New Zealand Immigration Application: What's the Difference Between the Principal and Non-Principal Applicant

Immigrating to other countries are indeed time and money consuming. Some even say that one’s patience will definitely be put into test while processing these said visas. 

 

For Filipinos, living, working or even studying abroad is a great opportunity not only to know the new country’s culture but also finding different career opportunities that will improve them professionally or personally. Among the many countries overseas, New Zealand has been getting a good number of Filipino immigrants.

The New Zealand immigration advises their applicants to complete a visa application or help with their travel with a professional advice from immigration consultants, lawyers or any institution that are authorized as an immigrant adviser. It is quite risky to ask help from advisers who are not licensed since applications can probably be refused by the immigration officer.

 

 

There are a lot of visa types offered in New Zealand. However, many are wondering if there is a difference between a principal and non-principal applicant. Are they different? What are the provisions or limitations? Let us find out.

A principal applicant is the primary or main applicant from the original residence of the application. This person has already been granted a permanent resident visa. On the other hand, a non-principal applicant is the family members included in that application. For example, these are the principal’s partner and dependent children of the principal applicant.

Non-principal applicants can be granted a visa after their principal applicant has been given one. Moreover, granting a second or subsequent resident visa is possible for non-principal applicant as long as the principal applicant is qualified for a subsequent resident visa during the non-applicant’s visa application.

Any principal applicant can include their partner and children below the age of 24 in their application. However, children 25 and up will need to submit a separate application and is charged with a separate fee. The eligibility of these children aged 25 and up will still depend on the principal applicant’s qualifications and eligibility.

As a first step for visa application, read online on what documents are needed and take necessary exams if required. Additionally, since getting a visa is important and can consume time and money, it is best for Filipino applicants to get help from immigration consultants. This can be an additional expense for their applications; however, it is best that applicants are guided on the right documents to be presented when the visa is lodged. Remember that once the visa application is not accepted, fees will not be refunded. As a first step for visa application, read online on what documents are needed and take necessary exams if required.

News: Australia To Accept Alternative English Examinations from Visa Applicants Aside from IELTS and OET

English proficiency examinations – sounds easy, yet the reality, it is a test of great challenge to any non-native English speakers. In countries like Australia, understanding and speaking the English language is very important to non-native English speakers. Finding a job will be very difficult and communication is a big problem when somebody is not familiar with the English language. This is the very reason why Australian immigration requires an English proficiency examination like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Occupational English Test (OET) to their visa applicants.

The IELTS is a paper-based examination where one is gauged on how good they are in the English language through different tasks from English’s course skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing. On the other hand, OET is a language test designed for health professionals. The test evaluates the candidate’s language and communication skills of healthcare professionals who want to register and practise on their field of expertise in an English-speaking work environment. The OET is offered to the following professions: dentistry, pharmacy, dietetics, medicine, physiotherapy, podiatry, nursing, radiography, occupational therapy, speech pathology, optometry, and veterinary medicine.

Good news to non-native English speakers, Australia will now be accepting language scores from Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) and Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). Starting on November 2014, applicants can submit test scores from the two examinations for visa applications. Actually, TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic are already accepted for student visa applicants. On November 2014, applications for visa subclasses from Temporary Graduate, Skilled and Work Holiday visa can have the two tests as proof of English proficiency.

Other visa categories now also accept TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic: Employer Nomination Scheme, Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, Business Innovation and Investment (provisional), Skilled-Independent, Skilled-Nominated, Work and Holiday (temporary, Skilled – Recognized Graduate and Temporary Graduate. With these option of using TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic, candidates will be able to find it easier to choose a test which has a test center in their own country. Candidates are given options which they can choose from depending on the availability of test schedules.

Candidates can now choose which test they can take. However, candidates have to keep in mind that whatever test they choose, a great deal of preparation is needed. It is recommended to review for these examinations – whether alone or with English review centers – to hit the target scores of these examinations. The key in getting a successful score in any English proficiency examinations is the amount of training and practice one gets before taking the exam.

Three Types of Visa Categories for Migrants in Canada

Seeking a better life overseas? Why don’t you try applying for a visa in Canada?

Canada is one of the countries where an increasing number of Filipino immigrants have been recorded yearly. Indeed, Filipinos find Canada a country where they can work with better benefits and live a life that they have always wanted. With a very strong economy and breathtaking scenery, Canada is sure to offer any Filipino immigrants a better quality of life. However, it is an advantage to any immigrant to know the different visa categories in Canada. 

 

 

1. Canadian Experience Class

Applying for permanent resident status through this visa, one should be (1)have the required work experience in Canada and must have possessed all the necessary work permits and authorizations, (2) able to speak in French or English.

Requirements:

a. Work experience

· At least a year of full-time as a skilled worker; full time means 30 hours a week or about 1560 hours in a year.

b. Skilled work experience

· Must be a job or occupation that requires a specific level of skill, education or training. There are three types:

• Skill Type 0 (senior management, middle and management positions)
• Skill Type A (occupations that require a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate level)
• Skill Type B (occupations that require at a college or vocational level)

c. Language Requirements

· A proficiency test on English (IELTS) or French

2. Business Immigrant Visa Class

 

This type of visa is to those immigrants who can invest or start a new business in Canada. Applicants are expected that through their businesses, they will support the growing economy of Canada. Applicants are selected based on their ability to become economically established once in Canada.

a. Investors – it aims to attract people and capital in Canada. Applicants must be able to show that they have strong business experience, an investment in Canada, and a good minimum net worth.

b. Entrepreneurs – it targets people who will own and manage their own businesses in Canada. These businesses have to make a contribution to the economy and provide jobs in the country.

c. Self-employed persons – it is for people who have the intention and ability to establish their own employment. They are expected to contribute to the cultural or athletic life in Canada.


3. Trained Worker Visa

 

 

Applicants are chosen as permanent residents based on their ability to become economically established in Canada. Applicants must be able to present the following:

a. A certification or result of a language proficiency test (English or French)

b. A valid offer of employment

c. A one-year full-time paid work experience in one of the occupations in Canada

Applicants have the option to choose on:

a. Federal Skilled Worker: for those interested to live in any province except Quebec

b. Quebec Skilled Worker: for those migrating to Quebec

c. Provincial Nomination Programs Skilled Worker: for those intending to live and work in their particular province and territory

Visa applicants may take time and a lot of money so preparing the requirements beforehand is a good step. In addition, choose which visa suits you best. For more information, visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/.