September 2023 - Nova Immigrations

September 29, 2023

How to apply for an Austria visa from Dubai?

Do you want to visit the amazing nature, beautiful cities, and special wildlife in Australia? Being one of the best tourist destinations in the world, no wonder there’s a huge majority of the population who aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime. For those residing in Dubai, travelling to the Land Down Under starts off by applying for an Australian visa. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Understanding the Australia Visa Types

Let’s understand the different types of Visas available before you start applying for an Australia visa from Dubai. Your reason for coming will determine what kind of visa you’ll need. Some of the visa types are:

Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream): This visa allows you to go to Australia for tourism, to visit your family and friends, or for short-term Business.
Student Visa: In case you want to study in Australia, you will require a student visa. Must show a letter of acceptance from an eligible Australian educational institution.
Partner Visa: If you possess an Australian resident or citizen partner, then you can opt for a spouse visa as well, which enables you to relocate with your partner in the territory of Australia.
Work Visa: They include different work visa types for people who want to work in Australia. This will vary with whether you’re qualified for the job and what type of work you plan on doing.
Family Visas: You could be eligible for a family reunion visa if your close relatives are Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Determining the right visa type for your application scenario is the first and most important step towards getting your Australian visa in Dubai. You need to choose according to the purpose of your visit and your eligibility. Take some time to look into all of the different visa classes so that you can make an informed decision.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Now that you’ve pinpointed which visa fits your bill, it’s time to start assembling documents. The documentation requirements can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, but here are some common documents you’ll need:

Passport: Make sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months left towards the leaving date in Australia.
Visa Application Form: Fill out the kind of visa form based on the form of your visa. These forms are mostly available on the official website of the Australian Government.
Passport-sized Photos: Submit new passport-sized photos as per the guidelines of the Australia visa photo requirement.
Proof of Financial Capacity: You might be required to show proof of your ability to support yourself while in Australia. These can be banking proof, payslips, or even monetary commitment from a sponsor.
Health and Character Documents: Some Visa type requires a Health checkup/character certificate as well.
Confirmation of Enrolment: In the case of a Student Visa, you must have an enrolment letter or Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from your Australian educational institution.

Step 3: Online Application

Once you have prepared all of your documents, you can begin the online application process. The Australian Government has an online system where you can apply at home in Dubai. Follow these steps as mentioned to submit your application:

Create an Immi Account: Log on to the official Australian government website and set up an Immi Account. This account will act as your login for all visa-related operations.
Fill Out the Application Form: Login to your Immi Account and fill out the visa application form. Make sure that the information that you provide is correct and truthful.
Attach Documents: Submit All Required Documents as Mentioned in Your Visa Checklist. The files have to be readable and well-defined.
Pay the Visa Fee: In most cases, a visa fee is associated with the application process. You can pay online with the help of a credit card.
Submit Your Application: After filling in the form with the necessary documents and payment, apply for your visa. A unique reference number (Transaction Reference Number or TRN) is sent to you to track the status of your application.

Step 4: Biometrics & Health Examination

In some cases, you’ll need to present yourself at the embassy for biometric data collection or even a medical examination, depending on the visa you apply for. Biometric checks include scanning of fingertips and facial scans. The medical test helps to determine whether you fit the health standards for arriving in Australia.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

You submit (well, now you can, fingers crossed) and wait around. Processing Time depends upon the type of visa you applied for and how many applications they have to process. You must also monitor the progress of your visa using your Immi Account.

Step 6: Visa Grant

After applying successfully for the visa, you’ll be handed a Receipt of the Visa Grant. Your visa notice would mention the terms and conditions attached to your visa, such as expiry date, travel limitations, etc.

Step 7: Travel to Australia

Congratulations! You have got your Australian Visa from Dubai and are all set to fly to The Land of Kangaroos and Koalas now. Make sure you’re following the terms specified in your Visa Grant Notice and booking your flights accordingly.

Step 8: Entry and Compliance

When you arrive in Australia, you’ll need to pass through Australian immigration Dubai and customs. Don’t forget to take out your passport, visa grant note, etc., and other identity proofs along with you. You must follow the terms and conditions of the Australian visa while you are in Australia.

Conclusion

Applying for an Australia visa from Dubai is a manageable process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. Remember to choose the right visa category, gather all necessary documents, and submit your application online. Be patient during the processing period, and once you receive your visa grant, prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the Land Down Under.

September 22, 2023

How Long Does It Take To Gain Visa To New Zealand From Dubai?

By admin New Zealand immigration consultants in Dubai

Gaining a visa to New Zealand from Dubai comprises multiple steps. The processing time for such visas depends on different factors. Visas are required for NZ immigration Dubai.

Kinds of visas

Before enquiring about the processing time, it is good to know the various kinds of visas to travel or stay in New Zealand (NZ).

Student visa: This visa is required by all who aspire to study in NZ.
Work visa: Meant for all those who intend to work in NZ for a short duration, such as seasonal workers, working holiday professionals and skilled workers.
Visitor visa: meant for tourists who desire to visit NZ for a short time, such as up to 3 months.
Business and Investor visas: For persons who wish to invest in or conduct business-related actions in NZ.

Process of application

To apply for a visa to New Zealand from Dubai comprises of following steps:

Choose the type of visa: First, you should decide what kind of visa is suitable for your objective. Every kind of visa has its own specific eligibility needs and criteria.
Collect necessary documents: There is a need to collect specific documents based on the kind of visa, such as employment letters, proof of funds, photographs, passport and many more of these kinds.
Online application: The majority of visa applications for NZ can be completed via online means through the official website for immigration to NZ or via the services of an immigration advisor with registration.
Medical exam and bio-metrics: Certain kinds of visas need applicants to offer bio-metric data (photographs or fingerprints) at a VAC (Visa Application Centre) or be subject to a medical exam.
Pay fees for application: During the process of application, the suitable fees for visa application must be paid. Such fees can differ based on the kind of visa and may even change with the passage of time.
Submit application: After preparing the application and paying the required fees, there is a need to submit the application and your necessary documents via courier or in person to the VAC.
Extra information and interview: Based on one’s circumstances and kind of visa, there might be a need to attend an interview or offer extra information.
Begin your wait: After the submission of the application for a visa, it will be placed in a queue for processing. The time for processing can differ much, based on many factors and the individual case.

Factors impacting time for processing

There are many factors that can impact the time for processing a New Zealand visa from Dubai, including the following:

Kind of visa: The kind of visa applied for has a major role to play in the time for processing it. For instance, Visitor visas are processed faster than work or residence visas.
The finishing of the application: A complete and well-prepared application tends to be processed at a quicker pace. Delays can be caused by missing data or documents.
Seasonal differences and workload: The time for processing your visa can depend on the number of visas in the processing queue at a specific point in time. Longer wait times can be expected in seasons of high demand.
Background and security checks: Processing time can be delayed for some persons who need additional background and security checks.
Medical exam or interviews: In case the application needs an interview or medical exam, the time for processing it can be delayed.
Changes in policies for immigration: Processing time can be impacted by changes in immigration policies of the NZ government. New rules can cause delays.
Native country: Processing time depends also on the country from where you are applying. For one, the NZ embassy in one country may be busier than others. Secondly, the citizens of UAE and Dubai do not need a visa to travel to NZ for a vacation. They only need an electronic visa waiver called NZ ETA (NZ Electronic Travel Authority). There is no requirement for presenting original documents or arranging appointments at a NZ embassy or consulate. The NZ ETA is valid for a maximum stay of 90- days per entry and permits multiple entries.
Fast processing: Certain applicants may be awarded the facility of priority or expedited processing. This can substantially lower the time for processing but may involve extra fees.

Estimated time for processing

First of all, note that the time for processing visas to NZ can be subject to change. So, it is recommended that you check the official website of the NZ immigration or consult an expert, registered advisor for NZ immigration.

Following are the typical time schedules for processing common kinds of visas:

Visitor visa: These take 20-week days, excluding public holidays. On average, they take 8 weekdays, and 90% of applications can be processed within 37 weekdays.
Accredited Employer Work visa: such AEWS visas are typically processed in 20 weekdays, without including public holidays. 90% of applications may be processed within 50 weekdays.
Student visa: The government aims to process such visas in 36 weekdays without including public holidays. 90% of applications may take 45 weekdays for processing.
Working holiday visas: Such applications are processed within 3 weekdays, and 90% of applications take a maximum of 23 weekdays to process.
NZeTA visas: Mostly, they are processed within 72 hours. Sometimes, it may take shorter or longer time spans.
Visa for partner of NZ resident: 50% of applications are completed in 6 months, while 90% are processed within 16 months.
Permanent Resident Visa: 50% are processed within 19 weekdays and 90% within 30 weekdays.
Resident visa of skilled migrant category: 50% are processed in 5 months and 90% in 6 months.
Resident visa with variations of travel conditions: 50% are completed in 7 weekdays and 90% in 18 weekdays.
Transfers of visas take 7 weekdays (50%) and 19 weekdays (90%).
Employer accreditation: take 10 weekdays without including public holidays. 90% of applications are processed within 16 weekdays.

In sum, the NZ government warns travellers not to book travel arrangements till the processing of their visas is completed. In case of travelling from Dubai to NZ without a visa, you have to keep ready proof of valid arrangements for onward or return travel.

September 15, 2023

How to Migrate From UAE to Canada without a Good IELTS Score?

By admin Canadian immigration consultants in Dubai

Are you a resident of Dubai or the rest of UAE dreaming of migrating to Canada but deterred by the language test in English called IELTS? There are many factors to help you in the process of gaining Canada immigration Dubai through this route.

Every year, thousands of persons migrate to Canada to seek great jobs, a high standard of living, a dynamic way of life and a tranquil, safe environment. Therefore, a huge number of people apply for different schemes of immigration.

One of the various conditions of eligibility for different immigration schemes is a good score on the IELTS exam. But this is often a tough prospect.

What is meant by IELTS?

The IELTS refers to the International English Language Testing System. The score on this exam serves to display competence in English for persons who are not native speakers of English. It evaluates the proficiency of a person in English in four important sections: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

This international exam has become mandatory for students seeking to migrate to a country where the primary language is English. This test is accepted in over 140 countries. In Canada, most Universities insist on IELTS scores for accepting foreign students.

One way to crack the test by getting a good score is to join training classes for IELTS and to get coaching from various institutes. The results of taking this exam are through IELTS bands, which display the proficiency of the student in the English language. A high band displays high proficiency.

Alternative for IELTS

The IELTS is not the only way to migrate to Canada. In case you fail to pass the IELTS or get a good score, there is no need to lose heart- there are other ways to ace the IELTS for Canada migration from Dubai.

The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a vital, easier and important test for migrating to Canada. This test is similar to the IELTS exam and is also a proficiency test in English. For both tests, one must learn to correct and master the language. But the best part is that even if you don’t do well on both tests, there are still other ways to migrate to Canada.

Needs for migrating to Canada from the UAE

For immigration from the UAE to Canada, the first thing to find out is which program of Canadian immigration the person has to qualify for. Every program has unique needs for eligibility, based on different criteria like education, age, occupation, work experience, and skill in either language (French or English).

Note that Canada is seeking skilled immigrants of peak working age with high potential to integrate successfully into the country and the capacity to contribute to the growth and development of the country. So, a potential immigrant must keep ready documents like proof of education and work experience and also proficiency in French or English.

Passing the IELTS General Training Exam is a major part of the process of application that will require you to prepare for the test and gain a decent score that is needed for gaining PR (Permanent Residency) for Canada. Thankfully, there are many online courses as well as study material to help prepare for the exam called IELTS.

Migrate to Canada without good IELTS score

There are some ways to migrate to Canada without having to take up the IELTS or a good score:

Seek universities that do not need IELTS score

In case you wish to study in Canada but want to avoid taking the IELTS, seek the universities that do not mandate it. It is often the universities rather than the Canadian embassy that mandate good IELTS scores for displaying proficiency in English. So, one can find such universities by doing a Google search. The Carleton University, The University of Regina, University of Winnipeg, University of Saskatchewan, Seneca College and Cambrian College are among the top Canadian universities that do not require IELTS.

Gain other proofs of language proficiency

International students are gaining alternative paths from some Canadian universities. Instead of the IELTS, one can take other tests of proficiency in English. This is a much easier pathway. In case you attended a school that featured education in English, all that you need to do is to get a certificate from the school and present it as proof of competence in English. Thus, you can avoid the rigours of the IELTS through this method.

Undertake an online English language course

One of the deterrent factors of IELTS is its high cost. The other major factor is the extensive and rigorous preparation required. So, instead of taking up the IELTS, one can undertake an online course in English. It is usually easier to crack rather than the IELTS and may not have a passing standard. There is only a need for a certificate of proficiency in the English language. In case you search online, you will come across several online courses in the language.

Apply for some work permits in the country

Many persons are unaware that it is possible to apply for work permits in Canada without an IELTS score. Note that the IELTS is only an exam to test whether you know the language to communicate effectively with other Canadians.

So, the only need is for a work permit to travel to Canada for a job. However, one must get a job offer from a Canadian employer to gain such work permits. The catch is that some employers might insist on a high IELTS score.

Canadian Experience Class, Express entry and PNP

If you are already working in Canada, you will be eligible to apply to the Canadian Experience Class immigration program that can lead to PR (Permanent Residency) in Canada.

The Express entry system is a point-based program that evaluates candidates as per criteria like work history, educational background etc. Good IELTS scores can boost your chances but are not mandatory.

Many Canadian provinces feature their own immigration programs catering to the particular needs of their labour market. Some PNPs offer access to PR without a good IELTS score, including provinces like Saskatchewan, Ontario and Alberta.

In sum, though IELTS is a widely accepted test of the English language for immigrants to Canada, there are alternative routes to immigrate to Canada from the UAE without undertaking the IELTS exam. Consider such opportunities to make true your dreams of settling down in Canada.

September 8, 2023

Top Tips to Prepare for Visitor Visa Interview in USA

By admin USA

Gaining a Visitor Visa to the USA can prove to be a rewarding but challenging and tough process. One critical aspect of this process is the visa interview. The visa process may have evolved much in 2023, so it is vital to get familiar with its details to be properly prepared for it.

Preparing for a visitor visa interview from anywhere, including that for a United States visa from Dubai, is crucial for a successful application. The interview is at the heart of the process of getting a visa, and your eligibility, as well as intentions for travel, will be clarified by the consular office at this stage.

Following are some steps to prepare for the interview:

Understand the type of visa

Prior to scheduling your visa interview, determine the kind of visa you require. There are 2 major categories of Visitor visas: B1 (for business visitors) and B2 (for medical treatment or tourists). You must ensure that the suitable kind of visa must be selected on the basis of your objective for travel.

Fill up the online application

Log into the website of the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Centre) and fill up the DS-160 form. Ensure that complete and accurate information is keyed in. After this, you will gain a confirmation bar code, which is required for the scheduling of the interview.

Pay the suitable fee

Based on the kind of visa, one must pay the suitable non-refundable fee for visa application. This fee can be paid through online means or via a designated bank. It is a must to retain the receipt for proof of payment.

Scheduling of visa interview

On payment of fees, it is a must to browse through the website of the US embassy or consulate in the home country for the objective of scheduling an appointment for an interview. One can expect to have to wait for a particular slot since there can be high demand. Make plans for the interview much in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Gather needed documents

In order to prepare for the interview, the following documents should be collected and arranged:

Passport- It must be valid for a minimum of six months after your intended time of stay in the US.
Confirmation of DS-160: Take a print of this page, which features your barcode.
Receipt of fee paid for Visa application: The receipt must be retained as proof of payment.
Confirmation of appointment: Print the confirmation of your appointment for an interview.
Photo- Give one copy of a passport-sized photograph that meets the stipulations of the US Visa process.
Documents of Support- Keep ready documents linked to the objective of travel, such as hotel reservations, letters of invitation and proof of strong ties to your home country.

Review of travel plans

Have a clear idea of your itinerary, such as details of flights, arrangements for accommodation and plans for activities during your stay in the US. A clear set of plans can serve as proof of the legitimate nature of the visit to the country. Make arrangements with USA visa consultants in Dubai.

Dress well and behave professionally

Be prepared for the interview by dressing in professional-looking clothes and behaving in a courteous and respectful manner. Note that first impressions carry a lot of weight, and your appearance can impact much the decision of the consular officer.

Be transparent and honest

You will be asked many questions during the interview process. Always offer accurate information and answer every question with veracity. One must be wary of providing excessive details or information that is not necessary.

Practice answers to common questions

The common questions asked during the interview are as follows:

What is the objective of your visit to the US? This is a warm-up question and can be answered in 2 to 3 sentences. (For negotiating a contract/ to visit my relatives/ to gain medical treatment). Answer shortly and precisely.
Have you travelled before to the US? This should be answered honestly, including reasons for the visit.
Do you have any relatives or friends based in the US? Apprise the consular official about any friends or family staying in the US. If you don’t answer this honestly, be prepared to get a rejected visa when they find out.
What are the details about friends and relatives in the US? Provide details like how long they have been staying in the country, about their work and their addresses.
Where will you be staying during your visit? Give proof of hotel bookings or letters of invitation from friends or family.
What is the reason for travel? Reasons for a B1 visa are easier to accept rather than a B2 visa.
How long will you be staying? Indicate the time to be spent in the US, whether for 2 weeks, 2 months or more.
Can you stay for a shorter period?
Who will be your travel companions?
Have you booked tickets?
What will be the estimated cost of staying in the US?
What is your occupation, and how much do you earn?
How will your visit be financed, and any details of your sponsor?
Are you married? Who will take care of pets and children when you are away?
Do you have any reasons or intentions to stay back in the US?
Can you provide proof of the reasons you have to return to your home country?

Practice your English if needed

In case you are not fluent in English, practice your conversational skills in the language. It is likely that the interview will be conducted in English, so one must be prepared to communicate effectively.

Attend the event of the interview

It is good to arrive at the consulate or the embassy before the time of appointment to avoid being late. Carry along all required documents, like the confirmation page of DS-160 and your passport.

Be polite and confident

Deal with the embassy or consulate official with courtesy and politeness. Answer the various questions posed with confidence and honesty.

Be ready for rejection of visa

Though you may have done your very best, be ready for a potential rejection of your application. In such a case, you can ask for reasons for denial and address such issues at a re-applied interview.

In sum, these are the steps to prepare for a visitor visa interview in the USA. By being suitably prepared and with the right documents ready, one can go through a smooth process.

Monthly Archives: September 2023