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Top Five Australian Immigration Updates: Best Time To Migrate From India

Top Five Australian Immigration Updates: Best Time To Migrate From India

Australia, as we know, is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world. It welcomes hundreds of immigrants yearly to live, study, invest, work and travel. There are over 721,050 Indian immigrants living in Australia, making it the second-highest migrant population. If you have been looking to immigrate to Australia, 2023 is perfect. The newly formed Government, under the leadership of PM Anthony Albanese, has started working on clearing the visa backlogs. The Government has also planned to implement several changes and updates for 2023. 

One of the most significant updates shared by the Government is an increase in the permanent migration program in 2023. The current 160,000 skilled and family visas will increase to 195,000 under the scheme, pushing from 79,600 to 142,400 skilled visas. Also, Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visas can apply for PR. Here are other important updates:

Top Five Australian Visa Opportunities for 2023

Increase in State-Sponsored Visas: The State Sponsored Skilled Nominated Visa or Subclass 190 that enables skilled workers nominated by the state or territory is now set to increase dramatically. For Skilled Nominated Visas, an additional 34,000 nominated places will be allocated to regional areas. States and territories are also making it simple to apply for Australian-state-sponsored visas by increasing the skilled occupation list, relaxing application criteria and more. 

Inviting Migrants from Pacific Countries and Timor Leste: The Government plans to introduce a new visa in July 2023, letting 3,000 eligible migrants from pacific countries and Timor Leste to Australia. To fill the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) spots, the Government will allocate a ballot process every year. PEV will be offered on top of the places available on Australia’s permanent migration program. 

Prioritizing Processing For New Zealanders: If you are a New Zealander living in Australia, things will get easy for you. The Government has prioritized processing for Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) applications for the New Zealand stream. Also, requirements such as taxable income threshold, period of residence in Australia and PIC 4007 related to health have been removed for pending applications. New Zealanders will get an edge over PR, Australian Citizenship and more.     

Push In Partner and Child Visas: The Albanese government is making it straightforward for families to travel to Australia to meet their loved ones. They are introducing highly-demanded Partner visas in 2023. There will be no limit to the number of such visas issued. The immigration department estimates it will issue over 40,500 partner and 3,000 child visas in the financial year. 

Speeding Up Visa Processing: The Government is changing how it processes and prioritizes skilled visa applications, keeping healthcare and education workers on top. After scraping the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) to rank applications, the assessment starts in three days. Priority will be given to – healthcare or teaching, employer-sponsored visas, and permanent and provisional visa subclass, followed by other visas. 

Best Australian Immigration Consultant in Chennai

With all the exciting updates and changes, moving to Australia will be an exciting experience. However, the process becomes easier with proper documentation and profile guidance. Hire the best immigration consultant in Chennai to get help with overseas migration. 

Bilimoria & Associate specializes in Permanent Residence Visas, Family and Partner Visa, Skilled Worker Visas, Student Visa, Temporary Visa, and more. We take care of profile evaluation, documentation reviews, test preparation, visa filing, application drafting, interview preparation, legal services, status updates and more. 

We also offer immigration services in Chennai to various countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, the UK, and Europe. Please forward your resume to neville@bilimoriaassociate.com for us to assess and advise your eligibility. You can contact us at the office at +91 44 2822 7222 / 28239229 / 43508191 for a consultation or appointment.

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Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card: B & A’s Step-By-Step Guide To Apply

overseas-citizenzip-of-india-oci-card-how-to-apply

India’s Citizenship Act, 1955 was amended in August 2005 to introduce the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme. Under the plan, all Person of Indian Origin (PIOs) can register for OCI with certain exceptions. Overseas Citizenship of India Card is an immigration status given to foreign citizens of Indian origin. With OCI, you can live, work, or travel in India indefinitely. 

The Government of India introduced OCI Cards concerning the massive demand from foreign nationals to acquire dual citizenship. Since India does not allow dual citizenship, the best alternative was to offer OCI to NRIs residing overseas. With OCI, NRIs get multiple-entry lifelong visas to visit India. Though an OCI card holder gets several benefits, it is not actual citizenship, so voting or holding government office in India won’t be possible for OCi card holders. 

Benefits of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card

Getting an OCI Card comes with a lot of benefits. Here are some:

  • You get a multi-purpose, multi-entry lifelong visa to visit India. 
  • You can visit India indefinitely, whether for work or a living. 
  • You don’t need to report to the police for any length of staying in the country.
  • You can have the same facilities as NRIs regarding financial, economic, and education. 
  • You can purchase residential and commercial properties, except agricultural lands. 
  • You need to pay taxes only on your taxable Indian income. 
  • You can open all types of bank accounts allowed to a resident customer. 
  • You can apply for an Aadhar Card after living in India for 182 days in 12 months. 

Eligibility Criteria To Apply For OCI Card

You are eligible to apply for an OCI card if

  • You became or were a citizen of India on/after 26.01.1950.
  • You belonged to an area or territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947.
  • Your children’s and grandchildren’s country allows dual citizenship in some form. 
  • Your spouse and minor can apply based on your eligibility. 

Note: You cannot apply for OCI if you have ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.   

Apply for OCI with Bilimoria & Associate

According to recent Rajya Sabha figures, 225,620 Indians called off their citizenship in 2022, the highest in the last 12 years. Moreover, 1.66 million Indians gave up their nationality since 2011. People renouncing their citizenship isn’t a new phenomenon. They do it for various reasons like getting a better quality of life, work and study. You can register for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and continue to take several procedural and financial benefits in India. 

Bilimoria & Associate take care of all applicants’ formalities and legal proceedings. It includes:

  • Checking the eligibility for OCI
  • Assisting in the online application procedure 
  • Taking care of registration and Fees
  • Helping to get OCI for clients living in India and abroad
  • Assisting in getting OCI for Indian children born in the US
  • Checking OCI card status
  • Assisting in getting OCI for minors
  • Verifying documents and submitting them
  • Following up with the OCI card status and more

Applying for an OCI card can be a tedious process. Bilimoria & Associate provides the entire gamut of visa and immigration services. We are the top immigration consultant in Chennai that understands the criticality of the OCI application process. That’s why we have a dedicated and expert team handling the process for our clients. In addition, we have strong visa partners in various parts of the world and legal teams assisting us in submission and technicalities involved in the process. Apart from helping clients get OCI cards, we also offer immigration services in Chennai to various countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, the UK, and Europe. Please forward your resume to neville@bilimoriaassociate.com for us to assess and advise your eligibility. You can contact us at the office at +91 44 2822 7222 / 28239229 / 43508191 for a consultation or appointment.

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Australian Immigration Program 2023-24: Great Benefits For Indian Migrants

Australian-Immigration-Program-2023

As global isolation ends after Covid-19, the Australian government is ready to welcome fresh immigrants. This country has always been the hottest destination for Indian immigrants because of the fantastic opportunities it provides. To address the post-pandemic economic recovery and meet the skill-shortage demand, the government has planned to upgrade both permanent migration programs and skilled visas. It will make immigration to Australia a seamless process.  

The level-up includes a permanent migration program to 195,000 from 160,000 for skilled and family visas. For skilled visas, the number is pushed to 142,400 from 79,600. Another significant upgrade counts for the Temporary skill shortage (TSS) program, wherein 482 subclass visas will be offered to allow people to apply for PR. They have also removed the age restrictions on 475 visa holders to ease the process of getting permanent residency. 

Why Does Australia Invite Immigrants?

By inviting immigrants from across the world, Australia aims to balance a range of social, economic and demographic objectives. Moreover, most immigration programs focus on Australia’s long-term national interest and meeting industry demands. The immigration program is a win-win formula for both migrants and the country. Here are some reasons why Australia invite immigrants:

  • To address workforce shortage and meet industry demands
  • Migrants contribute majorly to labour-market flexibility in Australia 
  • Migrants pay taxes and become social contributors to the country 
  • The country receives economic and technological boosts from the migrant force
  • Migrants significantly boost the working-age population in the country 
  • Skilled workers contribute to human capital development 
  • Migrants workers create a healthy competition with the native workforce
  • The flow of investment from migrants is crucial for economic recovery 

What are the Best Australian Immigration Programs?

Currently, India leads the way in the Australian immigrant population. It contributes to over 721,050 migrants population in Australia. Some of the most popular migration programs include:

You can apply for an immigration program visa based on your eligibility. Bilimoria & Associate is one of the top immigration consultants in Chennai, offering migration services. We can help you check your eligibility and let you choose the best suitable program.   

Benefits For Indian Migrants

Australia’s immigration policy is well-structured and straightforward. The Kangaroo land is also an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs looking to expand their horizons. That’s probably why more and more applicants are choosing to migrate to Australia than any other country. With changes in immigration policies, Indian migrants can have the following benefits:

  • Better Job Opportunities: Australia is one of the top countries to qualify overseas skilled workers and let them join their workforce. It is also looking to fill the job vacancies by accepting migrants and having them contribute to the nation’s economic and financial growth.   
  • The choice of Profession: Once migrants get their permanent residency, they can work in any profession except Public Service and Armed Forces. The rules and privileges for working in any industrial sector remain the same for Australian citizens and permanent residents.
  • High Standard of Living: Australia is known to offer excellent standards of living to its residents. Right from transportation facilities to education and hospitals, everything has easy access. Also, Australia does not compromise on the quality of facilities it offers its citizens and PR. 
  • Access to Healthcare: The country offers the right to healthcare to all its citizens. Even permanent residents can access healthcare under Medicare, which offers free or discounted medical treatment and medicines at government hospitals. 
  • Geography and Culture: The land down under has mesmerising natural beauty and many animals that are indigenous to their soils. Moreover, the climatic and weather conditions are pleasant all year round. Most importantly, this friendly culture of Australia is exceptionally welcoming to migrants and refugees.     

Eligibility Criteria for Australian PR in 2023

Here is a 6-step process to get the Australian PR in 2023:

  • Points: Under the Australian point grid, you must score over 65.
  • Age: Anyone below 45 can apply.
  • Language: You must achieve a minimum competency in the English test. 
  • Occupation: Your occupation must be listed in Australia’s demand list. 
  • Skills: Skill assessment will be based on your education and work experience.
  • Medical: You must prove good health and character. 

Why Hire an Australian Immigration Consultant in Chennai?

Migrating from one country to another for work or study can be confusing and stressful. With the legal documentation and information to deal with, the process can even get intimidating. This is where Bilimoria & Associate can help. 

We are one of the most reputed immigration consultants in Chennai with three decades of experience in moving clients to various countries, including the UK, the USA, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, Australia and more.

We offer immigration services, such as applying for visas and work permits, getting permanent residency, citizenship, and more. By hiring Bilimoria & Associate, you can be assured that the process will get done peacefully and seamlessly at an affordable cost.  

Please forward your resume to neville@bilimoriaassociate.com for us to assess and advise your eligibility. You can contact us at the office at +91 44 2822 7222 / 28239229 / 43508191 for a consultation or appointment.

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Express Entry Updates: Canada Takes Steps To Invite More Doctors To Get PR Status

Express Entry Updates: Canada Takes Steps To Invite More Doctors To Get PR Status

After recently updating its NOC 2021, the Canadian government has launched an initiative for doctors and healthcare professionals. Currently, the country is experiencing a shortage of qualified doctors and physicians, leading to a 6% job vacancy rate in the healthcare sector. The immigration ministry has announced positive changes in the Express Entry system, making getting PR in Canada much more straightforward for doctors and healthcare workers. 

Doctors that want to immigrate to Canada can apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class Program

Why Does Express Entry Update Matter for Doctors? 

Doctors working in Canada usually have difficulty qualifying under the Express Entry Program. Foreign-trained doctors must undergo many challenges to enter the Canadian workforce. 

The biggest challenge is that many doctors work on a Fee-For-Service model, which makes them self-employed. 

Express Entry disqualifies self-employed doctors that worked for less than a year in Canada to get PR status. 

Another major challenge is to clear the Medical Council of Canada qualifying exams divided into Part 1 and Part 2, followed by postgraduate training. 

Moreover, foreign-trained doctors need to attain medical credentials recognized by the relevant regulatory body at a provincial level. Both processes can be complex and may require additional assessments. 

Further, the competition for various medical posts in Canada is cutthroat, making foreign-trained doctors hard to find jobs. 

All of this can significantly impact their chances of getting PR.  If you are a skilled worker looking to migrate to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, learn more about your opportunities. 

What are the Changes Made To Express Entry? 

The Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser recently announced that doctors and healthcare providers would receive a necessary exemption, following which they can apply for the Federal Express Entry System. The system with a six-month processing time was not previously available for doctors who were seen as self-employed.

Sean Fraser, in a statement, said – “Foreign-born physicians have been helping to keep families healthy and to take care of our aging population. Their skills are critical resources in our community, and it does not take long before they become our neighbours, friends, and fellow community leaders. The measures announced today signal to these physicians that we want them to stay by making it easier for them to choose Canada as their permanent home,”

Fraser also said the federal government would motivate provinces to speed up the process of upgrading professionals to be able to work here. That is because the regulation to practice medicine only happens in the provinces and territories. To achieve the target, up to $90 million will be invested in different projects that will remove the barriers and open access to the Canadian workforce for many qualified professionals. 

Other than relaxing the measures and easing the process of immigration for doctors, the country is trying to attract and retain healthcare workers. As of June 2022, over 4,300 PR were appointed under the healthcare section by the government. Since 2015, over 22,400 professionals have gotten their PR through Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program

How Doctors and Healthcare Professionals Can Immigrate To Canada? 

Foreign-trained doctors must get an approved medical degree recognized under the World Directory of Medical Schools. Then they need credentials verified by the Medical Council of Canada and acquire an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report. After verification, candidates must secure the ECA report from PhysicianApply.ca. 

The process is long and challenging. However, Bilimoria & Associate can help you through each step to immigrating to Canada. From finding out which province will be best for you to reside to guiding you through getting all approvals done and selecting the suitable program, B & A is there to assist.   

Which Is The Best Immigration Consultant in Chennai?

Immigrating to Canada from India is a complicated process, which includes dealing with their laws, documentation and verification. Bilimoria & Associate is one of the best immigration consultants in Chennai, with about three decades of experience in helping people move to different countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the USA, the UK and Canada. If you are looking for a reliable immigration consultant that will not leave a hole in your pocket during migration, trust Bilimoria & Associate. 

Please forward your resume to neville@bilimoriaassociate.com for us to assess and advise your eligibility. You can call our office at +91 44 2822 7127 / 28239229 / 43508191 for a consultation or appointment. 

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How To Choose An Immigration Consultant: Moving To Canada 

Choose An good canada Immigration Consultant

Immigrating to Canada from India can be an exciting process. Whether you want to study, work, or invest in Canada, a reliable immigration consultant can make your dream come true. Moving to Canada will probably be the best and most significant decision you will be taking, and the first step is to find the best immigration consultant. 

Who Is An Immigration Consultant?

Immigration consultants or agents are educated and equipped to help you immigrate from one country to another. These consultants offer the best advice and service on legal and documentation processes based on the thorough knowledge updated by the Immigration department. They also guide you through immigration, including planning, paperwork, quality check and submission of an application for a successful outcome.  

The process can get complicated, especially for getting the Express Entry or Federal Skilled Worker Program to Canada. And hence, having a trusted immigration consultant is a must. A consultant can answer queries about immigration, visa and citizenship processes in Canada. 

Job Responsibilities of Immigration Consultant

The top job responsibilities of an immigration consultant will include the following:

  • Reviewing clients’ opportunities of getting a visa approved.
  • Assisting clients with the best suitable program based on their credentials. 
  • Preparing them to clear visa interviews.
  • Helping clients with getting the paperwork done.
  • Examining and ensuring paperwork is accurate and error-free.
  • Talking with the Canadian government on the client’s behalf, if needed. 
  • Keep the client updated about their application status.
  • Assisting them in every step of immigration to Canada, which covers. 
  • Express Entry
  • Permanent Residency
  • Investment Visas
  • Family Sponsorship 
  • Studying/Working in Canada and more

Top Factors To Consider When Choosing An Immigration Consultant

Experience: When looking for top immigration consultants, settle for an experienced agency. The amount of experience brings along expertise. They know better about the legalities, documentation, costs, timelines and more about the moving process. Bilimoria & Associate has about three decades of experience helping people immigrate to other countries. 

Background Check: Do a background check of the consultant you want to deal with. Visit their office, and check google reviews. Although many consultants will claim to offer the best services, you can only get a sense of their expertise by getting a thorough background check. It is also essential to check their website and understand the company’s goals, mission and values. 

Credentials: Checking the consultant’s credentials is probably the most essential part of the process. Apart from knowing the consultant’s education and professional background, you must also see if they collaborate with government officials. For example, Bilimoria & Associate liaise with the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Canadian Bar Association members. CPTLS helps to achieve a great success rate on every visa for Canada submitted to the immigration department.

Guidance: Undivided attention and guidance is another vital factor when seeking the best immigration consultancy. A reliable consultant will look at each aspect of your profile. It includes job roles, financial elements, and other requirements. They will never make false promises if your profile does not sound promising. So, ask as many questions as possible about your profile and get their thorough opinion. 

Cost: Immigration is a sensitive issue; unfortunately, many unknowledgeable customers fall prey to scams. That’s why it becomes crucial to check every aspect of the company, including the costs. Have a clear conversation about the cost of processing the visa and what fee they will charge. It is an excellent idea to get everything in writing to avoid future consequences. Any reliable immigration consultant will clearly explain the approximate cost without hidden charges.  

Tips To Avoid Possible Scams

  • Never agree to give false information even if the consultant asks you to do so.
  • Do not fall for any consultant that guarantees to get visa approval. 
  • Always carry only photocopies of original copies of documents. 
  • Never sign anything without thoroughly reading the contract/documents.
  • Always ask for a receipt for any payment you make to the consultant. 
  • Avoid signing any blank cheques or documents.
  • Always follow up with the consultant on your application. 

Choose The Immigration Consultant in Chennai To Move To Canada

These are essential factors to consider before selecting the best immigration consultant in India. Bilimoria & Associate is a well-known and reputed immigration consultant that offers professional services. It has over three decades of experience helping people move to Canada smoothly. Some popular Canadian immigration programs include:   

You can choose your program based on your profile, or Bilimoria & Associate can help you find a suitable program. Experts at B & A can meticulously look into your profile and guide you on how to immigrate to Canada. 

Please send your resume to neville@bilimoriaassociate.com or call us at +99 44 2822 7222 / 2823 9229 / 4350 8191 for consultation and appointment. 

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Benefits of Canadian Citizenship For Indians – Apply for FSW Program Now!

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Ever wonder why so many people opt for Canadian citizenship every year? Apart from getting an opportunity to live in a beautiful country, there are many benefits of Canadian citizenship. Canada is consistently ranked as one of the top desirable and livable countries in the world. It is a country of opportunities, growth, better healthcare, excellent education and renowned climatic conditions. So, it’s not a surprise why Canada attracts many migrants and skilled workers to apply for Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program and opt for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of living in the country. Here are some benefits of Canadian citizenship for Indians:

Top 10 benefits of Canadian Citizenship for Indians  

1. Live in Canada Indefinitely: Canadian citizenship is a permanent thing. After you officially become a Canadian citizen, you will always remain a Canadian citizen, unless you choose to renounce your citizenship. This means you can live, study, travel, and work anywhere in Canada, indefinitely.  

2. Sponsor Family Members: You can reunite with your family in Canada after getting citizenship. You can sponsor your family members to become permanent residents in Canada after fulfilling a few requirements. Your spouse, dependent children, parents, and grandparents, are some people you can choose to sponsor. 

3. Kids Get Access to Citizenship: Once you have Canadian citizenship, your kids automatically become Canadian citizens. And this is whether they were born in Canada or abroad. Not having to go through the entire process of becoming a citizen of Canada is a major benefit of Canadian citizenship.  

4. Wider Work Options: With Canada visa programs like Express Entry and Federal Skilled Trades you can get permanent residency and working opportunities in the country. However, with citizenship, you even get access to government and federal-level positions. These jobs pay well and come with additional benefits.    

5. Live Worldwide Without Losing Citizenship: One of the biggest benefits of Canadian citizenship for Indians is that you can live anywhere in the world without losing your citizenship of Canada. The Canadian government allows you to have dual citizenship from another country. 

6. Visa-Free Travel: Canadian passport is amongst the top 10 most powerful passports in the world. If you have a Canadian passport you can travel to over 185 countries without a visa. It gives you support from Canadian consulates and embassies when traveling. Please note that it only includes traveling, and not working in those countries. 

7. Free Education: Canadian government offers free education for children until the age of 18 years (or Grade 12) who has permanent residency. Your children can get three levels of education: primary, secondary and higher education for free. For university education, your children will get excellent benefits in tuition fees. 

8. Tax Benefits: One of the top financial benefits of Canadian citizenship is the taxation system of Canada. The tax laws work on a residency basis, so if you are a citizen and do not live in Canada, you don’t have to pay taxes here. Only if you live in Canada, you have to pay federal, provincial and municipal level taxes.    

9. Right to Vote and Enter Politics: You get Canadian voting right upon becoming a citizen. You can vote in elections and run for office or choose to become involved in political activities. You can run for office as an independent candidate or join one of the existing parties. 

10. Better Social and Healthcare System: There are a lot of social benefits of Canadian citizenship including job security, tax rebates, retirement benefits, disability benefits, and more. Also, Canada has a universal health care system for citizens, which covers childbirth, surgery, prescription drugs and more. It is a massive financial benefit of Canadian citizenship.

The Canadian government has recently updated its National Occupation Classification (NOC) starting from November 16th 2022. Learn about the changes in NOC before applying for FSWP.

Eligibility Criteria To Apply For Canadian Citizenship 

We saw many benefits of being a Canadian permanent resident and but to become a citizen you must:

  • Be a permanent resident of Canada
  • Have filed your taxes if required 
  • Pass the citizenship tests
  • Pass the language skill tests
  • Have lived in Canada for 3 years out of the last 5

Learn more about your options and eligibility when planning to immigrate to Canada

Apply for Canadian Citizenship Through Bilimoria & Associate

Canadian citizens enjoy some of the most extensive benefits in the world. You will have a great quality of life in a peaceful country. If you are wondering how to migrate to Canada from India, we can help you through the process. Bilimoria & Associate is one the best Canadian immigration agents in Chennai that has helped many people migrate to Canada and other countries like Australia, New Zealand, Europe, UK and USA. We will make your immigration process as smooth as possible at an affordable price.  

Please send your detailed resume to neville@bilimoriaassociate.com for us to assess and advise on your eligibility. Contact Bilimoria & Associate’s office at +91 44 2822 7222 / 2823 9229 / 4350 8191 for consultation or an appointment.