Top 3 Countries to migrate in 2021

With the Covid-19 pandemic hopefully coming under control with the development of a vaccine, those wishing to migrate overseas are looking at 2021 with optimism. They are all geared up now to look at options either to work, study or migrate overseas.

Based on our monitoring of immigration trends across the world during the pandemic and the consequent changes in immigration policies by countries, we think that these are the top three countries you should consider if you wish to migrate in 2021.

We chose these countries based on their eagerness and earnest intentions to welcome migrants and their immigration policies and plans are a testimony to this. You can consider these three countries for migration in 2021.

1. Canada

Canada is the second-largest country in the world. Over the years it has become a popular destination for people wanting to migrate to another country. Settling down in Canada holds the promise of a comfortable lifestyle. There are numerous job opportunities and the promise of personal freedom.

On its part, Canada has a long history of welcoming immigrants and facilitating their integration into Canadian society.

In its immigration plans for 2021-23, Canada is planning to welcome 1,233,000 new permanent residents over the next three years to help in economic recovery after the negative impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Apart from this, immigrants are required to offset the effect of an aging population and a low birth rate. Here are more details:

Year	Immigrants
2021	401,000
2022	411,000
2023	421,000

The target figures indicate that Canada will be focusing in high immigration targets— more than 400,000 new permanent residents in the next three years.

These targets have been set with a view to propel the economic growth of the country.

The immigration targets for 2021-23 is set to welcome 60 percent of the immigrants under the economic class program which will include the Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program.

Work opportunities in Canada

There are good job opportunities in Canada because a major percentage of existing skilled workers belong to the baby-boomer generation which means they will be retiring in a few years and companies will need the workforce to replace them. Unfortunately, the Canadian population has not grown in the required pace where they will be skilled workers to replace those who are retiring. Hence the country is looking at foreign workers for replacement.

The following sectors are expected to have considerable number of job openings over the next six years.

• Healthcare
• Business and finance
• Engineering
• Technology
• Legal
• Community and social service

Canada for international students

Canada has become a popular destination for international students. There are various courses and programs students can choose from. The universities here provide numerous research opportunities. Students can work while doing their course and have good internship opportunities.

International students who work here have the possibility of immigration after completing their course. They can apply for a PR visa once their course is over.

The Canadian government offers options for international students to stay after their course and gain some work experience.

Top four reasons why international students choose Canada

• Quality of the Canadian education system
• Tolerant and non-discriminatory nature of Canadian society
• A safe environment in Canada
• Availability of the desired program

Permanent residency in Canada

Canada has a systematic and well-regulated process for migrants wanting to move to the country on a PR visa. The validity of a PR visa is five years which can later be renewed.

The PR visa does not make you a citizen of Canada, you are still a citizen of your native country.  As a PR visa holder, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Can apply for Canadian citizenship in the future
• Can live, work and study anywhere in Canada
• Eligible for healthcare and other social benefits enjoyed by Canadian citizens
• Protection under Canadian law

You will have to exclusively apply for the PR visa if you are a student or a worker from a foreign country living in Canada.

Canada offers various immigration programs through which you can apply for a PR visa, but each program has its individual eligibility requirements and application procedure. Some popular programs for getting the PR visa are

• Express Entry Program
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Canada follows a points-based system to determine whether you qualify for the PR visa. This is known as the Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS.

2. Australia

Australia has always been a popular immigrant destination.  The country has favorable factors such as a thriving economy which means more job opportunities. Australia promises a better quality of life and a multicultural society where there is peace and harmony.

Australia has always followed immigration friendly policies to allow more people to settle down here.

Australia for international students

Australia is a top destination for students. Some of its universities feature among the top 100 universities in the world. The universities here are known for the quality of education, the variety of courses they offer and the post study work options for students.

Work options in Australia

Australia has become a popular destination for people wanting to make a career. It has job opportunities in multiple sectors.

It has always opened its doors to foreign workers. The employee friendly policies, social harmony and an attractive lifestyle make it a much-coveted place to professionals seeking a career overseas.

Permanent residency

 The Australian Government offers immigrants various options for applying for a permanent residency in the country. The PR visa is valid for five years. With a PR visa you can move to Australia along with your family. After five years of having a PR visa you can apply for citizenship.

What are the benefits of having a PR visa?

These are the benefits of having a PR visa:

• You are free to live and travel anywhere in Australia
• You can pursue higher education and can apply for some educational loans
• You are qualified for social security benefits after two years as a PR visa holder
•  Your children born in Australia would automatically become citizens
• You can fund your family's PR if they fulfill certain conditions
• You have the right to apply for government jobs
• You have the right to fly to New Zealand and can even apply for a visa there

In order to streamline the immigration process, filter the immigrants and ensure that qualified people are granted visas, the Australian government has devised many immigration programs for the PR visa.

The government on its part sets the migration planning levels and fixes a certain number of places under each migration program. Here is a table with details of places allotted to each migration program in 2020-2021:

Skilled Stream category	2020-21 Planning Levels
Employer Sponsored (Employer Nomination Scheme)	22,000
Skilled Independent	6,500
State/Territory (Skilled Nominated permanent)	11,200
Regional (Skilled employer sponsored/skilled work regional)	11,200
Business Innovation and Investment Program	13,500
Global Talent Program	15,000
Distinguished Talent	200
Total	79,600
Family Stream Category	2020-21 Planning Levels
Partner	72,300
Parent	4,500
Other Family	500
Total	77,300
Child & Special Eligibility	3,100

As you can see in the table the highest number of places is allocated to the Skilled Stream category which has a total of 79,600 immigration places for 2020-21. Australia needs skilled migrants who will contribute to the economy. Skilled migrants bring with them high educational qualifications and higher employment potential. This holds the promise of better contribution to the economy. Migrants who are sponsored by employees have more potential to bring the desired results.

 With the Skilled Migration stream having the greatest number of places, this should be your option when applying for a PR visa. Moreover, the Skilled migration stream is a points-based system and is the most popular immigration program that aspiring migrants choose.

3. Germany

Germany has one of the most well-organized and fastest immigration process.one of the best ways to migrate to Germany is to go there for employment. If you have the right qualifications and experience, there are very good chances that you may find a job here.

Advantages of migrating to Germany

• Huge job market for professionals in the engineering, technology and manufacturing sectors
• Amazing benefits for residents including free healthcare and education
• German cities are consistently among the 'World's Most Livable Cities'
• Shortage of skilled workers in many industries, creating opportunities for immigrants
• One of the fastest visa decisions in a leading economy
• Great pay, great benefits and access to the whole European Union once you obtain your visa
• Largest populated nation in Western Europe and the largest economy in Europe

Work options in Germany

Germany has a fast-growing economy, a range of job opportunities in various sectors and offers competitive salaries. This makes it an attractive option for overseas jobseekers.

 The country on the other hand is looking for skilled workers in various sectors and also offers competitive salaries for those wishing to work here.

There are various visa options for citizens of non-EU countries to come and work here.

Before you come to Germany for work, you must apply for a work and residence permit. For this you must have a job offer from a German employer.

Germany for international students

Germany has several universities offering courses in a range of subjects. These universities have minimum tuition fees while some are free of cost. International students can opt for courses in a range of subjects from Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, or Business.

The USP of German universities are a combination of high-quality education with a unique cultural environment and experience. These factors attract many international students to the country.

Permanent residency in Germany

The country offers options to become a permanent resident of the country provided you meet certain requirements.

You are eligible to apply for permanent residence if you have been in the country between five to eight years. If you are staying on a legal residence permit for work or study, you can apply for permanent residency.

However, if you are a graduate from a German university, you can apply for PR after two years provided in these two years you had a residence permit for working in the country.

Canada, Australia and Germany have indicated through their immigration policies and actions during the pandemic that they are willing to welcome immigrants and look forward to their contribution to rebuild their economies and restore their status quo like in the pre-pandemic times.

These three countries promise immigrants better future in 2021 and beyond.