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While there is no official list of universities for the Netherlands Orientation Year visa, any Dutch university that offers accredited Bachelor's, Master's, or Post-master's programs, and foreign universities listed among the top 200 globally ranked universities, qualify for the Orientation Year visa. The Residence permit for the orientation year is particularly for highly educated non-EU/EEA recent graduates who have completed a study program or research in any of the above-listed universities within the last 3 years. With an Orientation Year visa, one can reside in the Netherlands for up to 12 months to seek employment, work without a work permit or sponsorship, or start a business.

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Can Indians apply for the Netherlands Orientation Permit?
 

What are the qualifying programs for the Orientation Year Visa?

Degree programs, such as Bachelor’s or Master’s, and Post-Master's programs, such as PhD, completed within the last 3 years at a Dutch university or any of the Top 200 globally ranked universities, can qualify for the Orientation Year Visa. If you have graduated from a foreign university with a qualifying program, you must ensure that the university is listed among the top 200 in global rankings. The Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities, or Shanghai Rankings, etc, are generally considered for the top 200 rankings.

Eligible programs for recent graduates from Dutch higher education institutions

The study programs that are eligible for graduates from any of the qualifying Dutch universities are:

• A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree program
• A PhD or scientific research program
• A Master’s degree, which is a part of the Erasmus Mundus program

Eligible programs for recent graduates from foreign universities

The study programs that are eligible for graduates from any of the qualifying foreign universities are:

• A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree program from a university with a global ranking (Top 200)
• The course field must match your field of research or study (for subject-specific rankings)

To have your foreign degree qualify for the Netherlands Orientation permit, it must meet the following criteria:

• The educational institution must rank in the top 200 in any of the following general rankings: Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, or ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities.
• Your educational institute must rank in the top 200 on the date of your study program or research completion.
• The rankings, as per the subject for which your educational institute ranks in the top 200, must be relevant to your field of study or research.

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Yes, Indians can apply for the Netherlands Orientation permit if they are a non-EU graduate who has completed a study program at a university in the Netherlands or at any of the other qualifying international universities within the last 3 years. Indians who are looking to apply for the Orientation Year visa and are not in the Netherlands will be required to first apply for a Provisional Residence Permit (MVV). With an MVV, they can enter the country and then apply for an Orientation permit.

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Eligibility Criteria for Indians

To be eligible for the Orientation year visa, Indians must meet specific criteria, such as:

• Must have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or degree program in the last 3 years
• The degree must be completed at a Dutch university or any of the foreign universities listed in the top 200 rankings of the QS, Shanghai Rankings, or Times Higher Education.
• You have completed a scientific research or PhD program in the Netherlands (in the last 3 years)
• You have completed the following:
• A post-Master’s course with a minimum duration of 10 months
• A study program that is related to the development cooperation policy of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs'
• Completed an Erasmus Mundus Master's course
• Study related to the Cultural Policy Act

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How to apply for the Orientation year visa from outside the Netherlands?

To apply for the Orientation Year visa from outside the Netherlands, you must first verify if you require a provisional residence permit. If you are applying from India, you will need an MVV (long-stay visa) that can be applied for at the nearest Dutch consulate or embassy. The MVV application process typically involves arranging the necessary visa documents, scheduling a visa appointment at the local Dutch embassy in your country, submitting the completed visa application along with the documents, and paying the application fees.
 

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To practice for mock interviews to get a job in Canada, you can utilize AI tools, seek help from professional experts or coaches, or practice with a friend. To start your preparation, focus on general questions that include behavioural and situational aspects, as per the Canadian format. For an effective mock interview, you must first understand the job role and company you are applying for, use the STAR method to explain your answers, practice for general questions and questions related to your job role, focus on your body language throughout the interview, and design a resume that aligns with the Canadian standards.

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Steps to prepare for mock interviews for a job in Canada from India

To prepare for a mock interview for a Canadian job, you must first research the job role and company you are interested in, assess general interview questions that are asked in Canada, practice giving answers using the STAR method, and maintain a professional and formal body language.  

Here is a step-by-step process you can follow to prepare for mock interviews for a Canadian job:

Step 1: Research the company, job role, and the culture

Before you begin your practice, it is essential to research the job role, company, and Canadian culture or workplace values. Understand the company’s mission, values, and culture by reviewing recent news, their website, and social media handles. Canadian employers are keen on politeness, punctuality, collaboration, and other key qualities, so answer your questions by highlighting your skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Note: Including relevant keywords in your resume and responses enhances your visibility.

Step 2: Prepare for mock interviews

Once you have completed the above step, you can proceed with preparing for the mock interviews. For a practice mock interview session, you can either use AI tools or have an expert, counselor, or friend conduct the interview. You can hand over your resume, along with the job posting for which you are applying, to your interviewer for more personalized and effective interview questions. Ensure to maintain a professional body language during an in-person practice session. For an online session, ensure you are in a well-lit and quiet environment with a stable internet connection.

Step 3: Incorporate the STAR method in your answers

Canadian interviewers generally ask a combination of questions that are general, behavioural, and situational. Irrespective of the question, try to use the “STAR” method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain your answers. Prepare for a 1-2 minute general briefing about yourself, covering your background and your interest in the role. Maintain honesty in your answers throughout the interview.

Step 4: Focus on your body language and presentational skills 

It is very important to maintain good posture and body language throughout the interview. Maintaining an open posture, making eye contact, and looking directly into the camera (for virtual interviews) or greeting the interviewer with a handshake (for offline interviews) are key aspects of good body language. When you speak, you must sound confident and natural with your answers.

Step 5: Review feedback and work on improving it

Once you have completed the mock interview, you should receive feedback on your performance in all the above aspects. Incorporate that feedback in your next mock interview and work on improving those mistakes.

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Top interview questions for mock interviews for a job in Canada

While the questions asked in a Canadian work visa interview generally revolve around yourself, your background, skills, and immigration goals, some of the top interview questions to prepare for mock interviews for a job in Canada include general/ behavioural questions, Canada-specific questions, and company-related questions.

Some of the most common interview questions for a job in Canada are:

General questions:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Describe a time you faced a challenge or stressful situation.
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Country-specific (Canada) questions:

• Is this your first job in Canada?
• Why do you want to work in this province?
• What is your experience working in Canada?
• Are you licensed to work in this province or territory?
• Company-specific questions:
• Why do you want to work here?
• What do you know about our organization?
• What are your salary expectations?

Job-related questions:

For example:

Top interview questions for IT jobs in Canada

Interview questions while applying for IT jobs in Canada include behavioural, project-related, and other technical questions (software or technology).

Some of the most common questions for IT jobs in Canada are as follows:

Behavioural questions:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What drew your interest to our company and this particular role?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Describe the biggest project you have worked on.
• Tell me about a time you faced a difficult challenge or a project that didn't go as planned.
• How do you handle pressure and meet tight deadlines?
• How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
• How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple tasks?
• Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
• Why are you leaving your previous job/company?

Technical questions:

• How do you troubleshoot a complex IT issue?
• Describe your experience with specific software or tools, like cloud storage or a particular programming language.
• What is your process for deploying a production?
• How do you minimize errors in your work?
• Can you explain the difference between [technical concepts, e.g., SOAP and REST]?
• How do you keep your technical skills updated?

Role-specific or company-related questions:

• What do you know about our company?
• What would be the biggest challenge in this role if you were hired?
• What value can you bring to this position?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Do you have any questions for us?
   

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Some of the most common reasons for Schengen visa rejection include incorrect documentation, false information, insufficient financial funds, lack of valid medical insurance, unclear purpose of visit, and a criminal history. According to the latest SchengenVisaInfo statistics, nearly 1.7 million EU visa applications resulted in a Schengen visa rejection rate of 14.56%. To have a successful Schengen visa application, you must ensure that you submit the correct documentation, obtain valid medical insurance, have sufficient funds, and create a CV with a clear intention of visiting the country, among other factors.

Schengen visa applications are generally rejected in accordance with Article 32 of the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009), which outlines the grounds for visa rejection. With a Schengen visa, you can gain travel access to 29 countries without having to apply for separate visas. Before applying for a Schengen visa, it is recommended that you first decide which country you want to apply to, schedule a Schengen visa appointment at least 6 months before your travel date, and submit the application at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date.

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Top 10 reasons for Schengen visa rejections

The top 10 reasons for Schengen visa rejections are as follows:

1. Forged or false documentation: Submitting fake or false documents is one of the major reasons for visa rejections. Forged documents like bank statements, fake employment letters, passports, etc., can lead to a visa rejection as per Article 32(1)(a)(i), which indicates a visa rejection on the grounds of fake or forged documents. Documents found to be forged or fake can result in a 5-year ban, as well as other criminal penalties.
2. Invalid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen country and have been issued within the last 10 years.
3. Unclear purpose of travel: Providing an unclear intent of travel, such as “business” or “tourism,” without any specific details, can lead to your visa being rejected. Applicants must submit clear evidence of attending conferences or meetings for business purposes, as well as hotel bookings or travel itineraries for tourism purposes. 
4. Lack of funds: Not having the required amount of funds for your trip can result in your visa being rejected. Immigration officers assess your tax records, bank statements, employment records, and the authenticity of your funds before approving your Schengen visa.
5. Overstaying your intended period: Schengen short-stay visas are generally issued for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. Applicants who overstay and exceed the allotted duration can risk an automatic visa rejection.  
6. SIS alert: The SIS alert is an entry-level verification process conducted by European countries for law enforcement and border security purposes. If your name is listed in the SIS, no visa can be issued to you. The alert could mostly be a result of previous immigration issues, such as overstaying or other legal issues.
7. Being a threat to public policy (health, criminal policy, or security risks): Applicants with a criminal history, those posing a security risk, or those with communicable diseases may have their Schengen visa application turned down.  
8. Lack of valid medical insurance: Schengen visa applications must include a valid medical insurance policy worth €30,000; failure to do so can result in visa rejection.
9. Incorrect or false information: Applicants who submit inaccurate or false information in their applications, such as unverified invitations or travel itineraries, may have their visa application rejected.  
10. Lack of intent to return: This is one of the most common reasons for a visa rejection. Immigration officers often refuse applications that do not demonstrate strong ties to the applicant's home country, lack evidence of employment, or fail to provide sufficient documentation, raising doubts about whether the applicant will leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires.

Also, read…

What are the new rules for Schengen Visa?
 

Tips to avoid Schengen visa rejection

To avoid a Schengen visa rejection, you must submit genuine and verified documents, along with clear and well-reasoned explanations for your travel.

Here are some tips you can follow to avoid getting your Schengen visa rejected:

• Submit clear and authentic proof of funds: Ensure you submit clear evidence of your finances, such as stamped and verified bank statements, a sponsorship letter, and your sponsor’s proof of funds (if you are getting sponsored)
• Strong ties to your home country: Submit strong evidence stating your intent to return to your home country. (An employment letter for your job back in your home country, documents for a property or ownership rights, or proof of enrolment if you are a student)
• Submit a clear travel itinerary: Outline a detailed and realistic travel itinerary plan, including travel destinations, dates, and other planned activities, as well as flight reservations and hotel bookings.
• Submit authentic documents: Avoid submitting incorrect or fraudulent documents with false or misleading information.
• Have valid travel insurance: Ensure you have a valid medical insurance policy worth €30,000 that covers your entire stay in the Schengen area.

Also, read…

How to get a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa?
 

Which countries can I visit with a Schengen visa?

You can visit around 29 countries in the Schengen area with a single Schengen visa. You also get visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to non-Schengen countries for short-term visits. Some of the 8 easiest countries to get a Schengen visa include Luxembourg, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland.

Here is the list of 29 countries you can travel to with a Schengen visa:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Croatia
4. Czech Republic
5. Denmark
6. Estonia
7. Finland
8. France
9. Germany
10. Greece
11. Hungary
12. Iceland (Non-EU)
13. Italy
14. Latvia
15. Liechtenstein (Non-EU)
16. Lithuania
17. Luxembourg
18. Malta
19. Netherlands
20. Norway (Non-EU)
21. Poland
22. Portugal
23. Slovakia
24. Slovenia
25. Spain
26. Sweden
27. Switzerland (Non-EU)
28. Bulgaria
29. Romania 
     

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The cost of living in Germany is comparatively more affordable than in the USA. According to research, the overall living costs in Germany are 30-40% lower than those in the US, inclusive of rent, healthcare, groceries, and education. The monthly expense of a single person living in Germany is around €1,000–€2,000, while the monthly living costs in the US for a single person are USD 2,000–USD 3,500. While the regular wages and income offered are higher in the US, Germany provides a better scope for saving up your income and earnings, as it has lower expenses and expat-friendly social programs. While both the USA and Germany are among the top countries to settle abroad, the cost of living in Germany is generally more favorable for immigrants compared to the USA.

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Cost of living in Germany

The cost of living in Germany depends on lifestyle, location, and household size. The average cost of living in Germany is approximately €1,200–€2,000, or more, including rent, groceries, medical insurance, and other utilities. While living costs in Germany, in general, may seem affordable compared to other countries, the top cities, such as Frankfurt and Munich, are slightly more expensive. Some of the factors that influence the cost of living include the type of accommodation (shared apartment or single bedroom), the city (expensive cities like Frankfurt or affordable cities like Berlin), lifestyle choices (such as shopping, dining out, and other utilities), transportation, and medical insurance.

The top 5 cheapest cities in Germany

• Halle (Saale)
• Kiel
• Erfurt
• Magdeburg
• Berlin

Also, read…

Top 5 German cities with cost of living below €800

The table below has a detailed overview of the average cost of living in Germany:

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Cost of living in the USA

The average cost of living in the USA for a single person is estimated to be around $2,500 to $3,500 per month. Living costs vary based on the city you choose to live in, your lifestyle choices, and the type of accommodation you select. Housing is one of the major factors, and the rent could range anywhere from $1,500 to over $4,000 per month (varies based on the city), along with other factors such as utilities, transportation, and groceries. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York generally have a higher cost of living compared to cities like Oklahoma City, Memphis, and Alabama.  

The top 5 cheapest cities in the US

• Wichita, Kansas
• Oklahoma City
• Dallas, Texas
• Kalamazoo, Michigan
• Alabama

Also, read…

How much do you need to live in the top 10 cities of America?

The table below has a detailed overview of the average cost of living in the US:

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Cost of living in Germany vs. the USA. Which is better?

According to the analysis, the cost of living in Germany is definitely much more affordable than in the US. Reports suggest that the living expenses in Germany are nearly 30-40% lower than in other countries. While the high annual salaries, affordable cost of cars, and lower income taxes are some of the advantages of living in the US, the lower rents, healthcare facilities, education, and overall cost of living in Germany make it a cheaper and more affordable option for those looking to settle abroad.

The table below has a detailed overview of the living costs in Germany and the USA:

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