Whether you dream of studying overseas or building a new career in another country, immigration requires careful planning. This guidebook gathers calculators to help you estimate visa eligibility, compare living costs and track the expenses involved in moving. Use them to create a plan that fits your goals and budget.
Global Immigration Overview
The table below summarizes major long‑term immigration pathways across several popular destinations. Requirements differ by country but generally involve skilled migration systems, employer sponsorships, business or investor streams and family reunion visas.
| Category | Canada | Australia | UK | US | Hong Kong | NZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Migration | Express Entry CRS | GSM (189/190/491) | Skilled Worker route | H‑1B/EB visas | QMAS scheme | SMC points |
| Employer Sponsored | Work Permit/LMIA | 482 TSS → 186 ENS | Licensed sponsor job | H‑1B/L‑1 etc | Employment visa | AEWV |
| Entrepreneur / Investor | Start‑Up Visa | Business Innovation & Investment | Innovator Founder | EB‑5 Investor | Entrepreneur visa | Active Investor Plus |
| Family Sponsorship | Spouse & parent PR | Partner & parent visas | Family visas | Family green cards | Dependants of workers | Partner & parent |
Canada
Canada offers several long-term pathways including the Express Entry system for skilled workers, provincial nominee programs and family sponsorship. Processing times for Express Entry average around six months once invited to apply. Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after three years of residence.
Australia
Australia uses a points-based General Skilled Migration program. Employer sponsorship is common via the Temporary Skill Shortage visa which can lead to permanent residency after three years. Partner visas allow spouses to settle but have lengthy queues and high fees.
United Kingdom
The UK requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor for most skilled workers. After five years on a Skilled Worker visa one can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Innovator Founder and Global Talent routes allow faster settlement for entrepreneurs and top talent.
United States
Common employment routes include the H‑1B work visa and employer sponsored green cards (EB‑2/EB‑3). Investors may pursue the EB‑5 immigrant investor program. Family-based immigration remains a major pathway though many categories face long queues.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Quality Migrant Admission Scheme lets highly skilled applicants move without a job offer, while the General Employment Policy covers professionals with local offers. After seven years of residence most visa holders may obtain permanent status.
New Zealand
New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category grants residence to workers with a job offer from an accredited employer. Other options include the Green List fast‑track for shortages and the Active Investor Plus visa. Citizenship generally requires five years of residence.
Points-Based Immigration
Many countries evaluate skilled migrants using a points system. Age, education and work history all affect your score. These calculators estimate your points so you know where you stand before you apply.
Australia Immigration Points Calculator
Check your SkillSelect points for permanent residency.
Canada Immigration Points Calculator
Estimate Express Entry CRS points for the Canadian system.
UK Skilled Worker Points Calculator
Find out if you meet the requirements for a UK visa.
New Zealand Immigration Points Calculator
See how your skills measure up for the Skilled Migrant visa.
Hong Kong QMAS Points Calculator
Check eligibility for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
Japan Immigration Points Calculator
Calculate points for Japan's Highly Skilled Professional visa.
Budgeting Your Move
Relocating can be expensive. These tools help you project costs before you commit.
Visa Fee Planner
Total up government fees and optional services for your application.
International Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate shipping expenses when relocating overseas.
Cost-of-Living Comparator
Compare daily expenses between two cities or countries.
General Planning Tools
These calculators help organize timelines and check compliance as you prepare your application.
Visa Application Timeline Planner
Map document collection and estimate approval dates.
Visa Eligibility Checker
See which visas may fit your profile.
Visa Overstay Penalty Calculator
Estimate penalties for staying past your authorized time.
Path to Citizenship
Once you settle in a new country, you may want to pursue citizenship. Use these tools to plan ahead.
Citizenship Eligibility Calculator
Track residency requirements and other factors for naturalization.
Immigrating is a life-changing step. By running the numbers ahead of time, you can set realistic expectations and avoid costly surprises. Bookmark this guidebook to revisit these calculators whenever your plans evolve.