The immigration process is one that many people all over the world go through to be able to live, work, and retire in other countries. This article will provide basic information about the different types of immigration programs and their benefits.
Investment Immigration Programs
Investment immigration programs are like the name suggests- individuals who wish to immigrate invest in real estate or other forms of business. These types of visas often only require the individual to show proof they have at least $500,000 (USD) to invest.
Here are some countries that offer this type of program and the benefits they offer:
Portugal Golden Visa Program
This visa requires the individual to purchase real estate worth at least €500,000 (or it’s equivalent in services). With the Portugal Property Investment policy, the investor receives residency for two years. Then, if they are able to live there for another six months without leaving the country, they will receive a five-year residence permit.
Greece Investor Visa Program
This visa requires individuals to invest a minimum of €250,000 (or an equal value) in Greek government bonds or shares from companies that are at least 50% Greek-owned. Those who invest at least €500,000 (or an equal value) and create 10 new jobs will be granted a permanent residence permit after three years. The real estate that is purchased with this visa does not need to be sold but the owner must prove ownership and financing through the purchase of the property.
Cyprus Business Investor Program
Individuals who invest a minimum of €300,000 in a new or pre-existing business that has been approved by the government will receive a two-year residence permit along with their spouse and children under the age of 18. This visa can be extended up to five years after which they can apply for permanent residency. The investor does not have to live in Cyprus while the application is being processed and after two years they can apply for citizenship if the business has been successful and created enough profits that will allow them to meet certain conditions.
Malta Individual Investor Program
Individuals who purchase real estate in Malta with a minimum investment of €350,000 (or an equal value) and then reside there for at least one year can apply for a residence permit. If they invest more than €400,000 (or the equivalent in services) they will receive permanent residency status after five years. This visa has no restrictions on where or how often the individual must stay as long as they own a home in Malta.
The United Kingdom Investor Visa Program
A minimum investment of £2 million (or an equal value) is required for individuals to be eligible to apply for this visa which offers permanent residence status after three years as long as the individual stays at least 46 days per year in the UK. This visa can be extended up to five years and if the individual invests more than £10 million (or an equal value) they will receive permanent residency after two years. This visa has no restrictions on where or how often the individual must stay as long as they own a home in the UK and there is no requirement for them to live there.
Employment Immigration Programs
Employment immigration programs are designed for people who have a specific skill set and want to work in the country they immigrate to. These types of visas often require individuals to have an employment offer from a company that is able to sponsor them before becoming eligible.
Canada Foreign Worker Program
Here are some countries that offer this type of program and the benefits they offer:
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Program
This program requires individuals to have an offer of employment from a New Zealand employer before becoming eligible for this visa along with meeting other requirements. This visa only allows the individual to become permanent residents after two years or three years if they are under 30 years old and immigrate to Auckland, Wellington, or Canterbury. This visa has no restrictions on where the individual must stay and they can apply for citizenship after five years of living in New Zealand.
Germany Skilled Worker Visa
Employees who have worked for a German company for two years and have proof of another year’s employment can become eligible for this visa along with other prerequisites. This visa allows them to become permanent residents after two years and the individual can apply for citizenship after five years of living in Germany. There are no restrictions on where they must live or how often they must stay in the country.
Australia Skilled Visa Program
Individuals who have a valid employment offer and meet other requirements are eligible for this visa along with other prerequisites. This visa allows them to become permanent residents after two years and the individual can apply for citizenship after three years of living in Australia. There are no restrictions on where they must live or how often they must stay in the country.
Education Immigration Programs
Education immigration programs are designed for students who want to study at a university in the country they immigrate to.
Here are some countries that offer this type of program and the benefits they offer:
The United Kingdom Study Visa Program
Individuals who want to attend an approved school or college can apply for this visa along with other prerequisites. This visa allows them to become permanent residents after two years and the individual can apply for citizenship after three years of living in the United Kingdom. There are no restrictions on where they must live or how often they must stay in the country.
Ireland Study Visa Program
Individuals who want to attend an approved school or college can apply for this visa along with other prerequisites. This visa allows them to become permanent residents after two years and the individual can apply for citizenship after five years of living in Ireland. There are no restrictions on where they must live or how often they must stay in the country.
Australia Student Visa Program
Individuals who want to attend an approved school or college can apply for this visa along with other prerequisites. This visa allows them to become permanent residents after two years and the individual can apply for citizenship after three years of living in Australia. There are no restrictions on where they must live or how often they must stay in the country.
Immigration programs are available all over the world to residents of other countries who meet certain requirements. These programs can help improve someone’s life and allow them to live in a country they love, which is why it is important for everyone to take advantage of this opportunity if eligible.
