In today's global economy, seeking better work opportunities, education, and living standards by migrating to other countries has become commonplace. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, there are over 232 million international migrants worldwide. Moving to developed countries promises a better life for oneself and one's family, including access to better healthcare, higher earning potential, and a more stable political climate.
For students interested in studying abroad, a top priority is finding a country with favourable immigration policies and a reputation for happiness. The best countries for Indian students to immigrate typically offer a strong economy, easy-to-navigate immigration policies, high-quality education, and ample job opportunities.
In this article, we'll explore the top 10 countries known for being immigration-friendly.
Top 10 Immigration-Friendly Countries
Canada
Canada, located in North America, shares the longest binational land border in the world with the USA and is considered the most desirable country for immigration. The Canadian government is known for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants and actively accepts them due to a decreasing population. English and French are the main languages spoken in Canada, and it has a modern immigration system called Express Entry and other programs like Provincial Nominee Programs and Sponsorship.
Canada is known for being one of the most immigration-friendly countries worldwide, with quality education, flexible immigration laws, simple visa requirements, and part-time work permits available for international students while studying. After completing their studies, students can also obtain post-study work permits. Canada has policies that promote equality and unity, making it a haven for international students who wish to study without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or disability. Canada's flourishing labour market presents many job opportunities for eligible immigrants. Flexible immigration regulations make it easier for international students with good merit to settle in Canada or extend their stay, increasing the country's global corporate visibility. Overall, Canada is an excellent choice for anyone looking to immigrate to a welcoming and diverse country with numerous personal and professional growth opportunities.
Australia
Australia is a highly sought-after destination for Indian students seeking to study abroad. This archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by oceans on all sides, has a cosmopolitan culture, with 30% of its population hailing from overseas. The country offers excellent prospects for families to immigrate, including a robust economy, free healthcare and education for children, and over 400,000 job opportunities nationwide.
Australia's highly regarded education system attracts students worldwide, offering a range of courses, promising decent employment prospects, a high standard of living and easy-to-understand immigration regulations. The Skill Select Migration Program is an online platform that facilitates submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) for foreign students and graduates of Australian institutions who wish to apply for permanent residency.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants, and its points-based system invites eligible students who meet the minimum requirements for permanent residency. The above factors make Australia a highly favourable destination for students seeking to study abroad and build a life in a diverse and welcoming country.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and a welcoming attitude towards immigrants. It is a popular destination for international students attracted to its high-quality education system, excellent infrastructure, low unemployment and crime rates, and stable economy. Many Indian students who study in New Zealand aim to obtain a post-study work visa, which can lead to a technical career in the country and increase their chances of obtaining permanent residency. The permanent residency application process in New Zealand uses a point system that considers a student's educational qualifications, work experience, employability, and age. Indian students often opt for the Qualified Migrant Category Resident Visa when applying for permanent residency.
Singapore
Singapore is a favourable country for immigrants, particularly for students seeking quality education in Asia at a lower cost than the US and UK. Its economy is thriving and recognized as one of the world's major financial centres, making it an attractive destination for individuals exploring post-study options and permanent residency. To be eligible for permanent residency, students must obtain a post-study work permit, and they can also apply for a non-renewable Long-Term Visit Pass that enables them to work in Singapore for a year. However, it is essential to note that failure to secure a suitable job may result in the requirement to return to their home country.
Germany
Germany is the largest economy in Europe and the fifth-largest globally, making it a desirable destination for skilled migrants. Indians are among those who are seeking opportunities to work, study, or start a business in Germany. To migrate, one must have a working knowledge of the German language, which the government provides for free. Germany offers many benefits, such as a stable and growing economy, good work prospects, safety, security, and excellent healthcare, which make it an attractive place to settle.
Germany's world-class educational centres, excellent infrastructure, and rich cultural heritage make it a popular destination for international students. Many students study in Germany to fulfil their career goals and seek permanent residency there. Students can apply for a Residency Permit/EU Blue Card from the Central Registry Office of Foreign Nationals to obtain permanent residency. The Residence Permit allows students to work for 18 months in an industry related to their studies and qualifications. Students who have at least two years of work experience can qualify for permanent residency.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is an immigration-friendly country that is currently focusing on accepting a large number of international students, particularly from India. The government is introducing more flexible post-study programs to attract students and promote studying at different levels in the country. This includes an enticing proposal allowing students to work in the UK for two years after completing their studies. The UK was a popular destination for students in the late 90s and early 2000s, with a high influx of students in various fields such as management, accounting, economics, humanities, and social sciences.
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Norway
Norway is widely known for its natural beauty, strong economy, and high living standards, making it a popular destination for immigrants. One of the main reasons for this is its welcoming culture and history of embracing diversity, which is reflected in the government's policies and attitudes towards immigrants. Norway also boasts an excellent education system that offers free tuition in public schools, and the country's pollution-free environment and pleasant weather further add to its appeal as a study destination. In addition, Norway has a relaxed immigration policy, making it one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants worldwide. With its strong economy, natural beauty, and comprehensive social welfare system, Norway is an ideal choice for those seeking a better life.
UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become an increasingly popular destination for immigrants in recent years, which is unsurprising given its many advantages. The country boasts a stable and robust economy, with numerous job opportunities in the finance, technology, and construction sectors, leading to a low unemployment rate. Additionally, the UAE provides a high standard of living with luxury hotels, resorts, shopping centres, and top-tier healthcare facilities. Moreover, the population of the UAE is diverse, making it easy for immigrants to integrate and establish social connections.
Argentina
Argentina is a highly desirable destination for immigrants due to various factors. Its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and friendly populace make it an attractive option. Furthermore, its strong economy sets it apart from other South American nations, with well-developed infrastructure and diverse industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. This presents numerous opportunities for immigrants seeking employment and a fresh start. Additionally, Argentina's standard of living is notably high compared to other countries in the region. In summary, Argentina's economic strength, quality of life, cultural richness, and safety combine to create a highly appealing destination for immigrants.
USA
The United States of America has a long history of being a nation of immigrants and welcoming individuals from all over the world. The country has an established system for legal immigration and provides a wide range of opportunities for those looking to relocate to the United States.
One of the most significant aspects of the US immigration system is its diversity visa program, which offers individuals from underrepresented countries a chance to apply for permanent residency in the United States. The country also offers various visa categories, such as employment- and family-based visas, to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements.
The US also offers several programs to encourage foreign entrepreneurs to establish businesses in the country. For example, the EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency by investing a specific amount of money into a new commercial enterprise in the United States.