According to a recent survey, China is applauded as the third most popular destinations amongst the Chinese nationals who are intending to travel abroad. The first place is grabbed by Australia, followed by Singapore and as mentioned, the third place is grabbed by Canada.

The fourth position was grabbed by Japan, which got its rank just after the United States, South Korea and the land of Kiwis, New Zealand. The report was carried on by a joint collaboration by SUCCESS Foundation (which holds its base in Vancouver), EMR International and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. It was a joint collaboration between the three organizations.

It has been only few weeks when Canada has received its Approved Destination Status, unlike the land of Kangaroos, which received it in the year 1999. If this facet is seen, Canada has climbed the ladder faster as compared to Australia.

Also, with this increase in tourists and mutual immigration, Canada and China are celebrating 40 years of mutual diplomatic relations between both the countries. If speculations and predictions are to be believed, number tourists (including Chinese) would visit Canada in the coming years.

The connection due to Immigration has allowed the country to enhance the number of tourists every year, be it on Tourist Visa, Investor Visa, Student Visa, to name a few. These facets have allowed both the countries to build stronger relationships with each other.

Additionally, the survey states that Canada is applauded as one of the relaxed places with amazing and beautiful scenery along with fresh air and other options.

English is today recognized as a global language. When it comes to India, English has definitely become the language of the masses rather than being aloof with the classes. The Queen’s language is definitely a feather on the cap for all the Indians working in the private sector.

With organizations seeking those candidates who have good and effective communication skills, learning English is definitely on the to-do list for all those who want to make it big in the corporate world.

Apart from this, many Indians go abroad to study and for employment opportunities which requires them to prove their proficiency in English language. Based on the country they choose to migrate, they would either have to appear for an IELTS or a TOEFL examination. And with majority of urban Indians who are academically qualified tend to travel abroad; it makes sense to have a local testing authority as well.

Thus, India has come up with its own English language test which has been developed similar to those of TOEFL and IELTS. The test has been formulated by the English and Foreign Language University which is established in Hyderabad. This University has formed the All India English Language Testing Authority which would be responsible for conducting the first standardized test. This test is scheduled to be held on 30th May.

Despite the fact that TOEFL and IELTS are mandatory, there are only a few who take the exam to prove their abilities in the Indian scenario or those who would want a certification to prove their skills in the Indian market.

This test would have three levels and the test takers would obtain a certificate of proficiency. The three levels are Class tenth, Graduation and Post Graduation. As of now, the agency is in the stage of discussion with the Central Board of Secondary Education or the CBSE to conduct these tests for the tenth grade graduates. This is because the students of tenth grade would no longer have to appear for a board exam starting this year. Talks are also on with the University of Cambridge which conducts similar test for assessments across the globe.

The test costs only Rs. 1500 which is not that expensive especially when compared to its other counterparts which charge as high as Rs. 8000 per test. The contents of the test would involve reading, writing, listening as well as speaking skills.

Thus, it can now be said that India is finally waking to walk with the rest of the world. It surely would give an edge to all the Indian professionals seeking great career opportunities locally.

There is a lot of excitement in the air about the proposal accepted by the Union Cabinet about foreign universities to set up operations in India. It is but obvious that they would be subject to certain conditions. The question is whether this will make any difference to the overall infrastructure and facilities available in India.

The sheer shortfall in facilities for higher education and its quality in India are so huge that this permission may not make much difference. Some foreign universities and colleges may open their campuses in India but that would hardly be able to fulfil the gap between demand and supply. So, Indian students would continue to flock major countries that attract educational tourism. The fact is that the numbers seeking higher education in India outnumber the universities and institutions of higher learning can support present here.

Even when they start operating in India, they would be quite expensive. This would make it out of reach for the segment that actually cannot travel abroad for higher education. So, it is questionable whether this permission will mean affordable world class education in India.

More so, in India, such initiatives end up like a drop in the ocean. With this, huge investments for setting up such institutions will be a major deterrent. Foreign universities and colleges are facing cut backs in Government grants and assistance on account of the recent recession. So, they may not have funds in near future to take advantage of this permission. This might lead them to market their current facilities in countries like India and let international students pay.

In addition, there is an inherent risk of only B-grade international universities and colleges setting up base here. The objective of providing quality education may be defeated. The bill also has a major flaw as it sets no limits on the fee to be charged. That leaves the door open for exploitation in the name of “foreign” university/college.

However, the only silver lining in the proposal under consideration is that there is a beginning of a new hope. But in the end, the solution does not lie in permitting foreign universities to open up their shops. Instead, it is the improved facilities and teaching aids in existing educational infrastructure in India. Why not have provisions where big names collaborate with Indian universities, especially in states like Bihar, UP and Orissa and invest in their infrastructure and human resources? That will be the real gain for India.

In addition, it also needs to be understood that Indian students do not pursue overseas education only for the purpose of education. Their intention is to relocate to that country for better standards of life. This includes the overall quality of life, including employment and income opportunities that the developed countries offer. So irrespective of the scenario, the flow and outward movement to offshore educational facilities will continue unabated. Education is just one of the many important issues.

All in all, India as a nation must address issues related to corruption, bureaucratic mess, and law and order situation, infrastructural facilities like power, water and roads to make Indians stick to India.

A Sneak Peak!

A “Permanent Resident Card” is critical to provide an evidence of your permanent resident status and is a must for all the permanent residents of Canada. The below mentioned information is for those who are applying for the same and/or for the renewal/replacement of a PR Card. The PR card is valid for a period of five years, after which it is essential to renew it.

Rules Say It All

Since the year 2002, it is mandatory that every permanent resident of Canada holds a valid PR Card. It is also required for all those people who are planning to travel abroad and return back via different means of transportation. If you are one of those who have received your permanent residence after the year 2002, then there is no need to worry as you will be given a PR Card upon landing to Canada. In other cases, you are required to file an application for the same as soon as possible. An ace immigration and visa veteran would give you perfect advice on the relevant matters with luminosity.

Renewing or Replacing PR Card

There are various reasons as to why one would replace or renew one’s PR Card. Some of them are:

• If the card is lost or stolen
• If the card is fully/partially destroyed
• To update the card after making certain legal changes
• To replace the card that is mutilated or has incorrect information
• If the card is on the verge of expiring (or has expired) (It is recommended that you must apply for renewal two months prior to the expiry date)

And more!

A Glance of the PR card Renewal Application Process*

• The application procedure requires a fine detail of the places where you have traveled in the last five years. In addition, you need to mention your address and employment history at the same time.
• You are required to show your old card at the time of collecting your new PR Card. You can consult an immigration expert on further issues.

* In all cases, it is mandatory to return the old card to get the replacement card.
The process is somewhat complex and requires the assistance from a proficient immigration and visa advisor.