Summary
Highlights
Jaskaran Singh explains that Canada and Australia are the only two countries currently offering direct Permanent Residency (PR). He highlights the benefits, including high-paying jobs, family settlement, and affordability compared to study visas. The PR process is primarily for skilled immigrants with relevant experience in fields like IT and healthcare.
Applying for PR in these countries offers future security for individuals and their children. Benefits include medical coverage, high wage rates, and a good return on effort. The ability for entire families to move together provides security and stability.
The basic eligibility for Canada PR under the Federal Skilled Worker Program requires a minimum of 67 points, calculated based on age, education, experience, IELTS scores, and spousal/blood relation points. Meeting this criteria allows candidates to apply through Express Entry. Express Entry also has categories for specific occupations and programs like Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
For Australia PR, an individual can qualify with as little as one year of experience, provided other factors compensate for points. A crucial step is a positive skill assessment, particularly for trades like electricians. Minimum IELTS or PTE scores, typically 6 in each module (competent level), are required, with higher scores earning more points.
Key documents for Canada PR include evidence of work experience (justifying the duration claimed), age proof, and IELTS/PTE scores. Crucially, applicants must provide proof of their occupation and justify its alignment with Canada's Tier system to avoid rejection.
Australia PR is generally acceptable for applicants up to 44 years of age. The processing time can vary based on points and occupation demand but typically ranges from 15 to 18 months. This timeline includes various stages like invitation to apply and fee payments.
The Canadian government requires applicants to show settlement funds as backup. A single applicant needs to show approximately 10 lakhs INR (around 15,000 CAD). For a couple, it's about 12 lakhs INR, and for a family with children, around 15 lakhs INR. These funds can be shown through savings accounts or fixed deposits.
The federal government fee for Canada PR is 975 CAD, plus a landing fee of 575 CAD, and biometrics at 85 CAD, totaling 1610 CAD. Fees for children are 260 CAD. Additional costs include medical tests (7,000-8,000 INR) and PCC (1,000 INR). The overall cost for Canada PR can be estimated to be between 1.5 to 2 lakhs INR.
The cost of living in Canada varies by location, similar to different cities in India. An average minimum estimated cost of living is around 1000-1500 CAD per month. Applicants are advised to secure PR first, and then, while waiting for their visa, actively search for jobs online through platforms like LinkedIn to ensure a smooth transition and early settlement upon arrival.
Having real blood relatives in Canada can provide up to 15 additional points. For Australia, specific subclasses like 491 (Regional Area) or 491 (Family Sponsored) offer benefits if relatives reside in regional areas. It's crucial to apply for PR as soon as one starts considering it, as the process is point-based, and age can impact point accumulation. Applying before age 30 maximizes points and chances of success.