Hello

Frequently Asked Questions.

Welcome to the FAQ section of Altera Global, your trusted partner in global relocation. We understand that moving to a new country is a monumental decision, filled with excitement, questions, and complexities. To help you navigate this journey, we have compiled a detailed list of the most common questions we receive, organized by category for your convenience.

Category 1: Getting Started & Understanding Our Services

Q1: What exactly do we do?
We are a full-service relocation consultancy dedicated to helping individuals, families, and professionals successfully immigrate and settle in developed countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and others. Our services are holistic, covering everything from initial eligibility assessment and visa application strategy to post-arrival settlement support like finding housing, securing employment, and cultural integration. We don't just process paperwork; we guide you through every step of your life-changing journey.

Q2: How are you different from an immigration lawyer or a free online resource?
This is a crucial distinction. While immigration lawyers are essential for complex legal disputes or appeals, our role is more holistic and strategic. We are process experts and country specialists. We combine the legal knowledge of pathways with practical, on-the-ground realities.

Vs. Immigration Lawyers: We focus on the end-to-end process management for standard, points-based, and economic immigration streams. We ensure your application is not just legally sound but also optimized for success, complete, and submitted correctly. Think of a lawyer as a specialist surgeon and us as your primary care physician and project manager.
Vs. Free Online Resources: The internet is full of outdated, inaccurate, and overwhelming information. Our consultants are certified and regulated (e.g., by ICCRC for Canada, MARA for Australia). We provide personalized, accurate, and current advice tailored to your specific profile. We save you hundreds of hours of research and prevent costly mistakes that can lead to application refusal or bans.

Q3: What are the main countries you assist with for relocation?
Our core expertise lies in the following developed nations, known for their high quality of life, strong economies, and structured immigration systems:

North America: Canada, USA
Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

We continuously update our knowledge base as immigration policies in these countries evolve.

Q4: What is the very first step in the process with you?
The first and most critical step is our Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment and Initial Consultation. This is a paid, in-depth session where we:

Analyze your profile (age, education, work experience, language skills, etc.).
Identify all potential immigration pathways suitable for you.
Provide a high-level roadmap and discuss the pros and cons of each option.
Give you a realistic understanding of timelines, costs, and chances of success.
This initial investment ensures we build your entire case on a solid, informed foundation.

Q5: Do you guarantee that my visa will be approved?
No reputable immigration consultant can or should guarantee a visa approval. The final decision always rests solely with the immigration authorities of the destination country (e.g., IRCC for Canada, Home Office for the UK). What we guarantee is our professionalism, expertise, and diligence. We guarantee that we will:

Provide you with accurate advice.
Prepare a complete and accurate application.
Submit your application on time.
Advocate for you throughout the process.
By choosing us, you significantly maximize your chances of success by eliminating common errors and presenting the strongest possible case.

Category 2: Eligibility & Choosing the Right Pathway

Q6: How do I know if I am eligible to immigrate?
Eligibility is not a simple yes/no question; it's a spectrum based on a country's specific points-based system or eligibility criteria. Factors universally considered include:

Age: Typically, younger applicants (late 20s to early 30s) score higher.
Education: Higher degrees (Master's, PhD) generally yield more points.
Work Experience: Skilled, relevant, and continuous experience is crucial.
Language Proficiency: High scores in tests like IELTS/CELPIP (English) or TCF/TEF (French) are paramount.
Job Offer: While not always mandatory, a valid job offer can significantly boost your application.
Adaptability: Factors like prior study/work in the country, or a spouse's profile, can add points.
The only way to know your precise eligibility is through a formal assessment with one of our consultants.

Q7: What is the difference between Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship?
This is a fundamental distinction.

Permanent Residency (PR): This is the right to live, work, and study in a country indefinitely. It is typically the first major milestone. As a permanent resident, you are protected by the country's laws and have access to social services like healthcare and education. However, you do not have a passport from that country and usually cannot vote. You must also meet residency obligations to maintain your PR status.
Citizenship: This is the final step, making you a full and formal citizen of the country. This usually requires having been a Permanent Resident for a certain number of years, passing a citizenship test, and taking an oath. Citizens receive a passport and gain full political rights, including the right to vote and run for office. You can never lose your citizenship (unless you renounce it).

Q8: What are the most common immigration pathways?
Pathways vary by country, but the most common ones we manage are:

Skilled Worker/Express Entry (Canada): A points-based system for skilled professionals.
Skilled Independent Visa (Australia): For points-tested skilled workers not sponsored by an employer.
Skilled Migrant Category (New Zealand): Another points-based system for skilled individuals.
Global Talent Visa (UK): For leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, and digital technology.
Job Seeker Visa (Germany): Allows qualified professionals to come to Germany to seek employment.
Family Sponsorship: For those with a spouse, partner, or family member who is a citizen or permanent resident.
Study Pathway: Many clients begin with a student visa, which can later transition to a work permit and eventually PR.

Q9: My CRS score for Canada Express Entry is low. What can I do?
A low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is a common challenge, but it's not a dead end. We specialize in developing strategies to enhance your profile:

Improve Language Scores: Even a 0.5 band increase in IELTS can add significant points. We can recommend preparation resources.
Learn French: Adding French language skills can give you a massive boost through streams like Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or direct CRS points.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): This is the most powerful tool. We identify provinces whose labor market needs align with your profile. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Gain More Work Experience: Another year of skilled work experience can increase your points.
Secure a Valid Job Offer: While difficult, a job offer can add 50 or 200 points.
We will analyze your profile to determine the most feasible and effective strategy for you.

Q10: Can I include my family in my application?
Yes, in the vast majority of economic immigration streams, you can include your immediate family members. This typically includes:

Your spouse or common-law partner.
Your dependent children (usually under the age of 22, but rules vary).
They would be processed concurrently with your application and, if approved, would receive the same status (e.g., Permanent Residency) as you. You must declare all family members and they must meet medical and security requirements.

Category 3: The Application Process & Documentation

Q11: How long does the entire immigration process take?
Timelines are highly variable and depend on the country, the specific pathway, and the volume of applications being processed. As a general guideline:

Canada (Express Entry): 6-9 months after receiving an ITA.
Australia (Skilled Independent): Can range from 8 to 24 months.
New Zealand (Skilled Migrant): Processing can take over a year.
UK (Skilled Worker): With a job offer, the visa can be decided in about 3-8 weeks.
These are processing times only and do not include the potentially lengthy period required for securing a job offer, improving language scores, or gathering documents. We will provide you with a personalized timeline during your consultation.

Q12: What are the common reasons for visa refusals?
Applications are most commonly refused due to avoidable errors, such as:

Incomplete or Inconsistent Application: Gaps in personal history or mismatched information.
Insufficient Funds: Failure to provide evidence of meeting the minimum settlement funds requirement.
Inadmissibility: Medical inadmissibility or criminal history that was not properly addressed.
Misrepresentation: Providing false information or omitting material facts, which can lead to a 5-year ban.
Unconvincing "Genuine Intent" Letter: For temporary visas, failing to convince the officer you will leave at the end of your authorized stay.
Incorrect Document Format: Not providing certified translations or the required format for documents.
Our meticulous document review and quality checks are designed specifically to prevent these issues.

Q13: What documents will I need to prepare?
While the exact document checklist is personalized, you should be prepared to gather:

Identity & Civil Documents: Passports, birth certificates, marriage/divorce certificates.
Educational Credentials: Degrees, diplomas, transcripts, and often an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
Proof of Work Experience: Detailed reference letters from employers on company letterhead, specifying job duties, tenure, and salary. Pay stubs and tax documents are also useful.
Language Test Results: Valid IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, or TEF scores.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements, fixed deposit certificates, or property valuations for the required period.
Medical Examination Reports: From a panel physician approved by the destination country.
Police Clearance Certificates: From every country you have lived in for more than 6 months since the age of 18.
We provide you with a customized checklist and guide you on how to obtain each document correctly.

Q14: What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and do I need one?
An ECA is a report from a designated organization that verifies that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equivalent to a Canadian credential. It is a mandatory requirement for most economic immigration programs to Canada (like Express Entry). Organizations like World Education Services (WES) are commonly used. We will advise you on which organization to use and how to apply.

Q15: How do you help with preparing my application?
Our application preparation service is comprehensive and hands-on:

Strategy Session: We define the best strategy and create a personalized checklist.
Document Review: We scrutinize every document for compliance, consistency, and correctness.
Form Filling: We complete all complex government forms on your behalf, ensuring accuracy.
Drafting Support: We help draft powerful reference letters and statement of purpose letters.
Final Review: Before submission, we conduct a final, multi-point quality check of the entire application package.
Submission & Follow-up: We guide you through the submission process and monitor the application's status, liaising with authorities when necessary.

Category 4: Finances, Jobs & Settlement

Q16: How much does the entire immigration process cost?
The total cost has two main components:

Government Fees: These are non-negotiable fees paid to the immigration authorities. This includes application processing fees, right of permanent residence fees, and biometrics fees. For a family, this can range from ~$2,000 to $5,000+ CAD depending on the country and family size.
Professional Fees: Our fees for managing your case. This varies based on the complexity of your case and the service package you choose (e.g., Basic Application Support vs. Gold Package with job search assistance). We are completely transparent about our fees from the outset.
You should also budget for third-party costs like language tests ($300+), ECAs ($200+), medical exams ($300+ per person), and police clearances (varies).

Q17: Do I need a job offer to immigrate?
For many popular pathways, no, you do not. Programs like Canada's Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Stream), Australia's Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), and New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category are designed specifically for individuals without a job offer. They are points-tested based on your human capital. However, as mentioned, a job offer can be a significant advantage and is mandatory for certain other streams (like the Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program or the UK Skilled Worker Visa).

Q18: How can you help me find a job in the new country?
Our premium settlement packages include dedicated job search support, which is invaluable for a successful transition. This service includes:

CV/Resume Localization: Adapting your CV to the format, style, and expectations of the target country.
LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Making your profile attractive to recruiters in that region.
Job Search Strategy: Identifying the right job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking opportunities.
Interview Coaching: Preparing you for cultural nuances and common interview questions in your new country.
We connect you with our network of recruitment partners and provide guidance until you secure your first role.

Q19: How much money do I need to show as proof of funds?
This is a critical requirement, especially for programs without a job offer. The amount is set by the immigration authority and is based on the low-income cut-off for the number of family members. For example, in 2023, a single applicant for Canadian Express Entry needs to show approximately $13,757 CAD. These figures are updated annually and are non-negotiable. We provide you with the exact, up-to-date amounts for your specific family composition.

Q20: What kind of settlement support do you provide after we get the visa?
Getting the visa is just the beginning. Our support ensures you hit the ground running:

Pre-Arrival Webinars: Covering topics like opening a bank account, getting a SIN/Social Security Number, renting a home, and understanding the healthcare system.
Accommodation Assistance: Guidance on how and where to search for short-term and long-term housing.
Airport Pickup & Temporary Housing: Arrangements can be made through our local partners.
Local Orientation: Connecting you with community groups and resources in your new city.
We aim to be your guiding hand during the critical first few months in your new home.

Category 5: Specific Scenarios & Miscellaneous

Q21: Can I immigrate if I am over 40 years old?
Yes, absolutely. While age is a factor in points-based systems (with maximum points awarded to those under 30), it is not a barrier. Applicants over 40 can compensate with higher language scores, a master's or PhD, extensive work experience, a strong job offer, or by qualifying for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Canada that has different priorities. We have successfully helped numerous clients in their 40s and 50s achieve their immigration goals.

Q22: My spouse is not as highly educated or skilled. Will this affect our application?
Not negatively. In fact, including a spouse can be beneficial. Your spouse's language test scores, education, and Canadian work experience can add valuable "adaptability points" to your overall application in systems like Canada's Express Entry. We will assess both of your profiles to maximize your cumulative points.

Q23: What if I have a minor criminal record from the past?
A criminal record does not automatically make you inadmissible. It depends on the severity of the offense, how much time has passed, and whether it is considered a crime in the destination country. This situation requires expert handling. We will assess the specifics of your case, advise you on your chances, and guide you through the process of obtaining official court documents and potentially applying for criminal rehabilitation. Full transparency with your consultant is essential in such cases.

Q24: I am a business owner/entrepreneur. Are there special pathways for me?
Yes, most developed countries have active programs to attract entrepreneurs and investors. These include:

Canada: Start-Up Visa Program, various Provincial Entrepreneur streams.
UK: Innovator Founder Visa.
Australia: Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP).
USA: E-2 Investor Visa (for treaty countries) or EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
These pathways have specific requirements related to net worth, investment amount, and business plan viability. We have specialists who can guide you through these complex streams.

Q25: How do I get started today?
We are excited to begin this journey with you. To take the first step, please contact us to schedule your Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment and Initial Consultation. This is a paid consultation that will provide you with clarity, confidence, and a actionable roadmap for your future.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this FAQ page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies are subject to frequent change. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please book a consultation with one of our regulated immigration consultants.