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Category Archives: Study Abroad & Planning

August 12, 2023

How to Determine Your Eligibility for Canada Immigration under Express Entry?

As a prominent immigration law firm in India with over 30 years of experience, Ajmera Law Group have been receiving numerous inquiries from Indian students and professionals who have discovered that they do not qualify for Canadian immigration after arriving in Canada on a student visa or work permit.

These individuals seek advice from our law firm, having paid substantial amounts of money based on false promises of job opportunities or guaranteed immigration to Canada.

In this article, we will guide you on how to conduct a self-assessment to determine whether you meet the requirements for Canadian immigration.

It’s important to note that whether you enter Canada as a student or on a work permit, you will be evaluated under the Canada Express Entry program, which consists of the following subclasses:

  1. Federal Skilled Workers Class (Express Entry Class)
  2. Canada Experience Class ( CEO Class)
  3. Canada Skilled Trade Class (Skill Trade Class)
  4. French Language Proficiency (Introduced in June 2023)
  5. Preferred Occupations (Introduced in June 2023)
  6. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations from various Canadian provinces (available for 10 different provinces)

The minimum mandatory requirements for the above classes are as follows:

  1. Minimum One Year of Experience Related to Your Education: Many Indian students who rush to Canada face the challenge of lacking work experience in India and consequently struggle to find employment in Canada relevant to their education. As a result, they fail to qualify for Canadian immigration.
  1. Minimum IELTS Score of 6.0 or Higher: Some students may obtain a student visa or work permit with a low IELTS score and arrive in Canada. However, when it comes to applying for permanent residency (PR) in Canada, they fail to achieve the required high IELTS score and, therefore, do not obtain the necessary points for PR. Make sure you have done your assessment for immigration to Canada before you arrive in Canada.
  1. Job Offer as a Manager in Canada: Some individuals receive job offers in India to work as MANAGER in Canada and are misled by their agents, who claim that they will receive an additional 200 points for working as managers in Canada. This information is incorrect. The applicant must have a job offer as a manager in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) occupation at the 00 level. Please refer to the occupation table click here
  1. Minimum IELTS Score of 6.0 and Higher in Each Category: To register for Canadian immigration, you need a minimum score of 6.0 in each category of the IELTS exam and one year of experience related to your education. However, achieving only the minimum required score makes it highly unlikely that you will attain the necessary high CRS score for Canadian immigration. Many agents register applicants’ files on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, only to inform them later that their scores are not high enough.
  1. Licensed Occupations (e.g., Dentist, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Chartered Accountant, and Civil Engineer, ETC.): In Canada, professions that require licensing are not automatically recognized upon completion of studies, as they are in India. To obtain a license, you must complete additional studies to make your Indian education equivalent to a Canadian bachelor’s degree, gain practical experience in Canada, and pass the licensing exam with sufficient fluency in the English language. In many Canadian provinces, you can only take the licensing exam if you are a PR or a citizen of Canada. Therefore, if you belong to one of these licensed professions and plan to settle in Canada, be cautious. Pursuing a master’s degree in Canada will not automatically grant you a license. Instead, focus on obtaining a license within Canada. Please check occupation and licensing requirements at the official site
  1. Preferred Age for Canadian Immigration: The preferred age for Canadian immigration in the skilled worker category is between 21 and 29. If you are older, you will lose five points per year. Therefore, if you are 35 or above, your chances of obtaining immigration become very low unless you have a job offer, a high IELTS score, and a blood relative in Canada.
  1. New Occupation List as of July 2023: On May 31, 2023, the IRCC announced that only applicants whose occupations are on the demand list will be invited to apply for Canadian immigration from the Express Entry pool. This new regulation applies to only 90 occupations. If your occupation is on this list, you can apply for Canadian immigration through our firm. The new occupation list in effect from July 2023 can be found on our blog page

To assist you in determining your eligibility, we recommend using the following resources:

(a) Visit this link to calculate your points:

(b) Visit this link to understand the points awarded for each criterion: 

(c) Visit and check the Express Entry rounds of invitations to see the latest cut-off scores:

Lastly, it’s crucial to remember that going to Canada to study does not guarantee immediate job opportunities or automatic immigration.

For a comprehensive understanding of all your options, please visit Ajmera Law Blog or watch videos on Ajmera Law  YouTube Channel

The author of this article/blog is Prashant Ajmera, an Indian immigration lawyer and the founder of Ajmera Law Group. He has been a Canadian citizen for the past 30 years and is also the author of two books: “Millionaire of the Move” and “How to Plan for Your Child’s Foreign Education: Myth vs. Reality”.  He has been assisting and advising Indian businessmen to establish businesses in Canada since 1993.  Consult us

July 4, 2023

Foreign Education Loan in India – A Boon or Bane?

There are numerous government schemes, both at the central and state levels, that promote foreign education loans for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. Additionally, several major Indian banks are also offering favorable terms and conditions for these loans.

Recent data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reveals that Indian parents have remitted a substantial amount of money for foreign education, indicating a growing trend. The total remittance includes fees for foreign education, financial gifts to children, and other expenses, amounting to a significant sum.

Given the increasing demand for foreign education, financial institutions are actively vying for a share of this market by providing education loans to Indian students.

However, it is essential to assess whether these loans are a blessing or a curse based on the success rate of Indian students in achieving their educational goals and the potential for career prospects and settlement abroad.

To understand the foreign education market, one must recognize that it is predominantly dominated by unregulated agents and consultants across India.

In the past, many Indian professionals who immigrated to various countries believed that studying abroad guaranteed a successful life. While this may have held true a decade or two ago, it is certainly not the case in 2023.

Historically, students primarily pursued master’s degrees abroad for a duration of one year at university-level institutions. During this period, the cost of education was manageable for families, and students often worked part-time jobs. After completing their master’s degrees, they were well-positioned to secure jobs, particularly in English-speaking countries like the USA and Canada.

However, the current trend in studying abroad extends beyond master’s degrees. Students now consider pursuing undergraduate studies, including postgraduate diploma programs, or enrolling in private colleges and universities. Unfortunately, many overlook crucial factors such as the cost of education, English language proficiency requirements, and relevant work experience in India.

Let’s consider an example of a typical middle-class Indian student aspiring to study abroad and settle in Canada or a similar country.

Several factors need to be considered:

  1. Foreign Education Cost Consideration: The cost of a typical four-year university education can range from 1 to 1.5 crores in terms of tuition fees and related expenses. This financial burden is often unaffordable or undesirable for many families. As a result, these students and parents are lured into pursuing the “foreign dream” by opting for private or semi-private colleges, which offer education similar to Indian polytechnic or diploma programs. The cost of education in such institutions ranges from 8 to 15 lakhs, significantly lower than that of universities.

 

  1. English Language Consideration: Many students aiming to study abroad face challenges with English language proficiency for various reasons. Consequently, the demand for English language classes has grown in India. Low scores in English language proficiency tests often hinder Indian students’ admission into university programs, whether they have completed their 12th grade or hold three or four-year bachelor’s degrees. These students are then redirected to the aforementioned private or semi-private foreign colleges.

 

  1. Rushing Abroad without Indian Work Experience: The prevalent belief that studying abroad guarantees a successful future has led students, parents, teachers, professors, and career counsellors to advise immediate relocation. Unfortunately, much of this advice fails to consider the crucial aspects of studying abroad, settling, and understanding the immigration rules of the respective countries.

Now, let’s examine the immigration systems of the three most popular destinations for studying and settling abroad: Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

These countries’ immigration processes typically involve criteria and point-based systems. If applicants meet or exceed a certain score threshold, they become eligible for permanent immigration.

The criteria for permanent immigration generally include the following factors:

  1. Education in India and abroad
  2. Age
  3. Minimum 1 to 4 years of relevant work experience in India and abroad
  4. English language proficiency score
  5. Blood relatives residing in the respective countries
  6. Job offer from a company
  7. Spouse’s education, work experience, and fluency in the English language

The strong belief among Indian students and parents that studying abroad guarantees a successful life is often fuelled by unregulated agents and consultants. These agents promise low-cost education, admission with low English language proficiency scores, and no requirement for prior work experience in India.

Unfortunately, these three factors can lead to disastrous career outcomes for Indian students. They struggle to find employment related to their education, face challenges with English language proficiency, and realize that the courses they pursued are not in demand in their host countries. These factors collectively hinder their job prospects, immigration prospects, and ability to settle abroad.

Foreign education loans obtained from Indian financial institutions can become a curse rather than a blessing for students and parents. When students are unable to secure employment or immigration status in their host country their families in India are unable to repay the loan EMIs, which can result in financial hardship, leading to the loss of family property.

It is alarming to note that in the past 3-4 years, a significant number of Indian students in Canada have resorted to extreme measures such as suicide, falling victim to immigration fraud, or engaging in criminal activities due to the inability of their Indian families to support them.

Similarly, studying in the USA can lead to disappointment for many students as they face challenges in obtaining an H1B visa. Moreover, the waiting period for a USA green card for Indian students as of July 2023 is 12-20 years, and without an increase in the green card quota by the US government, this waiting time may further escalate.

Consequently, studying and settling abroad should be a decision made after carefully exploring ALL available options rather than rushing into a foreign country without considering the long-term implications.

About the Author:

The author of this article/blog is Prashant Ajmera, an Indian immigration lawyer and the founder of Ajmera Law Group. He has been a Canadian citizen for the past 30 years and is also the author of two books: “Millionaire of the Move” and “How to Plan for Your Child’s Foreign Education: Myth vs. Reality”.  He has been assisting and advising Indian businessmen to establish businesses in Canada since 1993.  Consult us

May 18, 2023

Financial and Child’s Foreign Education & Settlement Options and Planning

“Your options and issues for study in Canada after 12th grade from India” 

Planning for a child’s foreign education particularly in Canada and settlement options after completing 12th grade in India, requires careful consideration and financial planning.

While studying in Canada offers a plethora of opportunities for Indian students, it is crucial for students and parents to thoroughly evaluate the available options and make informed decisions rather than rushing into the process solely based on the desire to reach Canada quickly.

Canada, with its esteemed universities, wide-ranging academic programs, and inclusive environment, has emerged as a preferred destination for students aspiring to receive a top-notch international education.

However, the path to studying in Canada entails various factors that must be carefully weighed and understood before making a decision.

One essential aspect that requires thoughtful attention is the financial implications of studying abroad. Pursuing higher education in Canada involves tuition fees, living expenses, and potentially other costs such as accommodation, transportation, and healthcare. It is crucial for students and their families to evaluate their financial capacity and explore available scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to ensure a sustainable and well-planned educational journey.

Moreover, settlement options and long-term planning also play a significant role in the decision-making process. It is important to consider the potential avenues for career development, post-graduation work permits, and opportunities for permanent residency in Canada.

Understanding the immigration policies, eligibility criteria, and requirements for staying and working in Canada post-graduation will assist in making informed choices that align with the student’s aspirations and future plans.

Furthermore, it is essential to prioritize a comprehensive evaluation of the available academic programs and institutions in Canada. Students should explore the courses, specializations, and co-op/internship opportunities provided by universities to ensure that their chosen program aligns with their interests, career goals, and industry demands.

Conducting thorough research and seeking guidance from immigration lawyers or mentors can help students make well-informed decisions about their academic path in Canada.

In conclusion, while studying in Canada after completing 12th grade in India presents exciting prospects, it is essential to approach the decision-making process with careful consideration and planning. Financial implications, settlement options, and the alignment of academic programs with career goals should be thoroughly evaluated to ensure a successful and well-prepared educational journey.

By taking a thoughtful and informed approach, students and parents can navigate the path to studying in Canada and set the stage for a rewarding and fulfilling future.

The above charts in the image give you your quick six options.

-The author of this article/blog is Prashant Ajmera, an Indian immigration lawyer, Canadian citizen, and the founder of Ajmera Law Group. He has been a Canadian citizen for the past 30 years and is also the author of two books: “Millionaire of the Move” and “How to Plan for Your Child’s Foreign Education: Myth vs. Reality”.  He has been assisting and advising Indian businessmen to establish businesses in Canada since 1993.  Consult us

 

April 20, 2023

The USA is a top destination for Indian students pursuing higher education and settlement.

In 2023, Indian students seeking higher education and settlement in the USA should explore all options available to them and not just straight fly to the USA to study as soon as their study is finished in India.

To study, work and settle in the USA, Indian students and family must understand the process and timeline for obtaining a green card.

Step 1: If you plan to study in the USA after completing 12th grade for a bachelor’s degree or after completing a bachelor’s degree in India for a master’s degree in the USA, you must first take an English language or other exams, such as TOEFL or IELTS, and either the SAT or GRE/GMAT. Then, you can apply to various educational institutions and receive your I-20 admission letter. Based on this letter, you can apply for an F1 visa, also known as a student visa.

Step 2: With an F1 visa, you can study in the USA and may also work part-time. After completing your studies, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the USA. At this point, most students and parents feel the child is settled in America but in fact, this will be the start of real wait-and-watch time.

Step 3: Once your OPT work permit expires, you need to find a company in the USA to offer you a job for H1B visa sponsorship. If selected, you may work in the USA for the same company for six years, and in some cases, seven years.

Step 4: After obtaining an H1B visa, you can ask the same company or look for a new company to sponsor you so you can apply for USA green card. All students from all over the world apply under Employment-Based (EB) five categories, as shown in the table published by USCIS in December 2022.

For the past 30 years, the worldwide annual quota for green card visas in the employment-based category has been 140,000. However, as the number of international students increases, this quota is quickly being filled. Of the total quota, 40,000 green cards are allocated to the first three categories of EB, and 10,000 each to the EB4 and EB5 categories.

The majority of Indian and international students apply for the EB2 and EB3 categories, which currently have 351,436 and 112,859 approved green card petitions pending as of December 2022. Due to this backlog, the waiting period for the EB2, EB3, and EB4 categories is estimated to be 11 to 12 years. USCIS is currently processing green card petitions made in 2011 and 2012.

To check the latest priority date for April 2023, please refer to the updated information from USCIS click here

The following is an April 2023 priority dates:

 

Employment-
based
All Chargeability
Areas Except
Those Listed
CHINA-
mainland
born
INDIAMEXICO PHILIPPINES 
1stC01JUN2201JUN22CC
2nd01DEC2208JUL1901MAY1201DEC2201DEC22
3rdC01FEB1901AUG12CC
Other Workers01FEB2001NOV1501AUG1201FEB2001FEB20
4th01OCT1801OCT1801OCT1801OCT1801OCT18
Certain Religious Workers01OCT1801OCT1801OCT1801OCT1801OCT18
5th Unreserved
(including C5, T5, I5, R5)
C01JAN1608DEC19CC
5th Set Aside:
(Rural – 20%)
CCCCC
5th Set Aside:
(High Unemployment – 10%)
CCCCC
5th Set Aside:
(Infrastructure – 2%)
CCCCC

 

Stage 5: If you are fortunate enough to have received an H1 visa and green card sponsorship under the EB2 or EB3 categories, it will still take 20 years before your child can obtain a green card for the USA, and an additional five years after that to become a citizen. With the increasing number of international students applying under these categories, it is possible that the waiting period could extend to 30 years or even longer.

What are the options for Indian students?

Option-1: If you have conducted research during your education and work in the USA and can demonstrate that you possess the exceptional ability or are an outstanding professor or researcher, you may apply for the EB1 (a) & (b) categories. Indian students applying under these categories do not have to face any waiting period.

Option 2 and 3: If you come from an Indian family, you can return to India and work for your family business for a few years, striving to become a senior manager or technical expert. This may open doors for an L1 visa in the USA. Alternatively, if your family’s company in India can take over an existing business in the USA, you may apply under the EB1(c) category for a direct green card for the USA, along with your spouse and children under the age of 21.

Option 4: If you and/or your family are prepared to invest in a NEW business in the USA under the EB-5 visa program, with an investment of US$800,000 or $1,050,000 and the creation of 10 jobs for Americans, you may apply for a green card under the EB-5 category. If you are in the USA on a legal status, you can apply for adjustment of status at the same time as the EB-5 petition.

Option 5: Many Indian and international students have applied for the Canadian Express Entry program to obtain Canadian immigration. The Canadian government is eager to welcome these immigrants with American degrees and experience as new immigrants.

­­­The author of this article is Mr. Prashant Ajmera, an Indian immigration lawyer and Canadian citizen. He is the founder of Ajmera Law Group and the author of two books, “Millionaires On The Book” and “How to Plan for Your Child’s Foreign Education.” Over the past 30 years, he has assisted and advised over 30,000 students and families on planning their foreign education and settlement. He regularly speaks at various forums on this subject.

Ajmera Law Group: Mo: +91 9974253030 | info@ajmeralaw.com | www.ajmeralaw.com

 

April 20, 2023

STUDY AND IMMIGRATE TO CANADA AFTER FOUR YEARS OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING FROM INDIA

If you’re considering studying in Canada and pursuing immigration options after earning your four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree from India, here are some options to explore:

  1. Consider taking a one or two-year diploma program at a private or semi-private college in Canada. This can give you one or three years of work permit, which can help you gain experience related to your education. You can then apply under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class, or Express Entry for immigration to Canada.
  2. You can also take a one-year Master’s degree program at a selected university in Canada. After completing your degree, you can get a one-year work permit in Canada and find a job related to your education. With one year of experience, you can apply for a Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada.
  3. Another option is to take two years of full-time experience in India related to your engineering degree. After that, you can take a one-year Master’s degree program at a selected university in Canada and get a job related to your education. Based on your experience in India, you can apply for PR of Canada as soon as you finish your Master’s degree program.
  4. You can also do a two-year Master’s degree in India, get three years of experience related to your engineering degree in India, and if you have a high IELTS score, apply for direct PR of Canada under Express Entry.
  5. If you’re interested in business management, consider studying in a certain province of Canada for a two-year program related to it. This can give you three years of work permit, which can allow you to start your own business in Canada and apply for immigration.
  6. Another option is to get a visitor visa to Canada, find a company in Canada that’s related to offering you a job related to your education and experience in India, and ask the company to apply for LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment). Once approved, you can apply for a work permit of Canada from within Canada. After two years, you can apply for immigration under the Canada Experience Class, Express Entry, or PNP skilled worker immigration. If the job offer is on a permanent basis, you can apply for direct PR under Express Entry.
  7. Finally, while waiting in India, you can find a company in Canada that’s related to offering you a job related to your education and experience in India. Ask the company to apply for LMIA, and on approval of LMIA, apply for a work permit of Canada outside of Canada. After two years, you can apply for immigration under the Canada Experience Class, Express Entry, or PNP skilled worker immigration. If the job offer is on a permanent basis, you can apply for direct PR under Express Entry.

It’s important to note that each option has its own processing time, cost, eligibility requirements, and required IELTS band. It’s highly recommended that you seek legal consultation with an immigration lawyer like Prashant Ajmera of Ajmera Law Group to better understand your options and determine the best path for you.

To consult an immigration lawyer Mo: +91 9974253030 | Email: info@ajmeralaw.com |www.ajmeralaw.com

Download this Blog in PDF

April 17, 2023

To download PDF file of the blog –click here

After completing a three-year bachelor’s degree in India, like B. Com, B.Sc., B.A., BBA, BCA, etc., there are several options to consider for studying in Canada. Rushing into decisions without careful consideration, planning and advice could negatively impact your career or immigration prospects.

Here are some options to explore:

  1. Pursuing a one or two-year post-graduate diploma in Canada is a common option for Indian students. This can lead to obtaining a post-graduate work permit, which may make it easier to apply for Canadian immigration. However, if you do not secure a job related to your education, it may be challenging to obtain Canadian immigration.

2. Pursuing a two-year MBA or master’s degree program at a Canadian university is another option. Studying at selected universities and gaining relevant work experience in Canada may qualify you to apply for immigration to Canada more easily.

3. Gaining 2-3 years of full-time work experience in India, focusing on your desired future career, is a third option. Afterward, you can apply for a two-year MBA or master’s degree program in Canada. Depending on the program you choose, your Indian work experience, and the appropriate IELTS score, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada immediately after completing your degree while working under a post-graduate work permit.

4. If you come from a business family background and want to settle in Canada, consider gaining two years of business experience in India with your family. Then, apply for a two-year business administration program in Canada, such as a PGDBM or master’s degree at a university. Afterward, you can obtain a three-year work permit and start your own business instead of looking for a job. With the right support, your business can facilitate your immigration to Canada.

It’s important to note that each option has its own processing time, cost, eligibility requirements, and required IELTS band. It’s highly recommended that you seek legal consultation with an immigration lawyer like Prashant Ajmera of Ajmera Law Group to better understand your options and determine the best path for you. Mo: +91 9974253030 | Email: info@ajmeralaw.com |www.ajmeralaw.com

To download PDF file of the blog –click here

January 24, 2022

Study Abroad – Ten common misconceptions that students and parents have about studying & settling abroad!!

Common mistakes made by parents and students while planning for study abroad!

Here are my 10 quick tips.   (Video version)

  1. Study abroad after grade 12 only if money is not a problem!
  1. Take IELTS coaching from an institute that does not provide student visa consultancy!
  1. STUDYING ABROAD does not translate to ‘Your life is set’!
  1. Study abroad only in recognized programs at university where immigration is possible!
  1. “Post-graduate Diploma” in colleges is not a Master’s degree!
  1. After studying abroad, immigration is not automatic!
  1. There is no guarantee that you will find a job that can finance your study. Always find employment related to your education!
  1. For licensed professionals, make sure you have the right to practice in India or the right to immigrate to the country of your choice!
  1. Do your own research, consult immigration lawyers and plan your career early and for the long term!
  1. Studying abroad is NOT the only option available to settle abroad. There are several other better options available!

Are you interested in planning for your child’s foreign education and settlement in a foreign country? 

Get this ebook for FREE or you can purchase the book from Amazon or ebook from google – Click Here

A must-read book for all students who wish to study and settle abroad!

Who is Prashant Ajmera? 

Prashant Ajmera is a reputed Indian lawyer, NRI, and Canadian citizen since 1997 with more than twenty–five years of experience in the field of cross-border personal law and global investment advisory. He has assisted numerous HNIs and UHNIs in planning their finances and advised them in planning their children’s foreign education in the most economical manner.

Over the years has authored two books and a number of articles for diverse publications and has been invited as a speaker by various organizations and institutes …Read more

Mr. Ajmera is a member of the International Bar Association (IBA) and has addressed the IBA Annual Conference as a speaker on two occasions (Cancun-2001 & Durban-2002).

He is also a member of many chambers of commerce and charitable organizations.

To consult Prashant Ajmera (Lawyer, Author & Founder)  for planning your child’s foreign education either in person or via Zoom video conference click here

Legal disclaimer:

  • (i) This blog/article does not give any legal advice and does not establish a client-lawyer relationship. Information provided is for the purpose of general information only.
  • (ii) Only Indian lawyers can practice and advise on legal matters in India, including immigration and visa law. Foreign immigration lawyers cannot open offices and advice Indian citizens on immigration and visa matters.
  • (iii) Always refer to official government websites or consult an immigration lawyer for the latest information as immigration and visa laws change quite frequently.
  • (iv) Ajmera Law Group assists their client base by associating with law firms in respective jurisdictions.
  • (v) Ajmera Law Group does not give franchise or agency of their legal services.
  • (vi) We do not assist in job placement and/or finding a job in a foreign country. Please consult only licensed recruitment agencies.
  • (vii) Any citizen or company, who is not an Indian lawyer, giving legal advice related to immigration and visa matters is in violation of the Indian Advocates Act 1961.
January 1, 2022

Indian parents wait till standard 12 or bachelor degree results to take action for a child’s foreign education. It could be too late and you may be running out of options.  

Pursuant to the economic liberalization in India, wealth creation has reached unprecedented heights. From the time of independence, the Indian economic era can be divided into three main periods:

The first period from 1947 to 1993 can be described as pre-liberalized – a time when pre-liberalisation of the economic policies were in place in India.

The second period from 1993 to 2007 can be regarded as the start of economic liberalization– a time when inbound investments began in earnest in India.

The third period from 2007 to present can be described as optimum economic liberalization – a time when inbound and outbound investments to and from India were allowed.

Before the 1993 pre-economic liberalisation era, most Indians aspired to just own a decent house, a vehicle (two wheelers were good enough), good education for their children in local schools and enjoying vacations within the country. However, in the post economic liberalisation era, most Indians not only want a house with four walls but yearn for a lavishly furnished, luxurious home. Owning at least two cars, a holiday home or farm house outside the city and vacationing abroad have become must-haves for well-to-do Indian families today.

The wave of economic liberalization seen the past few years has increased the number of HNIs in India and wealth generation is at its peak. Life styles, standard of living, travel, education, weddings, savings, retirement and many other important aspects of life have changed post 2007.

Have a look at the following figures:

2007 – HNIs in India 152 ,000

2015 – HNIs in India 236,000

2018 – HNIs in India 430,000

2023 – HNIs in India 860,000

Today, Indian HNIs own a second home outside India, their children are studying in foreign universities and they spend at least one vacation abroad per year, thanks to the booming economy and increased spending power.

According to the data received from RBI the Indian HNI remittance has increased from US$ 440 million in 2007-08 to US$ 13.5 billion in 2017-18 under the LRS. This exponential increase is due to outbound investment and remittance post 2007. Now Indian HNIs are travelling abroad more frequently, for work as well as pleasure. Destination weddings in exotic international locations and sending their children out of India for undergraduate and graduate studies is also making a sizeable contribution towards outbound investment.

According to RBI, the top spending for HNIs was on their children’s education – around US$ 4 billion, followed by foreign travel and gifts to family.

As the data shows, spending for children’s education abroad is on top of the list for Indian HNIs. Today not only HNIs but even middle class parents aspire to send their children abroad to study. Several surveys show that Asian parents give top priority to their children’s education and are particularly keen that they study abroad. This is probably due to the fact that the approach and attitude towards education in Western countries is very different compared to that in Asian countries.

The number of Indian students studying abroad has increased many-fold in the past decade. As per UNESCO data, by August 2018, over 400,000 Indian students were studying abroad. This makes India the second largest source of international students after China.

However, the past migration history of India and the affluence of the Indian diaspora in foreign countries prompts most Indians parents to presume that if their child gets a foreign education, he/she will be able to settle in that country permanently. They equate studying abroad with settling abroad. They feel that once their child goes abroad, they will be able to make a good life for themselves and settle comfortably.

In order to secure their child’s future in a foreign country, Indian parents spend obscene amounts of money or take loans that often take a lifetime to pay and somehow send their children abroad to study. Their hope is that their child will obtain residency, land up with a lucrative job and have a successful career.

We must not forget that just like India, there are many countries around the world who send their youth to study in countries such as USA, Canada, Australia, UK and New Zealand.

This has increased the number of foreign students applying for immigration in the aforementioned countries. Hence the queue and waiting period for obtaining immigration is getting longer and longer.

Let us take an example of an Indian student studying in USA. If this student started studying in the Master’s program in the year 2002, he is likely to have completed it by 2004. Like most students, he would have converted his status from F1 student visa to H1B work permit visa. He would have worked for six years on this visa assuming that the company he worked for continued to hire his services. Hence until 2010 he would be working on a H1B visa.

Let us assume that this student applied for a Green Card in 2010 under one for the following categories – EB1, EB2 and EB3 and received approval for his I-140 petition. As each of the categories has a quota of 40,000 Green Cards per year, and as the number of foreign students applying for a Green Card in these categories is very high, it takes several years to receive this much coveted card.

As per USA Government official website, petitions received/ approved until January 2015 are being issued a Green Card under the EB1 category. Petitions approved/received until July 2009 are being issued a Green Card under the EB2 and EB3 categories. Hence our student has to wait for at least another 4 years for a Green Card under the EB1 category and another 10 years under the EB2 and EB3 categories, assuming that rules do not change and processing time remains more or less the same.

There are many Indian students in USA who were trying to obtain a Green Card since the last 12-15 years after completing their studies. When their wealthy Indian parents realized that their children cannot obtain residency after the study program, they tried to intervene by investing money on behalf of the children in programs such as EB-5 Investor visa of USA to secure a Green Card for their child.

Other popular destinations for study abroad are Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Thanks to thousands of student visa consultants and Canada immigration lawyer in India, Canada has the highest number of Indian international students. Unfortunately, due to bad advice given by local agents, who are motivated by the hefty commissions they receive from foreign education institutes, a good number of students receive a shock of their life when they realize that the course, they have been enrolled into is not a Master’s program but a college diploma or certificate course. Also, the institution they are going to study in is not a recognized university but a community college. There are innumerable horror stories faced by parents and their children because of their desperation to go abroad.

Most Indian parents, whose children are ready to study abroad, fail to realize that circumstances that existed a few years ago to settle abroad are not applicable in 2020. Immigration laws and regulations change from time to time and from country to country. Unless parents plan early, sending their children abroad to study will only result in spending exorbitant amounts of money without any net gain, which is permanent settlement in that country.

There are also good number of Indian students who had gone abroad to study but were forced to return back to India because they could not get employment related to their education nor could obtain residency/permanent immigration of the country where they studied. This has led to frustration, disappointment and careers of many bright students being destroyed due to short-sightedness and lack of knowledge.

When our law firm is approached by such parents, we cannot find a viable solution for them in many cases as the child who has gone abroad for study is way past the legal age to be included in an immigration application with his/her parents under the investor class. Parents and children undertake thorough research and seek legal advice from an experienced US immigration lawyer to explore the possibility of immigration after study before going abroad.

Though a new concept for Indian HNIs, their counterparts in other countries such as China, Taiwan and Korea have resorted to obtaining residency and citizenship by the investment of various countries round the world to secure their children’s education in foreign jurisdictions, giving their children a jump start in their career when they finish their education.

The most important advantage of obtaining residency and citizenship by investment is that the investor’s children can enjoy reduced tuition fees at the majority of top universities. Tuition fees for permanent residents and citizens are significantly lower, reduced by almost 60%-80%, in most foreign universities as compared to those paid by international students.

In many cases, the amount to be invested by an investor in a particular country is just a little higher than the tuition fees he/she would pay in international student fees, especially if the investor has two or more children.

Making investments in risk-free but unconventional products in many countries of the world can help wealthy Indians to secure the foreign education and career of their children. There are excellent opportunities available for investing in countries such as USA, Canada, UK, some European countries and the Caribbean islands which guarantee subsidized education for children of investors.

In keeping with the changing trends, Indian parents can invest for a second passport or residency of a foreign country to ensure theirs and their children’s future before it’s too late.

Countries that offer Residency and/or Citizenship by Investment:

Residency to Citizenship:

USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand

Direct Citizenship:

Caribbean Islands –> St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica

Residency: Europe

Portugal, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Latvia, Turkey

Citizenship: Europe

Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria, Moldova

To know more about the subject and planning for your child’s foreign education get our e-book 

January 1, 2022

Common mistakes made by parents and students while planning for study abroad!

Here are my 10 quick tips.   (Video version)

  1. Study abroad after grade 12 only if money is not a problem!
  1. Take IELTS coaching from an institute that does not provide student visa consultancy!
  1. STUDYING ABROAD does not translate to ‘Your life is set’!
  1. Study abroad only in recognized programs at university where immigration is possible!
  1. “Post-graduate Diploma” in colleges is not a Master’s degree!
  1. After studying abroad, immigration is not automatic!
  1. There is no guarantee that you will find a job that can finance your study. Always find employment related to your education!
  1. For licensed professionals, make sure you have the right to practice in India or the right to immigrate to the country of your choice!
  1. Do your own research, consult immigration lawyers and plan your career early and for the long term!
  1. Studying abroad is NOT the only option available to settle abroad. There are several other better options available!

Are you interested in planning for your child’s foreign education and settlement in a foreign country? 

Get this ebook for FREE or you can purchase the book from Amazon or ebook from google – Click Here

 

 

How to Plan for your Child's Foreign Education in 2020
A must-read book for all students who wish to study and settle abroad!

Who is Prashant Ajmera? 

Prashant Ajmera is a reputed Indian lawyer, NRI, and Canadian citizen since 1997 with more than twenty–five years of experience in the field of cross-border personal law and global investment advisory. He has assisted numerous HNIs and UHNIs in planning their finances and advised them in planning their children’s foreign education in the most economical manner.

Over the years has authored two books and a number of articles for diverse publications and has been invited as a speaker by various organizations and institutes …Read more

Mr. Ajmera is a member of the International Bar Association (IBA) and has addressed the IBA Annual Conference as a speaker on two occasions (Cancun-2001 & Durban-2002).

He is also a member of many chambers of commerce and charitable organizations.

To consult Prashant Ajmera (Lawyer, Author & Founder)  for planning your child’s foreign education either in person or via Zoom video conference click here

November 7, 2021

International Student Crisis: Funeral home sending an alarming number of bodies back to India!

October 21, 2021 (Yahoo News) 

The lotus is a symbol that looms large in India’s mythology.

The soft pink petals of the flower join knowledge, prosperity and compassion together in spiritual harmony. In life, and beyond, the lotus represents the attainment of bliss.

The Lotus Funeral Home and Cremation Centre is an unassuming building, located incongruously in an industrial area near the border between Toronto and Peel.

A small peaked porch at the front of a squarish concrete structure marks the entrance grieving families walk through. The rest of the building stretches back to a parking lot at the rear and it shares its street with a shipping company, furniture warehouse and an industrial equipment supplier.

For family members in India who receive the bodies of their loved ones from the Lotus Funeral Home half-way round the world, the symbolism is a tragic reminder of a promising life cut short.

Lotus is where more and more young people from the world’s largest democracy are laid to rest. Their bodies are prepared there for a journey back home, from where they left on their adventure to study abroad, carrying the weight of so many expectations.

The funeral home is tasked with arranging the transportation of deceased Indian nationals, students who came to Canada among the waves of like minded seekers searching for a better life.

As Brampton grapples with an international student crisis, where too many youngsters fall through the cracks—some into a life of crime, lured by prostitution or the drug trade, others simply crushed by isolation and lonliness—increasing numbers of flights are carrying the bodies of young Indian men and women as part of their cargo.

“We’re finding that the number of student deaths has increased, not only in Brampton but across Canada. We see it across Canada,” Kamal Bhardwaj, the owner of Lotus Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, told The Pointer. “We have relationships with the Indian consulate, so when an international student passes away, then we’re notified, then we have to [help] out the families, usually bring their bodies back to India.”

In the past two weeks alone, Bhardwaj and his staff have sent the bodies of five students home. He says he sends them home at least on a monthly basis.

International students, many of whom live in Brampton, face a daunting task settling in Canada. A large number come from South Asia, where some families have liquidated assets and saved for decades to send one child to North America for an education, and eventual immigration… they hope. In the 2016-2017 academic year, there were 35,403 international students from India studying at colleges and universities in the country, according to Statistics Canada.

“In order to afford that, when you do the financial transaction, you’re looking at mortgaging the farm at home,” Gurpreet Malhotra, the CEO of Indus – Community Services, previously told The Pointer. “Family puts everything they’ve got into borrowing money to get you into Canada.”

The amount of money spent by international students in Canada has exploded over the last decade. According to the federal government, they spent $6.5 billion in 2008, and by 2018, the number had reached $21.6 billion, more than tripling in a decade as many of these unsuspecting students became the focus of a post-secondary system that now views them as a cash cow.

Governments have been all too happy to relieve their financial pressures by expanding international student admissions to significantly increase revenues.

The pressure on students is immense, as are the costs. They are often unable to return home for a host of reasons, including the crippling family shame that would accompany failure, and are limited to just 20 hours per week of work to support themselves here. Many are still developing a full grasp of the language and others come from places like rural Punjab, with no experience of life in big Canadian cities.

Some are lured into the world of organized crime and drug trafficking.

While international students, often not even out of their teens, struggle to navigate a new system, private and public colleges benefit handsomely. For Canada’s post-secondary education institutions, these young people and their desperate families represent a critical source of revenue.

The sector began to shift toward attracting more international students in 2008. Young adults coming to Canada from abroad can pay as much as four times the tuition fees their domestic classmates pay.

Over the past ten years, revenue from student fees has increased by 218 percent in Canada, with a $3.25 billion increase in the Canadian international education market over roughly the same period. The average tuition fee for domestic students is $6,822 compared to $27,613 for international students.

This outsized reliance on income from international students is shown in Sheridan College’s most recent annual report. According to the institution, 62 percent of its revenue comes from tuition fees and 56 percent of tuition fees are paid by international students.

International students accept the cost, at least in part, because graduation is portrayed by education agents in India as a path to permanent residency. An industry of private and relatively unregulated colleges has developed in Canada, selling degrees and diplomas as a path toward a permanent home in Canada.

“I can give you a painful example of a student who was acting out at the corner of Steeles and McLaughlin,” Baldev Mutta, the CEO of Punjabi Community Health Services, told Brampton councillors in September. “Somebody called us. We rushed over to find out. And, when we calmed this young man down, he said, ‘I need to get arrested because I have not eaten for a while and I have no place to sleep. At least if the police arrest me, I know they are going to feed me’.”

In a foreign land without a support system, the consequences can be fatal. Greedy landlords cram people into houses without suitable fire protections, while human traffickers circle the students most desperately in need of money.

Go Fund Me, a crowdfunding website, acts as a tragic obituary.

“His family wishes to see him one last time, but they cannot bear the costs of coming to Canada or of the funeral,” one appeal, to send the body of a 21-year-old student back to India, says. Another 23-year-old passed away in a truck fire after three years in Canada away from his family, and another died after drowning.

“They wanted their daughter to have a very good education and lead a better life and contribute to the betterment of others’ lives, and she came to Canada as an international student on an education loan,” one page explains. “They also expected her to support her younger sister for her education and career in the upcoming years. Now the family has lost their light in life, in a tragic accident.”

There are multiple factors that can lead to the death of an international student. From exorbitant rents and inadequate housing to a lack of emergency food support. Poor connections between the international student community and mental health services also leave many isolated without anyplace to turn. Colleges and private “career” schools have been criticized for not providing proper support to the students they gladly take money from, to fund operations designed primarily for the success of domestic students.

Community leaders monitoring the plight of international students say suicide is a growing problem.

“I can’t tell you the cause of death because I am not privy to that,” Bhardwaj said. “Usually, when there is a young person involved in a death, it is investigated by the coroner’s office, now the coroner’s office doesn’t share the results with us … but I can tell you on visual observations you can see certain indications of a suicide, for example.”

The Peel Regional Police says it does not have a way to record missing persons or death by suicide under any category that identifies the individual as an international student.

“I think the magnitude of the problems are so enormous that until we can all sit down in one room and say, ‘What are some baby steps we can take to address this?’ I think it is going to keep on spiralling and we will see the aftermath of it later on,” Mutta said.

He mentioned students who had been arrested as drug mules and nine pregnant international students his organization is working to help.

Mutta and Malhotra are leading community efforts to address the international student crisis. Bhardwaj also runs a charity that specializes in mentoring and peer-supporting international students before and after they arrive in Canada.

The solutions — which lie in the hands of all three levels of government — can’t come soon enough.

The difficulty faced by international students in Brampton echoes around the world. It is felt by friends locally, community leaders and, most painfully, by parents and other loved ones thousands of miles away.

“We’re dealing with these families and this tragedy, parents don’t believe this has happened, they don’t believe it is their child, they go through a hunger strike,” Bhardwaj says. “They said, ‘No, no, no, until I see my son, I’m not going to eat anything’. And literally, these are the kind of things we see… it’s just difficult all around, it impacts everyone, even our staff.”

Their end-of-life care is supposed to comfort families that look to the lotus as a symbol of hope, that even after death their loved ones will find their bliss. For families in India, who have to receive the bodies sent by Bhardwaj, his lotus is a reminder of everything they lost.

Source: Yahoo News: