#UK skilled worker visa points calculator

[visaexpertsblog]

If you want to live and work in the UK but don’t have any family ties or educational connections to the country, getting a skilled worker visa is the best alternative to live your dream life. Before we jump right into the skilled worker visa, we must first understand the concept of the skilled worker visa points calculator UK system.

[bestimmigrationconsultantinindia]

UK Skilled Immigration Points Calculator 2024 for skilled workers looking to work in the UK. Check eligibility and minimum points required for UK Skilled Immigration.

[visaexperts3]

UK Skilled Worker visa points Calculator 2023

All applicants, including EU nationals coming to the UK to work must score 70 points to qualify under the UK Skilled worker visa scheme. Immigration hopefuls will need to score 50 mandatory points and 20 tradeable points in the UK Skilled Worker visa points Calculator 2023 to be eligible for the visa. The applicant also must have a valid job offer from a licensed UK-based sponsor and be able to speak English to an acceptable standard as part of the skilled worker visa for UK requirement.

[uklegalinfo]

Understanding the Costs of Applying for a Sponsor Licence

In the intricate landscape of UK immigration, the UK sponsor licence serves as a pivotal instrument for businesses wishing to employ foreign workers. Acquiring this licence is essential for companies aiming to navigate the complexities of hiring international talent, but it is equally vital to understand the financial implications involved. This comprehensive guide delves into how much does it cost to apply for a sponsor licence, elucidating the various fees, associated expenses, and financial considerations for prospective sponsors.

The Basics of a Sponsor Licence

Before delving into the costs, it is imperative to grasp the essence of a sponsor licence. A UK sponsor licence is issued by the Home Office, allowing employers to legally employ non-UK nationals under the points-based immigration system. Without this licence, businesses face significant limitations in hiring skilled workers from abroad, underscoring the necessity of understanding the financial commitments that accompany this application process.

Initial Application Fees

The first significant expense in the process is the initial application fee, which varies depending on the size of the organization and the type of licence being applied for. As of the most recent updates, the fees are categorized as follows:

Small or Charitable Sponsors: For businesses with fewer than 50 employees or those that qualify as charities, the application fee stands at £536.

Medium and Large Sponsors: For larger organizations, defined as those with 50 or more employees, the application fee is £1,476.

This distinction in fees reflects the understanding that larger entities may have greater financial resources and, consequently, a more complex operational structure.

Immigration Skills Charge

In addition to the application fee, employers must also account for the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). This charge is levied on businesses sponsoring foreign workers and is calculated based on the duration of the visa and the size of the organization:

For small or charitable organizations, the ISC is £364 per year for each sponsored worker.

For medium and large organizations, the charge is £1,000 per year for each sponsored worker.

These costs can accumulate rapidly, especially if multiple employees are being sponsored, thus making it crucial for businesses to budget accordingly.

Other Costs Associated with the Application Process

While the aforementioned fees constitute the core expenses related to obtaining a UK sponsor licence, other costs can arise during the application process. These may include:

1. Legal and Consultancy Fees

Navigating the application process can be labyrinthine, often necessitating the expertise of immigration lawyers or consultants. While not mandatory, hiring professionals can streamline the process and mitigate the risk of errors, which could lead to delays or refusals. Legal fees can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case and the reputation of the advisor. Costs can range from £500 to £2,500, depending on the extent of the services required.

2. Document Preparation and Compliance Costs

Businesses must prepare a plethora of documents to support their application, including proof of business activities, financial stability, and compliance with immigration regulations. This preparatory work may involve administrative costs or the need for specialized documentation, such as audits or financial reports. These expenses can add an additional £200 to £1,000 to the overall cost.

3. Additional Costs for Multiple Applications

For companies intending to hire multiple non-UK workers, additional costs accrue not only through the ISC but also through the need for further documentation and potential legal fees. Each additional worker requires their own ISC payment and may necessitate further legal advice, exponentially increasing the financial outlay.

The Potential for Refunds

One noteworthy aspect of the UK sponsor licence application process is the potential for refunds. If an application is refused or if the licence is revoked within a certain period, the initial application fee may be eligible for a refund. However, it is essential to note that the ISC is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome. This policy underscores the importance of thorough preparation and compliance to avoid unnecessary financial losses.

Understanding the Value of a Sponsor Licence

While the costs associated with obtaining a UK sponsor licence may appear daunting at first glance, it is essential to view this investment in a broader context. A sponsor licence not only facilitates the recruitment of skilled workers from outside the UK but also enhances a company's competitiveness in an increasingly global market. Access to a diverse talent pool allows businesses to leverage unique skills and perspectives, driving innovation and growth.

Moreover, the ability to hire from an international workforce can mitigate skills shortages in certain sectors, fostering resilience and adaptability. Consequently, while understanding how much does it cost to apply for a sponsor licence is crucial, it is equally vital to consider the long-term benefits that such an investment can yield.

Conclusion

The costs associated with applying for a sponsor licence in the UK can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size of the organization, the number of employees being sponsored, and the potential need for professional assistance. With initial application fees ranging from £536 to £1,476, coupled with the Immigration Skills Charge and potential legal fees, businesses must carefully assess their budget and financial strategy.

Ultimately, securing a UK sponsor licence represents a strategic investment in a company’s future. By understanding the financial implications and preparing accordingly, organizations can navigate the complexities of immigration law while positioning themselves for growth and success in the global marketplace.

[workpermitz]

Exploring 5 New UK Visas Tailored For Working Professionals

The United Kingdom has recently introduced five new visa categories, opening up opportunities for working professionals in various fields. These visas cater to a diverse range of individuals, including innovators, investors, start-up enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs. Let's delve into the details of these visas and explore their eligibility criteria, advantages, and application processes.

UK Innovator Founder Visa:

Advantages: No minimum investment required, fewer check-ins with endorsing bodies, and authorization for second employment.

Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate a significant contribution to an original, commercially feasible, and scalable business idea.

Validity: Initially granted for three years, with an option to apply for indefinite leave of absence.

Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visit:

Eligibility: Professionals in various fields such as arts, entertainment, music, sports, examinations, lecturing, and law are eligible. Requires a formal invitation from an organization or client.

Validity: Valid for a maximum of one month, available for individuals aged 18 and above.

UK Expansion Worker Visa:

Eligibility: Designed for workers from well-established foreign companies looking to start their first subsidiary or branch in the UK. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have worked for the foreign company for a minimum period.

Validity: Initially granted for 12 months, with an option to stay for two years in the UK.

Global Talent Visa:

Eligibility: For leaders and potential leaders in digital technology, academia, research, engineering, science, medicine, technology, art, and humanities. Requires endorsement from one of the six recognized UK organizations.

Validity: Valid for up to five years, with an option for renewal. Allows candidates to work as independent contractors, employees, or directors, and also permits study. Dependents of Global Talent Visa holders can accompany them.

These new visa categories provide diverse opportunities for professionals seeking to work and settle in the UK. Whether you're an entrepreneur with a ground breaking idea, an expert in a specific field, or part of a foreign company expanding its operations, these visas offer tailored pathways to success.

To determine your eligibility for these visas, you can use the UK immigration points calculator for free. Whether you're considering relocation for work or exploring new opportunities, these visas reflect the UK's commitment to attracting and welcoming skilled professionals from around the world.

In conclusion, the introduction of these new UK visas demonstrates the country's proactive approach in facilitating the entry of skilled professionals, fostering innovation, and promoting economic growth.

Are you aspiring to work in the UK?

Workpermitz UK Skilled Worker Visa Consultant is a reliable and experienced consultant that offers assistance to individuals who are aspiring to work in the UK. Their team of experts provides valuable guidance and support throughout the visa application process, ensuring that their clients' applications are processed smoothly and efficiently. 

They specialize in skilled worker visas and have a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area. Whether you're looking for advice on the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, or any other aspect of the visa application process, Workpermitz UK Skilled Worker Visa Consultant is here to help. With their assistance, you can maximize your chances of securing a visa and kick-start your career in the UK.

[migrationsconsultants]

The UK government implemented the points-based immigration system in 2008 to make it easier for people with skills needed in the UK to work and live here. To do this, they created a new points-based system, which assigns points based on the following factors: level of education, age, English language ability, previous earnings and the list of countries you hold citizenship in.

[visaexperts]

How to Qualify for the UK Points-Based Immigration System

UK’s new post-Brexit immigration system treats non-EU citizens from countries like India at par with EU citizens. This means that candidates will be judged only on the basis of their qualifications, regardless of their country of origin. In order to be eligible to apply, skilled foreign workers must score at least 70 points based on the UK points-based immigration system, and meet four specific requirements:

- Have a job offer from a UK employer who is approved to sponsor foreign workers.

- The job offer must be at the appropriate skill level.

- Have sufficient English-speaking skills.

- The remuneration for the job should ideally meet the minimum salary threshold (£25,600).

However, if the job does not meet the salary threshold, but pays at least £20,480, the candidate may still be eligible – provided the job is in an occupation that designated as a shortage occupation by the Migration Advisory Committee, or the candidate has a PhD that is relevant to the job.

If the job does not meet the salary threshold, the candidate can still meet the 70-point requirement by ‘trading’ points based on having a shortage occupation or PhD. To calculate your point score and check eligibility, you can avail the guidance of the best immigration consultant in India – Visa Experts. Points are allocated based on the following mandatory (non-tradeable) and tradeable factors:

- Job offers from an approved sponsor (Non-tradeable) – 20 points

 - Job offers at the appropriate skill level (Non-tradeable) – 20 points

- English-speaking skills (Non-tradeable) – 10 points

 - Salary between £20,480 and £23,039 (Tradeable) – 0 points

- Salary between £23,040 and £25,599 (Tradeable) – 10 points

- Salary of £25,600 or more (Tradeable) – 20 points

- If the job is in a shortage occupation (Tradeable) – 20 points

- If the candidate has a PhD in a subject that is relevant to the job (Tradeable) – 10 points

- If the candidate has a PhD in a STEM subject that is relevant to the job (Tradeable) – 20 points

It is important to note that scoring 70 points and meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection under the UK points-based immigration system. However, it does allow the candidate to be considered for the visa. To find out more about employer sponsorship and the application process, you can seek lawful immigration advice from India’s most experienced and legitimate immigration professionals at Visa Experts.

[migrationskillsaustralia]

Australian Visa Categories for Skilled Worker

Australian Visa Categories for Skilled Workers 

Engineers from around the globe are looking for the best opportunities where they can proceed with their engineering careers in the best way possible. In this regard, Australia is considered the best choice for many skilled workers. That’s why more engineers plan to migrate to Australia.

At first, they apply for migration and work permits for processing; however, some engineers fail to complete the requirements for migration to Australia. So, We’re providing complete information and guidelines for engineers willing to apply for migration to Australia.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs offers a wide range of programs to people interested in moving to Australia. Firstly you have to know about the Australian Visa. A permit allows you to travel to Australia for a predetermined period.

The different ways to get to Australia are as follows:

Working and skilled Visa

Training and studying Visa

Family Visa

Working and skilled visas

Various types are suitable for multiple skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, job seekers, talents, and sponsored employees. For this, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) first. Unless the Department of home affairs does not send an invitation, an applicant cannot lodge a visa application.

General Skilled Migration (Visa subclass 189, 190, and 491)

Various skilled migration options are available for people who want to migrate to Australia by demonstrating their qualifications and skills.

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

This permanent residence visa application allows the applicants to remain indefinitely in Australia with the right to complete work. This one does not need any Australian state, territory, or family sponsorships.

Applicants must complete all requirements, calculate passing scores and look for the availability of their occupations before proceeding to apply.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This one is a point-based permanent residency visa to Australia. Interested ones must first submit an EOI to the Department of Home Affairs. Successful ones must initially stay in the specific state that has invited him or them. SkillSelect accepts EOI submissions throughout the year.

Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 491)

This subclass is a five-year provisional visa that allows highly eligible professionals and their family members to live and work in designated areas in Australia. The validity of this one is only five years.

This state-nominated provisional Visa for highly skilled migrants allows visa applicants to live and work in regional areas of Australia for up to five years.

Eligibility for General Skilled Migration

Be sure your occupation is available in the Skilled Occupation List

Meeting the passing mark in the skilled migration point test

Age between 18–44

Positive outcomes from skill assessing authority

Competent in English language test

Employer-sponsored stream (Subclass 494)

This provisional Visa allows a visa holder to live, work and study in a regional area of Australia. If visa holders meet residence requirements, they can apply for a Permanent Regional Visa.

This Visa supports regional employers in addressing labor shortages within their area by sponsoring skilled employees where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

Global Talent Visa

This one targets to attract top talents in various sectors. This Visa help Australia compete with other developed countries like Canada, the US, and the UK.

This Visa targets notable individuals in their area who earn at least AUD 153,600 in Australia. This volume of making is generally called the Fair Work Income Threshold.

Investor Visa (Subclass 188B)

This Visa is for those willing to invest $1.5 million in an Australian state or territory. Once you have managed investment for four years, you can apply for permanent residence along with your dependent family member through the Bussiness Innovation and Investment Residence Subclass 888 visa.

Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188C)

Normally, People get this visa to invest $5 million into complying investments in Australia. This Visa is a 4-year visa for individuals wishing to make at least AUD 5 million investment in the Australian state.

Entrepreneur Stream

This Visa is for those with a funding agreement from a third party for at least AUD 200,000 to undertake any entrepreneurial activity. To be nominated for a visa application, the applicant must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.

Conclusion

Contact MigrationSkillsAustralia if you have any queries related to Visa Subclasses. We’ll try our best to assist you. We also provide the following:

High-quality CDR report writing

RPL report writing.

KA02 report writing services for skills assessment

[visaexpertsblog]

Most people wanting to live and work in the UK must apply for a valid visa through a points-based system. The point calculator for UK skilled workers is a transparent and unbiased system to determine who can work in the UK.

[abhinavoutsourcingspvtltd-blog]

Want to Move Abroad in Style? Figure Australia PR Points System!

Much like Canada and the UK, Australia follows a points based system, Known as Australia PR Points System, or SkillSelect, to facilitate the entry of those to the country who are the best and the brightest. It is run and managed by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

It is expected that those given Australia Permanent Residence (PR) Visas will make a positive difference to the already thriving Australian economy and make it more competitive in the world.

General Skilled Migration (GSM) Worker Visa

It is a PR Visa and given to the qualified foreign people & their qualified family members who accompany them to stay, do a job and register for a study course lawfully and long-term in the Kangaroo Land. Against the backdrop of the fact that the GSM Worker Visa is basically a PR Visa, those having it may continue to stay, do a job, and pursue studies in the overseas hotspot for an indefinite period, as long as they fulfill the visa’s terms & conditions.

Australia immigration PR Points

To get hold of the Australia PR Visa and to get a chance to land in the well-known and extensively visited overseas destination, skilled and talented people have to first meet the compulsory Australia Visa requirements, and obtain the minimum Australia immigration PR Points. To be eligible for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the DHA, getting not less than 65 points is mandatory.

What parameters are considered to give Australia immigration PR Points?

Many important factors are considered to offer points to the candidates keen in moving to the destination permanently, such as age, language proficiency, skills in an in-demand profession, educational qualifications, spousal qualifications, work experience gained in Oz, etc.

Australia Visa Requirements

These vary from one visa to another. For the Skilled PR Visas these, are the major requirements:

1) Nominated occupation: You profession must be nominated and in-demand in the country.  

2) Age: It must be between 18 and 45 years.

3) English language ability: Majority of SkillSelect candidates have to face an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.

4) Skilled employment: Candidates get points for employment experience in a skilled profession, either in Down Under or a different country. It is necessary that the experience gained is in a nominated line-of-work on either the nation’s Skilled Occupations List or a profession that’s closely associated with getting points for skilled job, even while it must have been obtained inside the previous decade.

5) Educational qualifications: Applicants will get points for any qualifications involving their nominated profession, even as it must be accepted as similar to the qualifications gained in Oz.

6) Australian qualifications: 5 important points will be given if the qualification has been earned in Oz.

7) Regional study: For this also 5 points will be given.

8) Community language abilities: For this also applicants will obtain 5 points.

9) Spouse/partner skills and qualifications: These will fetch the applicants another 5 valuable points.

10) Professional year: Another 5 points will fall in the applicants’ pocket if they have completed a sanctioned Professional Year in Down Under, during the previous 4 years.

11) Nominations & sponsorship (Subcategories 190 & 489): Skilled Nominated visa (subcategory 190) & Skilled Nominated or Sponsored visa (Provisional) (Subcategory 489) candidates will get points if they have sponsorship from an Australian state or Territory administration.

Fulfill these requirements and score well under the Australia PR Points System to get an Australia PR! Use the freely available Australia PR Points Calculator to find out how bright your chances are!

[overseasconsultants]

UK Eligibility Points Calculator

Check your eligibility to get a PR Visa for the UK with Y-Axis Dubai free evaluation points calculator. It is absolutely free.

The government of the UK decided to remove the immigrants’ cap who are eligible to live in the UK under the skilled worker route.

UK PR Eligibility Points Calculator helps you to get correct information.

The absence of a resident labor market test aids the skilled immigrants in conveniently finding a job in the country.

This redesigned system applies to all the migrants to the UK irrespective of whether they are from the EU or other nations. The application of a points-based system will help the government to apply a uniform immigration system based on the individual’s skills.

Source: https://www.y-axis.ae/skilledimmigrationpointscalculator/uk/

[workpermitz]

All You Need To Know About Skilled Worker Visa

Due to the better standard lifestyle offered by the UK, we often describe the nation as a land of abundance in terms of opportunities. 

With numerous people migrating to the country, it is becoming increasingly detail-oriented for workers to migrate in search of jobs. If you wish to work in the UK, you are more likely to have heard of a skilled worker visa. 

Here, we go through the significance of a skilled worker visa, who is qualified to apply for one, and how a UK visa agency may assist in the process. 

What is a skilled worker visa?

If a UK-based employer wants to hire a non-UK resident and have them relocate to the country, one option is to use a skilled worker visa. In this case, the person is hired for their special skill set which may not necessarily be available within the UK. 

Generally, a work permit included the tier 2 general visa. But now, the trends have shifted, and a skilled worker visa is more likely to replace a tier 2 work permit. It has evolved to become a major route for immigration workers.

Any aspiring candidate can apply for sponsored visas directly by understanding the eligibility criteria. The application process can be hectic with a lot of legalities. Get in touch with expert visa consultants near you to understand the formalities better. 

What is the key requirement for a skilled worker visa?

According to the skilled worker appendix, any applicant needs to score 70 points in total to qualify for the visa application.

 The points are distributed in different categories, such as:

Job offer from a licensed employer

Language skills including speaking, reading, writing, and listening 

A genuine vacancy that can be filled only by the overseas candidate 

The wage given should be in accordance with the government norms

All these points are calculated separately to see if a person is eligible for the visa. For an individual to check the credential of the employer and see if they have the necessary license to offer a sponsored position could be difficult. 

With the help of expert consultants, you can complete such tasks with ease. 

The SOC code provided information about the job offer. It can verify the role, and the job description must match the eligibility criteria. Using incorrect SOC codes may lead to visa rejections. 

Hence, it is recommended that you get in touch with expert consultants to minimize the chances of rejection.

 If you are wondering why people are opting for this type of visa, read below to know more!

Why are people opting for a skilled worker visa?

A skilled worker visa is so much more than just a work permit. It is proof that the vacancy you filled is irreplaceable. The employer pays you for your skills which no other resident of the country possesses. 

If you are a talented person struggling to find work and earn, a skilled worker visa would solve all your problems. As one of the highest paying countries in the world, working in the UK is sure to improve your economic status. 

Gets a sponsored job offer from an employer looking to fill a genuine vacancy, earn according to your skills and live a better lifestyle in the UK? 

You can also enjoy the benefits of healthcare in the UK, which are devised specially for immigrants. With incredible healthcare plans in the country, you can access world-class amenities without having to burn a hole in your pocket. What's more interesting? After a specified period, according to your visa, you can apply for PR and settle in the UK for good. 

Hire professional to smoothen your UK Visa Application Process

Speak with the Work Permitz visa consultants to fulfil your UK dream!

They will assist you in getting all the documents required for a UK visa ready to be submitted. 

Make way for a better lifestyle and job opportunities in the UK through a skilled worker visa. Talk to professionals and clarify any queries you may have to ensure a smooth application procedure.

[nomanaliseo]

Points Required For Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

For faster immigration to Canada as a permanent resident, you must be eligible for one of the following three Express Entry programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The unique thing about these programs is – these are points-based programs. For this reason, it’s easy for all to understand how these programs work and how to qualify for them.

For awarding points to candidates, Canada’s immigration authority – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). CRS uses six selection factors to assess how qualified a candidate is for being granted Canada PR or permanent residence visa.

How Does The Canada PR Process Work?

Check Your Eligibility: The first step is checking your eligibility for one of the Express Entry programs i.e.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Among these three programs, the eligibility for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is established using the 67-points calculator that requires a candidate to have a minimum score of 67 out of 100 to be able to apply for the program.

Create Your Express Entry Profile: Once you establish your eligibility for one of these programs, the next step is creating an Express Entry profile.

Enter The Express Entry Pool: You must meet the program criteria to enter the Express Entry pool of eligible candidates. In this pool, your CRS score plays the crucial role of deciding whether you will be invited to apply for Canada PR visa or not.

Receive An Invitation To Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is high enough to help you rank among the top candidates, IRCC will invite you to apply for Canada PR visa through an Express Entry draw. You will have 90 days from the date you receive an ITA to submit your complete application to IRCC.

Approval Of Canada PR Visa: Once you submit your application for Canada PR visa, IRCC will verify the information submitted by you. Once they are fully satisfied, they will issue Canada PR visa to you and your dependents.

How Would You Qualify For Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?

You will be required to meet the following criteria to be eligible for FSWP:

minimum one year of qualifying skilled work experience in the last 10 years

CLB 7 in an approved language test (IELTS or CEPIP)

a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary educational institution

or

an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report that shows your foreign education (from outside Canada) is equal to a Canadian certificate, diploma or degree

have a minimum score of 67 out of 100 points for the six selection factors for skilled workers

What Are The Six Selection Factors For FSWP?

IRCC uses a grid of 100 points when they assess an application for the FSWP. They look at how well a candidate will adapt to Canada’s labour market. The grid considers the following six selection factors:

Age

Education

Language skills English and/or French

Work experience

Arranged employment (a valid job offer) and

Adaptability

How Are Points Allocated For Each Factor?

This is how points are awarded for the six selection factors.

Contact IMB Immigration Law

If you are interested in immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry program or any other program, contact IMB Immigration Law for a free evaluation at info@imbimmigrationlaw.com. The firm is headed by Ravneet Kaur Brar – one of the best immigration lawyers in India. She has years of valuable industry experience helping people immigrated to US, UK and Canada through a variety of programs. Take advantage of her knowledge, to fulfil your immigration dream to Canada and USA. Visit www.imbimmigrationlaw.com today

[zhoyoyo]

My year in 2020

Inspired by Alix’s beautiful farewell to 2020, I decided to write mine. 

2020 has been a year of introspective thinking, a year of returning to myself.

For the first half of 2020, the lockdown took away the pressure—which for most of the time I had been unconscious of—of socializing. Absent of the external pressure, I lived on my own terms, only reaching out to people when I felt like to and hearing from people who likewise took the effort to check in on me. I used to socialize a lot more and thought I wanted to. Needs and obligations were not always distinguishable. I felt happier, calmer, more grounded when the external force went away. I identified the relationships that meant more to me and set aside time for them. I also came to realize that the work I'm doing and will continue to do requires less chatter and more time to myself.

My self-contained lockdown experience was disrupted by the layoff in late May. The convoluted event couldn't be traced back to a single day. My priorities in every sense shifted as it unfolded. What it did most to me, looking back, is that it freed up my mind for more wandering thoughts and provided the conditions for experiments. I had worked a full-time job since graduating college eight years ago. The longest break away from work was no more than two weeks, including job transitions. I have always pursued jobs and positions I liked or I thought I liked—that's probably why I'm still doing journalism. But even a dream job comes with restraints tied to the institution and industry. My rationing (of what I want to do, what I should do) has always been bound by the existing and potential paths I could see myself take within the institution and the industry. The loss of a full-time job and day-to-day obligations forced me to erase the rough strokes on my preplanned future canvas and think about what I want to paint next without institutional constraints. In the weeks and months since the layoff day I reexamined the questions that had always existed with a different state of mind. Do I want to code more, draw more, or write more? (The answer: do more creative work and get better at articulating myself.) Do I see myself following the subject area I've been reporting on in the past few years (immigration, global migration) or have my interests shifted? (I don't have a definite answer to the question yet, but I would say based on my thinking over the past six months: It didn't shift, but narrowed.) Do I want to spend 14 hours a day binge watching anime and Chinese reality TV show? (Yes, and I've got some time to do that. The magical effect of pure entertainment content on myself always amazes me.)

***

I went with some friend to Acadia NP in mid-December for a short restful weekend. Having never hiked in the snow, it was surreal to see various formations of water molecules along a lake loop hike in below-zero weather, and later on the cliffs. The wind combed through the snow on the rock, brushing these white soft sands into the sea, and left its traces. The snowflakes fell onto the icy rock crystalizing into half ice. I admired the unbelievable oddity and beauty of the nature and took photos. I didn't think much of them until one day when I was lying on my yoga mat and the images came back to me. I started to visualize the formation. What were the weather conditions that turned water molecules into different forms? How did the rain drop, the wind, the uneven temperature, and the water in the lake come together to transform the view? The scene at the moment of the hike totally absorbed me. It took days before it came back and I started to visualize the process. On that yoga mat I realized that’s how my mind works. Many things that happened in 2020 surprised, amazed, or stunned me at the moment. But it would take some time for these moments to come back and sink in. And only then can I truly understand what really happened. Some moments of realization have occurred already; others will come in the future. There’s no way to capture all of them by the artificial year-end mark. All I can do is to document what has happened, hoping that with a gaze from the future a new moment of realization will come.

***

I started the year with the goal of developing a subject area of expertise in data storytelling. Most of my work this year is to fulfill this pursuit. The pandemic provided some great opportunities to examine the community of "global migrants (immigrants, expats, foreigners)" and their relationships with their home countries and host countries.

I analyzed the announcements by US universities on how they treated international students under lockdown (like most public policies rolled out dealing with migrants amid Covid-19, they were mostly an after-thought and all over the place);

I showed with data that US immigrants were disproportionally affected by the pandemic as more worked in high-unemployment industries and had less access to health insurance;

I looked into how the severe outbreaks in high-income countries affected low-income countries due to the plunge in remittances;

... the impact of the global pandemic on the value of passport at the beginning of the pandemic, and later on, why it's not a good year to be an American.

As the data became available, a reverse globalization could be seen around the world. Foreigners have left the US and other western developed countries.

For one more evidence of the global shift toward favoring skilled immigration, I built a calculator for UK's then-proposed now-enacted points-based immigration system to see who's qualified to migrate to UK post Brexit.

In another story, I charted the global inequality of mobility—a theme I could explore and talk about endlessly—by showing that citizens from richer countries had a higher chance of getting their US visas approved.

After the layoff, my work in the area switched from short-burst newsy stories to more creative, in-depth research and analysis. My ex-coworker and friend Dan Kopf allowed me to visualize the history of Chinese immigrants in the Bay Area on his newsletter (which is in itself a data feast of curious unknown facts about the Bay Area. Highly recommend!) I decided to tell the story through the lens of occupations, dug the data, and created something I'm proud of. The abundance of creative freedom made it a liberating experience. Then entering October, I started working on two longer-term projects—in one I was fortunate enough to be selected as a McGraw Business Reporting fellow to report on the story of the effect of immigration policies on US multinational companies, in the other I enrolled myself in the DCrit at SVA to deepen my knowledge and do research on the evolving forms of citizenship (something I had been contemplating of doing for a couple years). Both of them are still ongoing.

Another significant change in my work of 2020 is that I started freelancing. It was such a different (and educating) experience from having a full-time job. Aside from logistics, technicalities, practical dos and don'ts, what I learned the most is care and love. The few months of freelancing after the layoff made me realize how fortunate I am. This community of friends and acquaintances who reached out to me, helped make connections, and provided me with opportunities is something I did not know existed before. I was filled with warmth that I was not left on my own. Their love and action planted something inside me. I wanted to be like them, capable of loving others and taking action—an ability maybe natural to some, but one I cultivated more this year. My dear Quartz family, my friends and acquaintances from The AP and Graphicacy/Timeplots, from the larger JoC family, from the data visualization community (Data Viz Society), from journo-coders (NICAR, IRE, News Nerdery), and my fellow Chinese storytellers... If I need to name names, the list of people I'm grateful for would be long. I owe a great deal to you. ♡ 

Some stories I contributed to and loved from the short period of freelancing:

I worked on a number of data visualization stories explaining Covid-19 for Vox.com 

One examined the effect of mask mandates on containing the spread of the virus (Masking is effective, but mask mandates do not fit into a single narrative.) 

We surveyed the US population on their behaviors of wearing masks in various social settings. The individual decision of wearing a mask is often times a negotiation with the environment. The survey results revealed the danger of small gatherings. 

Another story looked at the rationing of vaccine priorities among the U.S. states when the first Pfizer/Biotech vaccines just became available and there were a number of approaches of distributing the limited doses. While the consensus was health workers should get vaccinated first, the actual distribution did not follow that rationale. 

I charted how Covid-19 became the third leading cause of deaths at the end of September for Scientific American.

Centro de Periodismo Investigativo investigated the excessive deaths in Puerto Rico after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic with expert analysis and local context. I helped analyze the data, build the charts, and put together the package.

CalMatters investigated toxic chemicals in California's water systems and how a regulation change affected communities living on the water supply. I did the data analysis and created visualizations for the investigation.

2020 has indeed been a year of failed expectations. Most of my plans fell short. I did not fulfill my goals for work or my travel promises to my parents and friends. I did not read more books or learn a new language. My races throughout the year were cancelled and my guaranteed entry to the NYC marathon was wasted. But it is also this year that I started doing yoga and grew more plants. I can clearly picture the multiple moments when I was showered in love and felt the urge to become a more loving and caring person. I learned more about myself and my values and embarked new journeys that I had always wanted to give a try. 2020 has also been a year of warmth and courage, and I would like to think it made me a better person. 

[oasis-resource-management]

Find out if you qualify for immigration to Canada as a Skilled Worker under the Canada Skilled Worker Points System. This is one of the most popular methods of Canadian Immigration to enable you to become a skilled worker in Canada.

Points Calculator for Australia, USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand, Singapore, Germany, Hong Kong.

Oasis Resource Management Pvt. Ltd. offers end-to-end services for those intending to migrate abroad. There are a few countries that currently have a point-based immigration programme for those who want to work and settle there. Oasis Resource Management Pvt Ltd provides the visa for Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Australia etc. There are a number of categories through which aspiring migrants can file their applications. Occupations that are in demand get bonus points and are processed faster; these vary from one country to another.

For further information on immigration services and visa consultants kindly contact Oasis Resource Management

https://www.oasis-india.com/

You can also call on:- 8368777210