The most common type of long-term residence visa issued is the UAE Investor Visa, which requires that the applicant invests a substantial amount of money in UAE to qualify.

Who qualifies for a UAE Long-Term Residence Visa?

There are two types of Long-Term Residence Visas for the UAE, which both have their own requirements and eligibility criteria.

10-year UAE long-term residence visa

You’re eligible for the 10-year UAE long-term residence visa if you fall under one of the following categories:

• You invest at least AED 10 million in the public sector (UAE Investor Visa – see below)
• You are a person with a specialized talent, such as a doctor, scientist, inventor, specialist, or of special talent in the field of culture and art; medical doctors, as well as engineers of computer programming, electronics, electrical and biotechnology.

5-year UAE long-term residence visa

You’re eligible for a 5-year UAE long-term residence visa if you fall under one of the following categories:

• You invest in a property in the UAE (UAE Investor Visa also known as the Property Visa UAE)
• You are an entrepreneur with an existing project which has a minimum capital of AED 500,000
• You are an outstanding student who has:
  • A minimum grade of 95% in a public or private secondary school
  • A GPA of at least 3.75 in a university in or outside the country after you graduate

online since information keeps changing. Make sure to know all you need before you apply or invest.

What do I need when applying for a UAE long-term residence visa?

When applying for a AE long-term residence visa, you must have several documents which support your purpose of application.

When you apply for the entry permit, you need documents such as:

• Copy of your passport
• Passport-size pictures
• Bank Statement for the past 6 months
• Any additional documents related to your purpose:
  • Company Trade License Copy
  • Copy of Partnership Contract (if applicable)
  • ID of other partners (if applicable)
  • A copy of the Memorandum of Association (for LLC)
  • Proof of accreditation by the relevant UAE authority (for specialized talents)
  • Proof of patent (for investors)

When applying for the long-term residence visa once you’re in the UAE, you need the following documents:

• Your entry permit
• Medical test
• Passport
• Pictures
• Immigration Establishment Card
• Any documents related to your purpose of travel

Keep in mind: This is not a complete list of documents. The required documents differ for each case, and you may also need to obtain approval from the UAE authorities prior to applying for the visa. Additionally, due to the more sensitive nature of this visa, you may also need to get the help of an attorney or other authorized legal entity.

How to get a UAE Investor Visa?

To get an Investor Visa in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE, you must invest at least AED 10 million in the public sector in UAE or invest at least AED 5 million in a property.

Investing in the public sector (10 year visa for UAE)

To get a 10 year UAE visa by investment, you must invest at least AED 10 million in the public sector in the country. This includes:

• Making a deposit in an investment fund
• Setting up a new company in the UAE, whose capital is at least AED 10 million
• Becoming a partner in an existing company, provided that your shares are not less than AED 10 million

Additionally, when you invest the money, you must make sure that:

• It is not loaned
• You maintain the investment for at least three years

Buying property (5 year visa for UAE)

You may also get a long-term visa for the UAE by investing in a property which has a gross value of at least AED 5 million. The money you invest cannot be loaned from someone, and you have to maintain it for at least three years.

10 year UAE visa for persons with specialised talents

You may also get a UAE visa for the UAE if you have a specialized talent. For example, if you are a doctor, investor, specialist, scientist, or you have a talent in the field of culture and art. However, the 10 year visa for the UAE for persons with specialised talents is subject to the following conditions:

• For scientists: You must be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or hold a Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.
• For artists: You must be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
• For inventors: You must have a patent of value (accredited by the Ministry of Economy), which is beneficial to the UAE’s economy.
• For doctors and specialists: You must fulfill at least one of the following conditions:
  • You hold a PhD degree issued by one of the top 500 universities in the world
  • You have a PhD degree and 10-year professional experience in your field
  • You have an award or certificate of appreciation related to your field
  • You are a member of an organization related to your field
  • You have published articles or scientific books in renowned publications related to your field
  • You have specialized in an area that’s of priority to the UAE
• For executives: You are the head of a leading and internationally recognized company
• For otherwise exceptional talents: You must have a scientific research that’s been published in a world-class journal or you must have a patent

Can I take my spouse and children with a UAE Investor Visa?

Yes, if you have an Investor Visa for UAE, you are allowed to bring your family members with you, such as your spouse and children. Additionally, the visa can be extended to include one executive director and one advisor.

Can I have a business partner with a UAE Investor Visa?

Yes, multiple business partners can apply under a single UAE Investor Visa. However, that doesn’t mean that you can split the investment multiple ways: each business partner must invest their own AED 10 million.

How to apply for a UAE Investor Visa?

Usually, all foreigners applying for a visa for the UAE have to be sponsored by someone in the UAE, such as their employer (for work visa) or school (for student visa). However, in the case of long-term residence visa for the UAE, you can apply yourself, without the need for a sponsor.

• For UAE Investor Visa, the registered company serves as your sponsor
• For UAE Property Visa, the property you purchase or invest in serves as your sponsor

Applying for the entry permit

Before you apply for a Residence Visa, you must first get a UAE Entry Permit, which is issued for multiple entries and for a duration of six months. You can apply for an Entry Permit online:

• For UAE Investor Visa
• UAE Visa for Entrepreneurs \ Special Students
• UAE Visa for otherwise talented persons

Once you enter the UAE with an entry permit, you have to go to the relevant visa issuing authorities in the UAE and request the long-term Residence Visa.

Applying for the Residence Visa

UAE Residence Visa applications are issued in the UAE at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the relevant emirate in which you will live.

The websites of the GDRFA in each emirate:

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai (see also Amer, a website which Dubai citizens and residents can use to apply for family reunion and visitors can use to extend their Visa On Arrival)
• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah

You must enter a medical test to prove your medical fitness before applying for the residence visa.

Note: Because the Investor Visa for the UAE is a different category than regular visas, you may need to hire an attorney or legal representative to help you with the process, as well as to find investment opportunities in the UAE. Additionally, the Investor Visa is a relatively new visa, and as such there is contradicting information

How to get an Investor Visa in Dubai?

Foreign nationals who want to settle in the emirate of Dubai, have to apply for an Investor Visa for Dubai. Since Dubai is simply one of the emirates making up the country of the UAE, the application process for an Investor Visa for Dubai is the same as detailed above. The only difference is, of course, that you will apply directly to the GDRFA offices in Dubai, not in another emirate, such as Abu Dhabi.

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However, the Investment Visa for the UK is not a direct citizenship-by-investment program, like in many other countries. This means that you actually have to live in the UK before you can apply to become a citizen.

Is a UK Investor Visa a Golden Visa?

The Tier 1 (Investment) Visa is the UK’s version of the Golden Visa, in the sense that it offers residency to individuals who make substantial investments in the British economy. However, the minimum qualifying investment for a Tier 1 visa is higher – starting from £2 million – and investment in real estate (i.e. buying a house) does not qualify.

Unless you have expert knowledge of UK legislation and financial matters, you will need legal help to settle your investment.

To get assistance with the required paperwork and procedures of getting a Golden visa for the UK, it is advisable to hire legal representatives that specialize in these matters.

Additionally, you cannot renew the UK Investment visa or apply for permanent residency or citizenship without actually living in the UK for the majority of the year.

UK Investor Visa Benefits

The benefits of the UK Investor Visa are:

• You can live, work, study, and do business in the UK.
• You can bring your close family members with you.
• You will enjoy the benefits of living in one of the biggest economies in the world.
• You enjoy the benefits of one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
• You and your family can eventually become British citizens, which would allow you to travel visa-free to more than 187 countries.

Who Can Apply for a UK Investor Visa?

You can apply for the UK Investor Visa if you invest at least £2 million into the British economy and you fulfil the following eligibility requirements:

• You are over the age of 18.
• You have a clean criminal record.
• You can prove that the money you wish to invest belongs to you, or your spouse/partner.
• You are not from an EEA country or from Switzerland.
• You have opened a bank account in the UK to use for your funds. The bank must be a “regulated financial institution”.
• Your money must be disposable in the UK (free to spend).

Residency Requirements for UK Investor Visa

Unlike most countries which issue residency by investment visas, in the UK, you have to actually spend time in the country if you wish to renew the visa or apply for permanent residency.

UK Investment Visa Options

To qualify for a UK Investment Visa, you must invest at least £2 million* in one of the following options:

• An active and trading UK registered company. This means that the company must be:
  • Registered in the UK (or at least have a registered office in the UK)
  • Actively trading – not dormant or non-trading.
  • Have a UK bank account which shows recent transactions and payment of taxes.
• UK Corporate bonds, by way of share capital or loan capital.
• Investment in Government Bonds is no longer a viable option, as of March 29, 2019.

*The amount of investment is decisive on when you receive permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain):

• If you invest £2 million, you can get ILR after five years.
• If you invest £5 million, you can get ILR after three years.
• If you invest £10 million, you can get ILR after two years.

Required Documents for a Tier 1 UK Investor Visa

To apply for a UK Investor’s Visa you will need to submit several documents as a part of your application process. Based in these documents, and the online application form, the UK authorities will take a decision on your application.

The required documents for a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa are as follows:

• Valid Travel Document. Your passport must have at least one blank page in order to be able to put the visa sticker on it.
• Tuberculosis test results. Check if you are required to take a tuberculosis test, since only the nationals of certain countries do.
• A criminal record certificate. You should obtain this document from any country you have stayed in for at least 12 months, over the last 10 years.
• Evidence that you have the required funds. You will also need to submit proof where that money came from, and if it can be transferred to the UK and converted to sterling.
• If the money is provided by your partner you should submit the following as well:
  • A certificate of marriage or civil partnership, as applicable.
  • A confirmation from your partner that they will allow you to control the funds in the UK.
  • A letter from a legal adviser stating that the statement is valid.
• Evidence you have a UK bank account. This document should be dated within three months of your application. It should be on the headed paper of the bank and state your name and account number. It must confirm that the bank is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and that the checks for money-laundering have been carried out.
• Certified translations of all documents that aren’t in either English or Welsh.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

When to Apply for a UK Investor Visa?

The earliest that you can file an application for a UK visa for investment is three months prior to your intended trip to the UK. Yet the latest you are advised to file an application is three weeks before this day since this is the amount of time necessary for visa processing.

How to Apply for a UK Investor Visa?

You have to apply for a UK Investment Visa via the Visas and Immigration website of the UK Government. The application process is as follows:

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Provide the required documents.
3. Pay the visa fee.
4. Pay the health surcharge.
5. Once you submit the application online, you must locate the nearest UK visa application centre to submit your biometric information and fingerprints, as well as any other required documents.
6. Wait for the visa application to be processed. This usually takes up to three weeks.
7. Once the visa application is processed, you can collect your biometric residence permit.

Seeing as the required investment is so high, most applicants hire experts with strong knowledge of British finance and immigration laws.

Online Application Form for a UK Investor Visa

As explained above, before you start any other procedure to apply for an Investor Visa, you should complete the application form.

The application form for a UK Investor Visa contains questions regarding:

• Your name & surname.
• Your date and place of birth.
• Nationality
• Parents, their names, date and place of birth and nationality.
• If you have traveled to the UK before.
• If you have traveled anywhere in the world before.
• The purpose of your trip to the UK.
• The visa type you are applying for.
• Whether you are meeting the requirements, etc.

Can I Switch to an Investor Visa if I Am Already in the UK?

Yes, if you are in the UK with one of the following visas, you can switch it into a Tier 1 Investment Visa before your current visa expires, provided you fulfil the requirements:

• Tier 1 (General)
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
• Any Tier 2 Visa
• Tier 4 (General Student)

If you have any other visa, you have to leave the UK and apply via the regular method.

UK Investor Visa Fees

The Investor Visa application fee is £1,623. When applying to extend your Investor Visa you will also need to pay the same fee again. There are no exceptions.

UK Investor Visa Processing

The UK authorities take up to three weeks to process a UK Innovator Visa (Tier 1) application.

How Long Is the UK Investor Visa Valid?

A UK Investor Visa is valid for up to 3 years and 4 months. When your visa is about to expire, you can apply to extend it for another 2 years. After five years of residency, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

If you invested £5 million, you can apply for ILR after three years of residency, whereas if you invested £10 million, you can apply for ILR after only two years.

UK Citizenship by Investment

Since the UK investor visa makes way for settlement in the UK, it is also known as UK Citizenship by Investment.

To get a UK Citizenship by Investment you first need to get a settlement permit in the UK, You can do so after a particular period in the UK with an Investor visa. This period depends on the amount of money that you invest, as follows:

• You can apply to settle in the UK after 2 years if you invest £10 million.
• You can apply to settle in the UK after 3 years if you invest £5 million.
• You can apply to settle in the UK after 5 years if you invest £2 million.

After 12 months in the UK with a settlement permit, you are eligible to apply for UK Citizenship by Investment. You will need to pay a fee of £1,330 in order to apply.

Can I Get UK Citizenship by Investment?

Yes, an Investment Visa for the UK can lead to British citizenship – a few years down the line. After receiving the Investor Visa, you have to maintain your investment and you and your family members have to live in the UK continuously to qualify for citizenship.

To be eligible for a British passport, you must:

• Live in the UK for at least six years.
• During the five years before applying, you must have been in the UK 75% of the time. In other words, the time you spent outside the country must not be longer than 450 days out of five years.
• In the year before the citizenship application, you cannot have been out of the country for longer than 90 days total.
• You must not have broken any British laws.
• You must be of good moral character.
• You must have knowledge of the UK culture and knowledge of either English, Scottish, or Welsh language.

Can My Family Join Me With a UK Investor Visa?

Yes, your family members can join you in the UK if you receive an Investor Visa. dependent family members include:

• Your spouse or your partner.
• Your minor child (under 18).
• Adult children if they are dependent or if they are already in the UK with you (i.e. they reached adulthood while living in the UK).

They have to apply online via the Visas and Immigration website of the UK Government and have a clear criminal record from all the places they have lived in (adult family members only).

Can I Work in the UK with an Investor Visa?

Yes, if you have a UK Investment Visa, you can work and study in the UK as well. The same applies to your dependent family members.

You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. You also cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training, unless you have a degree from a UK institution or have worked in the UK previously in those positions.

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Yet, not everybody can just move to the United Kingdom and get a job. There are a lot of procedures that one needs to complete and conditions to meet in order to be able to work in the UK.

One of the main components of being able to work in the UK is getting the right kind of work visa. There are several work visas for UK, depending on your profession and qualifications.

Following in this article find a list of the main UK work visas, shortly and simply explained.

UK Work Visa Types

The UK Employment Visas are categorized in four main groups, as follows:

• Short-term work visas.
• Long-term work visas.
• Investor, business development and talent visas.
• Other work visas.

Short-term work visas for the UK

The UK short-term work visas are all part of the Tier 5 Visas, part of the UK Point Based System. The main categories of these visas, also known as the UK Temporary Workers Visas, are as follows:

• UK Charity Worker visa (Tier 5). Persons who want to do unpaid voluntary work for a charity in the UK can apply for this visa. A certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer is required.
• UK Creative and Sporting visa (Tier 5). Persons who have been offered work in the UK as a sports person or creative worker can apply for this visa. The main criteria includes the possession of a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer in UK.
• UK Government Authorized Exchange visa (Tier 5). You can apply for this visa if you want to come to the UK for work experience or to do training, an Overseas Government Language Program, research or a fellowship through an approved government authorized exchange scheme.
• UK International Agreement visa (Tier 5). This visa is for persons who are contracted to work for a foreign government or as a private servant in a diplomatic household in the UK.
• UK Religious Worker visa (Tier 5). If you want to move to the UK for a short-term in order to do religious work, such as preaching or working in a religious order, you can apply for this visa.
• UK Seasonal Worker Visa (Tier 5). You can apply for a Seasonal work visa is you want to travel to the UK and do farm work for up to 6 months.
• UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa (Tier 5). A visa for persons who have certain types of British Nationality or are from certain countries, between the age of 18 to 30.

Long-term work visas for the UK

The UK long-term work visas are all part of the Tier 2 Visas, part of the UK Point Based System. The main categories of the UK long-term work visas are as follows:

• Tier 2 General UK work visa. This visa is for persons from outside the EEA and Switzerland who have gotten a job offer in the UK. The applicant must be employed by a licensed sponsor in order to be able to apply.
• Tier 2 UK Intra-company Transfer visa. Persons whose overseas employer has offered a role in a UK branch of the organization can apply for this UK work visa.
• Tier 2 UK Minister of Religion visa. A visa for non-EEA and Switzerland nationals who have been offered a job in the UK within a faith community.
• Tier 2 UK Sportsperson visa. Elite sportsperson or qualified coach, who has been recognized by their sport’s governing body as being at the highest level of their profession internationally, can apply for this visa.

Investor, business development and talent visas

The UK has established several visa types for foreign investors, business developers and talented persons. There are several UK visa types for these categories, as listed below:

• UK Innovator visa. This is a visa for foreigners who want to set up or run a business in the UK.
• UK Start-up visa. This is a visa for persons who want to set up a business in the United Kingdom. Endorsement by an authorized body is a must.
• UK Global Talent Visa. Persons who work in a qualifying field and have been endorsed as a recognized leader or an emerging leader, can apply for this visa.
• UK Graduate Entrepreneur visa (Tier 1). Graduates officially endorsed of having a genuine and credible business idea should apply for this UK work visa.
• UK Investor visa (Tier 1). This is a visa for investors that want to invest £2,000,000 or more in the UK.

Other Types of UK Work Visas

Other United Kingdom work visas are as follows:

• UK Ancestry visa. You can apply for this visa, which permits you to get a job in the UK, if you are a Commonwealth citizen applying from outside the UK. You must prove that at least one of your grandparents was born in the UK.
• Domestic Workers in a Private Household UK visa. Domestic worker in a private household that wish to visit the UK with their employer can apply for this visa.
• Representative of an Overseas Business UK visa. You can apply for this visa if you are the sole representative of an overseas company planning to set up a UK branch or a wholly owned subsidiary for an overseas parent company. Employees of overseas media posted on a long-term assignment to the UK are also eligible.
• Turkish Businessperson UK visa. This visa is for Turkish nationals who want to move to the UK to start a new business or to help run an already established business.
• Turkish Worker UK visa. This visa is for Turkish nationals who have worked in the UK for at least one year as the spouse of a Briton or a settled person.

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With recent media coverage of healthcare cost nightmares in the US, foreigners traveling there have understandably started becoming concerned about the average cost of a doctor visit or a trip to the ER.

Having Travel Health insurance while visiting the USA is optional, but highly recommended and necessary since health services are very costly, more than in any other country anywhere across the globe.

But, just how much does a doctor visit cost in the US? Will visitors have to leave half of their life savings at the hospital because of a simple sprain? What if a more serious medical emergency pops up? What if you get into an accident?

How Much is a Doctor’s Visit Without Insurance in the USA?

The average cost of a doctor’s visit in the US is not too high – provided it is just a consultation and you do not need actual medical treatment. In these cases, the price can range from $200-$300.

On the other hand, if you actually are sick or have sustained an injury and need to visit the Emergency Room, then the prices can quickly add up.

According to a study conducted by the National Institute for Health, the average cost of an ER visit in the US is $2168. The average prices for some of the most common reasons for ER visits are as follows:

• For sprains and strains: $1498
• For open wounds or extremities: $1650
• For a normal pregnancy or delivery: $2008
• For a headache: $1727
• For back problems: $1476
• For a kidney stone: $4247
• For a urinary tract infection (UTI): $2598
• For an upper respiratory infection: $1101
• For an intestinal infection: $2398
• For other injuries: $2103

However, the cost of an ER visit depends on several other factors such as the coverage of your health insurance plan (or whether you have an insurance plan at all) and even which hospital you go to. Additionally, your treatment and even your doctor may affect the cost of your hospital visit.

And keep in mind that the earlier figures are an average, which means some people pay much more than that.

Medical Treatment Costs in USA

The US has some of the highest prices in the world regarding medical treatment, and if you don’t have health insurance, a sprained ankle or another unexpected injury during your trip could end up costing you thousands of dollars. One of the reasons why an ER visit in the US can reach such high prices is due to the cost of medical tests and procedures.

Ambulances

In the US, an ambulance ride is not paid from taxpayer money. Much like the rest of the healthcare services in the US, ambulances are also a private business and can reach hefty fees.

• The cost for an ambulance ranges from $400 to over $1200, depending on the mileage.
• The cost for an air ambulance ranges from $2,000 to upwards of $200,000

Medical tests/screenings

Doctors in the US tend to order more medical tests as compared to other countries. This has been referred to as “defensive medicine” – as a way of protecting themselves from a possible lawsuit. What’s more, these tests are also more expensive.

• Blood tests can range from $100 to upwards of $3,000 in price
• An X-Ray can range from $150 to over $3,000
• An MRI can cost from $1,000 to more than $5,000

Medications

Another reason why medical costs are so high in the US is because the government does not negotiate the prices of prescription drugs with pharmaceutical companies before they release them. As such, these prices are often very high. Diabetes medication, for example, can cost upwards of $500.

On the other hand, you can find over-the-counter medication (cold medicine, pain reliever etc) for very reasonable prices.

Surgery

Prices for surgical procedures in the US depend on the type of procedure you need. For example, tonsillectomy can set you back from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. Gallbladder removal is at least $10,000 whereas brain and heart surgery can reach hundreds of thousands.

In addition, you may also be required to pay additional fees for hospital stay, per-hour costs of the operating room as well as the anesthesia.

Hospitalization

The price of a hospital stay in the US can change from one hospital to the other, but on average, it is about $3,000 per day. This means that a ten-day recovery period may set you back $30,000.

If your condition requires you to recover in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), the price is even higher than that.

Dental treatment

A trip to the dentist can also be pricey, although it’s not going to put you at risk of bankruptcy. A dental examination costs about $50, whereas a tooth extraction is set at about $280. Average prices for some other common dental problems are:

• Tooth filling: $115 – $190
• Root canal: $695
• Sedated tooth removal: $217
• Wisdom tooth removal: $175

Health Insurance for Tourists in the US

Unlike for Schengen Visas, tourists to the US do not necessarily have to purchase travel health insurance before they enter the country. However, when faced with the hefty fees, obtaining short-term travel health insurance is the superior option to paying from your own pocket. If nothing, it will give you peace of mind knowing that even if something happens, you won’t be at risk of going bankrupt from a visit to the ER.

The price of the insurance plan changes. It can be as little as $2 per day to over $10 per day, depending on the coverage you select, the number of days you are staying in the US, as well as your age.

Health Insurance for Expatriates in the US

If you intend to live in the US long-term, you have to get private health insurance. Again, health insurance in the US is not compulsory. You have the option of forgoing it but it will be at your own risk.

If you are a US Work Visa holder, in many cases, your employer will provide health insurance for you. If they do not, you must purchase it yourself through an international health insurance company.

If you are an international student, you can get F1 Visa Health Insurance, which is often offered by the school as a compulsory insurance plan with predetermined coverage. Even so, you usually have to pay for the insurance plan yourself.

Health insurance plans in the US cost an average of $400 per month, depending on the state as well as the coverage and the health insurance company you choose.

Note: Please keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only and that the costs displayed are an average and may differ from state to state and even from one hospital or one doctor to the other.

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Requirements for Grenada Citizenship By Investment

If you want to get a Grenada Golden Visa, you have to make a generous monetary contribution in one of Grenada’s two investment pathways:

1. A minimum investment of USD 150,000 in the National Transformation Fund, or
2. Purchase real estate with the minimum amount of USD 220,000. 

Please note that all applicants must be over 18, in good health, and without prior criminal convictions.

Investments in the National Transformation Fund (NTF)

The National Transformation Fund is a government fund that was created when Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Program was launched. The purpose of the NTF is to help Grenada’s economy develop by investing in several economic sectors.

The minimum investment requirement for the NTF is at least USD 150,000 for you as a single applicant. But, if you apply with family members, the amount of the investment increases.

Real Estate Investments

If you want to buy real estate for Grenada’s Golden Visa, you have to purchase a property with a minimum amount of USD 220,000. You have to keep in mind that the property must be pre-approved by the government of Grenada. Some of the approved properties include resorts, spas, and hotels. However, you must keep in mind that you must maintain and manage your property for at least 5 years.

How to Apply for a Grenada Golden Visa?

To apply for a Grenada Golden Visa, follow the instructions below:

1. Find a marketing agent. 
2. Prepare your documents. 
3. Wait for the due diligence process. 
4. Make your investment. 

Find a Marketing Agent

You can’t apply for the Grenada Golden Visa on your own; you need an authorized local agent in Grenada to make the application on your behalf. But you can’t contact the agent directly, so you also need an authorized marketing representative.

Your authorized representative and the local agent work together to process your Golden Visa application.

Prepare Your Documents

Once your advisors have begun the application process, together with a local agent, they will provide you with the required documents you need to submit. You will also receive the necessary application forms you have to fill out personally and then hand over to your representative.

The documents and the application forms must be in English and, if required, legalized.

Wait for the Due Diligence Process

Once your documents are prepared, your local agent will submit the documents at the Citizenship by Investment Committee (CBIC) in Grenada and receive all correspondence on your behalf.

After your application is submitted, the government will conduct a detailed due diligence check on you and the information you have provided. Then the CBIC will make a recommendation regarding your application, and the final decision rests in the Minister’s hands.

Make Your Investment

Once a decision is made, your local agent will receive a letter with the decision. If your application is successful, the letter will contain instructions on how to proceed with your investment. If you’re donating the NTF, you have to submit the required amount, while for real estate, you have to show documentation that the purchase has been finalized.

The CBCI will receive proof that your investment is completed and issue a certificate of registration that serves as proof of your Grenadian citizenship. Finally, your local agents will use this certificate to apply for your Grenadian passport, and you will be a legal citizen of Grenada.

Grenada Golden Visa Documents Checklist

The required documents vary depending on your circumstances, but the general requirements include:

• A copy of your passport.
• National ID card.
• Copies of your birth certificate.
• Passport photographs.
• Police certificate
• Medical records.
• Other supporting documents.

Processing Time for Grenada Golden Visa

The processing time for a Grenada Golden Visa is three up to four months. However, sometimes applications may be delayed for various reasons. Your local agent will contact you at all times, letting you know how the application process is going.

Application Fees for Grenada Golden Visa

When applying for a Grenada Golden Visa, you have to pay additional fees along with your investment. The additional fees change depending on which investment route you’ve chosen and whether you apply with additional family members or not.

Additional Fees for the NFT Donation

Here are the extra charges that apply for the NFT investment based on the number of applicants:

Additional Fees for the Real Estate Investment

For the real estate investment in Grenada, you have to pay an extra government fee:

Remember: For both investment options, due diligence fees are not obligatory for additional applicants under 16.

Residency Requirement for Grenada Citizenship by Investment

You don’t have to live in Grenada to be eligible for its citizenship by investment program. Moreover, you don’t have to be in Grenada to apply for the visa physically- you can handle all procedures from your home country through your authorized representatives.

Grenada Golden Visa and E2 Visa

Grenada is one of the eligible countries whose citizens can apply for an investor E2 visa for the US. For this reason, the Grenada Golden Visa is one of the most popular visas. It allows investors from other countries who do not have an E2 treaty with the US to apply for the visa if they have Grenadian citizenship.

Applying With Family Members for a Grenada Golden Visa

You can apply with additional family members so that you can bring them with you to Grenada. The approved family members include:

• Your spouse
• Your children under 30
• Your unmarried siblings over 18
• Your parents and grandparents

Benefits of a Grenada Golden Visa

If you get a Grenada Golden Visa, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Visa-free travel to approximately 140 countries, including China.
• Access to the E2 visa treaty with the US.
• The option to bring your siblings and grandparents with you.
• The opportunity to have more than one citizenship.
• The opportunity to apply for the visa without a residency period.
• The ability to apply for the visa no matter what your country of origin is.

Grenada Golden Visa Rejection

With the help of your local agent and marketing representative, your visa is less likely to be rejected. Still, if any of the following situations occurs you won’t receive a Grenada Golden Visa:

• You lied in your application form.
• You were convicted in another country for a crime which in Grenada, you would receive a prison sentence for more than 6 months.
• You are currently under a criminal investigation.
• You are a potential risk to Grenada and other countries.
• You were previously a part of activities that might disrupt the peace in Grenada.
• You were denied a visa to a country to which Grenada has visa-free access.

Can I Get Dual Citizenship in Grenada?

Yes, Grenada allows dual citizenship with other countries. But, your current country may not allow you to hold two nationalities. For this reason, you have to check passport compatibility before you apply- if you want to keep both citizenships.

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For one, obtaining a work permit in Costa Rica is almost impossible, due to the high level of restrictions the government has put in place to ensure that foreigners do not take the jobs Costa Rica nationals can have.

Additionally, even though Costa Rica offers temporary residence permits for foreigners wanting to live in the country for longer than three months, they do not automatically allow the holder to work. Only Costa Rican citizens or Permanent Residence holders are allowed to work in Costa Rica without prior authorization.

But that’s not to say working in Costa Rica (legally!) is completely impossible for holders of Temporary Residence Permits.

Working in Costa Rica for Foreign Nationals

The most common options foreign nationals have for earning an income while living in Costa Rica include:

• Working remotely (online). You can work for a non-Costa Rican company or as a freelancer, earning your income from abroad, while still living in Costa Rica through the rentista visa. However, you still need to apply for legal residency in Costa Rica if your stay is longer than three months (or one month, if you are on a visa).
• Opening a business. Temporary Residence Permit holders such as investors or rentiers are allowed to set up a business in Costa Rica – they’re just not allowed to work in it. So, you can open a business and earn an income, but you have to hire Costa Ricans to actually work in your company.
• Becoming a permanent resident. However, you can only become a Costa Rica permanent resident and earn working rights if you have blood relations to a Costa Rican or you have lived in the country with a temporary residence permit for at least three years.
• Getting a Costa Rica work permit. As mentioned, this final option is trickier and much more difficult to obtain.

Costa Rica Work Permits

A Costa Rica work permit falls under the “Special Category” of immigration permits, along with a student permit.

This means that it will allow the holder to work and remain in the country under the conditions set by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

The Costa Rica work permits included under the “Special Category” of immigration include:

• Costa Rica work permit for Artists, Athletes, and Entertainers
• Costa rica work permit for Professional and Technical guests
• Costa Rica work permit for Transferee Staff
• Costa Rica work permit for Preventive Maintenance Services and Corrective Post Sales Management
• Costa Rica work permit for working in a specific occupation
• Costa Rica work permit for working in a specific occupation as a domestic worker
• Costa Rica work permit for working in a specific occupation with a company (legal entity)
• Costa Rica work permit for self-employed individuals in the agriculture, construction and services sectors
• Costa Rica work permit for self-employed individuals in a well-established company
• Costa Rica work permit for temporary workers
• Costa Rica work permit for transfrontier workers

Required Documents for a Costa Rica Work Visa

The documents you must submit with a Costa Rica work permit application include:

• Work permit application form, which you can obtain at the immigration department
• A letter of application, including:
  • The reason you’re applying
  • Your full name, nationality, birth place and birth date
  • Passport number
  • Place and date of arrival in Costa Rica
  • Exact address in Costa Rica
  • Your occupation/profession
  • Your contact information
• Two passport-size pictures of yourself
• Proof you have paid the required work permit application fee
• Your birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Copies of all the pages of your passport, even the blank ones. They must each be notarized.
• A Statement from your employer, which details your salary, length of employment and job description.
• Registration Documents and the Legal Constitution of the hiring company
• Proof the company hiring you is registered.
• Proof that the worker insurance has been paid (Statement of Insurance Company)
• Proof of income/sufficient financial means.
• Certificate of police clearance from your country.
• Proof of registration with a Costa Rican consulate.

How to Get a Costa Rica Work Visa?

In order to get a Costa Rica work visa, you first have to find an employer that’s willing to hire you. You and your employer have to prove that the position you are taking could not have been filled by a Costa Rican.

Additionally, the process of obtaining a Costa Rica work permit is a lengthy one, and not guaranteed to be successful.

However, if you did manage to find a job that’s eligible for a Costa Rica work visa, the application process is as follows:

Getting a Costa Rica provisional visa

Before you travel to Costa Rica to apply for a provisional visa from the Costa Rica consulate in your country. The application process for a provisional visa is much the same as for a regular entry visa, except that you must specify, in the application letter, that you are requesting a provisional visa.

Even if you aren’t a visa-required national, you have to register with a Costa Rica Consulate.

Applying for the Costa Rica work permit

Once you are in Costa Rica, you have to apply for a work permit at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Costa Rica’s Immigration Department).

The Immigration Department takes into account the regulations set by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security while reviewing your application.

Before you apply at the Immigration Department, you must register your fingerprints with the Ministerio Seguridad Pública (Ministry of Public Security) in San Jose.

Keep in mind

This is not an exhaustive list of requirements, and the documents may differ depending on the specific case.

You must obtain all the required documents before you travel to Costa Rica.

You have to translate all the documents in Spanish and have the translations notarized.

All your documents have to be legalized, either through an Apostille stamp (if your country is part of the Apostille convention) or the Costa Rican consulate.

Costa Rica work permit processing time

A Costa Rica work permit can take anywhere between 3 to 8 months to process, on average, but it may take even longer.

Working in Costa Rica through Youth Mobility programs

Another option for living and working in Costa Rica is through the Youth Mobility program. However, this is a very limited option, since it is only available to Canadian citizens aged 18-35 and for only up to a year.

The programs included in Youth Mobility are:

• The Young Professionals Program, aimed at post-secondary Canadian graduates who want to get work experience in Costa Rica.
• The Internship Program, aimed at Canadian students enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution in Canada who will do an internship or work in a Costa Rica institution as part of their course requirements.
• The Working Holiday Program, aimed at young Canadians (graduates and current students) who want to travel to Costa Rica and work in the meantime to finance the trip.

In order to be eligible for a Youth Mobility program, the applicant must have a job offer/contract or a formal internship, as required.

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However, that’s not always the case. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. The first group included visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. The passport must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry into the country.
2. The second group also includes visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. However, in this case, the passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
3. The third group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence.
4. The fourth group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas.

This article will detail the Costa Rica visa policy by country.

Do You Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

You only need a Costa Rica visa if you are from one of the following countries:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa (Third group)

The following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Consular Visa at a Costa Rica consulate in their country:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa (Fourth group)

Nationals from the following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa, which requires authorization form the Commission of Restricted Visas:

Who is Exempt from Costa Rica Visas?

The following nationals are exempt from holding a visa when travelling to Costa Rica:

For stays of up to 90 days

For stays of up to 30 days

Do You Need a Costa Rica Visa if You Already Have a US/Schengen visa?

Visa-required foreign nationals may be exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they already have a valid entry visa for one of the following countries:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• South Korea
• Japan

Additionally, foreign nationals on the third and fourth group are exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they have a residence permit (not less than six months) for:

• USA
• Canada
• An EU member state

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

If you are a US national, and you want to stay in Costa Rica for a period longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. You can get a Costa Rica residence permit in two ways:

• By applying for a provisional visa (student visa, work visa) at a Costa Rica consulate before you travel to Costa Rica or
• Enter Costa Rica as a tourist and apply after you arrive in the country at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).

This applies to all the foreign nationals included in group 1 and 2 that are allowed visa-free access to Costa Rica.

What if I Need to Apply for a Costa Rica Visa?

If you need to apply for a visa to Costa Rica, you can review the application steps and requirements here.

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Canada’s self-employed program is available to anyone with cultural or athletic experience which allows them to be self-employed.

NOTE: The Canadian government is not accepting applications for agriculture under the self-employed section as of March, 2018.

However, having one of those professions is not enough for your self-employed visa application to stand a chance and be accepted. You must also prove that you have sufficient experience in those two fields to make a significant contribution to Canada.

Read on to find out who is eligible for the self-employed Canadian visa, what are the requirements, and how you can apply for one.

Who is Eligible for the Canada Self-Employed Visa?

You are eligible to apply for the self-employed visa for Canada if you meet the following conditions:

You have sufficient experience and skills

You must have both the experience and skills needed to work as a self-employed person in Canada.

The minimum amount of experience needed for a self-employed person is two years. You must have gained this experience within the five years prior to your application.

Because the Canada self-employed visa is assessed with a point-based system, more experience means more points.

You must have the following experience:

1. Two years of being self-employed in cultural activities/athletics.
2. Two years of participating at a world-class level in cultural activities/athletics.
3. One year of experience in (A) in addition to one year experience in (B).

You have to meet the point-based selection criteria

The visa officers who process your self-employed Canadian visa application assess you on a point-based system. The maximum amount of points is 100 and you will need a minimum of 35 points.

They look at your:

• Experience (35 points)

You get the maximum amount of points if you have at least 5 years of experience.

• Education (25 points)

You get the maximum amount of points if you have a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. and at least 17 years of full-time studies.

• Age (10 points)

You get the maximum amount of points if you are between 21–49 years of age. They want people who will be able to contribute to Canada’s culture and athletics for a longer amount of time.

• Language abilities (24 points)

They will assess your ability to write, speak, read, and listen in either English or French. You can choose the language you are better at to be your first official language. You can take a language test from a designated agency such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF Canada or TFC Canada for French.

• Adaptability (6 points)

You get adaptability points based on: your spouse’s education level; whether you previously worked/studied in Canada; whether you have relatives in Canada. They look at this to see how well you would potentially immerse yourself in Canada’s culture.

How to apply for a Canada self-employed visa?

Just as with other types of Canada visa, the application is done online.

Check your eligibility

Essentially, you must check whether you are eligible for the visa based on an online questionnaire on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you are, they will send you an application package to your email address. The application package includes a guide, application forms, and a list of documents you need. Follow the instructions on the guide.

Fill the forms and compile the document file

You have to fill all the necessary forms included on the package. Then, if you are applying online, upload them to your online application.

If you are applying on paper, print them and sign them. Then, gather all the required documents and attach them to the application. You will have to mail the completed application to an address that you will be provided with.

You also have to pay the processing fees and attach a copy of the receipt to your application.

Documents include:

• The standard required documents for all Canadian visa applications.
• Proof of educational status such as a certificate, diploma, or transcripts.
• Proof you have passed the language test.
• Proof of relevant work experience.
• Proof of adaptability.
• Copies of travel documents/passports. They must show the name, date of birth, photo, expiry date, or changes in name, birth date, expiry date etc.
• Police clearances.
• Birth certificates.
• Marriage certificate/divorce or annulment certificate (if married more than once, provide documents for each). (If applicable)
• Death certificate for former spouse/common-law partner. (If applicable)
• If you have a common-law partner: Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409 – original) and proof you have lived together for a minimum of 12 months (shared apartment lease, shared bills, shared address on documents.)
• Information on your child like birth certificate, adoption papers, or proof of custody. (If applicable).
• National IDs or family or household registry/book. (If applicable).
• Police Certificates and Clearances. They should be from every country/territory you’ve lived in for six or more months.
• Canada visa pictures.
• Fee receipts of Canadian Visa.
• If applying as Quebec-selected applicant: Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ)

Make sure you are not missing any documents, forms, or fees. If you are, your visa officers will send the application back to you and ask you to fix any mistakes/attach documents you forgot.

You have to provide your biometric information

Applicants between 14 and 79 years old have to provide their biometric information. This includes fingerprints and pictures.

You provide the biometric information after you send the application.

The officers processing your visa application will inform you when they have received your completed application. Then, they will tell you when you should send them your biometric information.

You should have already paid your biometrics fee when you first sent your application.

You can give your biometric information at a Canada visa application center in your country. If you are from the US, you can do this at an application support center.

If Your Canada Self-employment Visa Application is Accepted

If you acquire the self-employment visa for Canada, when you travel to the country, an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be waiting for you.

You must have your passport and other travel documents with you, a valid permanent resident visa and your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), as well as proof you can financially support yourself and your family.

The officer will ask you questions that are meant to evaluate whether you still qualify for the self-employment visa. If you give incomplete or false answers, you may not be allowed entry to the country.

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Canada’s Startup Program offers great opportunities to new foreign businesses trying to get a foot in Canada. However, you will have to meet eligibility requirements before you qualify for a Canadian startup visa.

Read on to find out about the eligibility requirements, the application process, and other information you should know before you apply for a Canada startup visa.

Do I Qualify for the Canada Startup Program?

To qualify for Canada’s Startup Program, you will initially have to meet eligibility requirements for a Canadian visa.

Eligibility requirements for a Startup Visa

If you qualify for a Canadian visa, you will have to meet the specific criteria for a Startup visa as well. Those are:

• You must have a qualifying business.
• You must have a support letter from a designated organization.
• You must have sufficient funds.
• You must meet the language requirements.

Qualifying business

In order for your business to qualify, they must meet these requirements:

• All business owners (a maximum of five) have to hold at least 10% of the company’s voting rights.
• The business owners and the designated organization have to hold a minimum of 50% of the company’s voting rights.

What is a designated organization?

If you want to open a business in Canada, you must first get the support and investment of a designated organization.

A designated organization is an organization that the Canadian government has designated to cooperate in the Startup visa. These organizations can invest in and support new businesses through the Startup Program. They are divided in:

• Venture capital funds
• Angel investor groups
• Business incubators

You should research the different organizations and see which is the best fit for your own startup. Then, you should contact any organizations you found suited and see whether they are interested in investing in your company.

If you get the support of a designated organization, it will give you a Letter of Support. Once you have the letter, you can apply for Canada’s Startup Visa program. You will have to attach the letter to your application. Your designated organization will also send a completed Commitment Certificate directly to the IRCC.

If you receive support from more than one organization, they will have to join and send the IRCC a joint Commitment Certificate and provide you with a joint Letter of Support.

Sufficient funds for a Canadian Startup visa

When you get to Canada, you will need to have enough funds to provide for yourself or any family members that are coming with you.

You won’t receive any financial support, so you will have to bring enough money to be able to live in Canada until your business starts to bring financial gains.

You will need to have a minimum of $12,669 for yourself, and approximately $3,400 for each additional member.

Language requirements for a Canada Startup visa

In order to live in Canada, you have to be able to communicate in either or both of its official languages: English and French.

To prove your proficiency, you will have to take a test before you apply, and attach the results along with your application. Canada has a list of approved agencies on the IRCC page, such as such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF Canada or TFC Canada for French.

You have to reach at least the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either language. You will be tested on your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills.

How to Apply for a Canada Startup Visa?

After you have confirmed your eligibility for a Canada Startup Visa, you can start the application, fill the necessary forms, and collect the necessary documents for Startup visa application.

Compile the document file

You will have to “Validate” the documents, print and sign them, and complete your application package. This will include all the necessary documents and fees.

The documents required for a Canada Startup visa include:

• The standard documents required for any Canada visa application.
• Copies of travel documents/passport. They must show the name and date of birth, passport number, the date of expiry as well as changes made to name, birth date, expiry date etc.
• Proof you have passed the language proficiency test.
• The Letter of Support from your Designated Organization.
• Birth certificates.
• Marriage certificate or divorce/annulment certificate. (If applicable)
  • If married more than once, provide documents for each marriage.
• Death certificate for former spouse/common-law partner. (If applicable)
• If you have a common-law partner: Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409 – original) and proof you have lived together for a minimum of 12 months (it could be proof of shared apartment lease, shared bills, shared address on documents etc.)
• Information on your child, such as birth certificates, adoption papers, or proof of custody. (If applicable).
• National IDs or family or household registry/book. (If applicable)
• Police Certificates and Clearances. They should be from every country/territory you’ve lived in for six or more months.
• Pictures according to Canada’s requirements.
• Fee receipts.

Application Forms needed for a Startup visa application

• Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]
• Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP]
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669]
• Schedule 13 – Business Immigration Programs – Start Up Business
• Additional Family Information [IMM 5406]
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409]
• Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604]
• Supplementary Information – Your travels [IMM 5562]
• Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]

You will have to mail the completed application to the address you are provided with.

Provide Biometrics

After you apply for a Canadian Startup visa, you will also have to provide your biometric information, such as fingerprints and pictures. Your visa application officers will inform you when and how to do that.

However, you will not be allowed to apply unless you have received support from a designated organization and they have sent their Commitment Certificate to the IRCC and given you your Letter of Support.

Make sure you have all your documents and fees attached to the application, otherwise they will send it back to you.

Temporary Work Permit for Startup Visa

You can apply for a temporary Canadian work visa to set up your business before you apply for your residence permit for the Startup Visa.

You can only apply for the work permit after you have received your Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate from your designated organization.

Other than receiving the support from your designated organization, you will need to pay an employer compliance fee and have enough income to provide for yourself and your family.

You will also have to make an offer of employment through IRCC’s Employer Portal. You will have to provide your business information details, your personal information, and a job details form.

However, a short-term work permit before the Startup visa is optional.

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Once your visa is approved, you will get a Permanent Resident Card. This card, otherwise known as a Canadian PR Card proves that you have permanent residence in Canada. You must have it with you at all times, especially when you travel.

You must be at least 18 years old to apply and you can apply with your child if they are under 18 years old.

What Are the Benefits of a Canada Permanent Visa?

As a Canada Permanent Resident, you are allowed to do the following:

• You can get most social benefits that Canadians get such as health care coverage;
• You can live, study, or work anywhere in Canada;
• You get protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;
• You can apply for a Canadian citizenship once you are eligible;

To get these benefits though, you must regularly pay Canadian taxes and respect the laws. Even if you are a permanent resident of Canada, you are not allowed to vote or run for political office as well as hold jobs that need high-level security clearance.

What are the Types of the Permanent Canada Visas?

Depending on your situation, there are different ways to get an immigration visa for Canada. There are four categories which have their own visas for permanent residence, so you can get the status through the following:

• Finding a permanent job in Canada
• Getting sponsored by your family
• Opening a business or investing in Canada
• Other permanent visas

Finding a Permanent Job in Canada

The most attainable way to get a Permanent Canada Visa is to find a job in the country. There are different programs which will lead to such a visa, as described in the table below.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) visa is given to qualified tradespeople in different occupations such as:

• Electricians
• Carpenters
• Aircraft Mechanics
• Machinists
• Ironworkers
• Welders
• Crane Operators
• Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics
• Plumbers, etc.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) visa is given to those who have occupations which are required in Canada. You must check the types of occupations Canada needs when you start planning to apply and obtain the necessary points.

Provincial Nomination Programs

The Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) visa is for semi or low-skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy though their work. The workers get placement in different provinces of Canada where the demand for their work is higher.

Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program

If you have one of the occupations required in the Canadian province of Quebec and you are fluent in French, then you can apply for the Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) visa which will allow you to move and work permanently there.

Getting sponsored by your family

If you have close family in Canada such as a spouse, parents, or children who are Canadian Permanent Residents or Citizens, then you can get sponsored through them and call for family union. Through this, you can get on the Family Sponsorship Program which allows you to become a Permanent Resident of Canada.

Opening a business or investing in Canada

The Canadian economy is continuously developing and if you are a businessperson who can contribute to it with resources, then you can get one of the Canadian Permanent Visas as follows.

Immigrant Investor Program

The Immigrant Investor Program visa is given to people with a net worth of at least CAD$800,000 who will make investments in the Canadian economy.

They must invest at least CAD$400,000 and the government will return the investment to them in 5 years without any interest.

Immigrant Investor Program –Entrepreneur Program

The Entrepreneur Program visa is given to people with a net worth of at least CAD$300,000 who will be individually involved in contributing to the Canadian economy.

These investors must commit to owning and managing at least one third of a Canadian business as well as create and maintain employment within 3 years of being in the country.

Self-employed Persons Program

The Self-employed Persons Program visa is given to people who have skills in business, athletics, culture, or farming and can start their own businesses.

These people must demonstrate how they will finance the business and prove their skills in those particular areas.

Other permanent visas

Other permanent visas are those that do not necessarily fit within the categories above but are valid ways to get permanent residence in Canada.

Live-in Caregiver Program

This visa is given to caregivers that are qualified to care for elderly, disabled people, or children and live in a private home in Canada.

Canadian Experience Class

This visa is given to those who have a temporary student visa or a temporary workers visa and want to switch to a permanent resident status.

They either have a Canadian education or work experience and have settled into Canadian society.

What are the requirements of the Permanent Canada Visas?

All Canadian Visas have general requirements and visa specific requirements. The general requirements for the Permanent Canada Visas are as follows:

• A valid government-issued passport with at least one blank page that is not the last page.
• If you have application documents in a language other than English or French, you must translate them through an authorized and verified translator.
• Two (2) photos following the Canada Photo Requirements.
• Have a clean criminal history and prove it through court documents.
• Proof of paid visa and processing fees.
• Signed and filled out a Visa Application Center (VAC) consent form.
• Medical exam certificate.

If you fulfill these requirements, then you will have visa specific requirements.

How to apply for a Permanent Canada Visa?

Each Permanent Canada Visa has their own application process, but they have some similarities. In general, you will have to go through the following steps to apply.

1. Visit the Government of Canada website and go to Immigrate and then to “Find out if you can apply”. Take the questionnaire and wait for the results.
2. If you qualify for any of the permanent visas, you will get a reference code and instructions on how to apply.
3. Create an account using your bank information or the Government of Canada login (GCKey)/\.
4. Start and submit your application by inputting your reference code and completing the necessary documents.
5. When you submit your application, you will have to also pay the application fees.
6. Wait for processing and if necessary, attend a visa interview and give your biometrics information.
7. Check your account frequently for any notifications on the status of your visa processing.
8. If your visa is approved, mail in your passport according to the instructions that the Canadian Consulate sends you with the processing fees.
9. The Consulate will stamp the visa on your passport and send you a Permanent Resident Travel Card (PRTC) with your passport via mail.
10. You can then travel to Canada and wait for your Canada PR Card to be mailed to you.
11. Congratulations! You are a Canadian Permanent Resident.

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