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 30/60/90âday landing plan and the glossary when youâre ready to move.
Global Immigration Overview
The overview below summarizes major longâterm 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 Migration Express Entry CRS Employer Sponsored Work Permit/LMIA Entrepreneur / Investor StartâUp Visa Family Sponsorship Spouse & parent PR
Australia
Skilled Migration GSM (189/190/491) Employer Sponsored 482 TSS â 186 ENS Entrepreneur / Investor Business Innovation & Investment Family Sponsorship Partner & parent visas
United Kingdom
Skilled Migration Skilled Worker route Employer Sponsored Licensed sponsor job Entrepreneur / Investor Innovator Founder Family Sponsorship Family visas
United States
Skilled Migration Hâ1B/EB visas Employer Sponsored Hâ1B/Lâ1 etc Entrepreneur / Investor EBâ5 Investor Family Sponsorship Family green cards
Hong Kong
Skilled Migration QMAS scheme Employer Sponsored Employment visa Entrepreneur / Investor Entrepreneur visa Family Sponsorship Dependants of workers
New Zealand
Skilled Migration SMC points Employer Sponsored AEWV Entrepreneur / Investor Active Investor Plus Family Sponsorship Partner & 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., 12â18 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 nonâEnglish documents; apostille/legalization where applicable.Plan B: A secondary pathway if quotas or job market conditions change.
Use our upcoming ProofâofâFunds Estimator and Document Checklist Tracker to stay on top of requirements.
Budgeting Your Move
Relocation costs are a mix of oneâoff fees and livingâexpense bridges. Build a conservative budget with a buffer for currency swings and delays.
Common OneâOff 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 coâpays
Transport passes or a used car
Childcare and school supplies
Phone plan and banking fees
Try our Moving Cost Estimator and CostâofâLiving Comparator to model scenarios and find your comfort buffer.
Rule of thumb: Aim for a cash cushion covering 3â6 months of local expenses after you arrive, especially if youâre jobâseeking.
StudyâtoâResidence 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 workârights during study and after graduation
Budget for total cost of attendance plus living buffer
Use a simple calculator: Total program cost Ă· expected postâstudy salary uplift to sanityâcheck 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 streamsFamily: spousal sponsorship is wellâdefined; track processing by categoryTimeline: selection rounds vary; keep documents current
Australia
Pointsâdriven with strong regional programs and employer routes. Licensing may be required for trades and healthcare.
Optimize: skills assessment + target state nomination listsWork: employer sponsorship can bridge to permanent residencyCosts: plan for higher application fees and health checks
United Kingdom
Most skilled routes require a licensed sponsor job offer. Longâterm residence leads to settlement and then citizenship.
Optimize: salary band and eligible occupation matchingFees: visa charges plus a health surcharge for most categoriesDependants: 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 matchProcess: multiâstep pathways; keep an eye on category backlogsTiming: expect potential requests for evidence; build buffer
Hong Kong
Attractive for finance/tech; meritâbased and employer routes exist; longâterm residents may seek permanent status.
Optimize: qualifications and salary competitivenessFamily: dependants generally can accompany workersRegion: consider the wider Greater Bay opportunities
New Zealand
Pathways emphasize accredited employers and shortage roles, with clear guidance for residence eligibility.
Optimize: target GreenâList occupations and accredited employersLifestyle: plan for regional job searches outside major citiesFamilies: schooling and healthcare vary by visa type
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 continuousâresidence or absence limits
Our Citizenship Eligibility Calculator helps you preview timelines based on residence and absences.
Life Admin After You Land (30/60/90âDay Plan)
First 30 Days
Secure longâterm 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 driverâs 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
FAQ
Do I need a lawyer or consultant?
Plenty of applicants selfâfile 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 familyâs.