The recent spate of the recent attacks played a huge role in crashing the number of Indian students planning to study in Australia.

A report by Immigration Department showed that Study Visa Applications for Vocational courses fell to 19,530 during the last three months of the year 2009. In addition, a decline of 15 percent has been noticed in visa applications for all the educational sectors, reported The Age.

In another news piece, Jaspreet Singh, 29, a man of Indian origin, who faked racial attack after showing 15 percent burn injuries, has been charged of claiming fake insurance in shade of being racially attacked.

He deliberately torched his car, as evidences such as container and petrol, amongst others found from his home, confirmed his fakeness after his arrest, stated the Aussie police. Police has also found footage of him, buying petrol, a day before he made the roar of being attacked.

Singh, earlier came out with the statement that a group of attackers set him on fire while he was parking his vehicle. However, this incident should not be linked with the series of attacks on Indians in the past few months. All of them were genuine and government should take ample measures to stop this catastrophe right here!

Also, Indian envoy to Australia, Sijatha Singh, has been called to New Delhi for further discussion of the series of attacks on Indians in Australia.

Want to know about the labor market in New Zealand? Indeed, you should have the knowledge about the same if you are planning to go and work in the country. Here is our little effort to help you in doing your homework in researching the New Zealand labor market, before you file application under the Skilled Migrant Visa category.

From a general viewpoint, it can be said that an average male employee in New Zealand works 37.9 hours in a week. Besides, he is being paid $1,010 per week for 1.2 hours overtime. The average female employee works 35.6 hours per week. She works for additional 0.5 hours to earn $816 a week.

Taking the statistics of salary ranges, over the last few years as basis, it can be assumed that finance, accounting, insurance, gas, electricity and water are the sectors in the country where employees earn some of the most attractive salary packages. Their average wages are twice as compared to that of the employees in retail and accommodation, restaurants or cafes sectors.

In New Zealand one can expect to get work if he/she has skills and experience. Or in other words, if you are expecting to get higher salary wages you must have a considerable amount of experience. A chartered accountant in cities like Wellington and Auckland earns from $105,000 to $110,000. The salary package of a corporate management candidate with experience can go over $100,000 per annum. Education sector is another sector where graduates are offered with attractive packages as per the country’s standards. An experienced school level teacher can expect to earn about $56,000 per annum. The yearly remuneration for university level professionals goes up to $73,000.

In a recent report, an American Couple won a Federal court case. Readers would be thinking as to what is so exceptional about winning a court case! The case could change the way the Canada government treats immigrants who are HIV positive.

Although Canadian Immigration laws do not openly ban immigrants with HIV positive coming to Canada, but having HIV is almost considered as an automatic refusal, on the grounds that the patients would compel major demands on the “health care” of Canada. The issue is a concern for people suffering from various health conditions.

Ricardo Companioni and his partner, both suffering from HIV, were initially approved to move to Canada under the Skilled Worker category. Their annual bill was prescribed somewhere around $33,500, on which the couple agreed to cover their own costs, provided they don’t get any insurance. The couple also showed a proof that they have half a million dollars in assets, but ended up as their case being rejected!

Companioni showed his astonishment and said that he was really shocked at being rejected at such a later stage. But on an advice form a Toronto lawyer, the couple decided to re-appeal. Courtesy the decisions by Justice Harrington’s decision, the case of the concerned American couple would be sent to another office for consideration!

The case might open the gates for all the immigrants suffering from HIV or any other health condition to move to Canada, provided they pay for their own drugs.

So you have finally decided to move to an altogether different country? Tell me, where will you start from? Are you buying a new home or will go for the option of “renting?” What about the household items? Read more to find out…

Moving to a new world is a beneficial step. But before making any final decision, it is always advised to make preparations in advance. Know about the current market situation in the prospective country. If the job prospects are limited, it would be better to hold for sometime and wait for the right opportunity. Never do any task in a hurry, as it will make turn the situation into a mess.

If you are planning to buy a house, do a thorough research on the property market and know about the laws governing foreigners buying in that particular country. As far as the option of “renting” is concerned, find out as to what are the average rents of that particular area where you are planning to rent a house. The cost also depends upon the type of the house - a bungalow, a castle, two-room, three-room, an apartment, and so on. Maintain a cautious approach from the corrupted private and agency rentals; otherwise you will never know when they will rob your pockets out of no where.

Insurance is another vital facet when it comes to Immigrating to a new country. After deciding as to what you are taking with you, insure your belongings. Arrange apt health Insurance, Life insurance and Travel insurance for you and your loved ones.

Consult an Immigration expert for a smooth application process.

After world wide agitation on Obama’s (http://blog.abhinav.com/obama%E2%80%99s-immigration-and-health-care-reforms-%E2%80%93-a-lie/) Health Care Reforms and Immigration Policies, every news piece concerned with the same goes on to create a huge awareness amongst the masses!

The fact is that Immigration and Health Care hold a big association with each other. Figures point out in the direction that illegal migrants in the US rarely go for a health insurance in America. That means almost 60 percent of illegal immigrants don’t have health insurance and on the verge of that they are spoiling the chances of free health care services that should be provided to legal migrants and Americans citizens, who actually need them.

Cogitations state that the lower level of education might be the reason for these illegal migrants for not going for a health insurance. Ofcourse, there are reasons like low income level of the illegal migrants, avoidance and ignorance on these relevant issues. This reflects the realities of the unstable American policies.

Knowing the fact that those immigrants who are uninsured as well as those who are on Medicaid; both prove extremely costly for the taxpayers. President Obama has suggested that an amnesty for illegal immigrants would surely act as a solution to this catastrophe. If the government tends to legalize illegal immigrants, it would not only improve their access to health care but also decrease the burden on the tax payers. But there are certain pros and cons related with this solution. Therefore the situation must be determinedly acknowledged. It is a serious requirement to come out with a law that would take care of the illegal residents, legal migrants as well as citizens of the country at the same time.

It is a fact that illegal immigration is like a parasite that eats away a country’s economy in a major way. That is why one should always go with legal immigration and hire the services of a genuine Immigration and Visa expert for a smooth application process.

Jobless people in Canada can find some ease in this article. With the Employment Insurance (earlier known as the Unemployment Insurance) by your side, you would hardly find yourself in any financial despair in Canada.

Canadian workers pay some amount in the Central Fund. In the later stages, when these workers leave their jobs or are unable to continue with their work, they can draw the same in accordance with their earlier made contributions. The amount received as an Employment Insurance depends upon the previous salary of the applicant as well as on the unemployment rate.

The financial aid was first attempted in the year 1935 and holds tremendous importance for places that have higher rates of unemployment. Here is a list of benefits associated with the Employment Insurance:

• Regular Employment Insurance benefits: These benefits are for those who are currently available for work but lost their jobs without their fault. For example due to seasonal lay-offs and so on.
• Maternity, Parental and Sickness benefits: As the name suggests, those who are pregnant, performing their parental duties for the newborn or adopted child or sick can avail these benefits. You are required to fulfill mandatory conditions such as showing a proof that your regular weekly earnings are reduced by more than 40% and so on.
• Compassionate Care benefits: The benefits are for those who have to miss their work for a dying relative. The benefit came into existence on January 4, 2004, when eligible applicants who are absent from their jobs to take care of a gravely ill relative; can get up to six weeks of employment insurance benefit for a time span of six years.
• Fishing benefits: A fisher by profession is a self employed person. But if you are not self-employed and are in the fishing occupation, then you can avail the Employment Insurance benefits.

When you should submit the application? It would be a wise option to apply for the Insurance as soon as you become unemployed otherwise there are chances that you may miss out on some key benefits.

Documentation

While making the application, you are required to show mandatory documents like your Social Insurance Number, Personal Identification, Record of Employment, Bank statements, Employment Details, Medical Certificate (If you are seeking sickness benefits) and Adoption Certificate (provided you are an adoptive parent).

*The documentation required may vary in the case of online registration.

Rules to Avail Employment Insurance

The applicant is required to fulfill the following mandatory conditions while applying for the same:

• You should be willing and able to work.
• You should be in a process of job seeking exercise and should have a record of the employers you have contacted (Date and Time of contact).
• Keep a record of the money earned when on Employment Insurance and report the same on schedule.
• Report all money earned (That includes your self-employment earnings too).
• Report when you are not available for work or are absent from your residence.

So if you have paid Canadian Employment Insurance premiums and are unemployed, it is best to apply for Employment Insurance as soon as possible.

Also, to claim employment insurance, it is mandatory to be a Canadian Citizen or have a Permanent Resident card. It would be a wise option to hire the services of an experienced Immigration and Visa consultant and secure a hassle free future for you and your family in Canada!

Unemployed people in the USA can avail certain financial benefits that are especially meant for those facing economical fluctuations. These allowances are termed as Unemployment Compensation.

Points to Remember:

• In general, the applicant must be unemployed through no fault of his/her (under State Law). The most common category that qualifies for the same is “Lay-Offs.”
• A lot of people get confused between their profiles as well as their eligibility criteria. For example, those who work on part-time basis or are self-employed tend to fill the applications to avail the financial benefits. But they must understand that until and unless they are fully unemployed, they can not apply for the same.
• There is no fixed amount meant for the Unemployment benefits. It depends upon various factors including the current economy, taxes, to name a few.
• The applicant must meet the State requirements for wages earned or total work experience during the “Base Period.”
• These benefits are intended to offer temporary financial assistance to the eligible applicants.
• Separate Unemployment Insurance Programs are administered by different states. The applicant must check the relevant state guidelines in accordance with the State law. But in a majority of cases, these financial aids depend upon the tax imposed on employers.

Benefits

• The benefits are not limited to any particular aspect. In addition, they depend upon the percentage of your earnings over a particular duration of time. You can avail the benefits for a maximum time period of 26 weeks. Every state has its own regulations.
• The guidelines may vary during extreme situations like financial catastrophe or high employment. For example, Extended Benefits would be granted in case of high employment and so on.

The list is endless. It would be a wise option to consult an immigration and Visa expert and gain a deeper insight into the whole issue.

New Zealand as an immigration destination can really work wonders for you. Considering the fact that the subtle and quiet country is arrayed with plenty of job opportunities and better future aspects, the country serves as a perfect option to initiate a fresh start of your life.

According to a recent news (July 2009), the New Zealand’s annual immigration growth climbed the highest level. This means that more and more people are considering New Zealand as an accomplished destination to live and work!

Philip Borkin, an economist at ANZ National Bank Ltd. in Wellington thinks that Migration would really boost the country’s economy and provide base to its housing market and spending in a major way.

According to an Internet Survey, Salaries in New Zealand vary from one city to another. Places like Auckland and Wellington offer high salaries, high Cost-of-Living and better job opportunities. Other cities offer decent salaries, depending upon the overall experience, qualification and the negotiation power of the applicant. But with all these factors, comes the job responsibilities also.

You are likely to get good bonuses and increments, provided you become a star of your employer’s eye! In some companies, deserving candidates get relocation costs and other aids regarding the housing expenses as and when required. Again, your qualification and knowledge matters a lot!

You would be paid overtime at the rate of ‘time and a half.’ But it is not the case with every company. Each firm has its own set of rules and regulations.

Facts

According to “Statistics NZ (http://www.statistics.govt.nz/),” following is the New Zealand Average Hourly Earnings (Data: September 2008)

In addition, people working in the finance, insurance and the electricity and other sectors earn more when compared to those working in sectors like the retail and accommodation and restaurants firms.

New Zealand serves as a brilliant option to migrate with your loved ones. Moreover, the country serves as a stupendous platform to build your career in a brilliant way. Hire the services of an accomplished immigration consultant and see your dreams turning into a reality!

An “Authentic” Place to Live In!

Calgary is regarded as one of the cheapest, yet a comfortable place to live, study and work, when compared with other major cities of Canada. The critical aspect is that, with the drop in the expenses, the quality of life has not been sacrificed at all.

Apart from being a stupendous city to live in, the place is decked with some of the enormous sightseeing options for all its habitants. Aero Space Museum, Bow Valley Ranch, Calgary Chinese Cultural, Canada Olympic Park and Calgary Zoo are some of the places that are a must watch for every person visiting Calgary.

An Overview on Accommodation

The main reason for a modest cost of living in Calgary is the weakening rate of Canadian dollar that has labeled the place as one of the cheapest to live in. The housing rates are much cheaper as compared to other major cities. For instance, one can easily buy a Standard Two-Storey at a cost price of somewhere between $390,700 and $400,000. Similarly, a Townhouse can range $301,600 and can go up to $330,000 (based on a 25% down payment and a 25-year mortgage loan at a 5-year fixed rate, which is exclusive of maintenance fees)

Students can get various options as far as their accommodation is concerned. Apart from the Campus Residence, students can opt for the “Temporary Accommodation” that may range somewhere between $1,089.00 and $1,200.00 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.

Distribution of Annual Basic Expenses (Per Household)

Food: $7,815 - $7,900
Shelter: $16,391 - $16,491
Household Operation: $3,807 - $3,900
Transportation: $13,458 - $13,600
Personal Taxes: $25,800 - $26,800

Transportation

Calgary Transit is a critical resource for people belonging to middle-class, students and elders in a major way. The transportation network besets a wide range of road, rail, air and pedestrian facilities and serves as a huge contentment for all the Calgarians out there.

The “C-Train” or Light Rail Transit (LRT) system serves a huge benefit for students as it has a University station on the east side of campus. In addition, students find a great comfort in traveling, with the presence of various bus stops that are located at the main entrances of various campuses.

Other Expenses

Always save some amount of money for unexpected expenses on a daily basis. Some of these expenses may include entertainment costs, dental and medical bills, insurance, investments such as IPO’s, shares and debentures and so on.

All in all, Calgary is one of the favorite places to stay and spend time with your loved ones. Hire the services of an adept immigration consultancy firm to know more about the immigration process and get ready to experience the feeling of “AWE”!