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Support · Knowledge base

Questions? Answers.

From visa eligibility to job markets, processing times and migration agents — find clear answers to the most common questions about settling in the UAE, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Find an answer

18 questions answered

General
01 / 18
Is it expensive to migrate?

It depends on the visa type and whether you have a job offer in place. If your employer is willing to pay for your relocation, migrating can be quite inexpensive.

However, we recommend budgeting for your own relocation as this is more common. Depending on the size of your family and visa type, costs can vary significantly — speaking to one of our licensed immigration advisers will provide you with the information applicable to your case.

General
02 / 18
Do I need a job offer to migrate or apply for a permanent residence visa?

It is ideal if you do, as it simplifies the visa process and increases your chances of success. That said, many find this a bit chicken-and-egg — to get a visa you want a job, to get a job you need a visa.

Some candidates apply without a job in place and find employment after arriving in the destination country. Most, however, secure a job first online and then proceed with the visa application. If your skills are sought after, an employer will likely accept that you need to apply for a visa based on their job offer.

Starting the visa process signals to employers and recruiters that you are serious about relocating, which strengthens your candidacy.

General
03 / 18
At what point do I need to pay for a visa or service?

We offer free evaluations and free initial assessments — either face-to-face or over the phone. Up to the point at which you have all the information about your eligibility and visa options, there is nothing to pay.

If you decide to proceed and sign our service agreement, you will then pay your initial deposit plus VAT. Our fees are always confirmed in advance through the free visa evaluation we send you by email.

We always advise clients to start the visa process so they are visa-ready when a job offer arrives. We also prepare a tailored immigration strategy for you to follow.

General
04 / 18
How can I find out more information before I proceed?

We expect you'll have many questions. Beyond researching online, you can attend one of our seminars or webinars — these are likely to answer your burning questions about lifestyle, money, employment, visas, moving, and many other topics.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit our website. We regularly post updates on visas, lifestyle, the economy, and industry news to keep you informed.

You are also always welcome to email us or call us on +971 4 33 800 72.

Canada
05 / 18
What are the current prospects for employment in Canada?

Employers across healthcare, engineering, financial services, construction and skilled trades, machining and heavy equipment operations, automotive, and agriculture are actively recruiting qualified individuals lawfully permitted to work in Canada.

Many of these firms advertise available positions in Canada's leading newspapers, trade journals, and online — making it possible to begin your job search before you even arrive.

Canada
06 / 18
What does Canadian permanent resident status confer?

Under Canada's constitutional laws, a Canadian permanent resident visa holder and their accompanying dependents are permitted to permanently reside in Canada and earn a livelihood in any of the ten provinces or three territories.

Additionally, permanent residents may attend public primary and secondary schools tuition-exempt, and qualify for provincially administered universal health care coverage.

Canada
07 / 18
Who is included in the application for permanent residence?

The application generally includes the applicant, their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner aged 16 or older, and any unmarried children under the age of 19.

Children over the age of 19 may, under prescribed circumstances, be included as accompanying family members.

Canada
08 / 18
Must an individual reside in Canada to maintain permanent resident status?

Current legislation provides that permanent resident status is maintained if you are physically resident in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within any 5-year period, or if other circumstances are met.

If not physically present, status can still be maintained while abroad with a Canadian citizen spouse or parent, with a Canadian employer, or with a Canadian permanent resident who works for a Canadian employer.

Canadian residency rules are among the most flexible: a recently admitted permanent resident can theoretically leave Canada for up to three years after activating their visa, while preserving residence throughout that initial period.

Canada
09 / 18
Are assets and personal net worth determining factors in the selection process?

Under the skilled worker class, applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds for the family to travel and settle, measured against the current annual low-income cutoff (LICO) published by Statistics Canada.

A sum of approximately CAD 25,000 typically satisfies the requirements for a family of four (applicant, spouse, two children). Such evidence may be furnished immediately prior to visa issuance.

Applicants with an approved job offer in Canada are exempt from this financial requirement.

Canada
10 / 18
What if the intended occupation requires registration or licensing?

Several occupations in Canada require registration and/or licensing as a condition of employment, a process that varies from province to province.

However, employment requirements — including occupational licensing — are not a condition that must be met as a requirement for immigration approval. You can obtain your visa and arrange professional licensing once settled.

Canada
11 / 18
Where are applications submitted for Canada?

Applications for Canadian permanent residence under the Skilled Workers Class are initially filed inside Canada through the Centralized Intake Office — Case Processing Center in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Once approved, the application undergoes further processing at an appropriate immigration office outside Canada that serves the country where the applicant is legally residing, or the immigration office that serves the applicant's country of nationality.

New Zealand
12 / 18
How long does the process take for New Zealand immigration?

It depends on your skill set and the visa you're applying through. If your skill is in high demand and there's a job waiting for you, we can often fast-track you. Working holiday visas are also quick turnaround.

Speaking to one of our licensed immigration advisers will provide you with the timeframes applicable to your specific situation.

New Zealand
13 / 18
How easy is it to get a job in New Zealand?

This depends entirely on your employment history and skill set. If your current occupation is on the skills shortage list and you are qualified and experienced, there should be demand in New Zealand for your skill set.

Some candidates also find it helpful to plan a trip to New Zealand to meet employers and recruiters in person if remote job-hunting proves difficult.

Australia
14 / 18
How long does it take to get a permanent residence visa for Australia?

Every application is different, and processing times largely depend on the type of visa being applied for.

For the most recent guidelines, the Australian Department of Home Affairs publishes regularly updated global visa and citizenship processing times that you can consult before applying.

Australia
15 / 18
How do I find out if I am eligible to apply?

Each destination country — Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Portugal — has its own dedicated eligibility criteria. We summarise the current programs on each country page on our website.

You can also take a free initial eligibility check directly with our experienced consultants, who will assess your profile against the most suitable program.

Australia
16 / 18
Will the immigration authorities or Embassy help me prepare my application?

No. This type of service is no longer provided by the government. The authorities exist to enforce immigration law, make decisions on residence applications, and issue residence visas.

Although basic information and application forms are available, the authorities are unable to provide independent advice and personalised guidance on your specific case. An immigration consultant is able to provide this kind of service.

Australia
17 / 18
Can the immigration authorities refuse my application?

Yes. A surprisingly large number of applicants are unaware of how strictly the immigration regulations are enforced, and are often unnecessarily refused or delayed due to technical errors or by submitting the wrong supporting documentation.

The takeaway: consider seeking the professional guidance of an experienced migration agent before lodging an application. Migration agents exist to help you find the best way through the immigration maze — and are highly effective at doing so.

Australia
18 / 18
If a Migration Agent has assessed me as eligible, can I apply alone and be certain of success?

No. Although you may fundamentally qualify under immigration policy, you are by no means guaranteed of success.

Your application must be prepared in accordance with the prevailing immigration regulations and submitted together with the appropriate supporting documentation. The correct procedure is not always clearly laid out by the authorities, and many applicants present their cases incorrectly — inevitably leading to refusal.

For this reason, you should consider seeking the advice of a registered migration agent who will handle the application end-to-end.

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