding cheap airfares.

Applying for South Africa Visit Visa (ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW)

2016-01-06T02:12:00.001-08:00

Visitors’ visas are for international travelers (citizens of other countries) who have permanent residence outside South Africa and who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis for tourism or business purposes for a period of 90 days or less.

A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed at a South African embassy, mission or consulate and that the consular officer has determined you are eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose.

Countries exempt from South African Visas

2016-01-06T02:11:00.004-08:00

PASSPORT HOLDERS WHO ARE EXEMPT FROM VISAS FOR SOUTH AFRICA

SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

The citizen who is a holder of a national passport (diplomatic, official and ordinary) of the foreign countries / territories / international organisations listed below are not required to hold a visa when reporting to an immigration officer for an examination at a South African port of entry, subject to the terms and conditions set out in this list, including inter alia the intended period of stay in the Republic.

Address of South Africa Visa Application Centre in NIGERIA

2016-01-06T01:59:00.004-08:00

Abuja, Nigeria.

South Africa Visa Application Centre, Abuja.
3rd Floor, Sterling Bank Plaza,

Address of South Africa Visa Application Centre in GHANA

2016-01-06T01:48:00.001-08:00

Accra, Ghana

VFS Ghana Private Limited
3rd Floor, The Grand Oyeeman,

South Liberation Link,

Airport - Accra, Ghana.

Address of South Africa Visa Application Centre in KENYA

2016-01-06T01:43:00.003-08:00

Nairobi, Kenya

5th floor, Park Field Building, Muthangari Drive,

Off Waiyaki Way, Opposite Safaricom House,

Westlands. Nairobi, Kenya

Address of South Africa High Commission / Embassy in NIGERIA

2016-01-06T01:29:00.000-08:00

South Africa High Commission, Abuja

ND41004 European Union CRS,

Diplomatic Zone
Central Business District
Abuja, Nigeria.

Tel: (0234) (09) 4624200, 4133776, 7822850