Day #8 UK High Potential Individual Visa What is the High Potential Individual Visa and who is it for? A High Potential Individual (HPI) visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years. An individual who has been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last 5 years can only apply for this visa. What are the eligibility criteria? Must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university. The qualification must be at the same level as a UK bachelor’s / postgraduate degree / PhD or doctorate Need to prove enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, unless you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months Must be able to speak, read, write and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. Residency An HPI visa usually lasts for 2 years. If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years. You cannot extend your HPI visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa. Additionally Applicants can bring their kids or spouse/partner as dependents. Cannot work as a sportsman/sports coach on the HPI Visa. Processing time is around 3-8 weeks. Applicants don’t need a job offer to apply. You can only apply for an HPI visa once. You cannot apply for an HPI visa if: • you have already been given a Graduate visa • you have already come to the UK as a Doctorate Extension Scheme student Govt Website: https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa DYOR ✌️

I am planning a trip with my Mom (58) and Dad (63) in last week of December to Darjeeling-Shilling-Gangtok. (not necessarily in that order) Could anyone please help me map the itinerary who knows the region best? I have about 10 days with me, and can fly in. Recommendation of places to stay and see.

Does one need to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate when visiting Thailand?

Hello, anyone working from goa?

I don't understand the difference between Digital Nomad VISA and Tourist VISA if I have a job that I can work for remotely and only want to stay at that place for about same time as Tourist VISA allows. I can anyway take my laptop and work from the room/hostel. Who's watching if I am working or not? I can have a normal tourist VISA and still do all the digital-nomady things.

Day #9 UK Startup Visa What is the UK Startup Visa and who is it for? The UK Startup Visa gives an individual the permission to stay in the UK for 2 years on the pretext of starting an innovative company in the UK What are the eligibility criteria? You must be endorsed by an authorised body that is either: • a UK higher education institution • a business organisation with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs You must be able to show that your business idea is: • a new idea - you cannot join in a business that is already trading • innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market • viable - it has potential for growth You need to have had at least £1270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply, to show that you are able to support yourself while in the UK You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale Residency You can stay for 2 years if you either: • come to the UK on a Start-up visa • switch to this visa from another visa while in the UK If you want to stay longer in the UK You cannot apply to extend this visa You may be able to switch to an Innovator visa if you set up a business while on a Start-up visa and: • your endorsing body assessed and agreed it • it is active, trading and sustainable • you have day to day involvement in it If your endorsement is withdrawn Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn by the endorsing body. If you want to stay longer, you must re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires. Additionally You can bring your kids or spouse/partner as dependents You cannot work as a sportsman/sports coach on this Visa You can work in another job, as well as working for your business Processing time is around 3-8 weeks It is easier to attain than the Innovator Visa You cannot settle in the UK on this Visa You cannot apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension Govt Website: https://www.gov.uk/start-up-visa DYOR ✌️

Day #10 Estonia Digital Nomad Visa What is the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa and who is it for? Estonia Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) provides a right for remote workers to temporarily stay in Estonia for up to 1 year What are the criteria for applying? • Ability to work independent of location & work remotely • Active employment contract with a company registered outside of Estonia, or conduct business through your own company registered abroad, or work as a freelancer for clients mostly outside of Estonia • Meet the minimum income threshold of €3504/month gross of tax during the six months preceding the application Residency • The visa is valid for 1 year and renewal or extension of a DNV is not possible but you could apply again for a second DNV. However, in Estonia (and the EU), the maximum period of stay of a foreigner on long-stay visas shall not be longer than 548 days within 730 consecutive days, i.e. a maximum of 1.5 years continuous stay. • Staying in Estonia on a DNV has no advantage with regards to gaining any form of residence permit in Estonia • During the validity of an Estonian long-stay visa, the holder can stay in other countries in the Schengen area for 90 days within 180 consecutive days Additionally • A foreigner staying in Estonia on a DNV can also work for an Estonian company / employer, but the main purpose of their trip must be the remote work specified in their application • If a DNV-holder stays in Estonia for more than 183 days in a consecutive 12 month period, they will be considered an Estonian tax resident and should declare and pay taxes in the country • Spouse/minor children can apply in the same DNV application but decisions on spousal visas are made on a case-by-case basis • There are no eligibility restrictions based on your country of origin or the sector in which you work • Process takes around 15-30 days typically Resources A. https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/ B. https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/blog/posts/faqs-about-estonias-digital-nomad-visa DYOR ✌️

Anyone working out of doha? (or have worked here)

Is anyone working from Bali, how’s the experience, would love to listen to stories. 🏖️

Has anyone here applied for Estonia digital nomad visa?

Day #11 (delayed) Dutch Startup Visa What is the Dutch Startup Visa and who is it for? The Dutch startup visa is a residence permit for people from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland who are looking to start an innovative business. The startup visa is valid for a maximum of one year. In this year, you'll be expected to produce or introduce an innovative new product or service under the guidance of an experienced facilitator. What are the eligibility criteria? There are five conditions that you will have to satisfy: • Working together with a reliable expert facilitator • The product or service is innovative • The entrepreneur has a plan to advance the idea to a business • The entrepreneurs and the facilitators are entered in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) • There is sufficient money (resources) to reside and live in the Netherlands Residency • The startup visa allows you to stay and work as an entrepreneur for a maximum of 1 year in the Netherlands. • At the end of year 1, you can apply for a residence permit on a self-employed basis or a regular residence permit including the endorsement 'Work is freely permitted' (Arbeid is vrij toegestaan). Additionally You can bring your spouse or civil partner or a child under 18 The application procedure can take a maximum of 3 months Resources: 1. https://business.gov.nl/coming-to-the-netherlands/permits-and-visa/startup-visa/ 2. https://visaguide.world/europe/netherlands-visa/mvv/self-employed-startup/ 3. https://tom-bradford.com/netherlands-self-employment-and-start-up-visas/ DYOR ✌️

Day #12 Luso-Indians Story Time 🙂 I was recently speaking to a friend of mine who moved to the UK a few years back to understand her immigration story. While sharing her story she mentioned she could easily move to the UK before Brexit as she has a Portugal passport and that she is a legal Portugal citizen. I’ve known her for a few years before she moved to the UK and she had been living in India throughout that time to the best of my knowledge and was an Indian citizen by any extent of my imagination, so I was a little perplexed on hearing this. She then explained to me that some Goans can claim Portuguese citizenship as they have a Portuguese lineage in the family from the times when some parts of India were Portugal colonies and some Portuguese nationals living in India married locals and made a life in the country. I had heard about people claiming residency by descent but it is mostly common to hear these stories from people in the USA or people moving within the EU. It was a hard guess to say the least. I was fascinated so I researched some more and found out about Luso-Indians. Luso-Indian Luso-Indians or Portuguese-Indian are people who have mixed varied Indian subcontinent and European Portuguese ancestry or people of Portuguese descent born or living or originating in former Portuguese Indian colonies, the most important of which were Goa and Damaon of the Konkan region in the present-day Republic of India (formerly British India) Luso-Goans have a choice to either be fully Portuguese citizens or fully Indian citizens or fully Portuguese citizens with an OCI (Overseas citizenship of India) granted by the Indian nationality law. Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Portuguese nationality can be acquired by original assignment, which is recognized at the date of birth or by acquisition, which will produce effects from the registration date. People can claim they are Portuguese of origin, if they are: 1. The offspring of a Portuguese mother or a Portuguese father born in Portuguese territory 2. The children of a Portuguese mother or of a Portuguese father born abroad if the Portuguese parent is at the service of the Portuguese State 3. The children of a Portuguese mother or a Portuguese father born abroad if they are registered in the Portuguese civil registry or if they declare that they wish to be Portuguese 4. Individuals born abroad with at least one ascendant of Portuguese nationality of the second degree in the straight line who did not lose that nationality, if they declare that they want to be Portuguese, have ties of effective connection to the national community and, verified such requirements, enter the birth in the Portuguese civil registry It might not be a bad idea to check with your parents if you have a foreign ancestral lineage somewhere in your family tree... 😀 😛 Resources: • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luso-Indian • https://www.portuguese-nationality.com/nationality/citizenship-for-descendants DYOR ✌️

Looking at how flight/hotel prices are soaring exorbitantly for the last week of December, I think the best way to spend the new year is by being at home with friends and families!

Day #13 Immigration News Weekly Germany Immigration laws eased, nation needs 4L skilled workers per year • Opportunity card based on point system: The government plans to introduce an "opportunity card", based on a points system that will consider factors like qualifications, age, language skills and work experience. • Recognition for foreign education: The process for recognising foreign qualifications would be simplified. For instance, candidates can now submit documents in English or other languages, rather than requiring a certified translation. • Vocational language classes for asylum seekers: The government also plans to provide integrational courses and vocational language classes for all asylum seekers, irrespective of the strength of their prospects of remaining within the country on a permanent basis • Changes to the EU-wide blue card: The EU-wide Blue Card for highly qualified specialists was introduced in Germany 10 years ago. Now, the country proposes to extend it to non-academic professions, including everything from cooks and construction experts to energy technicians and truck drivers to address the labour shortage. • New rules introduced for students and interns: Germany also wants more people to come from abroad to study or train for a profession, and then work here with the skills they learn. Hence, it is likely to do away with the "priority check" for apprenticeships and also work while studying. Foreign students with sufficient German language skills will be allowed to do internships of up to six weeks without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency. Spouses of open work permit holders to soon be eligible to work in Canada • Currently, spouses are only eligible for a work permit if the principal applicant is working in a high-skill occupation. • Starting in January 2023, through a temporary 2-year measure, Canada will expand eligibility to work in Canada to spouses and working-age children through a phased approach for workers at all skill levels. • This would include families of workers in health care, trades and hospitality, for example. As a result of this new approach, it is estimated that family members of more than 200,000 foreign workers could begin working in Canada, offering a greater opportunity for both foreign workers seeking to work in Canada and for employers addressing their labour needs. • The temporary measure will be implemented in 3 phases to ensure its successful implementation: ◦ Phase 1 will enable family members of workers coming to Canada through the high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program to apply for an open work permit . ◦ Phase 2 aims to expand the measure to the family members of workers from the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, following consultations. ◦ Phase 3 will include consultation with agricultural partners and stakeholders to assess operational feasibility for expanding the measure to family members of agricultural workers. DYOR ✌️

Hi Nomads! I want to visit the Netherlands, Austria and Hungry next year. However, I've heard from multiple people that Netherlands visa is a bit tricky and strict and has high rejection rate. Is this true? Would you recommend I apply via a different schengen country?

Hey folks, recently I undertook a month-long workcation to Thailand. I wrote it all down here. Let me if you have any questions that I haven't covered yet. https://mixstersite.wordpress.com/2022/12/04/lets-goto-thailand/ I covered Bangkok, Pattaya, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Tao.

Planning to visit Indonesia and work from there for 2-3 weeks, what do I need to know? Can someone provide some guidance regarding visa and places to visit?

Day #14 USA L1B Visa What is a L1B Visa and who is it for? The L-1B nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer a professional employee with specialized knowledge relating to the organization’s interests from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States. This classification also enables a foreign company that does not yet have an affiliated U.S. office to send a specialized knowledge employee to the United States to help establish one. What are the criteria for applying? • Must have spent at least 1 year in the past 3 years outside of the US working for the overseas office of the business outside the US • Needs to be a key employee who has unique or rare qualifications and/or knowledge of the company's products, services, research, systems, proprietary techniques, management, or procedures that sets them apart from others in the company or industry with similar levels of experience • The petitioning organisation must give ample evidence that the employee's specialized knowledge is sufficiently distinguishable from others in the company and the industry at large • The employee need not have a degree to justify their capability Residency Qualified employees entering the US to establish a new office will be allowed a maximum initial stay of 1 year. All other qualified employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of 3 years. For all L-1B employees, requests for extension of stay may be granted in increments of up to an additional 2 years, until the employee has reached the maximum limit of 5 years. Additionally • The transferring employee may be accompanied or followed by their spouse and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age. Spouses and children may seek admission in the L-2 nonimmigrant classification and, if approved, generally will be granted the same period of stay as the employee. • Spouses of L-1 workers in valid L-2S nonimmigrant status are considered employment authorized incident to status • For L1 visa, transfers of executives and managers including business owners for up to seven years there is the L1A visa, and for specialized knowledge employees the L1B visa allows entry for up to five years to a new or existing US office • No annual numerical limit or quota • No minimum wage requirement, as long as the employee will be paid the state minimum wage • The employee could be on the payroll of the US employer and/or the foreign company DYOR ✌️

I'm planning a 4 week workation in Kerala from mid-Jan to mid-Feb. The idea is to travel slowly and explore. I'm planning on covering: Kabini, Wayanad, Munnar, Varkala, Alleppey and Cochin (in this order). Would love to: 1. Get some tips or stay recommendations from folks who have been to these places before. I'm open to cutting down/adding places. 2. Check out off beat places (hikes and treks especially) around the above mentioned location. 3. Get food recommendations - open to putting anything down my tummy 😋 4. Connect with folks who are in Kerala. 🙂 P.S. I hope this is the right channel for this post.

Day #15 USA L1A Visa What is a L1A Visa and who is it for? The L-1A nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States. This classification also enables a foreign company that does not yet have an affiliated U.S. office to send an executive or manager to the United States with the purpose of establishing one. What are the criteria for applying? • Must have spent at least 1 year in the past 3 years outside of the US working for the overseas office of the business outside the US • Be seeking to enter the US to provide service in an executive or managerial capacity for a branch of the same employer or one of its qualifying organizations. • The employee need not have a degree to justify their capability Details of qualifying conditions for L1A Managers and L1A executives are: L1A Visa Executives In order to qualify as an L1A executive the employee should: ◦ Direct the management of the company, or a major department, subdivision, or function (such as marketing or HR) of the company ◦ Have significant authority over the organisation and/or policy of the company, or major department, subdivision, or function ◦ Receive only general supervision from higher executives, board members, or stockholders L1A Managers In order to qualify as an L1A manager the employee should: • Manage the company, or a department, subdivision, or function (such as marketing or HR) of the company directly • Directly supervise other managerial, professional, and/or supervisory employees, OR supervise a very large number of lower level staff.NOTE: This condition is not necessarily a requirement. Employees without supervisory duties may in some circumstances still qualify. • If they supervise other employees, they must have the authority to hire, fire, promote, grant leave, and so on to those employees • If they do not supervise other employees, they must operate at a 'senior level' within the company as a whole, or within the team which oversees their department, subdivision, or function • Have personal discretion and authority over day to day operation and decision making for the company, or their department, subdivision, or function Residency • Qualified employees entering the US to establish a new office will be allowed a maximum initial stay of 1 year. All other qualified employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of 3 years. • For all 1A employees, requests for extension of stay may be granted in increments of up to an additional 2 years, until the employee has reached the maximum limit of 7 years. Additionally • The transferring employee may be accompanied or followed by their spouse and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age. Spouses and children may seek admission in the L-2 nonimmigrant classification and, if approved, generally will be granted the same period of stay as the employee. • Spouses of L-1 workers in valid L-2S nonimmigrant status are considered employment authorized incident to status • For L1 visa, transfers of executives and managers including business owners for up to 7 years there is the L1A visa, and for specialized knowledge employees the L1B visa allows entry for up to 5 years to a new or existing US office • No annual numerical limit or quota • No minimum wage requirement, as long as the employee will be paid the state minimum wage • The employee could be on the payroll of the US employer and/or the foreign company DYOR ✌️

Day #16 USA EB5 Investor Visa What is an EB5 Visa and who is it for? EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program, created in 1990 by the Immigration Act of 1990, provides a method for eligible immigrant investors to become lawful permanent residents—informally known as "green card" holders—by investing substantial capital to finance a business in the United States that will employ at least 10 American workers. What are the criteria for applying? Under this program, investors (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) are eligible to apply for a Green Card (permanent residence) if they: • Make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States; and • Plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. Capital Investment Requirements Capital means cash and all real, personal, or mixed tangible assets owned and controlled by the immigrant investor. All capital will be valued at fair-market value in U.S. dollars. The definition of capital does not include: • Assets acquired, directly or indirectly, by unlawful means (such as criminal activities); • Capital invested in exchange for a note, bond, convertible debt, obligation, or any other debt arrangement between the immigrant investor and the new commercial enterprise; • Capital invested with a guaranteed rate of return on the amount invested; or • Capital invested that is subject to any agreement between the immigrant investor and the new commercial enterprise that provides the immigrant investor with a contractual right to repayment, except that the new commercial enterprise may have a buy back option that may be exercised solely at the discretion of the new commercial enterprise. Note: Immigrant investors must establish that they are the legal owner of the capital invested. Capital can include their promise to pay (a promissory note) in certain circumstances. The minimum investment amounts by filing date and investment location are: Job Creation Requirements An EB-5 investor must invest the required amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that will create full-time positions for at least 10 qualifying employees. • For a new commercial enterprise not located within a regional center, the new commercial enterprise must directly create the full-time positions to be counted. This means that the new commercial enterprise (or its wholly owned​ subsidiaries) must itself be the employer of the qualifying employees. • For a new commercial enterprise located within a regional center, the new commercial enterprise can directly or indirectly create the full-time positions. Up to 90% of the job creation requirement for regional center investors may be met using indirect jobs. ◦ Direct jobs establish an employer-employee relationship between the new commercial enterprise and the persons it employs. ◦ Indirect jobs are held outside of the new commercial enterprise but are created as a result of the new commercial enterprise. • In the case of a troubled business, the EB-5 investor may rely on job maintenance. ◦ The investor must show that the number of existing employees is, or will be, no less than the pre-investment level for a period of at least two years. Additionally This definition does not include noncommercial activity, such as owning and operating a personal residence. A new commercial enterprise means any for-profit activity formed for the ongoing conduct of lawful business, including: • A sole proprietorship; • Partnership (whether limited or general); • Holding company and its wholly owned subsidiaries (provided that each subsidiary is engaged in a for-profit activity formed for the ongoing conduct of a lawful business); • Joint venture; • Corporation; • Business trust; • Limited liability company; or • Other entity, which may be publicly or privately owned. DYOR ✌️

@tall-evening-79164 top notch content mate - are you documenting this somewhere else as well? like some blog / medium?

Day #17 Ireland CSEP What is CSEP and who is it for? The Critical Skills Employment Permit is for skilled workers from outside the EEA, UK or Switzerland who are qualified in professions where there is a shortage of skills in Ireland. The Critical Skills Employment Permit (replacement of the Green Card type employment permit) is designed to attract highly skilled people into the labour market with the aim of encouraging them to take up permanent residence in the State. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has a Critical Skills Occupation List. What are the eligibility criteria? Eligibility for a Critical Skills Employment Permit is largely determined by the type of occupation, and proposed remuneration level. The following are eligible: • Occupations with a minimum annual remuneration of €32,000 for a restricted number of strategically important occupations contained in the Critical Skills Occupations List a relevant degree qualification or higher is required. • In the case of a nurse or midwife, a third level degree or diploma accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland as a sufficient qualification for registration to practice as a nurse or midwife in the State. • All occupations with a minimum annual remuneration of over €64,000, other than those on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits or which are contrary to the public interest. A non-EEA national who does not have a degree qualification or higher, must have the necessary level of experience. • The prospective employee concerned must have secured a 2-year job offer in respect of the eligible occupation from the prospective employer. *An employment permit will not be granted to companies unless 50% or more of the employees in the firm are EEA nationals at the time of application. However, this restriction may be waived in respect of start-up companies within 2 years of their establishment (that is, registered as an employer with Revenue) and which are supported by the enterprise development agencies, Enterprise Ireland, or IDA Ireland (this applies to client companies of Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland only). Residency • Critical Skills Employment Permit is issued for an initial period of two years, after which it can normally be renewed indefinitely. • The Critical Skills Employment Permit is issued for 2 years. After this, you can get a Stamp 4 permission to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit. • If your application is successful and you live outside of Ireland, you still have to apply for a visa to enter Ireland if you are from a country whose citizens need a visa to enter Ireland. You must present your employment permit to the immigration officer in the airport or port of entry to Ireland. Additionally • Because the skills are identified as being in short supply, a Labour Market Needs Test is not required. • Permit holders can apply for immediate family reunification from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of the Department of Justice and Equality and once their dependants/partners/spouses are resident in the State they are eligible to seek any employment and apply to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit which is currently issued free of charge. • Permit holders may apply to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for permission to reside and work without the requirement for an employment permit upon completion of the Critical Skills Employment Permit’s duration. Resources: 1. https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/critical-skills-employment-permit/ 2. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/working_in_ireland/employment_permits/green_card_permits.html 3. DYOR ✌️

Hey Remote Indian Community, Need your help🙂 I’ve holiday from 24th - 31st December, And I was thinking of planning a trip during this time. What’s the best place to visit during this time in India & What’s the best place to celebrate the new year in India? What are some of your plans during this time? Would love to get some ideas & inspiration & So I can also plan something.

Day #18 (delayed) USA O-1 Visa What is an O-1 Visa and who is it for? The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements. What are the criteria for applying? • To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim, or a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industry, and must be coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability. • Extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that you are one of the small percentage who have arisen to the very top of the field. For detailed information regarding how USCIS evaluates evidence to determine O-1A eligibility, including examples and considerations that are especially relevant for those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, see the USCIS Policy Manual Volume 2, Part M, Chapter 4, Section C, and Appendix: Satisfying the O-1A Evidentiary Requirements. • Extraordinary ability in the field of arts means distinction. Distinction means a high level of achievement in the field of the arts. This is evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that you are prominent, renowned, leading, or well-known in the field of arts. • To qualify for an O-1 visa in the motion picture or television industry, you must demonstrate extraordinary achievement. This is evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that you are recognized as outstanding, notable or leading in the motion picture and/or television field. Residency • The O-1 visa can be granted for up to 3 years. However, if it is granted to cover a specific event, production, or activity, the period may be less. • O-1 extensions are available in 1-year increments but new projects can be up to 3 years. • There is no limit on extensions; however the visa holder must show that they are continuing with the same position or activity for which the original visa was granted. • Dependents of an O-1 visa holder (i.e. spouse or unmarried children under age 21) can apply for O-3 visas, which allow them to accompany the primary visa holder for the duration of their stay in the United States, either arriving with the O-1 holder or at a later date. • O-3 visa holders are permitted to study but not to work in the U.S. Additionally The acceptance rate is high (It is also one of the Visa of preference for people in Tech that got laid off in the US recently) The O-1 visa provides a path to U.S. residency via the EB-1A green card that applicants can self-petition, employer-petition or get a National Interest Waiver for. The EB-1A green card is particularly desirable because the priority dates are current. The O nonimmigrant classification are commonly referred to as: • O-1A: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry); • O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry; • O-2: Individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance; and • O-3: Individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders. DYOR ✌️ Resources: A. https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement B. https://onlinevisas.com/o1-visa/ C. https://visaguide.world/us-visa/nonimmigrant/employment/o1/

Hey guys, what's the best way to apply for Japan visa (embassy site, vfs, agent)? Preferably the whole process being online. How much time does it generally take? I want to travel to Japan in either January or March. I want to get the visa now so I can quickly book the tickets whenever I decide. So before applying, I won't have tickets or hotel or itinerary.

Day #19 Immigration News Weekly Spain is launching a digital nomad visa for remote workers • The draft law states that foreign nationals will be able to work remotely for non-Spanish companies while living in Spain without a full work visa for between six and 12 months. It could then be extended up to two times. • The new Spanish law is part of the country’s recent Startup Act. It’s been on the cards since the start of 2022, but was finally approved in November and looks set to finally become law in January 2023. • Most digital nomad visas come with minimum income requirements, and Spain is no different. The level hasn’t been set yet, but it’s likely to be at least €2,000 per month. • According to Global Citizen Solutions, Spain’s digital nomad visa will initially be valid for up to a year. You could then extend your stay by applying for a temporary residency permit, which can be renewed up to five years. At that point, you can apply for permanent residency. Green Card likely to get easier for Indians: US might abolish per country quota • US green card process is likely to become easier as the White House has supported Congress to pass a bill - EAGLE Act - that proposes key changes in the law in favour of immigrants. • What is EAGLE Act? ◦ The bill proposes to abolish the per country quota on green cards that will allow US employers to focus on hiring people based on merit, not their birthplace. • Why the EAGLE Act is significant? ◦ US Immigration law provides for approximately 140,000 employment-based green cards to be issued each year. However, only 7% of those green cards can go to individuals from a single country annually. ◦ If the number of individuals being sponsored from a single country is greater than 7% of the annual available total, a backlog forms, and the excess approved petitions are not considered. ◦ Now, these country-specific caps have created extensive backlogs primarily India and China, which are the main hubs for skilled workers willing to migrate to the US. • The bill would also keep families together by ensuring that children of employment-based immigrants do not age out of dependent status or lose their eligibility for a green card. • Apparently, more than 880,000 people, including dependent spouses and children, are waiting in the U.S. in employment-based green card backlogs. In some categories, applicants who began the process in 2012 are just now able to file formally, meaning they may have waited more than a decade to join their families, even though they were already qualified to do so. DYOR ✌️

Feedback Needed Has anyone tried any service like https://wifitribe.co/ ? I am planning to go for a tour with them, I haven't applied for the community but am thinking about the same. If you are aware of any other services like this &/ have experienced them in person, your feedback will be really appreciated. Looking forward to hearing you all the digital nomads here 🙂

Day #20 Dutch 30% Ruling What is the Dutch 30% ruling? The 30% ruling is a Dutch tax exemption for employees who were hired abroad to work in the Netherlands. If your situation meets various conditions, your employer can pay 30% of your salary as a tax-free allowance. The tax-free allowance is considered a compensation for the expenses that you incur by working outside your home country. Starting 1 January 2019, qualifying workers may use this 30% facility for only 5 years, down from previously 8 years. Eligibility To be eligible for the 30% ruling, the employment must meet the following conditions: • The employee must be transferred or recruited from abroad; • The employee works for an employer registered with the Dutch tax office and paying Dutch payroll tax; • Employer and employee have to agree in writing that the ruling is applicable; • The employee did not reside within 150km from the Dutch border for the last 18 out of 24 months at the time of hiring; • Starting 2022, the annual taxable salary for an employee cannot be less than €39,467. However, a minimum salary of €30,001 is applicable for those who have completed a master's degree and are younger than 30 years old. • The employee needs to have expertise that is scarcely available in the Netherlands. Application Process Typically, the employer is responsible for applying for the 30% ruling on employee’ behalf. This can be done directly with the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst). The tax office will respond to the application within 10 weeks. IN Amsterdam also handles applications for the 30% ruling from companies that are registered sponsors within the IND’s highly skilled migrant scheme. • Apply for the 30% ruling with the Dutch Tax Office • Find out more about IN Amsterdam’s services • Check the IND’s public register of recognised sponsors *It is also possible to start your own business and keep the benefits of this scheme. To do so, the construction of the new business should be a BV or payroll company, of which you become a salaried employee. The BV or payroll company must then apply for the 30% ruling on your behalf. Keep in mind that you must sign an employment contract with the BV or payroll company within three months of leaving your previous employer in order to maintain your eligibility for the 30% ruling. Additionally In addition to the fact that 30% of your salary will be paid tax-free, there are also other benefits: The 30% ruling and Box 3 of your tax return Under the 30% ruling, you can opt for the ‘partial non-residency status’. You are then considered to be a non-resident taxpayer in Box 2 and Box 3, even though you are living in the Netherlands. For Box 1 income you are considered a resident taxpayer, therefore you do not pay income tax on assets in Boxes 2 and 3 (except for real estate located in the Netherlands and substantial shareholding in a Dutch resident BV) and you are entitled to the partnership ruling in Box 1. Driving Licence If you have a foreign driving licence, in most cases you will have to retake the driving test in order to obtain a Dutch licence. However, if you benefit from the 30% ruling, you can switch your foreign driving licence without retaking the test. DYOR ✌️

Day #21 Portugal NHR Tax Regime What is the Portugal NHR Tax Regime? The Portugal non-habitual resident tax aims to attract investors and professionals of high cultural and economic worth, in order to increase the country’s international competitiveness. The regime was first implemented in 2009 and allows for substantial tax savings for those who qualify. Under certain conditions, the NHR status allows for a tax rate on income of 20% and in some cases even a tax exemption for pensions of private-sector pensioners. With over 10,000 non-habitual tax regime residents in Portugal, the scheme has been highly successful. The advantages of the NHR Program in Portugal include: • Income tax: special individual tax treatment on incomes for a period of 10 years • Tax Exemption on almost all foreign sources of income • Compared to other Portuguese income tax rates up to 48%, this program offers a 20% flat rate on certain Portuguese-source incomes (from qualifying professions and from self-employment) • Opportunity to have tax residency within the EU in a white-listed country • Exemption of tax on gifts or inheritance to family members • No wealth tax • Free cash remittance to Portugal Eligibility There are a couple of eligibility requirements to become a non-habitual resident. The three main ones are that: • You cannot have been taxed in Portugal during the five years before the application. • You must request a tax residence certificate which means you must live in Portugal for more than 183 days (doesn’t need to be consecutive) for 12 months, lived in Portugal for less than 183 days but has bought property in Portugal during those 12 months, or performs public functions in the name of the Portuguese state for the last 12 months. • You must have the right to be in Portugal through a long residency visa such as the Portugal Golden Visa, the Portugal D7 Visa, or the Portugal D2 Visa. To establish a tax resident status in Portugal, you must hold a place of abode by the 31st of December of that year to show your intention that Portugal will be your habitual home. It can be useful to buy a Portuguese property, but you don’t have to. A Portuguese rental contract of 12 months will be sufficient as proof of residency. If you decide to buy a property, you can show your purchase deed as proof of being a resident. After holding a place of abode, you should apply to become a Portugal non habitual resident until the 31st of March of the next year. If you are looking to pay the 20% flat rate on personal income tax (IRS), your job must be related to “high-quality activities” of scientific, artistic, or technical character. Here is the updated list of high value-added jobs for NHR status: • Architects • Engineers • Geologists • Plastic artists, psychologists, actors, and musicians • Auditors and tax consultants • Dentists, doctors, and physicians • University professors • Archeologists • Biologists and life scientists • Computer programmers, computer consulting activities, computer equipment management • Data programming and data processing • Activities in the field of websites • Scientific investigation and development activities • Designers • Investigators, directors, and managers of investing promoting companies • Senior business executives Application Process • Get a Residency Visa • Obtain your NIF (Tax Identification Number) • Register as Tax resident • Apply for NHR Status Additionally • It takes about 2 weeks for an NHR regime status to be confirmed or denied • You have to file annual tax returns in Portugal, and the total worldwide income and expenses must be included in these returns. • Beneficiaries of the NHR regime in Portugal with a foreign income are largely exempt from taxation in Portugal due to DTAs. • If income is sourced in a country which has a double taxation treaty with Portugal, this means the income will not be taxed in Portugal. DYOR ✌️ Resources: • https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/nhr-portugal-tax-regime/ • https://getgoldenvisa.com/non-habitual-resident-portugal • https://immigrantinvest.com/blog/beneficial-tax-regime-nhr-in-portugal-en/ • https://www.portugal.com/moving-to-portugal/guide-to-the-non-habitual-resident-nhr-tax-regime/