#citizenship by investment ecuador

[sotomato06]

Leaving the US?

Following the events of last night, its likely a lot of you want to leave the United States. I don't blame you and can't say I haven't entertained the same thoughts. So I complied this list of the easiest countries to move to from the United States, and the pros and cons of each nation

Mexico

Mexico is close to the United States, not requiring a flight to get there (though it is recommended if within your price range) The nation allows residency of US citizens for up to 180 days without a visa or permit, allowing plenty of time to apply for the temporary residency visa which is normally valid for 4-5 years. After 5 years of residency, you can apply for permanent citizenship. https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/leamington/index.php/non-mexicans/visas/115-temporary-resident-visa

Mexico has a much lower cost of living than the USA, with the average Mexican spending around $1000 usd or MEX$20151.55 mxn. Jobs do pay lower, but the cost of living still works out lower than in the United States and the work environment in Mexico is known to be more healthy. Along with the great weather (and food) Mexico is a good choice for Americans trying to escape the country.

 Claudia Sheinbaum, the current president of Mexico was recently sworn in and is a strong advocate for women's rights. She has fought for Abortion rights in Mexico, along with other reproductive rights. She is also a Champion of LGBTQ+ rights and has been fighting to help queer people in Mexico for the majority of her career. She is expanding Mexican welfare and is an environmental advocate. Same-Sex Marriage has been fully legal in Mexico since 2021 and Abortion is not criminalized and preformed in almost all Mexican states. For more information, I suggest the Wikipedia article on Abortion in Mexico, as it is a complicated subject. Although currently, it is ranked around the same as the USA on access across the whole country, Mexican Abortion legislation is moving in the opposite direction to the United State's, as according to the Center for Reproductive Rights, once all of the Mexican states properly reform their laws to comply with the 2023 court ruling, Mexico will be a rank one on Abortion laws, or Abortion available everywhere on request which is expected to be soon. Changing one's legal name and gender is protected under Mexican laws, and the majority of states have anti discrimination laws in place. One state even allows one to change their gender to something other than male or female, recognizing non-binary identities legally.

Portugal

Portugal is a good option for those who have funds to put into leaving. Portugal offers a program for a Golden Visa which can be obtained through owning a certain amount of real estate although there are other ways. This Visa offers the chance at citizenship after holding for only 5 years. https://getgoldenvisa.com/portugal-golden-visa-program

Portugal offers a lot of benefits for retirees as well, so if your grandma also wants to flee the country, Portugal may be the country for her. The weather is good and it is known to be incredibly peaceful and pretty.

Portugal is also in the European Union, meaning citizenship here also means EU citizenship and access to the whole Schengen Zone, allowing a lot of opportunity for education and location, as you don't have to obtain another citizenship to move to another EU nation. Abortion is legal in Portugal as is Same-Sex Marriage and both are protected under the laws of the EU. Trans rights are also protected and a trans person is allowed to change their legal gender without a medical diagnosis.

Ecuador

Ecuador is another option that is good if you aren't looking to leave the Americas. Ecuador allows visa free residency for up to 90 days and grant Permanent resident visas after only 21 months of living with a temporary visa. There are many temporary visa options including an investment one similar to Portugal's and a retiree option. Another option would be the Professional Visa, although that one is more likely to be granted if you have a job lined up and a university degree, it is the only one that does not require a lot of money. Get in touch with an Ecuador embassy here https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/consularnotification/ConsularNotificationandAccess/Ecuador.html

Ecuador also has a lower cost of living compared to the United States and the English language and dollar are often used in the country. The weather in Ecuador is an incredibly good feature of the nation as well.

Ecuador does not allow abortion upon request, but they do allow it to save the life of the mother or for other extreme cases involving rape. There are multiple organizations working to change this however and extend these rights to be more like those of Mexico or Argentina. Same-Sex marriage is protected in Ecuador as of 2019 and transgender people are able to change their legal gender without needing to go through gender affirming surgery.

Spain

Spain has an education based program where citizens of Canada and the United States are granted temporary visa's to come and teach English in the nation. You are compensated and only expected to work for 12-16 hours a week. Under this visa, you can find other work and apply for a more permanent professional Visa, which only have to be renewed every few years and leads you on the path to permanent residency. https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/nalcap.html

Spain is also a member of the EU and residency here allows access to the Schengen zone of Europe as well. Spain has abortion on request up to 14 weeks and allows emergency abortions when the mother's life could be at risk even after that. Spain also allows same-sex marriage and has trans protection laws in place, with somebody over 16 allowed to change their legal gender, no parent, judge or doctor involved. Spain also has a very relaxed work culture with the maximum allowed work hours a week being 40 and the average worked being 36.

South Korea

South Korea has a very similar program to Spain, where you can live there for up to a year and teach English, although the South Korean program often requires a bachelors degree. Following the stay with the temporary teaching visa, you could apply for a more permanent option. A "resident visa" in South Korea is typically referred to as an "F-5 visa", which signifies a permanent residency permit, allowing foreigners to live and work in the country indefinitely; to qualify, you must meet certain criteria like significant investment in a Korean business, marriage to a Korean citizen, or a long-term stay with exceptional skills in a specific field.  https://www.internations.org/south-korea-expats/guide/visas-work-permits

As of 2021, Abortion is fully legal in the nation and is available upon request, although due to the nature in which it was legalized it is a bit iffy. I would recommend reading further into it. However, although Homosexuality is not criminalized in the country, South Korea has no official recognition of any sort of Marriage or civil unions between same-sex couples and they often face discrimination. So if you are in a same sex relationship, South Korea may not be the place for you.

Australia

Australia is one of the easiest nations for Americans to live in under a temporary Visa, as they have a program called the working holiday program and you can live there up to 3 years under it. However, this program does not lead to permanent residency and you would have to apply for another visa, either a work or family, to move there permanently. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/permanent-resident

Australia allows abortion up to 23 weeks upon request, although specifics do vary between states. Queer rights in Australia rank among the highest in the world, as marriage has been fully legalized since 2017 and they are also a world leader in trans rights. All Australian states allow the changing of one's gender legally and support gender affirming care. Non-discriminations laws are also present in all the states.

Canada

Canada allows American citizens to stay in their country for up to 6 months visa free, although they are not allowed to work without any sort of visa. The easiest way to gain Canadian residency is though the express visa system. This immigration program targets skilled workers than can contribute to three economic fields in Canada. Canadian citizenship is available after five years of residency. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works.html

Cost of living in Canada is slightly higher than in the US, but the benefits are greater with more affordable education and universal healthcare.

Canada is known as one of the best nations for LGBTQ+ people. It was the third nation in the world to legalize same sex marriage. Since June 2017, all places within Canada explicitly within the Canadian Human Rights Act, equal opportunity and/or anti-discrimination legislation prohibit discrimination against gender identity or gender identity or expression. This includes trans rights, who are protected under Canadian law. Abortion is publicly funded and available throughout the entire nation in Canada.

If you live in a red state and aren't interested in leaving the country, but don't want to stay where you are, here's some stats that may help make your decision on where to move to;

States with no abolition ban:

Washington DC, New Jersey, Maryland, Oregon, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska

Best states for LGBTQ+ individuals:

New York, Oregon, Minnesota, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Washington DC

Hope this helps whoever may need it.

[citizenshipbay]

Visa-free travel with Dominica Passport

Discover Dominica and experience all the nature island has to offer. With its awe-inspiring scenery, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches, Dominica is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And now, with the new Dominica Passport program, it's easier than ever to travel visa-free to this Caribbean gem!

About Dominica

Dominica is a sovereign island nation located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean Sea. The island is home to lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and friendly locals. Dominica is a popular tourist destination for its tropical climate, beautiful scenery, and array of outdoor activities.

Visitors to Dominica can enjoy hiking through the rainforest, lounging on the beach, snorkeling and diving in the clear waters, and exploring the island's many natural wonders. Dominica is a visa-free country for citizens of most countries, so getting a passport from here is a great way to enjoy hassle-free travel to the Caribbean.

Dominica passport by investment program

The Dominica passport by investment program is a great way to get visa-free travel to many countries. The program is simple and straightforward, and it only requires a minimum investment of $100,000.Dominica citizenship by investment program offers many benefits such as visa-free travel to more than 100 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and Schengen countries. Dominica is also a member of the Commonwealth, which gives its citizens additional benefits. The program also provides for citizenship for life, and there are no residency requirements.

Dominica Passport Visa-free Countries

Dominica passport holders can travel visa-free to many countries around the world. Here is a list of some of the countries where you can travel without a visa:

• Antigua and Barbuda • Bahamas • Barbados • Belize • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • Dominica • Ecuador • El Salvador • Grenada • Guatemala • Haiti • Honduras • Jamaica • Mexico • Nicaragua • Panama • Paraguay • Saint Kitts and Nevis • Saint Lucia | Trinidad and Tobago

Dominica passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to many countries around the world. The above list is just a sampling of some of the nations where you can travel without a visa. So whether you're looking to explore new cultures or simply relax on a beach, be sure to check if Dominica passport visa-free travel is an option for your next trip.

Dominica Passport by Investment Requirements and timeline

Dominica offers a Citizenship by Investment Programme which is the most popular and fastest way to obtain a Dominica passport. The Programme requires a minimum investment of US$100,000 in real estate or government bonds. The application process takes approximately three to six months.

There are many benefits of holding a Dominica passport including visa-free travel to over 100 countries, including the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, and Hong Kong. A Dominica passport holder also enjoys low taxes and access to quality healthcare and education.

If you are interested in obtaining a Dominica passport through investment, please contact us today for more information on the requirements and timeline.

[timomaraus]

July 28, 2021

CNN Ecuador revokes citizenship of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (Editor’s Note: But that’s supposed to be where all the expats go to retire!)

CNN The Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks near July’s end (Editor’s Note: So you’re saying the Delta variant came from meteors, like the Jewish space lasers started the California wildfires?)

CNN In America, you must be able to curse the president (Editor’s Note: And at the Headline Blog, it’s a requirement.)

CNN DEA agents seize coacaine disguised as a cake (Editor’s Note: Talk about a sugar high.)

Washington Post New CDC indoor mask rule may threaten economic momentum and upend return-to-work plans (Editor’s Note: A timely reminder that an awful lot of essential workers never stopped going to work, and those of us who were lucky enough to work remotely were still working—we’re not ‘returning to work’.)

Washington Post Inside the dating show that turns beauties into otherworldly beasts (Editor’s Note: From what I’ve seen, this describes most of reality television.)

CNN Jared Kushner is starting an investment firm and leaving politics for the foreseeable future (Editor’s Note: And on behalf of politics, may we just say “phew!”)

CNN How much do I need to sleep? It depends on your age (Editor’s Note: I don’t know what my age has to do with your sleep, but I do think more sleep would help the headline writer make more sense.)

Washington Post Shifting mask guidance leaves some Americans dizzy (Editor’s Note: Dizzy? You just have to put it on. You don’t have to spin around in it.)

Washington Post How can you find out if you’re in a hot spot? (Editor’s Note: Easy. Just check how many people are on the dance floor.)

Washington Post Want to skip the vaccine in Russia? You could be suspended from work. (Editor’s Note: You can do a lot of social distancing on a beach somewhere while you take a 6-week vacation from work.)

[traduzioni90]

New Post has been published on Residency Bond Program for You

New Post has been published on http://residency-bond.info/fiscal-residence-and-second-citizenship/

FISCAL RESIDENCE AND SECOND CITIZENSHIP

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If it is deemed appropriate, it is necessary to choose well in which Country to take Tax Residence, as much if you are:

– Entrepreneurs and managers – Traders and investors – Private citizens with medium, high and medium income – Digital nomads and crypto-currency earners

We recommend Paraguay and offer Tax Residency (not a fictitious residence but a real tax residence abroad).

Furthermore, after having had Tax Residency in Paraguay, it is possible not to appear in the Country for three consecutive years and at the end of the three years to have Paraguayan Citizenship with the advantage of being able to take advantage of a double passport.

To obtain the Tax Residence and the Bank Account it is necessary to travel only for 5 or 6 days to then be able to return to the country of origin with Residence and Current Account.

After 3 years with another trip you can get the Second Citizenship, without giving up your Main Citizenship.

Request Form

To get more information and check your eligibility please fill in the Request Form below.

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[wesleyv21-blog]

Nearing the end of week one!

Hello, y’all!

Just a disclaimer: writing and speaking in English is already a little difficult, so if I say weird stuff just ignore it lol. Somehow, it’s already felt like ages since I landed; yet at the same time, in the words of a man I had the honor of talking to today, ya no he aterrizado; todavía estoy en las nubes. Hay mucho para contar y voy a empezar con martes.

On Tuesday, we spent our last day in the town of Tababela. After going through various logistical things, a group of us hit the town around early evening/late afternoon to this little pizzeria catered for tourists. It was called Chester’s (after the owner’s beagle), and the menu was even in English lol. It opened not long after the new international airport did, which explains its presence. Needless to say it was a blast, and I can definitely say I will miss the tranquility, hot sun that made you feel at ease with the world, and the hospitality of the inhabitants of Tababela.

We touched briefly on a problem that seems rampant across the so-called Global South. The colonial legacy has such a stranglehold still on the population yet at the same time has facilitated the rise of a new elite who keeps their pockets lined with foreign cash while doing nothing to alleviate social injustices in their own country. This is a problem that will need to be problematized further. También, I had some insightful interchanges with some of the other students about our privilege to even be in this country. We have so much wealth (broadly defined) that has put the world at our fingertips. It wasn’t a matter of if I could study abroad; it was where. I believe this is so telling. Then our academic director, Faba, nailed it on the head: can you imagine a group of Ecuadorian students romping through the states asking random people questions in the name of “research?” Of course not! It would be ludicrous. Yet that is exactly what we would do the next day.

On Wednesday, we were given instructions on how to get to the bus stop in Tababela and to proceed there after breakfast para coger el autobús hacia un pueblo cercano que nos asignaron nuestros profes. My group’s destination was Pifo, a little town to the south of Tababela and only about a 40-minute bus ride east of downtown Quito. When we arrived, we were tasked with finding the city square, observing all we could about it, going up to random strangers to ask them about the town, find a place to eat lunch, and navigate the bus system once again to make it to our hotel in Quito. It was quite the experience. That I lived to tell about it I think demonstrates just how well I and my fellow students can survive in a Spanish-speaking country. What we found out was that Pifo seems to be a “just-passing-through” kind of town, as many of the merchants would only come into Pifo to sell their wares even though they didn’t live there. I talked with a man who was on his way home to Ambato from the airport. He and I ended up having a fantastic conversation about politics and current issues facing Ecuador. Some of the big ones are a massive amount of foreign debt, a national referendum that might amend the Constitution along 7 lines which takes place this Sunday, and the ages-old dilemma of capitalistic investment vs. conserving the environment. Then, we met this other very nice man who ended up problematizing our notion of “poverty.” He told us that too many foreigners come to Ecuador with their preconceived notions of what poverty is when, he said, the reality is that Ecuadorians are rich beyond compare in biodiversity and natural beauty. Ecuador is, in fact, the most biodiverse country per square kilometer or meter or something like that lol in the world. Yasuní National Park out east is actually the single most biodiverse spot in the world. While in a restaurant for lunch, we broke a plate accidentally and ended up having to pay for it lol. Once we had all the info we needed, we boarded the bus for Quito.

Quito is quite unlike any city I’ve ever seen. It’s long and narrow, with the towering Pichincha volcano to the west and the just immense Cotopaxi volcano to the south. It’s crowded, loud, tall, and there’s always something going on. Our taxi from the bus station took almost as long as our bus ride into the city, yet the distance separating our hotel from the bus stop was less than 2 miles. At night, after we got settled, the program directors invited some local Ecuadorian university students to come share their perspectives with us in a panel format; then, we had the chance to talk with them personally. Two stand out most in my mind. One, a 26-year-old architecture students with a wife and child, hailed from a part indigenous, Kichwa-speaking family. His hair was braided in a long braid that reached his waist. When asked about it, he told us that for him, wearing his hair this way was an act of resistance. For too long, the mestizo-dominated society (mixed European and indigenous Andean and Amazonian heritages) have marginalized darker-skinned, indigenous, and afrodescendant communities. For this student, wearing his hair in the traditional way handed down to him from his grandfather was a giant middle finger to this oppressive regime. And he is teaching his son to do the same. He related how one day, his son was made fun of for his long, girlish-looking hair. His son responded that no, he was not a girl, instead he was a proud indigenous boy whose long hair enabled him to make contact with the universe. Apparently the boys who made fun of him went home to their families and expressed jealousy over this boy’s self-confidence and “cool” hair. Isn’t that awesome? This man’s resistance was inspiring for me, even though I come from such a different context.

Similarly, there was a young woman studying sociology. She had quite the structural lens and was very articulate in diagnosing some of Ecuador’s problems in terms of oppressive social structures. When asked about the topic of abortion, she quickly moved onto more enabling aspects of Ecuadorian patriarchy that make abortion so controversial and fatal in many cases. In her perspective, the lack of sexual education in Ecuador is a dire problem that needs to be addressed. This country has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in all of Latin America, and she thinks that a big part of this is the lack of sexual education. But what is there to do in a country dominated by both machismo and marianismo and a conservative Catholic church? In her view, structural changes are urgently needed. It was refreshing talking with someone like her, because even though we are from different contexts, her analysis reveals that patriarchy might operate similarly in different places. Needless to say we got along quite well. After the students left, we all went out to the Plaza Foch, a well-known hotspot for Quiteño youth due to the numerous bars and clubs. I ended up with a group that settled on this little outdoor area with restaurant stalls all selling food and drinks. They had cards and board games in a clear marketing strategy aimed at foreigners lol. I ended up talking with this man who is a Venezuelan refugee. He had come very recently to escape what is a state meltdown in Venezuela. Although he has multiple degrees, he cannot work as that for which he is trained because he doesn’t have enough money to hurry along his application for work papers or citizenship if he wants it. He told me that you have to have money in order to do these things efficiently, and right now he doesn’t have it. So, he works 2 jobs day and night and has no time to even enjoy the money he’s earning. From his perspective, Ecuadorian society was much more reserved than Venezuelan; apparently in Venezuela, people chat and gossip and are much friendlier with each other. For him, Ecuadorians weren’t like that. He also hated the heat and eventually wants to move somewhere colder lol. He was in awe when I told him how cold New England is!

Something I’ve been struggling with today is where I fit in the matrix of Ecuadorian society. Being a white male westerner, I come to Ecuador with two sets of stereotypes attached to me. The first is that I’m wealthy, and as such I represent the legacy of colonialism, the crippling external debt Ecuador owes to many other countries, the sharp divide in material wealth between the global north and south, and the ongoing phenomenon of cultural exportation from the United States. At the same time, I am a target for robberies because of my perceived wealth. I am also just one more foreigner in this country; as such, I am also invisible, I take up hardly any space, I cannot take part in the political discourse of this country, and I have been told to minimize myself as much as possible to reduce the risk of being attacked. I feel that all this cultural baggage I bring with me is contradicting. I don’t quite know where I fit in the order of things, and I have had the privilege of not having to know this for most of my life. In the U.S., my presence and my body are buoyed by just about every social structure we have. Here in Ecuador, I may retain many of those privilege, yet they have been recast to include some feelings of marginalization I have never before experienced. I do not yet know how to reconcile this. But I tell you that I am constantly aware of others staring me down as I pass them on the street. I know that my every action has hundreds of possible witnesses. It is a disconcerting feeling; I feel like an alien. And lol that’s because I am. Yet how do I derive meaning from this knowing that at the same time, I am perhaps the poster child of the global north? I’ll keep you updated on this, because I feel it to be right at the heart of why I’m here in the first place.

Just a note on the pictures below. The first is a breathtaking shot of Cotopaxi, which rises over 19,000 feet above sea level! It’s one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The second is the volcano of Pichincha, which demarcates the western edge of Quito. The volcanic peak is the one like dead center with the light-ish streak running down it. The last is a picture from a little bridge in La Carolina park in downtown Quito. I will definitely be coming here to hang out and enjoy the little nature escape in the middle of the city!

[bigyack-com]

Ballroom dancers say immigration clampdown hurting business - art and culture

When no Americans replied to her ads seeking a dance instructor, studio owner Chris Sabourin looked overseas. But she was stymied again by a federal tightening of visa application rules she and others contend is hampering the ballroom dance industry.Sabourin had to eventually give up after a year and thousands of dollars trying to hire a top ballroom dancer from Greece to teach at her Fred Astaire studio in Orange, Connecticut, only to have the woman detained at New York’s Kennedy Airport and sent back home.“It would just be nice to know why we’re having such a hard time,” Sabourin said. “It’s affecting our business, definitely.”With a steady interest in learning iconic dances like the foxtrot and tango, fueled in part by “Dancing with the Stars,” studio owners like Sabourin say their efforts to hire professional instructors are hampered without overseas help.The owners, national representatives of the Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire dance studio chains, and attorneys describe greater backlogs for visa applications and an overall increase in evidence requests, including for redundant information and unnecessary documents.Immigration lawyers contend President Donald Trump’s administration has erected an “invisible wall” of hurdles that has made it difficult for all kinds of U.S. industries, from ballroom dance to STEM fields, to hire foreign workers for jobs they’ve had a difficult time filling with qualified Americans.A review of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services data released in January by the American Immigration Lawyers Association found that average case processing time surged by 46% from fiscal year 2016, the last full year of the prior administration, to fiscal year 2018 — from 6.5 months to 9.48 months.In congressional testimony provided in July, the association’s president, Marketa Lindt, said USCIS’s overall backlog of delayed cases exceeded 5.69 million this past fiscal year, a 69% increase over fiscal year 2014.Meanwhile, federal records reviewed by The Associated Press show a slight uptick since 2017 in initial denials of O-1 visa applications from individuals with “extraordinary ability or achievement” — the visa that many of the foreign dancers seek — as well as for O-1 visa applicants who were given a second chance to meet eligibility requirements.Representatives of the dance industry say they’ve seen the processing times for those nonimmigrant visas, which allow the dancers to work in the U.S. for up to three years, increase from weeks to months, with uncertainty the application will be approved.In one case, a dancer approved to work at a Fred Astaire studio in Southbury, Connecticut, was later denied at the American consulate in his home country of Ecuador, one of the last steps in the process.Jose Zuquilanda, 23, had hoped to compete, train, teach, dance and learn how to run a business at a Fred Astaire studio in Southbury, Connecticut.Zuquilanda, who has visited the U.S. dozens of times on tourist visas, successfully obtained an O-1 visa but later was denied both that visa and his tourist visa at the consulate.“They are not only harming his career, they’re harming the Fred Astaire studio,” said his mother, Liliana Serrano, who lives in Connecticut.“I think these particular professionals, these artists, are falling into this area where USCIS and immigration services are just making it increasingly difficult to come here legally,” said Hartford, Connecticut, immigration attorney Erin O’Neil-Baker, who represents about 10 New England dance studios sponsoring foreign, professional ballroom dancers. “Even if you’re an expert in your field, even if you have extraordinary ability, to stay here, they make it difficult.”Immigration attorneys point to the “Buy American and Hire American” executive order Trump signed in April 2017 as one reason for delays. The order was intended to create higher wages and employment rates for U.S. workers by “rigorously enforcing and administering” immigration laws.“Across the board, across all types of applications at USCIS, we have observed a significant uptick in the increase in case processing time,” said Diane Rish, associate director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.The Government Accountability Office told members of Congress in late May it plans to investigate the report’s findings.Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for tighter immigration controls, said that he empathizes with small business owners but that they shouldn’t blame federal immigration policy for their labor recruitment problems.“It’s one thing if you’re talking about world-renowned nuclear physicists, where there’s a handful of people on the planet who have an ability and we want them here. Everybody gets that,” he said. “Dance instructors? I’m sorry. That’s something for the market to deal with. If they can’t find people at dance programs in college to entice to be teachers, well, maybe we need fewer dance schools. This is a supply and demand issue.”A spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of State said there has “been no policy change” regarding the O-1 visas specifically.But Michael Wildes, an immigration attorney for first lady Melania Trump and her family, argued in an op-ed in The Hill that immigration lawyers for fashion designers, models and photographers have “experienced an unprecedented level of push-back from immigration authorities.”He warned of “widespread disenfranchisement” among talented and creative people who decide to forgo the U.S. and opt for Paris or Beijing. Dance studio owners indeed said red tape can discourage prospective instructors and lead them to give up on the U.S.“They can’t wait that long,” said John Gates, vice president of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios.Wayne Smith, executive vice president of Arthur Murray Dance Centers, said, it can be expensive for his company’s dance studio owners to hire attorneys who understand immigration law.“This is all the time, currently now. It’s just become a very difficult problem,” Smith said. “For them to invest that kind of money into it, it’s not really worth it to them in the long run.”(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text)Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Read the full article

[vrp-mena]

How to apply for citizenship through VRP

Apply for a Vanuatu Citizenship through VRP-MENA

When your country suffers  the consequences of a devastating cyclone swoop, what does your government do  to recover from the adverse effects? Does it let its citizens rise and build  back their homes or does it invite investors to help? The Vanuatu Government  faced such a problem after cyclone PAM had unleashed its wrath on the island in  the South Pacific Ocean. The government settled on the latter alternative and  set up an Economic Rehabilitation Program in exchange for citizenship. This led to the launch of  VRP-MENA as the only coordinator of the Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Program  (VERP) back in 2015. This initiative was then mandated to process citizenship  applications in exchange for investments in the Vanuatu economy. After the termination of  the Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Program in March 2016, the Citizenship  Commission then mandated VRP-MENA to be their worldwide agent. They would still  proceed with the “Contribution Program” to the Development Support Program. Are  you wondering how to apply for citizenship through VRP-MENA? Don’t you worry.  We have put together all the useful and relevant information about this noble  campaign aimed at achieving economic prosperity for Vanuatu. Who Can Apply for Vanuatu Citizenship through VRP-MENA? The Government of Vanuatu  doesn’t place any restrictions on people of other nationalities when it comes  to specifying of their citizenship. All applicants have an equal chance and are  examined independently by their affiliations. In order to try your luck  at becoming a citizen of Vanuatu, you need to know where to apply for  dual citizenship. Even those  who have no nationality can make an application to the program, provided they  can give a proof of birth through birth certificates. There is no discrimination  against anyone even though the opportunities available may be limited. What If I have family Members Who’d Like to Apply? Family members are your  greatest source of inspiration, and you definitely don’t want to leave them  behind when moving to a land of abundant opportunities. The following family  members can obtain citizenship if they meet the set criteria.

Parents (either), provided they are aged 50 years and above

Your children aged below 25 years, and not married. The children should also be studying at either a school, college or university. The children can be adopted, natural or born from previous marriages.

For a woman applicant, her husband and children will be allowed citizenship.

Application Process

    Applying for dual  citizenship is a pretty simple and straightforward process, provided you follow  thespelled-out steps. Here is the mechanism that will let you expect to be  taken through.

Step 1

First, you need to submit a  copy of your curriculum vitae and your passport, together with that of your  family members. Each person aged over 18 years also has to submit a copy of  their judicial records (if available). These documents should be sent via email to  vrp@vrp-mena.com.

Step 2

The submitted documents are  then used by the National and security authorities to conduct a due diligence  inquiry. An approval or denial is given within a week from the date the  documents were received. This approval is free.

Step 3

If your documents pass due  diligence and you have no criminal record, we’ll start preparing your contract.  You’ll be required to submit a host of other documents to facilitate the  process. These include:

A copy of the birth certificates of all family members

Copies of national identity cards if available

A copy of judicial records for the members aged over  18 years

A copy of the marriage contract for those who are  married

A copy of certificate of achievement for those who  have it

The delivery of these  documents can be done in person by visiting VRP-MENA offices or using courier  services.

Application Costs

    The application does come at a price. This is always true for any good  opportunities. The following are the minimum fees and expenses that you will take.

  Category                                                                             Amount ($)

One (1) person                                                                         150,000

Husband and wife                                                                    170,000

3-member family                                                                       185,000

4-member family                                                                       200,000

5-member family                                                                       220,000

6-member family                                                                       240,000

Any extra person under 18 years                                            20,000

Additional person between 18 and 25 years                          20, 000

Each Parent                                                                                20,000

When to Make the Payment

When making an application  together with family members, you are required to make the payment after you  have been issued the FIU clearance from the State Law Office. You are expected  to pay 50% of the contract at this point.

The remaining 50% is paid  after the National Authority has approved your application. For individual  applications, the amount is paid in full after being issued with the FIU  clearance.

How Long Does It Take to Apply for Citizenship?

Acquiring a Republic of  Vanuatu Nationality is one of the fastest available programs. After your first  application has been approved, the whole process can be completed in three  months under normal circumstances. If you are in some kind of  emergency, you can pay a fee of $5,000 so that your application is processed  faster, in about 45 days.

Step 4 (Collection)

After the successful  processing of an applicant’s citizenship request, an applicant is required to  take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Vanuatu. When the process is  completed, you can choose between three methods of collection, namely:

Collect the documents personally at the Government  Commissioner office for the oath and documents

Invite the Government Commissioner to your country of  residence at your own expense.

Receive the citizenship at the Beirut office

Branches of VRP-MENA

If you are looking for  where to apply for Vanuatu citizenship, you can contact our offices in the  following locations:

Port Vila, in the Republic of Vanuatu

Beirut, Lebanon

Portoviejo, Ecuador

It is not a question of  where to apply for dual citizenship anymore, but when to. Just book a date, and  you’ll be served.

Conclusion

VRP-MENA is a symbol of credibility,  efficiency, and integrity when it comes to citizenship application to the  Republic of Vanuatu. It is the best service provider and gives every applicant  an equal chance of getting into the VRP program. This is as long as your  documents and records are unquestionable. No one is discriminated against race,  color, nationality or religion.

Apply for a Vanuatu Citizenship Now.

Contact Us For More Detailed Information

[ixvyupdates]

Global Action Week 2018: We demand that States fulfil their commitments to education!

By Global Campaign for Education

The Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) embraces the 2018 theme Accountability for SDG4 and the slogan “Keep your promises for education!”. We call on governments to demonstrate political will by producing national education monitoring reports annually as an accountability tool for their citizens. The Latin American Campaign for the Right to Education (CLADE) has embarked on a series of mobilization and advocacy actions in the region.

CLADE: Mobilised for GAWE 2018

CLADE intends to support and encourage public debates on the setbacks and advances in the fulfilment of the right to education in each country, involving the media, education communities and other social sectors. Activities, messages and key demands of GAWE 2018 will be disseminated through the regional blog www.same2018.org and social media channels. CLADE urges its national member forums to demand from the national authorities the organization of public debates on the implementation of the human right to education and the development of regular official monitoring reports, which would also report on the compliance with this right, with an active and significant participation of civil society.

GAWE 2018 will serve as a step in the preparation for the next High Level Political Forum (HLPF), which will take place in July 2018 in New York, where the following countries will present their national voluntary reports: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico and Paraguay.

CLADE will also be producing a state of the region report on the compliance with the Sustainable Development Goal on Education (SDG 4) for Latin America and the Caribbean. This report will be presented at the Regional Meeting of Ministers of Education in Sucre, Bolivia, in July 2018.

The organisation will aim to popularise the #MakeitPublic campaign by continuously monitoring the fulfilment of commitments made in national education plans and towards SDG 4 in the region, with emphasis on the commitments on inclusive education and education financing: the States of the region signed the obligation to invest at least 4-6% of GDP and 15-20% of their total public budget in education. These monitoring fronts are driven, respectively, through the Regional Observatory of Inclusive Education (OREI), and the Monitoring System for the Financing of the Human Right to Education in Latin America and the Caribbean.

GAWE in the Dominican Republic: For the fulfilment of educational goals, transparency and accountability of the state to the citizens

At the same time and in the context of the GAWE celebrations in the Dominican Republic, the Socio-educational Forum (Foro Socio Educativo – FSE), member of CLADE and GCE in this country, has planned several activities focusing on SDG4 and the mobilisation of civil society around the #MakeitPublic campaign, calling government to continue producing the national education monitoring reports annually and improve its qualiy.

They range from the distribution of stickers, posters, guides for educational centers and brochures at the pavilion of the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic (MINERD) during the National Fair of the Book; to organising interviews with officials of MINERD, decentralized institutes and other organizations on the implementation of SDG 4 in the Dominican Republic; to the meeting of a panel with experts on the theme “Four years of the signing of the National Pact for Educational Reform. Have we made progress in the implementation?”, with a view to evaluating the progress, limitations and challenges on the implementation of these commitments and the coordination of the linked social actors.

A new bulletin of the Observatory of the Budget in Education (an initiative promoted by the FSE) will be also released. With the title “The gender focus in education in the Dominican Republic, legal framework and reality in schools. The budget execution of the MINERD of 2017”, the document will be presented to education officials and members of the education community of the Municipality of Tamayo, Bahoruco, on May 3, 2018.

Beyond the GAWE, the FSE has been acting permanently in monitoring the results of different education policies and programs in the country, as well as in monitoring the quality of national educational spending. These actions are driven in line with the National Development Strategy 2030 and the Goals of the Education Agenda 2030.

Thus, the Dominican Republic joins the celebration of the GAWE 2018 under the national slogan “2030 Educational Goals: Transparency and Accountability to Citizenship. Keep your Promises!”.

Global Action Week 2018: We demand that States fulfil their commitments to education! syndicated from https://sapsnkraguide.wordpress.com

[darwinirvin602-blog]

MIOSM Participation Certificate Registration.

Connect with gig organizer, Jill Staton, with the headline of the tune your trainees will certainly carry out in their online video! All teachers are actually urged to obtain imaginative and instruct and vocalize along with their students any kind of lot of the Concert tracks at any moment in the course of March-- whenever it matches their institution and also neighborhood schedules! Off August 31 to September 5, Mercury reverses by means of Leo. Using this eclipse in your very first home of appearances, you may create a daring exterior modification, like a substantially other hairstyle, a design or even a closet overhaul. Along with the eclipse electrifying your cozy fourth house, this new location can come with the option from relocation, encouraging you to put down roots somewhere new and amazing. August 15: Venus-Pluto hostility Projection sharp! Thus, to the level that Republicans could continue succeeding the help of this particular team at Trump-like degrees, Democrats have a significant appointing obstacle. August 12-September 5: Mercury retrograde Communicator Mercury switches with your profession residence until August 31, at that point rears into your speculative as well as widespread zone for the duration from the retrograde. I hope that NAfME will certainly have the capacity to remain to supply participants along with the premium instructional MIOSM products, including qualified audio tracks. This March is the 30th wedding anniversary of Music In Our Colleges Month. The Sunlight is in regal Leo as well as your tenth property from profession, effectiveness as well as status till August 22, pumping up your aspirations. Our experts invested 150-plus years building a public college system that was actually the rivalry of the globe," mentioned Splint, which acquired his academic degree at Purdue, in Indiana. A poll this summer financed due to the Democratic-leaning House Majority SPECIAL-INTEREST GROUP located that 57 per-cent from such voters think that a college level would certainly seat them along with even more financial debt without helping them obtain a good-paying work. NASA has reduced the risk by scripting just about every little thing, from the substitute from a water filter to the protection examine an area fit.

Communicator Mercury turns reversed (- retrograde) from August 12 till September 5, which may interrupt travel, interaction as well as modern technology. Astronauts on the terminal often get along, no matter citizenship. On August 25, structured Saturn ends a five-month retrograde by means of Sagittarius and your expert tenth residence.

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The Planet's Largest Show is actually currently the Performance for Popular music In Our Colleges Month! The subject could be a forthcoming MIOSM activity, help needed at finances hearings to make certain financing for music systems, or implementation of the National Specifications. The Space Station possesses a telephone-- rocketeers can call anybody they prefer, whenever this comes-- and also their households get a particularly scheduled ipad tablet for personal videoconferences.

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August 21: Sun-Uranus trine Kindred spirits unite! Scott Kelly and Tim Kopra are standing up next on a steel system in July, furnished in NASA area matches. You could possess set the wheels moving on July 23 at the initial Leo new moon. The grand finale gets here on August 21, when the second of a pair of rare Leo new moons radiates the spotlight on you-- again! Ecuador's Tungurahua mountain ejects magma, ash and also pyroclastic component right into the air, on August 21, 2012. For Trump and his then-chief strategist Steve Bannon, the analogues were actually irresistible: An agrarian populist coming from the Tennessee outpost, Jackson was the very first to designate themselves as the commoner's soldier from unscrupulous Washington bests and also well-off political rate of interests. The rest could drop." Those include the significant social colleges created since the 1860s, when a federal government give set aside property for all of them in every state. Disruptive Uranus, which is in Aries, creates its own annual U-turn from August 2 till January 2. Uranus is actually reversing by means of your eleventh home of team effort as well as innovation, which may agitate your inner circle. If you loved this write-up and you would like to receive much more information about Highly recommended Resource site kindly take a look at our own web page. The many things Trump has actually been successful in doing have actually largely been points Republicans actually wanted prior to he came along: calling a strongly traditional Closet as well as Supreme Court candidate. Trump, through comparison, has actually long mentioned the dark neighborhood in essentially instrumental phrases, coming from his organisation career to his political one.

[acn59685-blog]

acn france avis - An Overview

Success With AcnWith a history in pharmaceutical sales, James Adlam felt as if he was living in a ruthless globe. While working relentlessly in the sales setting, a close friend asked James to join him in taking a look at the ACN Business Possibility.

When Does Acn Report Earnings

ACN was the automobile that helped Zia accomplish his personal goal of economic security as he is now in a position to provide for his family. Zia has swiftly climbed up the ranks to accomplish the peak of success at ACN and also connects this success to adhering to ACN's system as well as designating time to self-educate. Without any idea of the network marketing market or just what it involved, a girl welcomed Nassim to a Service Chance meeting in France. He later attended a training occasion in Paris which sealed his desire to end up being an Independent Rep and embark on a brand-new phase in his professional life. As the owners of four successful organisations, Michael and Jennifer Crowder were comfortable. Perhaps too comfortable. Michael's failure was available in 2009 when the economy took a horrible turn, and all of a sudden, this effective entrepreneur watched whatever he had actually functioned so hard for evaporate practically prior to his eyes.

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Nassim Kebbi worked tirelessly considering that the age of 17 in a variety of various markets but mostly as an a/c specialist which he provided for nearly ten years. He really felt, however, that the hours were very long as well as the job was unfulfilling with little possibility for specialist or personal growth. Starting with ACN's launch in the UK, Art quickly began building his organisation, focusing on developing strong, relying on connections. Inside eight months, he attained Regional Vice Head of state status however had not been quiting there as well as rapidly got to the position of Senior Vice Head of state.

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He started searching for a brand-new chance and a chance to begin again. "I was trying to find a home, a strong firm that had actually stood the examination of time and also where I might build a real long-lasting recurring earnings." When introduced to ACN, Michael was impressed at the business's company version as well as exactly how you can change your life by offering everyday essential services. Hard work remains in Marc Isaac's blood. "My dad removaled our family members from the Philippines in 1995 to make sure that we can have a far better life and strive to attain the American Dream," Marc describes. "Our parents have always done whatever it requires to help my sibling as well as I; so giving back to my parents is a substantial concern."

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With ACN, you are in control of the earnings you make, positioning you to earn as little or as long as you such as. ACN's settlement plan is absolutely unmatched in the sector, combining instant benefit potential to fuel your expanding organisation with long-term, wealth-building earnings to alter your life. In 1993, four entrepreneurs, dissatisfied with their sector, had a vision. That vision was of a company based on integrity, one dedicated to dealing with people the means they would certainly wish to be treated themselves. Those business owners were Carbon monoxide-- Owners Greg Provenzano, Robert Stevanoviski, acn home based business reviews Tony Cupisz and Mike Cupisz, as well as today, that company is ACN. In between Leanne Gabriel's routine as a Discrimination Lawyer as well as her husband Michael's schedule as an International Consultant, the pair felt they had extinction. Leanne was seeking an opportunity that would provide her the liberty she longed for.

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ACN came to be the platform for Ahmed to not just develop his own company, but likewise acquire a way of life he had formerly only fantasized about. He attended his initial ACN International Educating event in October, 2013 and also ever since his life has been entirely changed. Looking back on his life prior to ACN, Sunny Kim sees a directionless young man without the confidence to identify the skills and gifts inside of himself. "I will go down a harsh path," he jokes. Worse yet, his moms and dads had actually just recently shed every little thing.

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Talking at the 2014 ACN International Training occasion in Barcelona, Muddssar discusses to the audience that all ACN IBOs can achieving success: "Each person existing today at this Worldwide Training event could be effective. I am not unique, yet I have a bulletproof way of thinking that has actually owned me to be effective as well as has guaranteed my Elderly Vice President position at ACN."

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Shane and also Dana Douglas recognize specifically where to look when they need ideas-- their ACN service partners. As Senior Vice Presidents that signed up with the firm in 2004, they have built a successful and also dynamic team of leaders. "It's exciting to deal with others that have a dream and are willing to work for it," Shane states. "One of the great advantages of working with a lot of people at the very same time is you'll locate they all have comparable frame of minds which produces an amazing think tank of suggestions to be effective. The energy that is produced is unbelievable." It wasn't up until ACN that Mathieu was lastly able to place the years of foster care behind him as well as start believing he should have extra. "It doesn't matter where you're from or just what has actually taken place in your life. You could still complete excellent things." Determined to see some earnings in order to make it through, Mark stumbled upon ACN. "The initial Company Opportunity Meeting I attended, I saw many individuals of various citizenships, ages as well as academic histories. What ecstatic me was to see that everyone had an equivalent right for success in ACN." "This organisation is a true international organisation due to the fact that individuals anywhere all invest loan on telecommunications as well as power-- no matter exactly what region you reside in or just what language you speak-- these are solutions every person makes use of," Brian says. Today, like their parents before them, Patrick and Michael have attained success through the direct marketing sector. The best component concerning ACN inning accordance with Patrick? "Taking someone and also aiding them discover the victor in themselves. This firm is monumental to human capacity and exactly what is feasible. When your life adjustments, you change the world." Luca was born premature with clinical difficulties requiring him to continue to be in the NICU. As a result of ACN and also the work ethic Mike presented in the years prior, both he and also Kylie had the ability to be by his side the whole time, servicing their ACN business in between the fractures of life. For over One Decade, the Davises have actually funded 8 youngsters and their households in the nations of Ecuador, Guatemala, Colombia, Philippines and Dominican Republic. "We have actually had the ability to cover their daily expenditures for food, garments, schooling, real estate, clinical and more," Debbie says. With the years, the whole Davis family has anticipated receiving letters and images from the families. "What seems relatively small to us is everything to them," Debbie claims. "Claiming that we really feel thankful for the chance to give back is a huge exaggeration." Mark's philosophy for success was simple: "Consider a candle light. When you make use of one candle light to light even more candles, this candle light never loses its fire. There is only extra light, happiness and also delight spread around. As well as the same for us in ACN-- we should share our fire with others. Via this, I recognized my mission in life!"

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"To have points in life that you never ever had prior to you must do things that you have actually never done prior to. Allow my tale be an instance for those that maintain making reasons: it not regarding making time to earn things happen, it is about making the hours count. Once you leave your comfort zone and also never quit, you can reach the top." https://aitais.com/kylerdtty452/crucial-acn-methods-that-work/

When Patrick learnt more about ACN he shared the opportunity with Michael, and also the siblings realized they could interact to help others and create an opportunity for typical individuals just like them to make additional money. Michael stated, "When I opened my mind, I really began seeing points in different ways. I became coachable and also picked up from the people who currently achieved success." As a producer, entertainer and business owner in Moscow, Russia, Mark Olshenitsky had his eyes on success. In an instant-- at the peak of his job-- he chose to give up his comfy lifestyle and leave his residence country wishing for a far better means of life for his family members. After relocating to Canada, Mark discovered himself working lots of tasks trying to make ends meet-- as well as the functioning hours were endless. He quickly observed a failure in his life. Mark went from everything to absolutely nothing. Nekoda discovered multi level marketing while he was functioning three works as well as going to school part-time. Monica was a lately separated mother of two, stabilizing law college, a teaching fellowship, and also a part-time job.

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When Cody Mackie began in ACN, he understood he had located something unique. Before becoming an Independent Local business owner, Cody had plans to join the business globe as a monetary coordinator, however that all changed once he saw the ACN opportunity. Spencer's guidance is this: "New Independent Business Owners should take this service as severe as a heart attack. It's simple yet the work should be done. Trust the leadership and also be coachable. If you desire what successful individuals have, just do exactly what successful people do." Art Napolitano played in a rock band until he was 30 years old and also typically wondered how he would certainly ever have the ability to pay for a house and also a household. He wanted to enjoy while also gaining added revenue. Mlm seemed to be the perfect specific niche for him, and also he soon discovered success in internet marketing and abandoned his desire for rock fame.

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After being welcomed to learn more concerning ACN, also this savvy business person could not deny that ACN "simply made good sense". Actually, Michael had actually seen numerous other individuals in standard company job 40 plus hrs a week yet never ever experience flexibility. To Michael, ACN was the escape. "We participated in an ACN convention, there were a great deal of individuals from France and England and also other places but only one person from Spain with one little flag and also we thought that this is a great opportunity for us!"

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Prior to coming to be an ACN Independent Local business owner, Spencer was playing baseball at the College of Utah. After being convinced to attend an ACN Regional Event in Los Angeles by an associate, he located just what he believed to be an incredible chance that he could not pass up. "My plate was greater than full," Spencer stated. "However I felt I would certainly be really absurd to let this opportunity pass me by."

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They realized at an early stage that ACN could assist them fulfill their lasting goals of philanthropy around the world. They have added to numerous calamity relief funds, the Wounded Warrior Job, Ronald McDonald Houses as well as various other charities. "ACN has actually enabled us to assist with things that have actually touched our hearts without needing to wonder if we could pay for to assist," Debbie claims. "It's an invaluable feeling to know that a person's life has actually been made a bit much easier as a result of your ability to give."

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Max devoted himself to ACN and also struck the possibility head-on, reaching ACN's top position of Senior Vice Head of state in his 20s. "Individuals in some cases do not understand that much less is a lot more. It's not regarding being ideal, however being passionate concerning your future and aiding others prosper."

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Zia Rehman, originally from Pakistan, transferred to The United Kingdom to discover a far better life for himself and his family members. With a sensational wish to be an effective business person, it was not until he came across ACN, that he had the ability to ultimately understand his desire. Zia has swiftly climbed the rankings to accomplish the peak of success at ACN. "I discovered my best friend in ACN! Your buddy is not somebody who tries to drag you down when you wish to succeed. Your friend is the person who assists you achieve your desires. If you want to be economically complimentary, your friend is the one who encourages you. The ACN leaders contributed big time to my success as well as I will certainly nourish this relationship by striving and also inspiring as well as encouraging my group."

[csrgood]

Xylem Employees Volunteer More Than 21,000 Hours with Local Organizations in 2016

Employees from Xylem (NYSE:XYL), a leading global water technology company that is dedicated to solving the world’s most challenging water issues, logged more than 21,000 volunteer hours in 2016 in activities aimed at providing and protecting safe water resources and educating people about water, sanitation, and hygiene. Xylem Watermark, its corporate citizenship platform, last year launched a service-focused employee engagement program in support of this mission with a goal of logging 100,000 volunteer hours in three years.

“Focusing on employee engagement through service has helped to foster a stronger connection between our colleagues around the world and Xylem Watermark.  It has built energy throughout the company and gives employees opportunities feel involved with something bigger and connect with water issues in the communities where they live and work,” said Colin Sabol, Senior Vice President and Chairman of the Xylem Watermark Committee.

Through more than 455 water-related volunteer activities, in conjunction with local community organizations and global nonprofit partners, more than 3,700 colleagues from 86 offices across 35 countries built water towers, tested water sources, maintained water sheds, and educated students and communities about water, sanitation, and hygiene issues.

Hundreds of employees participated in Walk for Water events to better understand the time and burden it takes for women and children in communities without access to clean drinking water to provide safe water for their families.

In addition, Xylem launched its inaugural Global Month of Service in October. During this time, employees worked with local nonprofit organizations committed to water-related issues in their communities to clean and restore waterways, plant vegetation to protect shorelines from erosion and salinization, and teach students about global water issues.  One team’s efforts in Louisiana can be seen here. In total, Xylem colleagues logged more than 7,200 hours in one month.

In addition to direct local service, Xylem Watermark supports six global nonprofit partners to provide sustainable community-based interventions for the estimated 663 million people that lack access to clean water sources and the 2.4 billion people that lack access to hygienic sanitation across the globe. Since 2008, Xylem Watermark has made significant investments through corporate grants, in-kind product donations and more than $2.9 million in employee contributions, including corporate matching, to global nonprofit partners in support of Watermark’s mission to provide and protect safe water resources for communities in need around the world and educate people about water issues. In 2016, Xylem Watermark partnered with:

Planet Water to construct 70 AquaTowers across Cambodia, China, the Philippines, India, and Colombia, delivering clean water and water health and hygiene education directly to 70,000 people that previously did not have access to safe drinking water and benefiting 227,000 more with indirect advantages of the tower in their community. More than 260 Xylem employees participated in these water projects, supplying hands-on support and gaining first-hand exposure to the impact fresh water makes to communities.

Mercy Corps in response to the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Ecuador and catastrophic category-5 Hurricane Matthew that hit Haiti to provide 80,000 people with lifesaving aid and assistance for the recovery of critical water and sanitation systems.

Earth Echo to engage local schools in the World Water Monitoring Challenge. With over 1,000 water testing kits, employees provided classroom education and hands-on field experimentation for students to learn the importance of water stewardship and clean water.

Water for People to tackle water poverty in India and develop high quality drinking water and sanitation services to water deprived areas via 10 SWASH (School Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) systems, five community Tubewells and piped water systems, and supporting education programs. These projects provided direct access to clean water to over 7,000 people and supported full water and sanitation coverage for three county-sized districts.

Chinese Women’s Development Fund (CWDF) to implement six water projects in schools across China, which included the construction of improved drinking water facilities, reconstruction of lavatories, building of hand-washing facilities and delivering health education and training to over 10,000 students and teachers.

Avina to promote improved access to safe drinking water in the Brazilian Semiarid and Amazon regions by building 1,000 cisterns providing 30,000 students and adults with clean water, and constructing a community water system providing over 200 families with water in their homes.

About Xylem Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology company committed to developing innovative technology solutions to the world’s water challenges. The Company’s products and services move, treat, analyze, monitor and return water to the environment in public utility, industrial, residential and commercial building services, and agricultural settings.  With its October 2016 acquisition of Sensus, Xylem added smart metering, network technologies and advanced data analytics for water, gas and electric utilities to its portfolio of solutions.  The combined Company’s nearly 16,000 employees bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on identifying comprehensive, sustainable solutions.  Headquartered in Rye Brook, New York with 2016 revenue of $3.8 billion, Xylem does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands. 

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all – that which occurs in nature. For more information, please visit us at www.xylem.com.

About Xylem Watermark Xylem Watermark, Xylem’s corporate citizenship program, provides and protects safe water resources for many of the world’s most vulnerable communities and educates individuals around the globe about water issues. This social commitment reflects Xylem’s ethos of valuing the “triple bottom-line”: financial, environmental and social.  The company firmly believes in the notion of doing well by doing good, and dedicates resources to initiatives that demonstrate its commitment. 

Xylem Watermark was founded in 2008 and, with its six nonprofit partners, has provided clean water and sanitation solutions to over three million people in 25 countries. Xylem launched its first Global Month of Service in October 2016 to provide a focused time to inspire employees to get involved and bring the mission of Xylem Watermark to their communities.

To learn more about Xylem Watermark, please visit www.xylemwatermark.com.

source: http://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/39693-Xylem-Employees-Volunteer-More-Than-21-000-Hours-with-Local-Organizations-in-2016?tracking_source=rss

[nathanielburgos]

Top E-2 Visa Requirements for Investors: Do You Qualify?

When deciding to file a petition for an E-2 work visa, it’s important to be aware of the key E-2 visa requirements for investors and individual guidelines. USCIS defines an E-2 investment as “the investor’s placing of capital, including funds and other assets, at risk in the commercial sense with the objective of generating a profit. Your investment may be to establish a new business venture, or purchase a pre-existing business.”

An E-2 treaty investor visa is a non-immigrant visa reserved for foreign entrepreneurs of countries that have a Treaty of Trade and Commerce with the United States. E-2 investor visa allows foreign investors to enter and work inside of the United States based on a substantial investment in a bona fide enterprise. In this article, we’re going to explain the top E-2 Visa Requirements for Investors and the qualifications. 

There are two types of investor visas so before looking into E-2 visa requirements for investors you want to make sure the E-2 visa is the right fit for you as a foreign investor. If the E-2 visa isn’t the correct fit for you, there is also the option of an EB-5 investor green card.

On an E-2 visa, you may:

Work legally in the company that is the investment vehicle in the U.S.

Travel freely in and out of the U.S.

Stay on a prolonged basis with unlimited two-year extensions as long as you maintain E-2 qualifications

Be accompanied by your dependents under 21, relatives and spouse. Your spouse may also work while in the U.S. while your dependents may attend U.S. schools, colleges, and universities, and do not have to apply for a separate student visa.

However, the disadvantages are as follows:

E-2 visas are available only to nationals of countries (listed below) having investment treaties with the U.S.

You are restricted to work only for the specific employer or self-owned business that acted as your E-2 visa sponsor

E-2 visas are approved for two years at a time which makes the application/extension process slow.

Key E-2 Visa Requirements for Investors to Qualify

The E-2 visa minimum investment requirement is that you invest in a bona fide enterprise. By failing to do this, your petition will not qualify. A bona fide enterprise is defined by the immigration authorities as “a real, active commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking which produces services or goods for profit”.

Some of the evidence you may submit to demonstrate that your business is bona fide includes:

Notice of assignment of an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Tax returns

Financial statements

Quarterly wage reports or payroll summaries (i.e., W-2s and W-3)

Business organizational chart

Business licenses

Bank statements, utility bills, and advertisements/telephone directory listings

Contracts or customer/vendor agreements

Escrow documents

Lease agreement

There are a few key E-2 visa requirements for investors that will help you prepare your petition and ensure that you are a qualifying applicant. You can check the status after completing your petition.

The Investor Must Be a National of a Treaty Country

Treaty countries currently include:

Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Congo, Romania, Senegal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Yugoslav.

It is important to note that you must be a legitimate citizen of one of the above countries in order to fulfill the E-2 visa requirements. It is not enough to maintain a legal permanent residency. Your current passport must be from one of these treaty countries. However, you do not have to be currently residing in a treaty country as long as your citizenship from a treaty country.

For example, if Mr. Cousteau is a citizen of France but has been living in China for the last eight years, he still fulfills the E-2 visa requirements and can apply.

Additional information regarding individual countries is available at the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

The Investment Must Be Substantial

It must be sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. The percentage of investment for a low-cost business enterprise must be higher than the percentage of investment in a high-cost enterprise. While some investments of less than $100,000 are approved, it’s safe to say that the investment capital and reserves should total no less than $100,000.

Some evidence you can use to prove that the investment is substantial is corresponding personal and/or business bank statements, an itemized list of goods and materials purchased for the start-up, and corresponding financial accounting documentation. It’s also wise to put together a business plan that illustrates your projected success.

The Investor Must Place the Funds at Risk

“At risk” means that the investor is to be irrevocably committed. If you’re able to walk away from the investment without losing anything, you likely do not qualify. The applicant must have already spent the money towards the startup, purchase of a U.S. business, or enterprise. Loans secured with the assets of the investment enterprise are not allowed. The investment must be at risk of being lost due to the business or enterprise being unsuccessful.

To be safe, you may put the investment amount in an escrow account and have it transferred if your E-2 visa application is granted.

If you are purchasing an existing business, you should know all there is to know about the business and its counterparts. Learn all the components of the business and come to an educated conclusion of how well they are doing presently and how successful the business is projected to be. An escrow account is even more important for those buying an existing business. In this case, you and the seller of the business will agree on the terms and conditions of the business purchase and how to later transfer the money after reaching a conclusion.  

The Investment Must Be a Real Operating Enterprise

A real operating enterprise means that the enterprise must be offering a tangible good or service. Examples of these enterprises are restaurants, retail stores, medical offices, etc. Speculative or idle investment such as real estate investments, undeveloped land, or stocks held by an investor who has no intent to direct the enterprise does not qualify. Similarly, uncommitted funds in a bank account or similar security are not considered an investment.

The Investment May Not Be Marginal

A marginal enterprise will not project enough return on investment to make a significant economic contribution. The enterprise must generate significantly more income than just to provide a living to the investor and family, or it must have a significant economic impact in the U.S. 

The Investor Must Be Coming to the U.S. to Develop and Direct the Enterprise.

If the applicant is not the principal investor, he or she must be employed in a supervisory, executive, or highly specialized skill capacity. Ordinary skilled and unskilled workers do not qualify. The government will not grant you an E-2 visa if they don’t believe you play an important role in the enterprise. 

You must show that you will develop and direct the investment enterprise by demonstrating ownership of at least 50 percent of the enterprise, or by possessing operational control through a managerial position or other corporate devices. 

How Can An Employee Qualify?

In order for an employee of an investor to apply for this visa, there are a series of E-2 visa requirements that must be met:

Your employee must be a citizen of the same treaty country that the principle E-2 investor (you) maintains citizenship.

Your employee must qualify under the definition of an “employee” as stated in the U.S. legal code.

You must be able to prove that your employee is necessary for the fulfillment of your endeavor. This is easily proven if he or she is a manager or executive, but can also be proven if he or she has specialized knowledge that makes them instrumental to the operation or development of your enterprise.

Is Business Plan Required?

It is not an official E-2 visa requirement to have a business plan. However, it is highly recommended that you submit a comprehensive business plan along with your E-2 evidence. This is because the USCIS wants to see that your enterprise will create jobs and stimulate the economy in the U.S.

To prove this, you need to make it clear that you have experience starting a business or that your enterprise has a high likelihood of success. Submitting a business plan is the best way to accomplish this.

What are the Requirements for the E-2 Investment Amount?

Unlike the EB-5 visa that has specified minimum investment amounts for its two categories, the E-2 visa does not have a minimum for business capital and instead looks for “substantial capital”. What determines an appropriate investment amount varies widely depending on the size and nature of each business. 

Officials at the embassy or USCIS use their discretion to consider whether an amount of investment capital is appropriate or not. Though it is widely believed that having a minimum of $100,000 capital is a good rule of thumb, in some cases, you may need more or less. For instance, a small shop or firm may be approved with an investment amount in the tens of thousands of dollars. In general, however, having a large investment amount will be helpful and make your case stronger. This is another critical area that requires working with an experienced E-2 visa immigration attorney. 

Requirements for E-2 Visa Extension

There are two ways to extend your E-2 status. The first one is to travel outside the United States and re-enter. This will give you an automatic two-year renewal. The other option is to seek renewal in the U.S. by filing an extension request with the USCIS. To do this, you will need to submit a new I-129 petition, I-539 form, and other E-2 visa extension documents. 

E-2 Visa Processing Time

The processing time for an E-2 visa varies widely depending on the embassy from which you are applying. In some embassies, the process may take just a few weeks, while in others you may have to wait a number of months. If you are applying from within the United States, you may use the premium processing service to have your visa application processed within 15 calendar days. Another factor that could help expedite the process is if you are buying an existing business that is already registered as an E-2 treaty enterprise.

E-2 Visa Processing Fee

The E-2 visa processing fee will depend on whether you are changing status from inside the U.S. or applying through consular processing outside the U.S. 

E-2 Change of Status Processing Fees

I-129 petition: $460

I-539 form: $370

Premium processing fee (optional): $1,440

Consular Processing Fees

DS-160 visa application fee: $205

Visa issuance fee: This depends on your country

E-2 Visa Requirements May Vary Depending on Your Nationality

While E-2 visa is open to nationals of all treaty countries, there are certain country-specific requirements that depend on an applicant’s nationality. 

Unusual Requirements for U.K. Nationals: The United Kingdom has an unusual requirement, which sets it apart from other countries. This is not surprising though as the U.K. was the first nation-state to have an E-2 visa treaty agreement with the U.S. dating back to 1815.

British nationals are required to show residence in the U.K. before they can qualify for an E-2 investor visa. While this may appear simple for British nationals, it may be complicated for those living outside of both countries. As a U.K. citizen living in another country, you may need to show one of the following to get your E-2 visa approved.

Ownership or rental of a home in the United Kingdom

U.K. tax returns

U.K. payslips

U.K.-based investments

Other connections you have in the U.K.

Visa Validity May Vary: The difference in E-2 visa validity is based on whether you apply in the United States or outside the U.S. through consular processing. For every E-2 visa issued by the USCIS in the United States, the validity is two years and is subject to renewal.

However, it is not the same for those going the consular processing route. An E-2 visa issued through consular processing has an initial validity period of five years for many treaty countries. For some other countries with low reciprocity, the validity may be lower and can range from four years to as little as three months. For instance, the validity period is four years for Switzerland nationals and two years for Singaporeans. Nationals of Bangladesh, Moldova, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and a few others are only eligible for a three-month validity period. The good news is that, regardless of your validity, once you get to the U.S., you can continue to extend your stay indefinitely. 

Does the E-2 Validity Period Determine How Long an E-2 Investor Can Stay in the United States?

The validity doesn’t determine how long you can stay in the United States. As long as you maintain the rules guiding your status which include starting and running a qualified business, you can renew your visa and stay in the U.S. indefinitely. 

The validity period is only based on only how long you have before the visa expires or how long you can use the same visa to travel abroad and re-enter the United States. If you are granted an E-2 visa with a five-year validity period, you can use the same visa to re-enter the United States as many times as needed within the five-year period.

The same cannot be said of those with a three-months validity period. Once such applicants get to the United States, they will first be given two years to run their business. However, if they travel out of the United States, they will have to apply for a new visa at the embassy before they can re-enter the U.S. The reciprocity status surrounding the E-2 visa can sometimes be complicated. It is important to work with an immigration attorney to help you determine what the rule says based on your nationality.

E-2 Visa Requirements for Investors Recap

Filing for a visa can be quite complex and labor-intensive, which is why it’s best to always consult a professional with this type of experience. If you believe you meet the E-2 visa requirements for Investors then the next step is to give us a call to start the filing process and gather the materials necessary to send to USCIS.

In the event that you do not meet the E-2 visa requirements for Investors then we’ll offer other visa options that may be more suitable for your case. Due to the time-sensitive nature of these filings, however, it’s ideal to get started immediately because other appropriate visas may have a fixed quota/annual allotment like the H-1B visa for instance.

Our Lawyers Are Waiting to Help You

Do you need assistance filing for an E-2 visa? Our lawyers can help you file an E-2 visa based on the USCIS and U.S. Department of State guidelines. With years of experience helping investors get their start in the U.S., we are uniquely equipped with the knowledge to help you with your specific E-2 case.

By filling out this contact form, you can schedule a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys and get started on the road to success through our firm.

During your consultation, we’ll explain which course of action will suit your case best. We may determine that you do not qualify for an E-2 visa and suggest more suiting non-immigrant status alternatives.

Related Pages: E-2 Visa Requirements for Investors

Investor Visa

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Requirements

E-2 Visa Renewal and Extension

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[franciscocathi]

Byrd Campbell Launches EB-5 Investor Protection Task Force

With the opportunity of the EB-5 foreign investment programs on the rise, so too seemingly are incidents of foreign investor fraud, so much so that Byrd Campbell has launched a task force to investigate and pursue claims on behalf of defrauded foreign investors.  The task force will be headed by Byrd Campbell attorney, Carlos Real (Rutgers University, Cornell Law School), a veteran securities trial lawyer, who immigrated with his family to the United States from Ecuador. [Contact: CReal@ByrdCampbell.com]

The EB-5 program, which is sanctioned by the United States Congress, provides certain foreign investors who can demonstrate that their investments are creating jobs in this country, with a potential avenue to lawful permanent residency in the United States.  Regulated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), the program allows business owners to apply to USCIS to be designated as “regional centers” for the EB-5 program.  These regional centers offer investment opportunities in “new commercial enterprises” that may involve securities offerings.  An investor who invests a certain amount through a sanctioned EB-5 program that creates or preserves a minimum number of jobs in the United States, is eligible to apply for conditional lawful permanent residency.  The foreign investor is eligible to apply to have the conditional residency made permanent toward the end of the two-year period of conditional residency, provided the foreign investor can establish that the job creation requirements have been met.  Foreign investors who invest through the EB-5 program, however, are not guaranteed a visa or to become lawful permanent residents of the United States.

Foreign investors sometimes mistakenly assume that because a business has been designated as a “regional center,” that the investment has been thoroughly investigated and approved by some regulatory body.  However, the designation of a business by USCIS as a regional center does not signify that USCIS, the SEC, or any other government agency has approved the investments offered by the business.  Nor does the designation express an opinion on the safety or soundness of the investment.   In fact, EB-5 investment programs are often used as the capital raising vehicle of last resort by promoters who are unable to raise capital through traditional investment channels.

The SEC and USCIS have jointly published an Investor Alert warning foreign investors of the potential for fraud.  [https://www.sec.gov/investor/alerts/ia_immigrant.htm]

Recent cases filed by the SEC and foreign investors show how prevalent and substantial the level of fraud may be:

https://www.sec.gov/litigation/complaints/2016/comp-pr2016-281.pdf

https://www.sec.gov/news/pressrelease/2016-282.html

If you have concerns about an investment in an EB-5 program, call us at 407-392-2285; Contact: CReal@ByrdCampbell.com; or visit our website at: http://byrdcampbell.com/

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[olduvaicareers]

Complete guide to obtaining a visa for the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country in Western Asia. It is a sovereign constitutional monarchy, consisting of seven Emirates: Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, and Abu Dhabi, the largest Emirate as well as the capital. With the mix of modern architecture right next to the historical and cultural landmarks, UAE attracts millions of tourists every year. If you are planning a trip to the UAE, you may find that you need to apply for a UAE visa (or not, depending on your country). The UAE government allows nationals of several countries to enter without a visa for short stays.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Dubai or the Other Emirates

Whether you need a UAE visa or not depends on your nationality. Citizens of some countries are allowed to enter the Emirates without a visa or obtain one upon arrival, while others have to get it before they travel. See the lists of who needs a UAE visa and who is exempt below: UAE visa exemptions Enter the UAE with an ID or passport Nationals of the following countries (other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council) have freedom of movement and may enter the UAE with simply their passport or ID: - Bahrain - Kuwait - Oman - Saudi Arabia Non-native residents of GCC countries are not exempt from UAE visas, but they can apply through a facilitated online process if they’re traveling with a GCC national (see below). Visa free for up to 180 days Nationals of Mexico may enter the UEA without a visa for up to 180 days. Visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period Nationals of the following countries may enter the UAE without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180 day period: - EU member states (excluding the UK and Ireland) - Honduras - Iceland - Liechtenstein - Montenegro - Norway - Russia - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Switzerland Visa free for up to 90 days Nationals of the following countries may enter the UAE without a visa for up to 90 days. - Argentina - Barbados - Brazil - Chile - Nauru - Paraguay - Serbia - Solomon Islands - Seychelles - Uruguay Visa free for up to 30 days Nationals of the following countries may enter the UAE without a visa for up to 30 days: - China - Japan - Macau - Ukraine Citizens of all countries not mentioned above have to get a UAE visa before they travel. Please Note: There is some conflicting information online regarding UAE Visa entry requirements for some countries. Liberia and Mongolia - It does not claim anywhere else other than the website of the IATA that Liberia and Mongolia citizens are visa-exempt. Grenada - The website of the Government of UAE as well as the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London state that Grenada citizens are eligible for a UAE visa on arrival valid for 90 days. - The website of International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of UAE do not support this information. Nauru - The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states Nauru citizens do not require a visa for UAE whereas the IATA and the Government of UAE websites do not hold the same information. Solomon Islands - According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, citizens of the Solomon Islands do not need a visa for UAE. This information is not supported by the Government of UAE website. Complete guide to obtaining a visa for the United Arab EmiratesSign Up to Our NewslettersName *FirstLastEmail *Submit  

Do I Need a Separate Dubai Visa if I Have a UAE Visa?

No, you do not. There is actually no separate “Dubai Visa” since Dubai is not a country on its own; it is part of the UAE. If you have a visa allowing you to enter the UAE, then you can travel to any of its emirates, Dubai included.

Do I Need a Separate Abu Dhabi Visa if I Have a Dubai/UAE Visa?

Abu Dhabi is one of the seven emirates making up the UAE, as well as well as the capital. As such, if you are planning on visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you do not need to get a separate visa for each. If you are a visa-required national, you only have to apply for a UAE Tourist Visa and you can visit all seven of its emirates, including Abu Dhabi. If you are exempt from UAE Tourist Visas, the process is even simpler since you can travel with just your passport.

What are the Types of UAE Visas?

The four main types of visas that the UAE offer are: - UAE Tourist Visas, which, as the name suggests are issued for tourism purposes or any other purpose which is shorter than 30 days and does not require you to take up employment and long-term residence in the UAE. - UAE Residence Visas are for foreigners who wish to relocate to the UAE. This includes: - UAE Student Visa - UAE Work Visa - UAE Family Visa - Long-Term Residence Visas (Investor Visa), which is issued for a period of 5-10 years and does not require a sponsor. However, you must invest a substantial amount of money in the UAE to qualify for this type of visa. - UAE Transit Visas, which are issued to foreigners who have to transit through the UAE. These types of visas are issued for 48 or 96 hours.

UAE Visa Requirements

When applying for a tourist visa for the UAE, you must have several documents to support your application, such as: - Photocopies of your passport and the passport of your sponsor. You need a passport which has at least 6 months validity. - Photocopy of the passport’s relevant pages. In some cases, you may not need to submit your original passport at all. You may include photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport (or all the pages on your passport). - Passport-size pictures, in line with UAE visa photo requirements. - If you are a female travelling alone: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your father or husband. - A confirmed round-trip airline ticket or an airline ticket for onward travel. If you are applying through an airline, the ticket must be from that airline. - Proof of accommodation, such as your hotel. - Proof of purchased travel medical insurance for UAE - A letter from you, stating the purpose and duration of your visit - Proof of legal residence in your country (ie. your visa or residence permit). This only applies if you are not a citizen of the country in which you are living. - If you have a host: - Proof of your relationship to the host - Proof of their residential status: A copy of your host’s UAE Resident Visa and/or their Emirates ID - Proof of their financial status: Certified copy of their work contract or their salary certificate - Proof of previous travels: - If you have been to the UAE in the last year, submit copies of the entry and exit stamps on your passport - Copies of any visas to the USA, UK, Schengen Area, Canada, Russia, Australia or New Zealand you have received within the past 5 years - You may also be required to provide: - Proof of your financial status - Proof of your current address - Marriage certificate Complete guide to obtaining a visa for the United Arab Emirates - Any additional documents required by the relevant visa issuing authorities in Dubai/UAE  

UAE Visa Application

Recommended articles Complete guide to Indonesia visa application 2021 Complete guide to Cambodia visa application 2021 Complete guide to Brunei visa application 2021 Complete guide to Bangladesh visa application 2021 Complete Guide to Bahrain Visa Complete guide to Azerbaijan visa application Complete guide to Almenia visa application 2021 Complete guide to Ecuador visa application 2021 Complete guide to Mexico visa application 2021 Complete guide to Guyana visa application 2021 Complete guide to Cuba visa application 2021 Complete guide to Colombia visa application 2021 Complete guide to Argentina visa application 2021 Complete guide to USA visa application 2021 Complete guide to Egypt visa application 2021 Complete guide to Ethiopia visa application 2021 Unlike most countries, the UAE does not issue visas through its embassies or consulates overseas. Additionally, you cannot submit a UAE Visa application yourself – you must have a sponsor in the UAE or apply through an authorized agency to submit it on your behalf. Who can apply for a UAE Visa? Since you cannot apply for a UAE Visa yourself, one of the following can apply on your behalf: - A host or sponsor who is living in the UAE. - A licensed travel agency through which you purchase the travel ticket. Travel agencies in your country may also be collaborating with a local tour operator in the UAE and offer tourist packages. Make sure that the travel agency you hire is reputable and licensed before you pay them. - The hotel in which you are staying in the UAE. - One of the following airlines provided that you’ll be flying with them: - Etihad Airways - Emirates Airline - Fly Dubai - Air Arabia Where to apply for a UAE Visa? UAE visa applications can be submitted either online or in-person at one of the following agencies: - Through the eChanel portal of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship – ICA ,through which hosts, travel agencies or other sponsors can apply for a UAE Visa on your behalf. (online only) - Through the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – GDRFA (online and in-person). - The websites of the GDRFA in each emirate: - Abu Dhabi - Dubai (see also Amer, a website which Dubai citizens and residents can use to apply for family reunion and visitors can use to extend their Visa On Arrival) - Sharjah - Ajman - Ras Al Khaimah - Fujairah - Mobile apps: - ICA’s eChanel portal (for Apple and Android) - GDRFA Dubai (for Apple and Android) - Your sponsor or host can also apply through one of the licensed typing centres of the GDRFA in each Emirate or through one of the Amer centres in Dubai. -  

UAE eVisa Application for GCC Residents

Residents of any of the GCC countries are not exempt from visa requirements like GCC nationals are, but they are entitled to a facilitated online application process if they are travelling with GCC citizens. If you are a GCC resident, you can apply for a UAE visa through one of the following websites: - For an Entry Permit - For a Resident Visa Once you apply, you will receive your visa on the address which you provided. Your UAE visa is valid for 30 days, and may be extended once more for 30 additional days. If you are a GCC resident who will be travelling alone (not with a GCC national) you cannot apply through the online portal. Complete guide to obtaining a visa for the United Arab Emirates

Dubai Visa on Arrival Application

Citizens of the countries listed below may obtain a UAE Visa On Arrival. The Visa On Arrival is valid for up to 30 days for most countries, except the ones otherwise specified: Andorra Australia Bahamas* Brunei Canada Costa Rica* El Salvador* Hong Kong Ireland Kazakhstan Malaysia Maldives* Mauritius Monaco Mongolia New Zealand San Marino Singapore South Korea* United Kingdom United States Vatican     *valid for 90 days Nationals of the following countries who have a diplomatic or service passport are also exempt from a UAE tourist visa or eligible for a UAE Visa On Arrival: Albania Algeria Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Colombia Congo Cuba Egypt Equatorial Guinea Georgia Grenada India Indonesia Liberia Morocco Rwanda Saint Lucia Serbia Tonga Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Vanuatu Vietnam Burkina Faso* Burundi* Chad* Congo DR* Ethiopia* Guinea* Jordan* Kyrgyzstan* Mali* Niger* Senegal* Uzbekistan*     *Diplomatic passport only  

What’s the difference between a UAE Entry Permit and a UAE Residence Visa?

Foreigners who want to move to the UAE need to have a Residence Visa. However, prior to that, they must also obtain an Entry Permit. The difference between an entry permit and a residence visa for the UAE is: The UAE Entry Permit is the document you have to obtain if you need a visa to enter the country. It is valid for a certain number of days, depending on your purpose of travel. Your sponsor has to get an entry permit for you before you travel from by General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The number of days you are allowed to stay in the UAE with an entry permit depends on the purpose of your travel: - If you are transiting, you will receive an entry permit (transit visa) for up to 48 or 96 hours. - If you’ll enter as a tourist, your entry permit is valid for up to 30 days (ie. tourist visa). - If you’re entering for employment purposes, your entry permit is valid for up to 60 days etc. As such, a tourist visa and an entry permit are more or less the same thing. The UAE Residence Visa is the document you have to obtain after you are already in the UAE with an Entry Permit and want to stay longer than the number of days the permit allows. Your sponsor (who must meet GDRFA’s requirements) has to apply for your Residence Visa.

What is the duration of a UAE Visa?

When you receive a UAE visa, you will usually have about 60 days to use it to enter the country. Upon entry, the number of days you are allowed to stay in the UAE depends on the purpose of your travel. As a tourist, you can stay for up to 30 days. If you are transiting, you are allowed to stay only for up to 4 days. UAE visas for employment are issued for a maximum of 2 months, during which time you have to convert it into a Residence Visa or leave the country.

Can you extend a UAE Visa?

Yes, you can. As of 2018, you can extend almost any UAE visa or entry permit two times, each for 30 additional days and for a fee of AED 600. You have to apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires, otherwise you’ll be fined for overstaying. Complete guide to obtaining a visa for the United Arab Emirates You may not apply for a UAE visa extension if you fall under one of the following categories: Read the full article

[gerthacristi]

Byrd Campbell Launches EB-5 Investor Protection Task Force

With the opportunity of the EB-5 foreign investment programs on the rise, so too seemingly are incidents of foreign investor fraud, so much so that Byrd Campbell has launched a task force to investigate and pursue claims on behalf of defrauded foreign investors.  The task force will be headed by Byrd Campbell attorney, Carlos Real (Rutgers University, Cornell Law School), a veteran securities trial lawyer, who immigrated with his family to the United States from Ecuador. [Contact: CReal@ByrdCampbell.com]

The EB-5 program, which is sanctioned by the United States Congress, provides certain foreign investors who can demonstrate that their investments are creating jobs in this country, with a potential avenue to lawful permanent residency in the United States.  Regulated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), the program allows business owners to apply to USCIS to be designated as “regional centers” for the EB-5 program.  These regional centers offer investment opportunities in “new commercial enterprises” that may involve securities offerings.  An investor who invests a certain amount through a sanctioned EB-5 program that creates or preserves a minimum number of jobs in the United States, is eligible to apply for conditional lawful permanent residency.  The foreign investor is eligible to apply to have the conditional residency made permanent toward the end of the two-year period of conditional residency, provided the foreign investor can establish that the job creation requirements have been met.  Foreign investors who invest through the EB-5 program, however, are not guaranteed a visa or to become lawful permanent residents of the United States.

Foreign investors sometimes mistakenly assume that because a business has been designated as a “regional center,” that the investment has been thoroughly investigated and approved by some regulatory body.  However, the designation of a business by USCIS as a regional center does not signify that USCIS, the SEC, or any other government agency has approved the investments offered by the business.  Nor does the designation express an opinion on the safety or soundness of the investment.   In fact, EB-5 investment programs are often used as the capital raising vehicle of last resort by promoters who are unable to raise capital through traditional investment channels.

The SEC and USCIS have jointly published an Investor Alert warning foreign investors of the potential for fraud.  [https://www.sec.gov/investor/alerts/ia_immigrant.htm]

Recent cases filed by the SEC and foreign investors show how prevalent and substantial the level of fraud may be:

https://www.sec.gov/litigation/complaints/2016/comp-pr2016-281.pdf

https://www.sec.gov/news/pressrelease/2016-282.html

If you have concerns about an investment in an EB-5 program, call us at 407-392-2285; Contact: CReal@ByrdCampbell.com; or visit our website at: http://byrdcampbell.com/

The post Byrd Campbell Launches EB-5 Investor Protection Task Force appeared first on Byrd & Campbell.

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Global Action Week 2018: We demand that States fulfil their commitments to education!

By Global Campaign for Education

The Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) embraces the 2018 theme Accountability for SDG4 and the slogan “Keep your promises for education!”. We call on governments to demonstrate political will by producing national education monitoring reports annually as an accountability tool for their citizens. The Latin American Campaign for the Right to Education (CLADE) has embarked on a series of mobilization and advocacy actions in the region.

CLADE: Mobilised for GAWE 2018

CLADE intends to support and encourage public debates on the setbacks and advances in the fulfilment of the right to education in each country, involving the media, education communities and other social sectors. Activities, messages and key demands of GAWE 2018 will be disseminated through the regional blog www.same2018.org and social media channels. CLADE urges its national member forums to demand from the national authorities the organization of public debates on the implementation of the human right to education and the development of regular official monitoring reports, which would also report on the compliance with this right, with an active and significant participation of civil society.

GAWE 2018 will serve as a step in the preparation for the next High Level Political Forum (HLPF), which will take place in July 2018 in New York, where the following countries will present their national voluntary reports: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico and Paraguay.

CLADE will also be producing a state of the region report on the compliance with the Sustainable Development Goal on Education (SDG 4) for Latin America and the Caribbean. This report will be presented at the Regional Meeting of Ministers of Education in Sucre, Bolivia, in July 2018.

The organisation will aim to popularise the #MakeitPublic campaign by continuously monitoring the fulfilment of commitments made in national education plans and towards SDG 4 in the region, with emphasis on the commitments on inclusive education and education financing: the States of the region signed the obligation to invest at least 4-6% of GDP and 15-20% of their total public budget in education. These monitoring fronts are driven, respectively, through the Regional Observatory of Inclusive Education (OREI), and the Monitoring System for the Financing of the Human Right to Education in Latin America and the Caribbean.

GAWE in the Dominican Republic: For the fulfilment of educational goals, transparency and accountability of the state to the citizens

At the same time and in the context of the GAWE celebrations in the Dominican Republic, the Socio-educational Forum (Foro Socio Educativo – FSE), member of CLADE and GCE in this country, has planned several activities focusing on SDG4 and the mobilisation of civil society around the #MakeitPublic campaign, calling government to continue producing the national education monitoring reports annually and improve its qualiy.

They range from the distribution of stickers, posters, guides for educational centers and brochures at the pavilion of the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic (MINERD) during the National Fair of the Book; to organising interviews with officials of MINERD, decentralized institutes and other organizations on the implementation of SDG 4 in the Dominican Republic; to the meeting of a panel with experts on the theme “Four years of the signing of the National Pact for Educational Reform. Have we made progress in the implementation?”, with a view to evaluating the progress, limitations and challenges on the implementation of these commitments and the coordination of the linked social actors.

A new bulletin of the Observatory of the Budget in Education (an initiative promoted by the FSE) will be also released. With the title “The gender focus in education in the Dominican Republic, legal framework and reality in schools. The budget execution of the MINERD of 2017”, the document will be presented to education officials and members of the education community of the Municipality of Tamayo, Bahoruco, on May 3, 2018.

Beyond the GAWE, the FSE has been acting permanently in monitoring the results of different education policies and programs in the country, as well as in monitoring the quality of national educational spending. These actions are driven in line with the National Development Strategy 2030 and the Goals of the Education Agenda 2030.

Thus, the Dominican Republic joins the celebration of the GAWE 2018 under the national slogan “2030 Educational Goals: Transparency and Accountability to Citizenship. Keep your Promises!”.

Global Action Week 2018: We demand that States fulfil their commitments to education! syndicated from https://sapsnkraguide.wordpress.com