Every country in the world has its own immigration policies and laws. Immigration laws refer to the national government policies which control the phenomenon of immigration to their country. These laws vary from country to country and depend upon anticipating political conditions in the country which sway for and against the favor of new immigrants.
Immigration laws of a country are regulated by the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which states that all the countries allow entry to its own citizens. The international immigration laws come into action when someone applies for a passport, travels from his native country to another country or seeks to enter another country for employment or education. There are different push and pull factors for immigration. Push factors refer primarily to the motive of emigration from the native country. Economic migration due to differential wage rates is the most predominant factor. Escape from poverty in case of labor immigration is a traditional push factor. Natural disasters trigger poverty related emigration.
Employment opportunities and better education standards are important pull factors for immigration. Emigration and immigration are sometimes mandatory in certain contracts of employment. Religious missionaries, employees of international corporations, international non governmental organizations and diplomatic officers are required to work overseas. They are often referred to as "expatriates".
Retirement migration from rich countries to low cost countries with better climatic conditions and relaxed lifestyle is a new form of international migration. Certain countries maintain strict laws which regulate the right of entry and internal rights after immigration. These rights include duration of stay and the right to participate in the government. Most countries have laws governing the process of naturalization by which immigrants may become citizens of the country. To immigrate to a country one needs to apply for a visa, the type and category depends upon the duration of stay and purpose and also upon the governing immigration laws of the host country. Basically there are two visa categories, the immigrant or non immigrant visas. One can apply for the immigration category if he is aiming to settle permanently. The non immigrant categories include tourist and student visas. Before applying for a visa, one needs to understand the host country's immigration laws, difference between cultures, educational and financial eligibilities and other document related formalities. To provide visa related assistance, Immigration services are provided by various Immigration Law firms. These Immigration Law firms are run by successful immigration lawyers and attorneys. These lawyers are experienced in addressing immigration related issues from all over the world. These immigration lawyers have worked in collaboration with experienced immigration consultants from across the globe. Immigration consulting firms provide technical assistance through client guiding sessions. The client concerns with immigration lawyers regarding Student and Tourist visas, Passport assistance, career options abroad, how to apply to various courses and institutions and also regarding the post landing services at the host countries. These law firms also assist their clients in preparing Business visa and Tourist visa applications for all major destinations across the world, including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other European countries.
Immigration consulting firms cater to countless individuals & groups to immigrate successfully to desired destinations. In an effort to boost economies, many developed and wealthy countries like Canada, offer the Investor Immigration Program for experienced and affluent businessmen to invest and become permanent residents. Many of the Immigration consulting Law firms aim to help the prospective Investors through Investor Immigration services which thoroughly explain the financial eligibilities to the prospective immigrants.
Visa Service centers in India also offer variety of options to their customers depending upon their requirements. A Visa Service counselor understands the need of the customer and then suggests them suitable visa options according to the complexity of the case. Visa Services centers also offer fast track visa services and ease the complication of paper formalities through online applications.
Since Immigration services has a lot to do with government foreign laws and norms, the visa service center has to keep themselves updated with the new rules and accordingly mould their services. With the stringent migration norms these days, especially after the gloomy recession, countries like UK and US have become very strict with their immigration laws. Visa service providers need to be very smart in offering immigration services to their clients. They need to follow a client centered approach while addressing their specific needs.
