Immigration Guidebook

Move abroad confidently with these visa and relocation calculators.

Whether you dream of studying overseas or building a new career in another country, immigration takes planning and patience. This guidebook gathers calculators and practical advice to help you estimate visa eligibility, compare living costs, and track the many small expenses that add up. Use it to create a plan that fits your goals, budget, and timeline.

How to use this guide: Start with Global Immigration Overview for a quick map of common pathways. Then run the points and budgeting calculators, build your timeline, and dive into the country sections for targeted tips. Finish with the 30/60/90‑day landing plan and the glossary when you’re ready to move.

Global Immigration Overview

The overview 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.

Canada

  • Skilled MigrationExpress Entry CRS
  • Employer SponsoredWork Permit/LMIA
  • Entrepreneur / InvestorStart‑Up Visa
  • Family SponsorshipSpouse & parent PR

Australia

  • Skilled MigrationGSM (189/190/491)
  • Employer Sponsored482 TSS → 186 ENS
  • Entrepreneur / InvestorBusiness Innovation & Investment
  • Family SponsorshipPartner & parent visas

United Kingdom

  • Skilled MigrationSkilled Worker route
  • Employer SponsoredLicensed sponsor job
  • Entrepreneur / InvestorInnovator Founder
  • Family SponsorshipFamily visas

United States

  • Skilled MigrationH‑1B/EB visas
  • Employer SponsoredH‑1B/L‑1 etc
  • Entrepreneur / InvestorEB‑5 Investor
  • Family SponsorshipFamily green cards

Hong Kong

  • Skilled MigrationQMAS scheme
  • Employer SponsoredEmployment visa
  • Entrepreneur / InvestorEntrepreneur visa
  • Family SponsorshipDependants of workers

New Zealand

  • Skilled MigrationSMC points
  • Employer SponsoredAEWV
  • Entrepreneur / InvestorActive Investor Plus
  • Family SponsorshipPartner & parent

Before You Start: Readiness Checklist

Most delays come from missing documents or unclear goals. Do a quick audit of your situation before you spend money on tests or translations.

  • Goal & timeline: Choose your primary pathway (skilled, employer, study, family, investor) and a target move window (e.g., 12–18 months).
  • Identity & civil docs: Passport validity, birth/marriage/divorce records, name change proofs, and police certificates.
  • Education & credentials: Diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses; consider a credentials assessment if your pathway requires it.
  • Employment evidence: Contracts, pay slips, tax forms, reference letters listing duties and dates.
  • Language scores: Book an exam early if needed; results can take weeks.
  • Proof of funds: Bank statements and source-of-funds explanations for large deposits.
  • Translations & apostilles: Certified translations for non‑English documents; apostille/legalization where applicable.
  • Plan B: A secondary pathway if quotas or job market conditions change.
Use our upcoming Proof‑of‑Funds Estimator and Document Checklist Tracker to stay on top of requirements.

Points‑Based Immigration, in Plain English

Several countries award points for factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and whether you have a job offer in a shortage occupation. Points don’t guarantee approval, but they determine your competitiveness in periodic selection rounds or whether you can submit a full application.

Typical Factors

  • Age bands (younger workers often score higher)
  • Recognized degrees and credential evaluations
  • Years of skilled experience and occupation relevance
  • Language scores (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
  • Job offer or local registration/license
  • Spouse/partner qualifications and language

What to Optimize

  • Retake a language test to lift your score bracket
  • Target shortage occupations and regions
  • Maximize experience evidence (detailed references)
  • Consider study or employer‑led routes to add points

Helpful Calculators

Pro Tip: Small boosts compound. A few extra language points + a region‑specific nomination can move you from borderline to competitive.

Budgeting Your Move

Relocation costs are a mix of one‑off fees and living‑expense bridges. Build a conservative budget with a buffer for currency swings and delays.

Common One‑Off Costs

  • Government fees and biometrics
  • Medical exams and vaccinations
  • Language tests and credential assessments
  • Translations, couriers, and apostilles
  • Shipping and temporary storage
  • Initial housing deposit and furnishings

Recurring & Setup Costs

  • Rent, utilities, and internet
  • Local health insurance and co‑pays
  • Transport passes or a used car
  • Childcare and school supplies
  • Phone plan and banking fees

Try our Moving Cost Estimator and Cost‑of‑Living Comparator to model scenarios and find your comfort buffer.

Rule of thumb: Aim for a cash cushion covering 3–6 months of local expenses after you arrive, especially if you’re job‑seeking.

Job & Employer Sponsorship

Employer routes can be faster but require a genuine job offer from an approved sponsor. Spend time validating the opportunity before you commit.

What Employers Look For

  • Clear alignment of your duties with the visa occupation list
  • Evidence you can start quickly (documents ready, notice period known)
  • Strong language communication and local work standards awareness

Protect Yourself

  • Confirm the employer is an authorized sponsor
  • Get the offer in writing with role, salary, and visa support
  • Beware of anyone asking you to pay for sponsorship

Consider adding a Sponsored Role Readiness checklist to your portfolio: sample work, references, and license verifications.

Study‑to‑Residence Pathways

For some applicants, a study program is a practical bridge to work rights or a points boost. Choose programs that lead to employability and that align with shortage skills.

  • Prioritize institutions and courses with strong graduate outcomes
  • Confirm work‑rights during study and after graduation
  • Budget for total cost of attendance plus living buffer
Use a simple calculator: Total program cost Ă· expected post‑study salary uplift to sanity‑check ROI.

Country Guides

Canada

Popular because of transparent points criteria and multiple entry points (Express Entry, provincial nominations, employer permits).

  • Optimize: language scores and credential evaluation; consider regional nomination streams
  • Family: spousal sponsorship is well‑defined; track processing by category
  • Timeline: selection rounds vary; keep documents current

Australia

Points‑driven with strong regional programs and employer routes. Licensing may be required for trades and healthcare.

  • Optimize: skills assessment + target state nomination lists
  • Work: employer sponsorship can bridge to permanent residency
  • Costs: plan for higher application fees and health checks

United Kingdom

Most skilled routes require a licensed sponsor job offer. Long‑term residence leads to settlement and then citizenship.

  • Optimize: salary band and eligible occupation matching
  • Fees: visa charges plus a health surcharge for most categories
  • Dependants: check work and study rights for partners

United States

Employer sponsorship is the norm for work routes; immigrant categories also exist for advanced degrees and investors.

  • Work: specialty occupation petitions require detailed job/qualification match
  • Process: multi‑step pathways; keep an eye on category backlogs
  • Timing: expect potential requests for evidence; build buffer

Hong Kong

Attractive for finance/tech; merit‑based and employer routes exist; long‑term residents may seek permanent status.

  • Optimize: qualifications and salary competitiveness
  • Family: dependants generally can accompany workers
  • Region: consider the wider Greater Bay opportunities

New Zealand

Pathways emphasize accredited employers and shortage roles, with clear guidance for residence eligibility.

  • Optimize: target Green‑List occupations and accredited employers
  • Lifestyle: plan for regional job searches outside major cities
  • Families: schooling and healthcare vary by visa type

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 windows.

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

Naturalization rules vary, but most countries look for a clean record, language/civics knowledge, and a minimum period of lawful residence. Keep good records from day one.

  • Track all entry/exit dates and visa types
  • Maintain address history and employment records
  • Prepare for language/civics requirements early
  • Watch for continuous‑residence or absence limits
Our Citizenship Eligibility Calculator helps you preview timelines based on residence and absences.

Life Admin After You Land (30/60/90‑Day Plan)

First 30 Days

  • Secure long‑term housing and register your address
  • Open a bank account and set up mobile/internet
  • Apply for tax ID and healthcare enrollment

By 60 Days

  • Transfer driver’s license; review insurance coverage
  • Enroll kids in school; book any required health checks
  • Build local references (landlord, employer, neighbors)

By 90 Days

  • Document all expenses for future applications
  • Join professional groups; explore regional job hubs
  • Schedule language or licensing exams if needed

Practical Extras

Taxes & Banking

  • Expect reporting when moving funds internationally
  • Tax residency often depends on days present and ties
  • Ask your bank about newcomer products and fee waivers

Families, Pets, and Schooling

  • Check dependant work/study rights and school catchments
  • Pet import rules may require vaccinations and waiting periods
  • Keep immunization and medical records handy

FAQ

Do I need a lawyer or consultant?

Plenty of applicants self‑file successfully. Complex histories (past refusals, inadmissibility, custody issues, criminal records) are where professional help adds value. If you hire help, verify licensing and keep all original documents.

How long will it take?

Timelines vary by category and volume. Build a plan that tolerates delays; keep documents and funds valid for longer than the advertised times.

Can I switch pathways later?

Often yes, but switching may reset clocks or require new fees. Always check how a change affects your status and your family’s.