Moving, especially moving abroad, presents many challenges and raises many obstacles. How does one set about deciding to move abroad, and if you do move, how do you set about making sure you can stay there permanently if you so desire?
Most countries apply formal controls on the movement of people across their borders, both for political and economic reasons. Some countries actively encourage controlled migration on the basis that an influx of skilled people is of benefit to the country. Others – such as the USA – find that they are inundated with people wanting to pour across their borders. So…will YOU be welcomed? Countries generally encourage migrants who fall into the following categories and arrange the visa process around these requirements:
- Family: people reuniting with family members
- Professional skills: people who are given permission to enter the country on the basis that they have qualifications and experience which are in demand
- Business: Entrepreneurs, experienced executives or self employed people who are able to set up a business or make a financial investment in their new country
The first decision that needs to be made is whether to apply for a temporary or a permanent visa. For some, the security that a permanent visa offers is massively important and they will have no trouble in deciding that this is the choice for them. But for others, breaking their ties with the UK is a really scary concept and they would prefer to ‘test the water’ so to speak – for these people the temporary visa may seem a better option. We are talking about the lucky few here of course, those who actually have choices.
Most people will be forced to choose the visa that fits in with their particular set of circumstances. This being the case, it’s always helpful to know what your options may be.
Temporary Visa Class
If you are applying for a temporary visa to a country that requires your personal set of skills then you are likely to be doing so either via a business or an investor visa. Bear in mind incidentally that there is a chance that the temporary visa can be changed to a permanent one at a later date – if this is your intention you need to make sure of this upfront.
The time limit on a temporary visa varies from country to country, but can be as short as 2 years. During this time, as a temporary resident, you’ll usually have many of the same benefits as a permanent resident, but of course you will need to renew your visa before it expires.
As a former resident of the UK, you will be entitled to emergency medical care in your new home only if the new country has a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK. In EU countries this is relatively easy with your EHIC but you need to be aware that in many countries – South Africa springs to mind - you will need to be covered by private medical insurance of some sort.
Generally you won’t be entitled to social welfare and won’t be able to vote in your new country. You will be taxed on any income earned there however and, if you’re still being taxed in the UK, you will need to go into the tax situation in some detail. Some countries have an agreement with the UK whereby any money taxed there is not taxed in the UK – the assistance of a tax expert would be advisable in this respect.
The OGC Resource Centre team have a number of highly recommended tax experts that they could put you in touch with – just give them a call on 0207 898 0549.
Permanent Visa Class
To obtain a permanent visa for most countries you generally require either specific and very desirable skills or sponsorship, either from an employer or from family who already reside in your country of choice.
Permanent skill visas are usually points assessed and if you have the correct number of points, you have a good case for a visa. If you’re applying through the family sponsored scheme, there are normally certain criteria that will need to be met.
Arriving as a permanent resident has huge advantages, not the least of which is that you’ll be starting a period of time in the country that will count towards your citizenship. It also means that you’ll be able to access almost all of the services and rights that are available to citizens, with the exception of the right to vote. One of the most important advantage is medical care, providing that your new country has good medical care for its citizens of course. It may also make a difference if you are going to be looking for a job once you arrive: no one gives the best jobs to someone they regard as a temporary staff member.
Choosing the Correct Visa Class
How do you know which visa is right for you or indeed which visa you have an option of applying for?
I would suggest that the first port of call should be the embassy of your new home in the UK, either in person or on the Internet. Or you could speak to a migration agent – there are many of these and if you could possibly get a personal recommendation to one this would be helpful. They cost a bit but it may well be money well spent as they know the ropes and can steer you in the right direction.
If temporary residency is the only choice you have, and you want eventually to change this to a more permanent status, you will find that in most countries this can be arranged. Having said that, there are a few visas in the USA for instance that, although they can be continually renewed, offer no chance of permanent residence. You need to be aware of these restrictions in your country of choice before spending vast sums of money on what you hope will be a permanent move.
And remember, don’t be afraid to obtain a permanent visa if you can. It doesn’t mean you can never come back to the UK: it just gives you the option of staying in your new country for as long as you wish and could lead to dual citizenship, which also has a number of benefits.
Kim Brown
http://www.EmigrationGuide.com
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