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.

So all you guys are ready? Finally made up your minds to witness the charms of this beautiful country called USA! Following are some of the few tips that would help you in your visit to the US:

• The first and the most important tip is to check the validity of your passport before leaving for the US. Ensure that your passport is at least valid for a minimum of 6 months so that you don’t have to get stuck in the process of “visa expiry.”
• Baggage: there are certain things which the applicants are not allowed to carry to the US. If a person is found carrying the prohibited items to the US, then he or she might get into huge trouble. For instance, you are not allowed to carry Alcoholic Beverages, Defense Articles, Dog and Cat Fur, Gold, to name a few. Cross check the list with your Immigration and Visa expert.
• Along with the validity of your passport, you are required to inspect the validity of your visa as well and maintain the status in accordance to that. Also check whether your visa allows single entries or multiple entries, in order to save yourself from getting into trouble at the Immigration Check.
• Clothing matters a lot: ensure that you dress conservatively while going to airport. Loud attire may give a wrong impression and could make you an abject of suspicion. Do not engage in any kind of fight what so ever.
• Ensure that you have all the documents ready with you. This may include your identity proof, photocopies of passport and visa, address proof and other vital documents, etc.

Hire the services of an Immigration consultant for more info on the same.

The US Government has finally removed the ban on immigrants with HIV/AIDS that barred them from entering the country. The amendments would be followed by a bi-annual global HIV/Aids summit, giving support to America’s intentions to become a leader in fight against HIV/Aids.

The 22-year long ban was imposed in the late 1980s. According to Rachel Tiven, who is the Executive Director of Immigration Equality, these amendments were long overdue and also The 2012 World Aids Conference would take place as planned in the USA.
Rachel Tiven further added that it is terrific to see that people are moving past the whole issue of  the disease and other issues related to HIV/AIDS and that ‘stigma’ has no place in the US Policy!

President Obama in October said that they lead the world when it comes to fighting against this disease and still America is one of the twelve countries which stop the immigrants with HIV to enter the premises.

But recent amendments have given a new ray of hope to people. The news came as a relief for all those prospective immigrants with HIV planning to migrate to America and make it big there. All they have to do is consult an expert Immigration consultant and know more about the amendments.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE AUDIO:

Abhinav commenced its Immigration Consulting Business on August 18th 1994. Since the date, the firm saw various seasons and several ups and downs. The team of “One Man Army” gradually flourished its business all over India and is currently in the process of becoming the leading Immigration and Visa Consultancy firms of the nation.

Abhinav as an organization has several branch offices all over India, with its head office located in New Delhi. The firm is attired with proficient Visa specialists who specialize in all kinds of visas for countries like Australia, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, USA, to name a few. In addition, the firm is bedecked with separate segments namely Documentation Department, Marketing Section (both offline and online), Client Servicing, SEO Team and other professional personalities who leave no store unturned in serving the visa-related needs of the clients in the best way possible.

Talking about the website, the company revamped its Site on 14th August 2009. The task for the SEO team was to start everything from the beginning and thus the “Blogging Aspect” commenced on 3rd August 2009. The team of accomplished writers at Abhinav started doing what they could do the best – writing blogs on the Immigration world and acquainting the readers on these critical issues. Next, the responsibility was handed over to the SEO Team which promoted the website to greater heights in just few months. Thanks to all this, the Alexa ranking moved down to 25,239 from 80, 00,000, in nearly four months! The Blog (http://blog.abhinav.com/) is filled with nearly 470 posts and the site has witnessed more than 1, 50,000 niche visitors since April 2009! Above all, the Testimonials on the website speak out the praise and trust that the clients have in store for the company!

(To see the biggger sized image please click here)

All this was not possible without the sheer guidance of Mr. Ajay Sharma, the principal immigration consultant at ABHINAV, who always remains with his employees and applauds them as a one big family!

Year 2010 holds new promises and hopes for everyone out there!

New Year’s Eve celebration happens to be the biggest common party across the globe when all nations and religions forget all the differences and come together to welcome the New Year. New Year’s Eve is one such occasion when everyone in everyplace around the world manages to recognize the New Year with some sort of celebration. As we are slowly approaching to the end of 2009, once again there is a restlessness in preparing the planner for the occasion. However, if you are looking forward to have something big and really happening on this New Year’s Eve, then we can help you. Here is a compilation of top ten destinations where you can celebrate the momentous occasion in the best possible way. Go through it and decide upon which destination to reach to join the New Year celebrations before it gets too late.

Sydney, Australia: Sydney accounts for one of the best places across the globe for New Year celebrations, where thousands of enthusiasts gather at Circular Quay, the hub of Sydney Harbour. The celebrations actually begin in the afternoon with a lot of activities. However, the Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display lights up as the clock strikes 12. The spectacular views of fireworks last for more than 15 minutes, but the celebrations go on till the wee hours.

No matter where you want to party, be it in a pub, on the water or on the bridge, make sure you are at Circular Quay to witness the one-of-its-kind fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For your information, make sure you wear black, since black is the wardrobe color of choice for social Sydneysiders. A boat ride in the Sydney Harbour is a fascinating activity on this occasion. It would also be an opportunity to enjoy some great music.

Edinburgh, Scotland: To Scots, New Year is Hogmanay, which is one of the most popular New Year’s events in the world. There is a long rich heritage associated with this event. Hogmanay is basically a four-to-five-day extravaganza. It includes parties to street festivals to entertaining, sometimes terrifying fire festivals, to be brief. Hogmanay usually starts with the Torchlight Procession, followed by street theatre, live music, the Hogmanay carnival and firework at the mid of 31st of December.

Scotland also hosts a number of New Year’s events during Hogmanay. The most famous and the biggest event being taken place in Edinburgh.

Paris, France: Being a famous New Year destination in the world, the capital city of France displays amazing fireworks all over the city. If you are fond of great fireworks, then you must visit Paris for this New Year’s Eve celebrations.

On this occasion, mostly crowds pack around the Champs Elysses and the Eiffel Tower. The dazzling fireworks display can be best viewed from the Eiffel Tower. Being in Paris for the New Year’s celebrations does not mean that you miss out on its famous attractions, including the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre-Coeur Basilica and many more.

Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne perhaps hosts the greatest and the most extravagant New Years celebrations in Australia. Accompanied by massive fireworks the celebrations stretch to the extent of the River Yarra from Swan Street Bridge to Waterfront City, Docklands.

Participants of Melbourne New Year’s Eve celebrations are fortunate enough to see the city skyline lit up into a rainbow of colors. People just cannot get enough of the fireworks shows. The spectacular fireworks can be best viewed from the Princes Bridge and the Crown Entertainment Complex. If you are up to join the celebrations, make sure you reach one of this or all venues- Waterfront City, Docklands; Alexandra Gardens; Federation Square; Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct; Birrarung Marr; and New Quay.

Not to forget, electrifying live performances, roving performers, live music, DJs, movies and lots of other entertainment programs are an integral part of the celebrations. Once you are in Melbourne, do not miss out on an Aussie Rules Football game. Take out some time to wander through the trendy neighbourhood and visit some of Australia’s coolest nightspots.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Known for its warm and friendly people, Rio de Janeiro attracts one of the great crowds on the eve of New Year. People mostly flock to the beaches to celebrate Reveillon (New Year’s Eve), however, it’s Copacabana Beach that hosts the most famous Rio de Janeiro’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

What attracts millions of people every year for the celebrations to Rio de Janeiro is its liveliness. There is always a friendly atmosphere around, thanks to its friendly and warm people. The city houses many interesting museums, ever-welcoming beaches and historic neighborhoods. It is also considered as one of the world’s top party cities, thanks to its thriving nightlife.

Every year Copacabana beach witnesses millions of enthusiasts dancing to the beats of Samba, while sharing champagne and partying. The fireworks display lasts for almost 30 minutes since the time the clock strikes twelve.

Rome, Italy: The volley of fireworks at Piazza del Popolo really deserves a look on the eve of New Year. Even though New Year’s Eve in Rome is celebrated all over the city’s squares, Piazza del Popolo accounts for the most popular destination in Rome to welcome the New Year. The celebrations include fireworks, fantastic rock and classical live music concerts throughout the night, followed by various performances and acrobatics for children’s entertainment in the next day (New Year’s day). A trip to Rome to celebrate New Year does not mean that you indulge only in the celebrations on the square. Rome is like an open museum, so take some time and roam around the charismatic lanes accompanied by amazing architectural structures. Make sure you head to the Trevi Fountain and throw in a coin. Everyone does it!

New York, USA: Times Square in Manhattan in the New York City is the best place to be in for New Year’s Eve celebrations. People gather at the venue and the celebrations begin as the New Year’s Eve ball drops from the flagpole on the top of One Times Square. This is one of  the most charming celebrations, since one hardly can beat New Yorkers on how to put on a celebration.

London, England: The British people like it somewhat different! Of course, the best place to be in London to ring in the New Year is Trafalgar Square. People congregate here and countdown to the New Year. People from across the Europe join the New Year’s Day celebrations that stir a sense of national pride and joy within the participants. The London Parade on the New Year’s Day features local heroes, marching bands, clowns and more. You can also join the celebrations near London Eye and London’s Big Ben clock tower.

Las Vegas, USA: What can be said about Las Vegas, the city that parties every night throughout the year!! The city definitely makes one of the best destinations to welcome the New Year 2010. You cannot ask for more, it has everything from night clubs to strip clubs to casinos. Always packed with all the arrangements, Las Vegas surely makes one destination favorable for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Goa, India: Goa has always proved to be a hot destination for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. The premier beach destination of India is crowded by thousands of visitors, just to welcome the New Year while jiving and singing. Goa has the perfect ambiance for the celebrations, thanks to its exotic beaches and nightlife. Goan culture and cuisines are some of the delights that visitors from across the world admire it for. While in Goa for the New Year’s celebrations, never miss the chance to walk around the beautiful churches!

As only a few days are left for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, these destinations are going to be packed with enthusiasts to spend the momentous occasion of ringing in the New Year 2010. Be smart and book your tickets and hotels in your desired destination as the hotels fill up very quickly every single year!

Making career and finding better future options are some of the facets that are perhaps becoming top priorities for students out there. More than anything else, students are concerned about their faculty, institutions and the kind of education they get. This is perhaps one of the reasons, they don’t hesitate to leave their home country and choose the option of studying abroad. Check out some of the hottest study destinations:

1. The United Kingdom: Just as the destination is popular with vacationers, it is immensely applauded for its educational institutions, range of courses offered and faculty members. And if you are into literature and art, there is no better place than the UK. Just head on towards UK and know their culture and accent by indulging in some entertaining exchanges.
2. Australia: The country offers a perfect comfort zone for students, especially those belonging to the English-speaking zones. Sydney, Perth and Melbourne are most popular study hubs in Australia, thanks to some of the renowned universities like University of Sydney, The University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, La Trobe University, and Melbourne Business School, to name a few. Australia has lot to offer to students having any subject.
3. USA: USA as a study destination can be regarded as a brilliant choice to perfect your academic career and enhance your chances of working with some of the top professionals. Students from various countries flock in to study some of their favorite subjects in well-recognized US Universities.
4. Canada: The country offers a diverse range of more than 90 Institutions and is famous for its high quality of education. With a country offering diversity like no other, Canada with its two official language- English and French, can be a perfect choice for you. Some of the options include Academy Canada, Acadia University, Alberta Vocational College – Calgary, Cégep Joliette-De Lanaudière, College Militaire Royale, and Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, to name a few.
5. Italy: Know that Europe’s oldest university is in Italy! Students from all over the world come to study in some of the best Italian educational institutes like European School of Economics, European University Institute, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Istituto Universitario di Architettura (Venezia). It is advised that students should not limit themselves to the places about which they have just heard. Rather, they must check out institutions in other Italian cities as well. There is more to Italy, then just pasta, pizza, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and wine! Go and explore its educational aspects.
6. Mexico: The place is getting increasingly popular with students planning to study and learn the meaning of life at the same time! The line sounds interesting! Isn’t it? The practical experience offered by the country is even more exciting and full of learning experiences. Just study your favorite subjects and make your career in Mexico! In addition, it is a great place to learn Spanish.

The list doesn’t end here. Consult an Immigration and Study Visa expert now and know more about your options of studying abroad.

The United Nations has ranked Australia as being the one of the best countries to reside in. The country has been rated as second in the world for its high standards of life. Norway stole the show by topping the list.

Australia is now expected to top the charts in the next year’s report. It was found that in Australia, there were progress rates in the level of life expectancy and the income level increased by 4%. This was achieved in a period of a year.

The 2009 Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Program covers the various aspects for the year 2007 – 08. The study included a total of 182 countries. The issues studied mainly focused on the life expectancy, the income and the level of school enrolments and so on.

In spite of the recent negative reports regarding the racial attacks, Australia has always been outstanding in all the important aspects necessary for the evolution of the life and economy.

Other countries in the list include Iceland, Canada, Ireland, The Netherlands, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Japan, the United States and the UK and so on. However, the United States and the UK were found to be much lower than the others.

The report stated that both - internal and international migration has lead to an increase in the level of income and leading other better facilities. These include better education and health services and a better future for the children.

This report clearly states the contribution done by the immigrants to boost a particular economy. With this, when asked about immigration, the survey showed a positive response. With this, the level of competition was very high amongst the skilled migrants for a job in all the developed nations.

Above all, with such a positive attitude plus Australia being voted as one of the best countries to immigrate, there is no other better time to migrate. In spite of all the negative publicity, the country has come out clean and so, it’s worth taking a chance.

Contact an Immigration and Visa Specialist to know more on the same. He would be able to guide you aptly through the entire procedure.

When compared to other countries in the world, it is not easy to get a Permanent Residence permit in the United States. This is commonly known as the Green Card which is obtained by the immigrants. This card proves an immigrant to be a resident of the United States.

Obtaining a Green Card is important in order to be a citizen of the United States at a later stage. Being a Permanent Residents entitles an individual to live and work in the US indefinitely. Based on the local state laws, a Green Card holder might be permitted to vote as well in the local elections. But, this is not true for the federal elections.

But the Green Card is highly restrictive to only a specific set of immigrants. It would not be granted to you simply because you resided in the country. Many factors are considered before approving of a candidate.

In order to apply for a Green Card, an application has to be submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The eligibility criteria includes the following –

• A permanent resident or a citizen of US who has agreed to sponsor you.
• Sponsorship from your employer.
• Incase, you are a refugee in the country or are on the look out for shelter.

The approval completely depends on the number of candidates applying each year from a specific community or nationality. If the number is available for the applicants from your native country, you would be considered for the same. In case you are selected, your application would be put on a waiting list which would be reviewed again in the consecutive years. This is very specific for countries which have high number of applications coming in such as India, China, Mexico and the Philippines.

Usually, preference is given to those candidates where the employer is the sponsor and they are highly skilled and qualified.

But, it is best suggested to contact an Immigration and Visa Specialist and Immigration Attorneys who can help you with the same. You would be given the best advice through these individuals since they are always updated in this field. So, get to know more from the above people.

Many prospective immigrant investors consider it wastage of money to consult an immigration expert before actually filing an application. But most of them forget that it is due to the lack of right information that many a times problems arise. Seeking the appropriate guidance and advice is the key to get a visa in the right manner.

There are various aspects that need to be understood by an immigrant investor especially in the case of the prospective EB – 5 investors. These include the legal aspects, investment requirements and other areas of practicality which are otherwise not specified.

Another point to be considered here is that the information provided by the visa office is highly restricted. If noted carefully, the information is provided with a lot of ambiguity. In the beginning the investor might seem to have understood. However, he might at a later stage find himself totally confused due to the lack of complete information.

The main aspect with the EB – 5 programs is that it is subject to cancellation after 2 years if the enterprise does not meet the requirements. This basically refers to the lack of jobs creation by the business enterprise. With this, there is less to verify by an applicant especially with reference to a few points of which the applicants are made aware off. Also, there are certain aspects which do not come to light until they are removed from the criteria.

In addition to the above, most of the information brochures and programs tend to focus on the positive aspects involving an endeavor to promote the program. This tends to hide the other aspects which at times are important than the positive factors. Thus, it is highly suggested to take professional advice from a seasoned immigration and visa consultant. An outsider’s opinion is of much more importance here. For obvious reasons, this could not be expected by the authorities to explain.

In order to the get the right perspectives, ensure that you get in touch with the right consultant who deals with the particular program in the EB – 5 category for which you are applying.

Above all, self help can also prove to be of great use before consulting an Immigration Specialist. This would help you better prepare with all the questions regarding the same. Also, you would be in a better position to understand what is suggested and recommended by the expert.

As far as the qualifications for TN Visa are concerned, you must qualify under NAFTA and meet the below mentioned qualifications:

• You should be either the citizen of Canada, USA or a Mexican citizen in order to apply for the TN Visa
• The occupation that you are planning to indulge into should be listed under in NAFTA Appendix 1603.D. In addition, you should hold the necessary qualification to work in the concerned business.
• You have been offered a job by a U.S. employer and it should be temporary in nature.

Documents Required for TN Visa

• You need to show a proof of your Citizenship (For instance, your Birth Certificate or Passport)
• Another evidence that the applicant is required to show is that the intended business opportunity as well as the prospective applicant, both are eligible under Chapter 15, Schedule 2 of NAFTA.
• In addition, the applicant is required to provide the offer letter from US employer as well as your experience letters.

There are other mandatory facets that are linked with the application process. Consult an Immigration expert to know more about the dimensions linked with it.