The Opportunities Ontario program enables the Ontario government to choose specific foreign skilled migrants who could cater to the needs of the businesses in the province. Since it is an investment program where in the companies are invited to invest in Ontario, one element of this program involves firms recruiting or deploying employees in Ontario to ensure appropriate functioning of the organization.

In other words, the Opportunities Ontario General Category along with employers allows investors or businesses to recruit overseas workers. Or, through the General Category, companies which are making big investments in the Canadian province of Ontario can hire their key professionals to work for them in the province. To be eligible to recruit foreign workers, companies making investments in Ontario must make a minimum investment of 3 million dollars or more in the province. Besides, they must generate minimum five permanent full-time job positions within the province.

Apart from companies, individual investors can also reap the advantage of the Opportunities Ontario nominee program. As far as individual investors’ eligibility criteria are concerned, they are required to fulfill the following:

• Either an individual should invest a minimum of 1 million dollar in the business, or he/she must have a 33.3 percent control of the business.
• The individual must have an active role in the business’ daily management.
• The investor must have generated minimum five new positions for which Canadian permanent residents or citizens have been recruited.

For more information on the procedure of recruiting foreign workers by investors through Ontario Provincial Nominee Program, contact an Immigration and Visa Consultant!

All the foreign investors have been assured by the government of the United Kingdom that despite the suggested immigration cap, these amends would not affect firms intending to do business in the UK. The amends would be brought about in such a manner that the interests of the foreign investors would be intact.

According to Vince Cable, the Secretary of State, the government is aware of the requirements of such investors from other nations which include bringing in people at the managerial level along with other intra-company transfers. He said this while addressing an event where he was to announce the National FDI Figures of UK. He also mentioned that a separate panel (independent) is currently under the process of evaluating the takeover laws. As per him, these laws were too accommodating. At the same time, there would not be any major changes but would impact both the domestic as well as the foreign nations in the same manner.

The present government in the UK has dedicated itself to put a cap on the economic migration especially from those belonging to the non European Union nations. However, a process to execute this new law is yet to be brought about.

During a breakfast meeting with the top foreign investors in UK, the Prime Minister of the nation, David Cameron pressed on the point that the new government would emphasize the ability of the nation to draw and hold inward investment as part of its plan for economic recovery.

It was announced by the UK Trade and Investment that in 2009-10, there was an increase of about twenty percent in the number of jobs created by the foreign investors. This led to the numbers reaching 94,000. This is irrespective of the drop in the total project numbers resting at 1619.

In a few months, a lot of changes in terms of immigration cost in the United States are expected to take place. By September, the cost of acquiring a US Green Card will be hiked. It is going to be around 10 percent more. The changes to the cost are yet to be confirmed. If reports are to be believed the cost will be raised from 930 dollars to 985 dollars.

Along with the changes in the cost of Green Card, the US immigration system is going to bring a few other changes as well. Some of them include a hike in cost for the applications for temporary residence. This fee is likely to rise by 420 dollars to 1,030 dollars; as well as changes to investors’ visas. Currently, the visa category does not require fee, but with the implementation of the changes, it would be subjected to a new fee of 6,230 dollars.

Ninety percent of the annual budget of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Department comes from this fee paid by applicants and petitioners. The government department reviews its fee structure in every 2 years in order to determine if the fees are sufficient to recover the costs. According to reports, USCIS’ fee revenue for the fiscal years 2008 and 2009 was not that satisfactory. This year also the revenue is expected to follow the same trend.

It is confirmed by the immigration department that it will not raise the fee for the US citizenship applications, which already got a boost of sixty-nine percent in the year 2007. The charge is likely to remain 595 dollars per application. USCIS has also made changes to the fees for non-immigration US visas in the beginning of 2010, when it implemented a tiered structure.

The most prestigious and significant financial summit that is G-20 summit is going to be held in less than fourteen days. And amongst all the countries which come under G-20, Canada is going to host such prominent event.

Besides holding the unique position of hosting the event, Canada also stands a position of a country with strongest economic condition in the world. The problem of financial crisis nations such as Europe and North America underwent serious job recession phase but Canada remained unharmed and maintained its economic balance during that difficult phase.

Presently Canada stands as one of the strongest country amongst all the developed countries which forms the special group of G-7 countries. Canada holds this position because of its low debt, stronger economic condition and rising level of immigration. Canada has an upper hand over other countries because of the availability of rich resources and better demographics as comparable to other G-7 countries.

Canada’s rising level of immigration shows that many immigrants prefer going to Canada over other countries for settlement and business investment. An introductory data conducted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada proves the validity of this point very well. In the year 2009, a large number of immigrants were given the Canadian visa. According to the data collection, more than 50,000 foreigners were admitted to Canada.  This is quite impressive number as the population of Canada is 34 million people only. Today Canada is that one country where the profits of any investment are going to be in abundance. The investors will be enjoying various benefits such as corporate earning, dividends and permanent residency of Canada for those who are planning to give their contribution in the Canadian economy.

If you want to invest or start your business in Canada, then you can hire any immigration and visa consultancy which would help you in your visa application process.

As clearly mentioned in our previous articles, we have yet another story of young Indians making it big in the world. This time it is about Indian born Standard Graduate students who are the master minds behind one of the key applications in the iPad. This $3.99 application is the highest paid in the iPad section at the Apple Store.

Ankit Gupta (22) and Akshay Kothari (23) are the minds behind this innovation known as the Pulse Reader application. They developed it as the Institute of Design at the Stanford University.

According to Kothari, they gained inspiration for this project from a personal frustration which they developed after constantly reading and updating themselves on the news pertaining to mobile devices. This device is easy to use and very stylish at the same time. This news aggregator service came about in one of their Launch Pad classes. In these classes, all the entrepreneurs of tomorrow are provided with opportunities where in they could develop and bring in new products and devises within 10 days.

Pulse is capable of taking as much as twenty different news sources which could be followed leading to the creation of a visual mosaic of the news. Through this clean, visual news aggregator, the news stories and articles could be easily tapped and enables a clear view of the same.

One can also view the “text-only” format of the articles as well. These versions are nothing more than the cleaned versions of the site’s RSS feeds. However, it also caters to the full articles the way they are published on the website.

At the same time, it also permits for sharing these stories via Twitter and Facebook through the individual sharing tools which are usually available on the particular websites as well.

Pulse is yet to find a place with many news agencies and organizations since they are still in a position of getting acquainted with the schemes of the iPad. Although, high hopes are attached with the success of this device.

As of now, almost 15,000 people have already downloaded this application. When it comes to the revenue, more than $40,000 has been generated. Of this, Apple has a 30% cut in it.

Ankit and Akshay have started their own venture known as Alphonso Labs. At present, they are working on the different versions of this application which would cater to other instruments as well. At the same time, talks are on with many prospective investors as well.

So, definitely a bright future for these two bright lads!

Known to be the fastest growing economy in the world, China is finally working on its immigration program with an aim to bring in more foreigners in its nation. This is supposed to better aid the development of its economy.

When it comes to immigration, it is important that the other countries who have been conducting similar programs must be taken as an example. This would help in maintaining global standards. Also, it would aid in maintaining the standards of the program.

Attracting foreigners such as skilled migrants, investors and other seagulls is of utmost importance. Seagulls refer to those individuals who are employed by multinational organizations and travel round the world to further increase the business prospects of the organization. This requires an immigration law that is competitive and sound at the same time.

However, as of now no concrete plans have emerged despite several meetings between the Ministry of Public Security, the Chinese People’s Public Security University as well as the Beijing Law Society.

When compared to nations in the west, there would be little changes in the legal aspects that would control the foreign investment pertaining to immigration. The countries in the west have specific laws when it comes to foreign investors.

But this would not be enough for the future since the immigrants would also have certain demands that are a must to be addressed. This is specifically true when it comes it comes to employment opportunities, education, customs and traditions amongst others.

The key aspect to be noted here is the classification of the immigrants into different sections similar to that of other nations. These include skilled and unskilled migrants, investors and so on. Based on these, the rules should be developed accordingly.

All in all, immigration to China would open many doors for the much needed boom to its economy.

In a dramatic tale like the climax of a hit Bollywood movie, the Ambani brothers marked their reunion on Sunday, illustrating an end to their five year long family debacle and making the whole media and business industry go aghast over the news! Both of them nodded on a mutual agreement that they won’t barge into each other’s business and would allow their individual firms grow gradually, without other’s intervention!

The Share Market too is not left behind from the after effects of this reunion. The cancellation of non-compete pact left the shares of Reliance Industries and ADA group firm see some hike, as Dalal Street showed a positive outcome.

What next now? The companies owned by Ambanis contribute majorly to the Indian GDP and global market. Hence, the move would surely play a critical role in enhancing Indian’s economy and provide blessing to the people and capital associated with these companies.

According to Indian finance minister, Pranab Mukherjee, the news would turn out as a positive development for the Indian economy as a whole. Even the print media is not left behind. The Economic Times applauded it as front page news, stating that “Blood is thicker than Gas.” The two brothers have vowed to craft an ambiance of harmony, where they would cooperate in the upcoming future. It is surely great news for Indian business industry.

Mother Kokilaben is reported to have brought both the brothers together on one stage and allow them to revoke the previous agreement. What went behind this decision can turn out to be a rough guess from anyone’s kitty, but surely one cannot speculate as to what lies ahead for the relationship between both the siblings. Will they go on to resolve their family disputes too, and what about the much-hyped GAS issue? One thing is guaranteed, the so-called “reunion” would allow the negotiators from both the sides to deal with the gas-agreement in a subtle manner in the upcoming days.

But how can we look at this end of “no-compete agreement” in a broader perspective? Would investors become all set to invest in these two big power houses with huge ray of hopes? Or will they see it as just another fling of passing times or something of short-term gains?

However, under the agreement which was set in the year 2006, both the companies vowed on not to barge into the same sector, which would provide “operational and financial” adaptability to both the firms. But now both have nullified the same!

Financial experts believe that it is a new opportunity for both the siblings. Both of them can go on and explore new arenas and may find opportunities to work together too.

When the family is happy, who are we to say anything? Right? All well that’s ends well!

While the whole Canada makes a favorable immigration destination, people often get confused deciding where to live or which city would suit them best! Of course, choosing the right place to live makes one of the most important facets of the immigration process. It comes across as the most important factor when you plan to take your family along with you.

Many of you might have already chosen the Canadian city where you will work and live. Though, here is a little description about Vancouver. Even though this city does not need any introduction, here is what makes this city special and one of the most popular Canadian immigration destinations. There are a number of reasons for which overseas people intend to immigrate to Vancouver.

• Vancouver in British Columbia is a very multi-cultural city like most of the Canadian cities, where you would get to see a wide range of cultures and languages spoken. Thousands of immigrants, including students, investors, entrepreneurs from all over the world come to this city and do not want to leave!
• Vancouver’s economy is evolving and it holds endless job opportunities for local, as well as overseas workers. Some of the prominent sectors that are generating these opportunities include education, technology, film production, and financial services. The city is North America’s third largest film production location.

Apart from these, Vancouver’s temperate climate is one of the reasons as to why people prefer it as an immigration destination. Not to forget its natural beauty, that comprises mountain rages, forests and coastlines, which offers a multitude of opportunities for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, biking, hiking and walking!

With two of the world’s richest men being Indians, I am at a loss of words. Both – Mukesh Ambani and Lakshmi Narayan Mittal have proved that India is coming of age and its citizens are to be taken seriously. Their businesses employ millions of people across the world, including those in India. At the same time, this news does not sit comfortable with the extent of poverty that is so visible in India. It simply adds to some amount of confusion regarding where we stand. Are we a capitalist economy or we should take a softer socio-capitalist root or are we to follow a socialist approach to accepting these riches?

I am sure that these two (and hundreds of other rich people) do lot of philanthropy. But what is the logic for such inequitable income among poor in India and the world population in general? How can the world work together to have a more happy and satisfied souls and less of hungry and crying people around us?

Also to think of the burden that these rich face is something to think about. I am sure they want to do a lot for the poor and hungry. But how fair is the world in expecting them to subsidise their happiness for something which is not their responsibility in the first place? If the rich are to support all the hungry people, where is the motivation for them (poor and hungry) to work hard climb the ladder on their own? And these rich people pay millions in the form of taxes to the Government in the hope that these taxes would be used for the benefit of people at large. By paying taxes, have they not fulfilled their duty to the nation and its people?

On a lighter note, how does it feel to be so rich? I cannot even think of what their feelings are? Is it not true that they have to work harder to overachieve themselves and continue to be rich, year after year? Does that not make them tired and unhappy? Do they manage to take out time for themselves and families? Some interesting questions!
By the way, here is the 2010 list of “Forbes” Richest in the world:

1. Carlos Slim from Mexico
2. Bill gates from USA
3. Warren Buffet from USA
4. Mukesh Ambani from India
5. Lakshmi Mittal from India
6. Larry Ellison from USA
7. Bernard Arnault from France
8. Eike Batista from Brazil
9. Amancio from Spain
10. Karl Albrecht from Germany

Here is a toast to all these individuals for the admirable success they have achieved. Let’s wish them more of the same for the future so that they can do more for fellow human beings as employees, investors and philanthropist.

As per the recommendation of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), United Kingdom Immigration department may bring changes to the Tier 1 visa scheme in the near future. To be very precise, people with a Masters Degree, along with meeting the requirements of the particular visa category would find it easier to obtain a Tier 1!

Last year in December, the MAC put forward its recommendation to make changes to the requirements for the UK Tier 1 Visa, for instance, allowing people with a Bachelor’s Degree, not just Masters Degree or equivalent degree to immigrate under the said visa scheme. Of course, such an implementation would help many people to immigrate to the UK. If the changes recommended by the MAC are going to be amended, there would also be a provision under which prospective immigrants would gain points for previous annual earnings.

Undoubtedly, the recommended changes will prove to be a better chance for future immigrant to migrate to the UK. But, there would be some people as well who may not meet the requirements for previous annual earnings. Let’s see if the UK Immigration will put these recommendations into force or not. Let us hope for the best!

The UK Tier 1 visa scheme is designed to attract overseas talent from outside the European Union in order to let them contribute to the UK economy. This scheme is part of the Points-based system for employment-based immigration. Under this program, highly skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, as well as foreign graduates of UK educational institutions are issued with visa to work in the UK!