How to Afford a Cruise If You Are on a Low Income

If you make enough money to put away an extra $500 or $600 a month into your savings account, you could be boarding a cruise ship in little more than a few months. Low wage earners on the other hand will need to pinch their pennies in order to afford even a basic weekend getaway. From Disney themed cruises to luxury cruises that take voyages all around the world, there’s a way for travelers to go on a trip no matter what their financial constraints are. Sure, budget savvy vacationers might be more interested in all-inclusive cruises than their more well-to-do peers, but if taking a vacation while out on the water appeals to you, it won’t really matter how you get there. Purchase a cruise travel insurance policy so that you are able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Next up are a few tips that will get you in the mood to go on a lavish cruise.

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Compare Travel Deals

At any given time, there are likely dozens of cruise specials going on that will help you to stay within your budget. Think about saving for a cruise in the same way you go grocery shopping. If you see a brand name product on sale for a price that is 50% off it’s regularly suggested retail price, are you going to get upset? Of course not. In fact, you might stock up on that deal so that you can enjoy the savings even longer. Travel deals on cruises can be found via travel agents, on cruise websites, and even television commercials. You will probably need to act fast, put down a deposit and lock in your travel dates to get the deal so be sure you’re ready to go. 

Get Friends and Family to Chip In

People can crowdfund for their honeymoons, to help pay medical expenses, or help get money to buy a new car. Since donations are completely voluntary, you can create a campaign for any reason and then share the link with your closest family and friends. Consider how much faster you would be able to save up for your vacation cruise if you received a helping hand from your closest companions. 

Choose a Date Far in Advance

People who are on a lower income might take a little longer to save up for a cruise on average, which actually puts them in good position to plan ahead. If you won’t be going on your cruise for at least another year or two, there will be plenty of slots available on a number of cruise ships. Having your cruise booked for a date far in advance will be beneficial in case you need to change your itinerary, such as staying in a different cabin or departing from a different port. 

You aren’t required to max out your credit cards or sell all of your personal belongings to save up to go on a cruise. Just cut out some of the extras that you have been accustomed to, look for deals and plan your cruise a year or so in advance. You’ll get extra savings and get to sail around the world. 

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Posted in: budget travel , Travel Tips

Countries With Visa-Free Access for Philippine Passport Holders

To Filipinos traveling overseas, getting a visa can be a time-consuming, if not resource-draining exercise. Consulates and embassies often require plenty of documentation to justify them granting visas: financial statements and proof of employment are among them. And that’s if the destination country has its consular presence in the Philippines. Given such challenges faced by a legitimate tourist, another alternative is to visit countries that don’t require Philippine passport holders to apply for visas.

Asia

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

Brunei Darussalam – 14 days

Cambodia – 21 days

Indonesia – 30 days

Laos – 30 days

Malaysia – 30 days

Myanmar – 14 days

Singapore – 30 days

Thailand – 30 days

Vietnam – 21 days

Non- ASEAN

Azerbaijan – 30 days visa issued upon arrival

Taiwan – 30 days if holding a valid visa for Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Schengen countries, United Kingdom or United States. Check at https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/nase/ to meet the requirements.

Georgia – 90 days visa issued upon arrival, 360 days visa free to those who have temporary residence of Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait

Hong Kong – 14 days

India – 30 days visa issued upon arrival

Iran – 15 days visa issued upon arrival if holding an e-visa pre-approval code obtained via email from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mfa.gov.ir

Israel – 90 days (3 months)

South Korea (if arriving at Jeju Island only) – 30 days

Macau – 30 days

Maldives – 30 days visa issued upon arrival, extension of maximum 90 days is possible by paying MVR 750

Mongolia – 21 days

Nepal – 15/30/90 days visa issued upon arrival for around US$25/40/100

Sri Lanka – 30 days visa obtain upon arrival if holding Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). You can get this prior to arrival at www.eta.gov.lk

Timor-Leste – 30 days single entry visa issued upon arrival for around US$30, extension is possible up to 90 days

Europe

Kosovo – 90 days

Oceania

Cook Islands – 31 days

Fiji – 120 days Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival and can be extended

Marshall Islands – 30 days visa issued upon arrival and can be extended

Micronesia – 30 days

Niue – 30 days

Palau – 30 days visa issued upon arrival, additional USD 50 for extension

Samoa – 60 days Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival

Tuvalu – 30 days visa issued upon arrival

Vanuatu – 30 days

North America

Bermuda – 31 days before but since May, they now require visas for Philippine passport holders

Costa Rica – 30 days Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival

Dominica – 21 days

Haiti – 90 days

Nicaragua – 90 days visa issued upon arrival

Saint Lucia – 6 weeks Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 30 days visa issued upon arrival

Turks and Caicos Islands – 30 days

South America

Bolivia – 90 days

Brazil – 90 days

Colombia – 90 days

Ecuador – 90 days

Peru – 183 days

Suriname – 90 days

Africa

Burundi – 1 month visa issued upon arrival

Cape VerdeIslands – visa issued upon arrival around £ 25

Comoros – visa issued upon arrival

Djibouti – 1 month visa issued upon arrival

Gambia – visa issued upon arrival

Kenya – 90 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50

Madagascar – 90 days visa issued upon arrival for MGA140,000

Morocco – 90 days

Mozambique – 30 days visa issued upon arrival. Extension of 30 days is possible around USD 66

Saint Helena – visa issued upon arrival

Seychelles – 1 month Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival if holding return ticket, sufficient funds (minimum USD150 per day of stay, and proof of accommodation)

Tanzania – visa issued upon arrival for around USD50 to USD200

Togo – 7 days visa issued upon arrival if with return ticket, 3 passport photos, and yellow fever vaccination certificate

Uganda – visa issued upon arrival for US$50

Zambia – 90 days visa issued upon arrival for USD 50/80/160 single/double/multiple entry

**UPDATED and CHECKED:

**Information is intended for tourist visit purpose only

**Details may change anytime after the update due to new laws so double-check the immigration rules of the country you’re planning to visit

**Transit visa may be required when you’re not on a direct flight

**Sources: International Air Transport Association (IATA), Qantas, Wiki, Visalink, VisaHq.ph

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Posted in: philippine travel , Travel Tips

How To Be a Better Traveler

We all like to think we’re pretty good tourists, expanding our horizons and learning about foreign cultures, but sometimes even the most experienced traveler can be guilty of some common travel slip ups. To guide you along a more enlightened path, here’s how to be a better traveler.

• Contribute: Contributing to the local economy is one of the best things you can do when travelling. By buying locally made products or staying in homegrown hotels (not big international chains), your tourist dollars go direct to the people who need them. If you’re visiting an orphanage or school in a developing country, find out beforehand whether it’s worth bringing items such as pencils or schoolbooks for the local children.
• Research: Heading somewhere new? Then do some research on the local customs and traditions, even if it’s just for five minutes on the plane. You may find out what not to wear, whether some gestures could be misinterpreted as rude, or even pick up useful some local words. Are public displays of affection frowned upon? You’d thank yourself for finding out before anything happened.
• Show respect: Treat others the way you’d like to be treated. You should remain respectful to everyone you meet, whether that’s the women at the convenience store, the hawker interrupting your beach session, or someone working behind the airport check-in counter. If you treat others with respect, then they’re more likely to offer helpful advice if things go wrong.
• Live in the moment: Are you guilty of dining in McDonald’s everywhere you go? Trust us, it tastes the same. Travelling should be able trying new things, even if that’s a local delicacy you can’t pronounce. Be adventurous, and you’ll get a whole lot more out of your experience.
• Don’t blow your lid: Schedules inevitably change when travelling. Although this can be extremely frustrating, blowing your top about it isn't going to help anyone - least of all you. Being patient and accepting of the situation, knowing that it will eventually get resolved, will get you a lot further as people are more likely to help a calm person than an irate one.
• Be patient: Patience is a virtue. When you accept that most things are going to be done differently from what you’re used to, you’ll have a more relaxing trip. Some countries are much more laid back than others and may take longer to respond to requests. Just be patient.
• Go local: You never know if or when you will get to experience the country you are travelling in again, so try to get the most out of it. Hang with the locals, learn about places to explore which aren’t mentioned in your guidebook, and just soak up the authentic local culture.
• Be a good passenger: Long plane and bus journeys are usually pretty uncomfortable, so stay mindful of your fellow passengers. Avoid invading their personal space by spilling into their seat, and if you have a weak bladder maybe request the aisle seat. Everyone is pretty crammed together so it’s also a good idea to freshen up before you embark on the long journey.
• Barter with respect: When visiting developing countries, most market vendors are usually open to a bit of bargaining and quite enjoy the banter that goes along with it. Just keep in mind that the $1 or so you’re bargaining over may feed this salespersons family for days, so stay fair and real. Don’t treat the person poorly just because you’re trying to secure a better deal.
• Be organised: Ensure you are totally organised before you set off on your travels. Have your map and guide book close and exchange some money before you leave. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport to avoid unexpected delays.

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Posted in: immigration tips , Travel Tips

Know The Most Visited Cities in the World

We weren't surprised that London is the most popular international travel destination. But the other cities rounding out the index may surprise you. Bangkok, Singapore, and Dubai all saw a surge in international visitors this year that is expected to continue growing with advances in technology and a rising middle class in emerging markets.

It has been a tight race between London and Bangkok for the No. 1 position in the last few years. Bangkok first overtook London in 2013 to become the top-ranked destination city in the world, but London regained the top rank this year with an 8 percent growth in visitors versus an 11 percent decline in Bangkok’s visitors due to political unrest in Thailand.

Half of the top destination cities in the index were in Asia, while the United States has only one city, New York, in the top 10.

Here are the top destinations that people are visiting right now:

10. Seoul — Expects 8.63 million visitors in 2014. 

9. Hong Kong — Expects 8.84 million visitors in 2014. 

8. Kuala Lumpur — Expects 10.81 million visitors in 2014. 

7. Istanbul — Expects 11.6 million visitors in 2014.

6. New York — Expects 11.81 million visitors in 2014. 

5. Dubai — Expects 11.95 million visitors in 2014. Dubai’s international visitors are surging, with a growth rate of 7.5 percent. If current growth persists, Dubai is poised to overtake both Paris and Singapore as an international destination within the next five years. 

4. Singapore — Expects 12.47 million visitors in 2014. 

3. Paris — Expects 15.57 million visitors in 2014. 

2. Bangkok — Expects 16.42 million visitors in 2014 

1. London — Expects 18.7 million visitors in 2014.

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Posted in: Immigration News , Most Visited Cities in the World , travel news , Travel Tips

35 Genius Travel Tips that Can Make your Vacation Easy

Travel is full of pitfalls. One wrong step and your vacation could be ruined by a seedy hotel room, an overpriced restaurant, a wasted afternoon at a tourist-trap attraction or an overnight flight crammed in the middle seat. So, guarantee a smooth trip by planning thoroughly.

See all the tips here…

35 Genius Travel Tips That Will Change Your Life Forever

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Posted in: Travel Tips

The Difference of Learning a Second Language

The way people learn a second language is much different from a child’s experience in learning a first language. Very few adults get to be as fluent in speaking a second language as the native speakers of that language. The reason for this is that anyone acquires his or her first language naturally. The individual gets exposed to that language, grows up with that language and solidifies the use of that language as a part of daily life.

Second language learning occurs because a certain situation or a certain goal calls for it. But, with an already solid foundation and familiarity with a first language—which anyone is already comfortable with—acquiring another language would be more challenging. Once a person is already conditioned to express and communicate with one mode of language, learning how to do the same in a new foreign mode means relearning expression and communication from top to bottom, albeit the similarities of the languages get revealed throughout the learning process.

A good analogy to pain this picture would be having a person conditioned to eating rice as part of his daily diet. Having to transition to a Western diet, which can be bread as the new staple for example, may cause much discomfort to a person. It will take time for anyone to adjust to this new diet and it will take much more effort to appreciate this type of nourishment in place of the previous one. In addition, the person would always seek and long to have rice instead of bread during the diet transition.

The inevitable end result, however, would be that the person can choose to have rice or bread as his diet in the long run. He can be comfortable in eating both, depending on what he wants or what is available. Nonetheless, he has learned to live with both—and he will even further appreciate the goodness of rice and the goodness of bread.

It is not always the best case to suddenly shift to eating bread over rice. Learning to love bread would take baby steps, until the appreciation of nourishment goes full bloom. The same applies to learning a second language: one can only learn to appreciate the value and the beauty of a foreign language when one is ready, determined or deeply interested in acquiring it.

The difference of learning a first language from a second language is that learning the latter is something that you will have to set your mind into. After that, everything else will fall into place.

If you think that the Japanese language is something you are looking to acquire, develop and master, you are already on the right track. By perceiving the learning of a foreign language as something that is going to be valuable to your personal growth and as something that is going to be substantial to your professional growth, do not hesitate to inquire at Jellyfish Education Consultancy. They’re dedicated to providing the most fruitful learning experience to the students of the Japanese language.

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Posted in: Japanese language , second language , Travel Tips

Travel Secrets You Need To Know from Buzzfeed

From airline ticket booking loopholes to zipping precious travel documents, here are some of the travel secrets that we will reveal to help you travel like a pro. Watch the video from Buzzfeed below;

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Posted in: travel secrets , Travel Tips

Philippine Airline (PAL) to Add Flights to Japan

Philippine Airlines (PAL) will be offering more flights to Japan as it launches its Haneda-Manila route on March 30, 2014.

PAL said the flights will be offered twice a day, complementing its thrice a day service to Narita.

Haneda will be PAL’s fifth gateway to Japan, following Narita, Fukuoka, Osaka and Nagoya.

PAL, the biggest Philippine operator to and from Japan, currently operates 21 weekly flights to Narita, 5 times a week to Fukuoka, 7 to Nagoya and 7 to Osaka.

"The new service makes PAL the exclusive operator on the Haneda-Manila route. This route forms part of PAL's network expansion aimed at providing our passengers more and better choices,” said PAL president Ramon Ang.

Haneda airport is located around 30 minutes away from the Tokyo metropolis.

PAL also announced that it is upgrading its inflight menu with the introduction of Bento Box meals on all flights to and from Japan. 

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Posted in: immigration and travel , PAL , Philippine Airlines , travel news , Travel Tips

Countries that Filipinos Can Visit Without a Visa

It’s more fun in the Philippines, but amid good economic news, many Filipinos are traveling abroad both for business and leisure. Japan has recently allowed multiple-entry visas for Filipino citizens. South Korea is also reportedly mulling improving visa requirements for Filipinos.

But did you know that as of June 30, 2013, Filipinos can go to at least 25 other countries without having to worry about visas?

According to data compiled by the DFA's Office of Consular Affairs, the following countries fall in the visa-free category, followed by the length of allowable stay by Filipinos:

• Bolivia - 60 days
• Brazil - 90 days (for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports, visa-free for (a) duration of tour of duty or (b) 180 days for official business or tourism)
• Brunei - 14 days
• Cambodia - 21 days
• Colombia
• Costa Rica - 30 days
• Ecuador - 90 days
• Hong Kong SAR - 14 days
• India - Visa upon arrival valid for 30 days (limited only to New Delhi and Mumbai airports)
• Indonesia - 30 days
• Israel - visa-free for tourists (no. of days of stay will depend on Immigration); visa-free for holders of diplomatic and official passports; visa required for business)
• Laos - 30 days
• Malaysia - 30 days
• Morocco
• Mozambique - Visa upon arrival valid for 30 days
• Palau - 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return/onward plane ticket)
• Peru - 60 days
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Singapore - 30 days
• Sri Lanka - 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return/onward plane ticket)
• Suriname
• Thailand - 30 days
• Tuvalu - 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return /onward plane ticket)
• Vanuatu - 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return / onward plane ticket)
• Vietnam - 21 days
• Zambia - visa upon arrival; 3 months for tourism, 1 month for business

The DFA is still gathering visa information for the following countries:

• Guam
• Ireland
• Israel
• Jordan
• Mongolia

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Posted in: Immigration News , philippine travel , travel news , Travel Tips

US Election Result Brings Hope of Immigration Reform

THE people of the United States have reelected Barack Obama to a second term as America’s chief executive. Over the next four years, President Obama will maintain the ability to appoint justices to the Supreme Court and to the lower federal courts and to the heads of the federal agencies. Obama has pledged during his campaign that he remains committed to immigration reform, and to policies that favor the growing immigrant base that just helped him win the election.

When Obama was first elected president, he promised to bring comprehensive immigration reform before Congress. In his first term, his efforts at reform were thwarted by a Congress that was unable or unwilling to make bipartisan compromises in order to promote effective change. Unable to pass laws without the support of Congress, President Obama used his executive authority to improve the system in place and open avenues for relief under the existing legal framework.

Starting last year, through his Secretary of Homeland Security, President Obama encouraged agents and attorneys with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) to exercise prosecutorial discretion in deciding which cases to pursue for removal or deportation from the United States. The President advised ICE to focus resources on high-priority cases involving dangerous criminals, and to make available the option to cancel removal in the case of a person with strong family ties, no criminal record, and other favorable equities. This policy has resulted in the termination of numerous deportation and removal cases, preventing the break-up of families that were facing seemingly imminent separation.

Earlier this year, President Obama proposed regulatory changes that would permit a person who entered the United States without authorization to file for a “provisional waiver” before departing the United States to apply for readmission abroad. This waiver would significantly shorten the time that families are separated while family-based applications are pending. The provisional waiver is ready to be implemented, and the momentum from this election inspires confidence that final regulations will be forthcoming soon.

Recently, President Obama exercised his authority to put in place an application process known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in order to provide some relief through administrative channels for young persons who have lived in the United States for several years and attended schools in the United States. Many believed that if Mitt Romney had been elected, he would terminate the program, or decline to renew individual applications when they expire after two years. With Obama back safely in the White House, we can proceed with DACA applications with the confidence that the program will remain in place, and that DACA grants will be extended in two years’ time. We remain confident, as President Obama pledged during this campaign, that once the Dream Act is finally passed, the work authorizations issued under DACA will lead to permanent residency and citizenship.

The Obama administration may also provide support for changes necessary to exercise the full benefit of the Child Status Protection Act for aged-out beneficiaries of immigrant petitions. As benefits are expanded and more immigrants are eligible to apply for admission to the United States, the visa quota system will need to be expanded. The Obama administration would likely favor a push for increased visa availability to accommodate the influx in applicants who are now eligible to apply.

The reelection, and changing dynamics in Congress, also provides good cause for optimism that comprehensive immigration reform is possible. This election demonstrates that the Republican Party must update its message to address substantial numbers of Latino and Asian voters. In order to adapt to the changing American demographic, Republicans will need to soften their stance on immigration policy. The parties should be encouraged to work together to promote business immigration policies that will maintain American competiveness in a global economy. As President Obama said during the second debate, “there are folks all around the world who still see America as the land of promise. And they provide us energy and they provide us innovation and they start companies like Intel and Google. And we want to encourage that.”

Barack Obama’s second and final term in office is his opportunity to preserve a progressive, immigrant-friendly legacy, and to expand on the base support of immigrant communities for the future of the Democratic Party. President Obama does not need to tow a centrist line anymore, and can forcefully advocate for the positive immigration reform he has promoted throughout his presidency and his campaigns. We are optimistic that the next four years will open new pathways to immigration relief and reform for the betterment of this great melting pot.

President Obama has already put several programs in place that provide relief that was not previously available, and there is good cause to believe additional relief is on the way. Any person seeking status in the United States is encouraged to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine what options might already be available.

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Posted in: Immigration News , travel news , Travel Tips , us election result , us immigration

Wealthy Investors Lured with New Visas

Business-savvy migrants with at least $5 million to invest in Australia can apply for new investor visas from November. The investment visas were announced in May and Immigration Minister Chris Bowen released what the conditions were on Wednesday. People can submit expressions of interest through SkillSelect from November 24.

"The $5 million minimum is considered to be sufficient for a meaningful investment contribution, justifying eligibility for visa concessions such as not having to meet the points test, no upper age limit and access to reduced residence requirements," Mr Bowen said in a statement. They will have to invest in state and territory government bonds, Australian Security Investment Commission-regulated managed funds that invest in Australian assets, or in unlisted private Australian companies.

"Where visa holders choose to invest directly into Australian companies, these companies will need to meet certain qualifying business standards," he said. Visa holders will be able to extend initial four year visas by additional two year periods. They will be able to satisfy the residence requirement of 160 days in Australia at any time throughout their four year visa.

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Posted in: Australian immigration , Australian visa , Immigration News , immigration tips , travel news , Travel Tips , visa tips

PHILTOA Launches the Country's Largest Tourism Expo

If you've ever thought about taking a vacation and exploring the Philippines, now would be the best time to turn that idea into a reality. It doesn't matter if you want a quiet retreat or a thrilling adventure; whether you're planning your honeymoon or just going out with friends, there is no shortage of options in the upcoming 23rd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) this coming August 10 to 12 at the SMX convention Center in Pasay City.

Now bigger than ever, the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM)—the longest-running travel trade show in the country—is set to showcase the Philippines in the upcoming Sale ng Bayan. Featuring heritage and eco-adventure tours from all over the Philippines, the 23rd PTM is the result of various familiarization and exploration trips that bring new tour products into the market every year.

The annual event is organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), in cooperation with the Department of Tourism. With almost 250 exhibitors presenting their tour products through colorful pavilions and booths, the Sale ng Bayan will also launch “Philippine Island Fun Caravan Getaways”—joint group tours that cover various locations from all over the Philippines. These 4-day to 8-day tours pool local, balikbayan, and foreign tourists together to avail of special packages that would have otherwise cost a lot of money if done individually. Featured tours include the Batanes-Cagayan Northern-scape, Cordilleras Cultural Weekend Warrior Caravan, Central Visayas Backdoor tour, and the Tuna-T'Boli trail, among others.

“It has always been our goal to outdo ourselves every year,” says PHILTOA President Cesar Cruz, who is also the chairman of the upcoming PTM. “Innovation is key. We've been working closely with tour operators and government agencies alike to offer newer, better products yearly.”

Like most trade shows, the PTM will still feature classic destinations such as Bohol, Boracay, Cebu and Palawan. Also not to be missed are the individual tour packages that have anywhere from 70 to 80% discounted prices, such as “Kulinarya” (Binondo food trip for as low as P648), “Health and Wellness” (Tagaytay Wellness trip for as low as P2900), “Festivals” (Panagbenga trip for as low as P5500), and many more. Aside from the endless array of tour products in the country's biggest gathering of tour operators, the PTM will also provide informative seminars for students dubbed as Byahe-info. Also scheduled is an Eco Chorale Competition, a Folk Dance Competition, and even a Tourism Quiz Bee—ensuring educational activities for everyone in attendance.

It's more fun in the Philippines!

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Posted in: philippine travel , PHILTOA , Tourism Expo Philippines , travel news , Travel Tips

Tattoos can Cause Trouble for Immigrants

Legally immigrating to the United States can be a long and difficult process. Potential immigrants to this country have to maintain a job and clear criminal records or they can face deportation to their home country. It isn’t easy, but for those who achieve it, it is well worth it.

To add to the difficulty for immigrants, tattoos can also play a role in their being denied a green card to the become United States citizens. Many tattoos in certain countries and cultures have connections to gangs and other criminal organizations. Certain tattoos can affiliate a person from Japan with the Yakuza, certain iconography is associated with the Russian mafia, and various Latin street gangs have tattoos that identify their affiliations.

The issue with tattoos and gangs in Latin America has become a recent issue for immigrants from Mexico. The Wall Street Journal ran a recent article profiling two immigrants named Hector Villalobos and Rolando Mora Huerta. Villalobos has been working in the United States since 2006, but when he went back to Mexico to meet with an immigration officer about his processing for his green card, he was stopped at the border. He had two tattoos of the classic laughing/crying theatre masks—which can mean “Laugh Now, Cry Later” to certain gangs—on his back. Though Villalobos simply got the tattoos because he liked the artwork, that specific tattoo has been tied to Mexican gangs, and his re-entry into the country has been detained. He is awaiting review of his application, with no date set.

A similar situation happened to Huerta, who had been married to an American citizen, when he was arrested in 2008 for being the country illegally. His record showed only minor offenses, such as speeding. He was deported and in 2010 was interviewed at the United States consulate in Juarez, Mexico to attempt to get a visa. He had similar tattoos as Villalobos, though he denied any gang affiliations. His visa was denied to “have affiliation with a criminal organization”. Both men’s families are seeking legal action claiming profiling.

The trouble for these men is not unique in the world of tattoos and popular culture. There are instances of tattoos that marked one as affiliated with certain organizations that go back centuries. Yet as time has went on, the popular culture as time goes on and unfortunately law abiding citizens can find themselves in trouble with the law. With worries of gangs coming across the border with Latin American immigrants, the justice department can be accused of being “hyper cautious”, yet maybe they rightfully so given the current troubles that some of our southern neighbors are dealing with.

Unfortunately for these two men, their families, and others like them the love of artwork can has landed them in trouble with the law due to the lack of knowledge of the symbolism of their tattoos. Perhaps the moral of this story is not so much about immigrants being wrongfully deported and associated with gangs. Perhaps it is also a warning to those that get tattoos to make sure they research they symbolism before they get inked.

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Posted in: green card , immigration and travel , Travel Tips , us immigration , US Visa , visa tips

New Zealand Plans Simplification of Visa Application Process

Shifting immigration policies speak volumes about a country's desire to embrace change for its economic growth. New Zealand is the latest country to join the bandwagon.

The plan has been published in the form of its Vision for 2015 document. New Zealand's immigration minister, Nathan Guy, welcomed the blueprint and voiced that "Immigration New Zealand has put a lot of hard work into winning back the confidence and trust of the public and the Government." He expressed that the plan was an important step towards building on these achievements.

Additionally, he said that to benefit New Zealand visa applicants and staff at the visa offices, the immigration department has greatly reduced visa decision-making times. Some 500,000 visa decisions are made every year by the department, according to Mr Guy. Part of the Vision for 2015, Global Visas report is the simplification of the application process. An example of how the systems will be improved is the rolling out of Immigration Global Management System, which will allow more applications to be made online.

These changes in immigration policy aim at benefiting not only outsider applicants but also the country. Guy explained that, "Immigration makes a major contribution to New Zealand's economy. New migrants add an estimated $1.9 billion to our GDP every year, international students contribute $2.3 billion, and inbound tourists around $9 billion."

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Posted in: immigration tips , new zealand visa , Travel Tips , visa tips

Chances for Green Cards boosts by the US

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to change family-based visa limits from 7 percent to 15 percent per country, an adjustment that could slightly ease the backlog for naturalized citizens—particularly from the Philippines and Mexico, trying to bring relatives into the country. The legislation, which passed 389-15, was a rare example of bipartisan accord on immigration, an issue that largely has been avoided during the current session of Congress because of the political sensitivities involved.

The measure would eliminate the current law that says employment-based visas to any one country cannot exceed 7 percent of the total number of such visas given out. Instead, permanent residence visas, or green cards, would be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The bill also seeks to end per-country caps on worker-based immigration visas, a move that should benefit skilled Indian and Chinese residents seeking to stay in the United States and the high-tech companies who hire them.

Republican Representative Jason Chaffetz, the sponsor of the bill, said it “does encourage high-skilled immigrants who were educated in the United States to stay and help build our economy rather than using the skills they learned here to aid our competitor nations.” Currently, the US state department issues about 140,000 such green cards a year to foreign nationals working in the United States, often after getting degrees from US universities.

The bill, if passed into law, would boost the number of Filipinos migrating to the United States.

Filipino immigrants are already the second largest immigrant group after Mexicans, according to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI). Citing US census data and immigration statistics, the MPI said there were 1.6 million immigrants born from the Philippines, a former US colony, in the United States in 2006. Many of them were petitioned by relatives.

The MPI said that almost half (46 percent) of Filipino immigrants resided in California and that over two-thirds were concentrated in five states (California, Hawaii, New York, Illinois and New Jersey).

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas placed the number of Filipinos in the United States in 2009 at 2.88 million, including 2.59 million permanent residents. Overseas Filipinos are a big source of foreign exchange for the Philippines. In 2010, they remitted $18.8 billion, helping boost the Philippine economy.

Democratic Senator Charles Schumer, who heads the Senate judiciary panel on immigration, said he planned to move the bill as quickly as possible in the chamber, “where we expect it to find overwhelming support.” Schumer said the legislation would “remove outdated constraints that prevent us from attracting the kind of innovators who can create job growth in America.”

The Obama administration in its first two years failed in several major efforts to change immigration law, and this year the issue has largely been off the table, with Republicans making clear that anything suggesting amnesty for those in the country illegally would be rejected. The Chaffetz bill does not change the number of visas being issued, and groups representing immigrants said the bill would do little to resolve pressing immigration issues. However, they praised US Congress for showing it can act.

Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum, said that while the bill would not bring significant changes, “we think this is a positive step forward.” He said it was a good sign that “Republicans and Democrats are actually working on solutions.” Crystal Williams, executive director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said the measure “makes the system a tiny bit fairer and demonstrates that Congress can do something on immigration, however small.”

Williams cited estimates that while someone from England might wait two or three years for a green card, an Indian could conceivably be on the waiting list for decades.

Still, because there will be no increase in visas issued, there will be losers. Hosin “David” Lee, president of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association, said the bill would force engineers from South Korea to wait an additional two years in their immigration process to get green cards. Compete America, a group that represents high-tech companies such as Google and Microsoft Corp. and research institutes, said the bill would correct a problem in which countries with very small populations were subject to the same 7-percent cap as countries such as India and China, which account for more than 40 percent of the world’s population.

The lengthy waiting periods for people trained and working in America “are contributing to a reverse brain drain in the United States as frustrated professionals opt to return to their home countries to pursue their professional ambitions,” Kevin Richards, senior vice president of Tech America, which represents the technology industry, said in a letter to lawmakers. US employers are prohibited under the law from hiring foreign workers unless they show there are not sufficient US workers willing and able to take the jobs.

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Posted in: Filipino immigrants , green card , Immigration News , immigration tips , travel news , Travel Tips , UK work Visa , us immigration , visa tips

Gail Kerr: US Immigration Needs to Open Doors to Foreign Tech Workers

A pro-business group that landed in Nashville this week is spreading a unique message: “Immigrant” is not a dirty word. At a time when there are 1,000 technology jobs open and waiting for good candidates in Nashville-area businesses, this group is realizing America has thrown up barriers that stop some of the brightest minds in foreign companies from even attempting to relocate here.

The Partnership for a New American Economy, led by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and backed by Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, came to town this week to persuade other Nashville leaders to get on board. It’s not a new message at all: It used to be that coming to America was a dream come true, particularly for the world’s smartest high-tech workers. But then the trend of hating all immigrants spread rapidly through the country, and the message became that we didn't want any foreigners touching our soil.

Thank goodness this group is singing a different tune. It is pushing Congress to steer clear of hot-button fights over amnesty and border patrols and, instead, focus on real, practical immigration law reform. It favors laws making it easier for high-tech workers to get visas to move here and to keep international students here once they graduate. It comes just a few weeks after news broke that Nashville job recruiters are taking extraordinary steps to find people to fill high-tech jobs. Technology talent needs to be home-grown, but it isn’t right now. Chamber officials are working with 18 universities to entice students to enter tech programs. Local companies also are trying to train the existing pool of unemployed workers who are already here. And, recruiters are turning to places like Silicon Valley to hire and attract technology companies.

Still, 1,000 empty tech jobs is a slew of opportunity. The trend to look at immigrants as a source for filling these jobs is a natural next step. The Partnership for a New American Economy is a year-old group that focuses on loosening federal law to attract more scientists and engineers from foreign countries. For example, it wants to create an entrepreneur visa to draw high-tech talent from countries including China, India and Canada who want to start their own businesses.

Right now, America to those people “is more foreboding than it should be,” Alejandro Mayorkas, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said at a Nashville panel discussion. One of the business people backing the effort is Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive of Gaylord Entertainment Co. He would like to see it become easier to get a tourism visa to visit American cities. The waits for those now are lengthy, and the process requires an interview with the State Department. Why bother, when it’s easier to vacation in other countries?

“We’ve got to have stronger leadership in both branches of government to tackle these issues and not dance around the outside,” Reed said. He’s right on the money. People have become so paranoid about “illegal immigrants” that America has shot itself in the foot when it comes to attracting smart workers, new business owners and tourists.

How refreshing to see a group like this step up and confront those who want to make legal immigration a prickly, emotional issue.

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Posted in: Foreign Tech Workers , Immigration News , immigration tips , travel news , Travel Tips , US Embassy , us immigration

Family Super Visa Introduced by Canada

Canada Immigration officials on Friday announced a new two-year, multi-entry "super visa" for parents and grandparents of immigrants settled in Canada.

The move came after wait times for sponsorship of "family class" applications had grown to an unwieldy seven years or longer.

"Without taking action, those times will continue to grow, and that is unacceptable," said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney in announcing the move.

"Action must be taken to cut the backlog, reduce the wait times, and ensure that the parents and grandparents program is sustainable over the long run," Kenney said.

The multiple-entry "Parent and Grandparent Super Visa" will be valid for up to 10 years, officials said, and allow applicants to remain in Canada for 24 months before needing seek visa renewal.

The new visas will begin on December 1 and the will be issued, "on average, within eight weeks of the application," officials said.

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Posted in: canada immigration , Canada Visa , Immigration News , immigration tips , super visa canada , travel news , Travel Tips , visa tips

Things You Need to Know About Australian Immigration

Many Filipinos travel around the world, that’s why many Filipinos need to be updated on different Immigration tips. I have shared before UK Immigration tips, US Immigration tips and even Canada Immigration tips. Now I will share to you my beloved readers all about Australia immigration tips.

We all know that Australia is "as good as it gets" - and also notes that getting through the immigration system is "difficult but not impossible". Australian people are famous for their friendly and easygoing outlook on life. But anyone planning to come to Australia should understand that the Australian government is serious about "protecting the security of our borders and the integrity of our immigration system".

• Australia has a Universal Visa system. All non-citizens (unless you are a New Zealander) must have a visa to enter Australia. All non-citizens in Australia must hold a valid visa or be liable to detention and removal as 'unlawful non-citizens'.
• Australia's target migration intake is set yearly with a balance of different areas: skills, family, refugee/humanitarian. Of these areas, there is a strong policy emphasis on reducing family intake and boosting skills and business skills intakes.
• Not everyone is eligible for an Australia visa. Visa matters are subject to the Migration Act and Regulations. The rules change frequently according to legislative amendments and Federal and High Court precedents.
• Each visa subclass has its own conditions and criteria. If you apply in the wrong class, or you do not satisfy the decision-maker that you meet the conditions and criteria for the class you apply in, your application will be rejected without refund of the application fee.
• Discrimination against race or religion or gender is illegal in Australia, including the Australian Immigration system. There is legal discrimination by the Immigration system on the basis of factors like age, medical factors, character and criminal grounds, an applicant's previous visa history, the overstay risk statistics of different countries, and so on. 'Cap and queue' setting is also a feature of some types of visa, delaying processing of those visas when the annual quota is filled.
• Visa applications are decided strictly on the merits of the applicant vis-à-vis the relevant class and subclass. Bribery and corrupt practices are alien to Australian official culture.
• Where a visa application is rejected and there is an Australian sponsoring interest, an appeal is available to an independent Review Tribunal in Australia. The application for review is separate from the visa application itself, with an application deadline and a separate fee, refundable if the appeal wins. Many Immigration Department decisions taken to the Review Tribunals are overturned. These cases can be considered the Immigration Department's mistakes in interpreting and applying migration law.
• Appeals are also possible to the Federal and High Courts. These too are separate applications, which will usually require legal representation.
• The 'migration industry' is rife with unscrupulous operators. Outside of Australia, there is no restriction on who may give Australian migration advice and charge you for it. In Australia, however, there are severe penalties including jail and heavy fines for those who offer migration advice without being registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA)
• Migration Agents are bound by a professional Code of Conduct and subject to disciplinary sanctions if they breach it. To be registered, Migration Agents must demonstrate a sound knowledge of migration law and practice, and they must continually update their knowledge.
• A good adviser can help your chances by selecting the best visa avenue for your case, properly preparing the visa application with all necessary evidence, and effectively representing the case during processing.
• Registered Migration Agents are not Immigration officials. A Registered Migration Agent cannot 'guarantee' that you will get the visa.
• For this reason, generally speaking, any migration assistance contract containing a financial 'guarantee' should be regarded with suspicion. In some markets, clients expect and demand a 'no visa, no fee' or 'money-back guarantee' offer, incorrectly believing that this is a promise that the visa may be procured. In these markets, lawyers specialise in tricky, elaborate, and confusing contracts, to deceive the client into thinking the money will be refunded after a rejection.
• As in everything else, in professional migration advice you get what you pay for. For best value, consult and get proper advice first, before deciding whether to make a visa application and what visa to apply for. The wise will expect to pay for that advice: the money you spend could save you a fortune in wasted time, plans, hopes, trouble, and costs.

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Posted in: Australian immigration , Australian visa , Immigration News , immigration tips , Travel Tips

Tips to Avoid Being a Victim of Illegal Recruitment

A high monthly income with additional allowance, and other incentives. Sounds too good and very tempting right? But don't you know that every year hundreds of victims suffer financially and emotionally while the perpetrator enjoys the loot of their crimes. Some come forward and complain others remain silent in shame. Illegal recruitment has caused some families to break up. Criminal cases crop up as a result of non-payment of loans obtained to settle placement fees for non-existing jobs abroad. Others had gone to the highlands and joined leftist group rather than face their creditors and be subjected to humiliation by friends, neighbors and even family members.

 

But how to stop illegal recruitment? Illegal recruitment has been with us for so long yet it seems that not much has been done about it. We all know that illegal recruitment is a crime. But why let ourselves be a victim after all? Is it because we want to gamble, win and take it all? Or it is a simple failure on our part to recognize what is genuine and what is not.

The keywords are failure to recognize what is genuine and what is not. No person in his right mind would like to be gypped or in Filipino term “Walang taong gustong maloko”.

 

Illegal recruitment is pure and simple "Pangloloko" and illegal recruiters are con artists and masters in the art of fraud and cheating. Therefore the best way to eradicate illegal recruitment is for us to recognize what is genuine and what is not.

Here are some tips to avoid being a victim of Illegal recruitment.

• Do not apply at recruitment agencies not licensed by POEA.
• Do not deal with licensed agencies without job orders.
• Do not deal with any person who is not an authorized representative of a licensed agency.
• Do not transact business outside the registered address of the agency. If recruitment is conducted in the province, check if the agency has a provincial recruitment authority.
• Do not pay more than the allowed placement fee. It should be equivalent to one month salary, exclusive of documentation and processing costs.
• Do not pay any placement fee unless you have a valid employment contract and an official receipt.
• Do not be enticed by ads or brochures requiring you to reply to a Post Office (P.O.) Box, and to enclose payment for processing of papers.
• Do not deal with training centers and travel agencies, which promise overseas employment.
• Do not accept a tourist visa.
• Do not deal with fixers.

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Posted in: illegal immigration , illegal recruiter , illegal recruitment , immigration tips , Travel Tips , UK work Visa , US Tourist Visa

Ten Interesting TipsTo Help You Understand Your Immigration Case

I have discussed before some tips for a successful US Immigration and Successful UK Immigration. I also share to you the Ten Commandments of Succesful Immigration. Now let me share to you some tips on how you can understand your Immigration case.

The following information has been culled from many sources and been the subject of our office meetings. Some of the 10 points which are covered may provide helpful tips to those applying for immigration benefits. Others may allow for understanding of how the process works by agencies administering benefits and enforcement. Overall we hope the article helps the reader.

• 1. Where the beneficiary is overseas in an I-130 marriage case, U.S.C.I.S. will not issue an RFE (Request for Further Evidence) to obtain a missing beneficiary signature on a Form G-325A biographic data sheet, but will adjudicate the I-130 form and the signature can be later collected at the consulate.
• 2. To expedite Form I-131 reentry permit biometrics and delivery of the permit, an applicant should mark the outer envelope of the form I-131 package "Expedite" and include two prepaid mailers for delivery of both the ASC (Application Support Center) appointment notice and travel document. If the applicant provides an e-mail address or fax number, the Nebraska Service Center will be able the fax the ASC appointment to the applicant and the ASC will be willing to accept the duplicate copy of the appointment notice.
• 3. Lawyers complained that because of the current I-140 form distinguishing between EB-3 (employment based third preference) professional and EB-3 skilled workers, several I-140 petitions have been denied because the box for "professional" was marked where the Nebraska Service Center found that the petition was not approvable as an EB-3 professional, but evidence submitted demonstrated that the petition was approvable under the skilled worker category. Nebraska stated that petitioners who notice the need for change prior to adjudication can e-mail directly to ncscfollowup.nsc@dhs.gov. It said that there was no need to phone prior to sending the e-mail communication.
• 4. Where the applicant does not have a Form I-94 entry/exit card and is applying for adjustment of status to permanent residence based on family relationship, he/she should submit Form I-102 Application for Replacement/ Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document with the I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to the Chicago Lockbox of the NBC (National Benefits Center). The Lockbox currently separates the I-102 from the I-485 if there are separate checks for each form. If there is one check payment for both forms, the forms stay together in the applicant's "A" file.
• 5. Confusion has often appeared to be the order of the day where petitions or applications to U.S.C.I.S. are complex and thick, and attorneys and others have constantly asked for guidance from the agency on how to separate the different exhibits so that the petitions or applications are more readily understandable to the examiner. Of great concern has been the fact that the cashiers at U.S.C.I.S. Service Centers tend to snip off any tabs sticking out of the paperwork, whether the tabbing is done sideways or along the bottom of the papers. Following conversations with supervisors and line adjudicators at Service centers, the best current advice seems to be to separate the exhibits by plain sheets of paper, not colored, and mark clearly to what the documents or exhibits relate. If colored paper is used, it should be light-colored.

• 6. There is a recent directive from U.S.C.I.S. Field Operations that where an applicant paid for an I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, the application was denied, an NTA (Notice To Appear) issued for the applicant to appear in the immigration court, and the case terminated by an immigration judge, the applicant will have to refile the I-485 application and pay the filing fee again.
• 7. On H-1B cap exemptions based on relation or affiliation with institutions of higher education - until it issues further guidance - U.S.C.I.S. will give deference to prior determinations made since June 6, 2006, that a nonprofit entity is related to or affiliated with an institution of higher education absent any significant change in circumstances or clear error in the prior adjudication. A petitioner should provide U.S.C.I.S. with a copy of the prior I-129 form and attachments, I-797 approval notice, any documentation submitted in support of the cap exemption, and include a statement attesting that the organization was approved as cap exempt since June 6, 2006.
• 8. U.S.C.I.S. has come out with a proposed rule for a new H-1B employer registration system with 60 days comment beginning March 3, 2011. The rule is not targeted for this year's H-1B cap allotment since the 60 day period will end on May 2, well past the beginning date of April 1, 2011, for the initial acceptance of cap subject H-1B petitions. Briefly registration will be free, companies can register applicants as many times as they want and CIS (Citizenship and Immigration Services) will accept the first valid registration and reject any subsequent duplicative requests. Employers will file electronically with U.S.C.I.S. during the registration period beginning no later than March for a minimum period of two weeks and include basic information such as the employer's name, EIN, mailing address, authorized representative's name, job title, contact information (telephone and e-mail address), beneficiary's full name, date and country of birth, citizenship, gender, passport number, and any other information required by U.S.C.I.S.
• 9. A Guangzhou American consulate initial rejection notice for a cook case was interesting in asking for among other items the cook's official blue license/certificate; and a VHS videotape or VCD/DVD showing the cook preparing and cooking from start to finish, Cantonese/Sichuan,/Beijing/Japanese/Western/dishes (whichever applicable) including at least ___ fish dish and ___ vegetable dish. It also stated that the video tape or VCD/DVD should not have any cuts or edits, show the cook's face and hands at all times, and include chopping, ingredients and final presentation.
• 10. The illegal practice of having one's passport marked with official looking stamps of another country showing entry/exit to either "prove" that a person spent more time or less time outside the United States is no longer as effective as in the past due to new tools by CBP (Customs and Border Protection). People on visiting visas who have spent much time in the States are tempted to show that most of their time has been spent in their homeland, and those who hold U.S. permanent residence who have spent much time in their homelands are tempted to show more U.S. physical presence. That is because visitors spending too much time in the States may be thought of as non-bonafide visitors, and permanent residents spending too much time outside the U.S. may be in danger of losing their green cards for not keeping up their residence in the States. Making up your own "backdate" stamps when you return home does not usually now work according to a recent newspaper article focusing on people from the Philippines who tried to backdate arrival dates and were caught by CBP. Proof of travel in and out the United States is now available through various databases. The article cited U.S. VISIT which monitors entries and exits and stores biometric/ biographic information; that carriers are required to furnish manifests of arriving/departing passengers to CBP; and that APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) is a web site interface by carriers to provide advance electronic information to CBP.

Many of the points presented above are technical, but being aware of one or two of them may save an applicant or petitioner time and headache in dealing with the agencies involved in immigration benefits or enforcement. Readers should keep in mind, however, that procedures and policies in the field of immigration are constantly changing and that today's good information is more than occasionally superseded by tomorrow's developments.

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Posted in: immigration case , immigration tips , Travel Tips , UK Border Agency , us immigration