Category Archives: Singapore

Categories Singapore

Should You Be Afraid Of The Weather In Canada?

90% of new migrants thought that the weather in Canada during winter is too cold, nearly unbearable.

Is it true?

Watch the video below to hear the first-hand experience by immigrants from Singapore. Did they find the weather unbearable?

 

“The west coast of British Columbia, including Vancouver, has a moderate climate year-round and thus the seasons are less distinct from one another. Overall, the west coast has summers that aren’t as warm nor winters that are as bitterly cold as say, Toronto or Montreal.

Eastern Canada, including Toronto and Montreal, has a short, fierce winter, below zero temperatures most of the time, and -20°C (-4°F) not uncommon. At least one or two snowfalls of eight inches or more will likely hit in January and February.” – TripSavvy

 

Want to migrate to Canada? Check your eligibility for FREE here.

 

Categories Singapore

United States – 29th January 2020 – Process change for adjudication of immigrant petition by alien investor

 

𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 – 𝟮𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 – 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿

 

On January 29, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a process change for the adjudication of Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (Stage 1 of the EB-5 application process). Currently, the Immigration Services adjudicates these petitions on a first-in, first-out basis. The USCIS has announced a new process, with planned implementation on March 31, 2020, where adjudication priority will be given to petitions where visas are immediately available. These petitions will likely be adjudicated ahead of petitions where visas are not immediately available (i.e. foreign nationals born in China, Vietnam, or India). This change will affect both newly filed petitions and petitions pending as of March 31, 2020. Please note, this does not affect those who have already received the approval of Form I-526.

 

For current or prospective I-526 applicants who were born in a country outside of China, Vietnam, or India, their petition will receive adjudication priority. For applicants who are China-born, Vietnam-born, or India-born foreign national, their petition will be adjudicated based on visa backlog trends, as published by the U.S. Department of State on a monthly basis.

 

Want to know if you are eligible to migrate to the US? Check your eligibility for FREE with us on https://ocscglobal.com/assessment/

Categories Singapore

What to declare on your first landing to Canada?

PERSONAL GOODS / HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

You will need to prepare two copies of a list of all the goods you intend to bring into Canada as part of your personal effects. The list should indicate the value, make, model and serial number (where applicable) of all the goods.

Divide the list into two sections:

The first section– List the goods you are bringing with you (by plane)

The second section– List the goods to follow (by shipment Moovaz)

Goods that arrive later will only qualify for duty- and tax-free importation under your entitlement if they are on your original list.

Items you can import duty- and tax-free

You can include the following personal and household effects in your duty- and tax-free entitlement:

  • clothing and linen
  • furniture
  • furnishings
  • appliances
  • silverware
  • jewellery
  • antiques
  • family heirlooms
  • private collections of coins, stamps and art
  • personal computers
  • books
  • musical instruments
  • hobby tools and other hobby items
  • personal vehicles
  • pleasure boats and the trailers to carry them (trailers are subject to Transport Canada requirements)
  • mobile trailers, no more than 2.6 metres (9 feet) wide, that the owner is capable of moving on his or her own
  • utility trailers
  • motor homes
  • private aircraft
  • tool sheds or garages that do not attach to or form part of a dwelling

Items Not Recommended to Bring

  • Furniture – Too bulky, can purchase a new set in Canada for a reasonable price
  • Electrical items – The voltage in Canada (120 V) is less than in Singapore (230 V). Also, the frequency in Canada (60 Hz) differs from the frequency in Singapore (50 Hz). You may use a voltage converter but it is not recommended for common moving, rotating and time-related appliances like clocks, television, shavers and electric fan heaters. Appliance with the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ can be used in all countries in the world. This is common for chargers of tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc.
  • Sentimental items that no longer in use

 

Categories Singapore

How to bring funds/cash in to Canada?

 

CASH / FUNDS

As a new migrant settling in Canada, there is no minimum amount of fund you need to bring in with you on your first landing. However, you should research how much it costs to live in a place where you plan to settle in Canada. You are responsible to bring sufficient funds to support you and your family for at least 6 months while you look for a job.

Do take note that you are required to have a minimum amount in your foreign bank to immigrate to Canada. It is recommended to bring as much money as you can, or at least the amount of funds based on the number of your family member below:

Number of
family members
Funds required
(in Canadian dollars)
1 $12,960
2 $16,135
3 $19,836
4 $24,083
5 $27,315
6 $30,806
7 $34,299
For each additional family member $3,492

 

If you bring more than C$10,000 into Canada, you must declare the amount when you arrive. You must fill out form Cross-Border Currency or Monetary Instruments Report – Individual (E677) [PDF].

This includes:

  • cash
  • documents that show property or capital payable to you, such as:
    • stocks
    • bonds
    • debentures
    • treasury bills
  • documents that guarantee payment of a set amount of money, which are payable to you, such as:
    • banker’s drafts
    • cheques
    • money orders
    • travellers’ cheques
Categories Singapore

Can you drive in Canada with International License?

 

If you have a valid licence from your home country, you’ll probably be able to use this to drive in Canada for ONLY a short period of time after you arrive. Plus, you will need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country. An IDP will give you a translation of your licence into French and English.

 

The process to get a driver’s licence in Canada depends on the province or territory where you live and on your driving background:

 

Categories Singapore

Removal & Addition to Australia Occupation Lists Review

 

AUSTRALIA (Jan. 21, 2020) – Submissions now being accepted on changes to occupations lists

 

  • Implementation         : Ongoing
  • Documents affected : Temporary and permanent skilled migration categories, including the TSS visa, the                                                             Employer Nomination Scheme and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.
  • Who is affected         : Australian companies sponsoring skilled foreign workers.
  • Impact on business  : The review provides employers with an opportunity to help shape the occupations lists                                                       that determine eligibility for skilled workers.
  • The Traffic Light Bulletin recommended changes for:
    – Removing 11 occupations from the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), including careers counsellor, community worker and business machine mechanic.
    – Adding four occupations (corporate treasurer, aged or disabled carer, nursing support worker and personal care assistant) that are currently not on any of the lists to the STSOL.

 

Want to know if you are eligible? Get your FREE Assessment now!

Categories Singapore

Why Hong Kong families are sending their kids to Singapore schools

Dewey Sim, Singapore reporter for the South China Morning Post has reached out to our Director, Mr.Philip on Sunday, 12th January 2020 for a short interview on how Singapore schools offer ‘safety and security’ for families leaving Hong Kong protests behind.

 

Interested to find out more? Feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Email: assessment@ocscglobal.com

Phone: +65 6238 0777

Categories Singapore

New Zealand Skilled Migrant and Essential Skills — Updated Remuneration Threshold 2020

 

NEW ZEALAND – New income thresholds to take effect 24th February 2020

 

The remuneration or pay rate thresholds for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa and the Essential Skills Work Visa are usually updated in November each year. This year it is updated later so that workers and employers have more time to prepare for the changes.

 

Starting from 24 February 2020 onwards, The new thresholds are based on the New Zealand median salary and wage rate of NZD $25.50 per hour (up 2% from last year) which is equivalent to NZD $53,040 per year for a 40-hour per week job.

 

Please see the chart above for changes on both visas.

 

Check your eligibility for New Zealand migration today!
Email your resume to assessment@ocscglobal.com for a FREE assessment.

Categories Singapore

Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP) Criteria

As an investor who is interested in starting a business or investing in Singapore, you may apply for the Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) through the Global Investor Programme (GIP).

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following qualifying criteria:

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If you think you meet any of the criteria above, contact us right away!

Email: assessment@ocscglobal.com

Phone: +65 6238 0777

Categories Singapore

Benefits of Canadian Permanent Resident

 

List of benefits being a Canadian Permanent Resident

 

1. Medicare
Each province and territory has its own health insurance plan. Make sure you know what your plan covers.

Check here for your Health Insurance Plan.

 

2. Free Relocation Services
Pre-arrival service organizations assess your needs and create a personalized plan to help you settle in Canada.
Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Check here for Relocation Organization List.

 

3. Free Career Coach Services
Pre-arrival service organizations help you search for and find employment in Canada.
Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Check here for Career Organization List.

 

4. Free New Comer Services
Get free experienced settlement professionals services upon arrival in Canada.

Check here for Services Location List.

 

5. Regular Benefit
Receive up to CAD$562 per week for a maximum of 45 weeks for individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Read here for full eligibility.

 

6. Sickness Benefit 
Receive up to CAD$562 per week for a maximum of 15 weeks for individuals who are unable to work because of sickness, injury, or quarantine.

Read here for full eligibility.

 

7. Maternity Benefits
Get up to CAD$562 per week for a maximum of 15 weeks while you care for your new child.

Read here for full eligibility.

 

8. Parental Benefits

Standard Parental
Get up to CAD$562 per week for a maximum of 40 weeks while you care for your new child.

Extended Parental
Get up to CAD$337 per week for a maximum of 69 weeks while you care for your new child.

Read here for full eligibility.

 

9. Canada Child Benefit
Receive a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.

Get up to $6,639 per year ($553.25 per month) for each eligible child under the age of 6.
Get up to $5,602 per year ($466.83 per month) for each eligible child aged 6 to 17.

Read here for full eligibility.

 

10. Free Elementary and Secondary Education
Free public schools for students aged 5 to 18 years old.

Read here for full eligibility.

 

11. Post-Secondary Education
Get financial help on tuition fees for post-secondary studies, which usually cost between $2,500 and $8,000 a year.

See Funding Options.

 

12. GST/HST credit
Receive a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes.

Per year, you could get up to:

  • $443 if you are single
  • $580 if you are married or living common-law
  • $153 for each child under the age of 19

Read here for full eligibility.

 

13. GST/HST New Housing Rebate
Be eligible for a new housing rebate.

Check your Rebate Calculation.

 

14. Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Get up to CAN$1,175.83 per month when you reach 65 years or older.

Read here for full eligibility.

 

15. Old Age Security (OAS) Pension
Receive up to CAD$613.53 per month for seniors aged 65 and older who meet the Canadian legal status and residence requirements.

Read here for full eligibility.

old-age-security

 

16. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Receive up to CAD$916.38 per month in addition to the Old Age Security (OAS) Pension for recipients who have a low income and are living in Canada.

Read here for full eligibility.

 

17. International Social Security
Get paid for your pension if you have lived or worked in another country that has signed social security agreements with Canada.

Read here for full eligibility.

 

Use Benefit Finder to get a customized list of benefits for which you may be eligible.