Your reason for desiring a change of scenery could be to seek new experiences, personal growth, access better opportunities, or career advancement. So, if your current location is not giving you all or any of the above, it’s normal to aim for global mobility – at least till you find your ideal location.
Lifestyle enhancement in the context of immigration means improving one’s quality of life by changing location to a place with better quality of life, safety, healthcare, career opportunities, and education.
This article will reveal various immigration pathways that you can explore to change your lifestyle, what you should consider before immigrating and why you should work with an immigration lawyer or consultant.
If you’ve been exploring various global immigration pathways because you intend to enhance your lifestyle, then you need the guidance of an experienced international immigration lawyer.
Understanding the Motivations for Global Immigration
What are the driving forces that make people seek global immigration?
Most people relocate to take advantage of another country’s stable economy. This means a country with available jobs, fertile ground for entrepreneurship, access to capital, market expansion (opening up new markets or growing existing ones), and natural resource development.
Some immigrants have the potential, all they need is a location that gives them the opportunity to earn income, invest in businesses, improve their standards of living, and have a sense of purpose and hope for the future.
Another reason for relocating could be that they are seeking opportunities that offer new challenges or better alignment with career goals.
For instance, a person could decide to transition from an entry-level position in their current location to a management role (with higher salary) in another location. This gives the individual a sense of accomplishment, higher pay and increased earning potential.
Continuously, what’s the point of living in a place where you don’t feel good or safe and don’t have access to basic necessities, resources and opportunities? This is another reason why people seek global mobility – improved quality of life.
The search for locations that promises improved healthcare, general safety, quality education, safe housing, work-life balance, relaxation and leisure time, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Apart from the above-listed reasons, one can decide to relocate just to learn about and appreciate diverse cultures. It enriches one’s knowledge and understanding of different traditions and life perspectives.
Relating with various cultures can expose individuals to new ways of thinking, experiences and ideas – this is also a form of personal growth. Artists who expose themselves to different artistic expressions and nature, can remove any creative block hindering them and spark fresh creativity and innovation.
People also seek global immigration to reunite with their family in their new country of residence. Some people separate from their families in search of greener pastures, and once they are settled, they seek to reunite with them.
One could further seek global immigration if there is political or social instability in their home country. The individual can seek refuge in another country if there is an unrest that threatens his/her life or wellbeing.
Types of Immigration Pathways
Individuals can explore global immigration through the following pathways:
- Skilled Migration
- Family Sponsorship
- Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
- Residency by Investment
- Entrepreneurship/Investor Visas
- Student visas
1. Skilled Migration
Individuals who have specific skills and qualifications that are in demand in their choice destination can apply for jobs there. If they get a job offer from licensed company or employer, they can relocate through the work visa.
Some countries use the points-based system to determine immigrants allowed into their country. Points could be awarded for various aspects or qualities the individual possess, and because they believe that he/she will be a great addition to the country’s economy.
2. Family Sponsorship
Citizens of a country or permanent residents can sponsor their family members – spouses, parents or children to come and join them. However, they must be ready to prove that the relationship between them is genuine and subsisting.
The proof can be done satisfactorily be presenting birth certificate, marriage certificate, bank statements, family photos, etc.
3. Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
This pathway involves you making substantial financial investment or contribution into another country. It is a government initiative that allows such investors to bypass the traditional residency requirement and be awarded citizenship.
Examples of investments that qualifies one to be awarded this citizenship include real estate purchases, government bond purchases, or contributions to national development projects.
4. Residency by Investment
One can be awarded permanent residency or citizenship through this pathway. Once the individual invests in the country’s economy, he/she will be granted the golden visa that grants global mobility and business opportunities.
5. Entrepreneur/Investor Visas
Some countries will give you permanent residency or citizenship for starting a business or making a substantial investment in the country. For instance, the UK offers uk entrepreneurship visa and the US offers US startup visa or EB-5 immigrant visa.
To start a business abroad, you’ll need to secure the right visa that allows you enter the country. When you’ve arrived the country, register your business with the appropriate body, then you obtain the necessary permits and licences.
Find out if you need to have a residency permit before operating your business or working as a company director.
6. Student Visas
If you relocate to another country through a student visa, you can either choose to further your education or find a job with sponsorship that allows you to work for 5 years.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can now apply for your visa to be switched to either work visa or permanent residency depending on the country you’re residing in.
Key Considerations Before Immigrating
Immigration can only be successful if you plan properly before you embark on the journey. Firstly, ensure that you have enough money to take you through the application process and support your living in the new country.
You need to consider the exchange rate of the country you’re going to. Convert the available funds you have to that destination country’s currency to determine if it’ll be enough for accommodation, feeding, utility bills, transportation etc.
Either you research the visa requirements and application process for the destination country or you hire an experienced immigration expert to help you through the process.
Learn the language of your destination country so that you can blend with the locals and get a job faster. Either you get a health insurance or land a job that gets you one. Also, find an accommodation that is suitable and affordable till you can get the one you need.
