We've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about visa applications, immigration processes, and our services. If you don't find the information you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.
Basic information about immigration processes
Visa processing times vary significantly depending on the country, visa type, and individual circumstances. Generally, visitor visas may take 2-4 weeks, student visas 4-8 weeks, and work/business visas 2-6 months. During peak seasons or for complex cases, processing times may be longer. We provide estimated timelines during your consultation based on current processing trends for your specific situation.
Common reasons for visa rejections include incomplete or inaccurate documentation, insufficient financial proof, lack of ties to home country (for temporary visas), criminal history, previous immigration violations, health issues, or failure to meet specific visa category requirements. Our expertise helps identify potential issues in advance and develop strategies to address them, significantly improving approval chances.
Yes, you can reapply after a previous rejection. However, it's crucial to understand and address the reasons for the initial rejection before submitting a new application. Our consultants specialize in analyzing previous refusals and developing strategies to overcome these issues in subsequent applications. In many cases, a well-prepared reapplication with proper documentation and addressing previous concerns can be successful.
While you can apply independently, immigration processes are often complex and require detailed understanding of regulations that change frequently. Professional consultants provide value through expertise in documentation preparation, application strategies, and addressing potential issues before submission. For straightforward cases, self-application may be sufficient, but for complex situations or when time is critical, professional guidance significantly improves success rates and reduces stress.
Common documents include valid passport, application forms, photographs, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, accommodation details, invitation letters (if applicable), employment verification, educational credentials, and medical examinations. Specific requirements vary by country and visa type. We provide comprehensive document checklists tailored to your specific visa category and personal circumstances during consultation.
Information about studying abroad
Key requirements typically include an acceptance letter from an accredited educational institution, proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, academic transcripts, language proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL), a study plan or statement of purpose, and health insurance. Some countries also require a clean criminal record check and medical examinations. We guide students through each requirement and help prepare compelling applications.
Work permissions vary by country. For example, the UK allows up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, Canada permits 20 hours per week off-campus work, Australia allows 40 hours per fortnight, and the US permits on-campus work only for the first year. We provide detailed information about work rights for your destination country and help you understand how to legally supplement your income while studying.
When selecting a university, consider program quality, accreditation status (crucial for visa approval), location, tuition costs, scholarship opportunities, post-graduation work options, and alignment with your career goals. Our education consultants help match your academic profile, budget, and career aspirations with suitable institutions that have high visa approval rates, ensuring a strategic application that balances your educational goals with immigration success.
Many countries offer post-study work visas that can lead to permanent residency. For example, Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit and subsequent Express Entry, Australia's Temporary Graduate visa leading to skilled migration, and the UK's Graduate Route. The key is selecting programs and locations that align with in-demand skills in your destination country. We provide strategic guidance on education choices that maximize your long-term immigration prospects.
Financial requirements vary by country and length of study. Generally, you need to demonstrate funds for tuition fees plus living expenses for at least one year. For example, the UK requires approximately £1,334 per month for living costs in London (less outside London), Canada requires CAD $10,000 per year plus tuition, and Australia requires AUD $21,041 per year plus tuition. We help you understand specific requirements and prepare appropriate financial documentation.
Information about working abroad
Most work visa categories require a job offer from an employer authorized to hire international workers. However, some countries offer skilled migration programs that don't require pre-arranged employment, such as Australia's General Skilled Migration, Canada's Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program, and New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category. These points-based systems evaluate candidates on factors like education, work experience, language proficiency, and age.
In-demand occupations vary by country but generally include healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, specialists), IT and technology roles (software developers, cybersecurity experts, data scientists), engineering positions, skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, welders), teachers, and financial specialists. Many countries publish shortage occupation lists that receive priority processing and relaxed requirements. We help identify which countries have demand for your specific skills.
Most countries allow spouses/partners and dependent children to accompany primary work visa holders. Typically, spouses receive work authorization, and children can attend public schools. Financial requirements increase to demonstrate ability to support family members. Some countries have minimum income thresholds for family sponsorship. We provide comprehensive guidance on family migration options, including timing strategies and documentation requirements for dependents.
Qualification recognition processes vary by country and profession. For regulated professions (healthcare, engineering, teaching, law), you typically need assessment by the relevant professional body. For non-regulated occupations, educational credential assessment services evaluate your qualifications against local standards. Some countries require skills assessments demonstrating practical competency. We guide you through the appropriate recognition process for your profession and destination country.
Many countries offer pathways from temporary to permanent status after completing qualifying periods of employment. For example, Canada's Canadian Experience Class, Australia's Employer Nomination Scheme, the UK's Skilled Worker to Settlement route, and New Zealand's Residence from Work category. Requirements typically include maintaining lawful status, meeting minimum employment periods, language proficiency, and sometimes salary thresholds. We develop long-term immigration strategies that maximize your permanent residency prospects.
Information for entrepreneurs and investors
Investment requirements vary widely by country and program. Startup visa programs may require as little as €50,000 in Portugal or C$75,000 in Canada with proper endorsement. Traditional investor visas typically require higher amounts: £2 million for the UK (historical program), €500,000 for Portugal's Golden Visa, $900,000 for the US EB-5 program, and A$1.5-5 million for Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Program. We help identify the most cost-effective program aligned with your business goals.
Qualifying businesses typically need to be innovative, viable, and beneficial to the local economy. Technology startups, export-oriented businesses, and ventures creating local employment are generally favored. Many countries prioritize specific sectors like technology, clean energy, healthcare innovation, and advanced manufacturing. Business plans must demonstrate market research, financial projections, and job creation potential. Our business immigration specialists help develop compelling business concepts that meet program requirements.
Management requirements vary by program. Some investor visas (like certain Portugal Golden Visa options) require minimal involvement beyond the investment. Others, like entrepreneur visas in the UK, Canada, and Australia, require active participation in day-to-day operations. Passive investment programs typically have higher financial thresholds than active business management options. We help match your preferred involvement level with appropriate visa programs.
Startup visa programs typically offer lower investment thresholds, faster processing, and access to entrepreneurial ecosystems including mentorship, funding opportunities, and networking. They're designed for innovative business concepts rather than established businesses. Many provide connections to incubators and accelerators. The trade-off is usually higher scrutiny of business viability and innovation potential. We help prepare compelling applications that highlight your business concept's innovative aspects and growth potential.
Citizenship timelines through business investment vary significantly. Portugal's Golden Visa can lead to citizenship after 5 years with minimal physical presence requirements. Canada's Start-up Visa provides permanent residency upon approval, with citizenship possible after 3 years. Australia typically requires 4 years of permanent residency before citizenship eligibility. We develop comprehensive timelines for your citizenship journey based on your chosen program and personal circumstances.
Information about permanent residency and citizenship
Portuguese citizenship requirements include: legal residency for 5 years (which can be obtained through the Golden Visa program with minimal physical presence), basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level), clean criminal record, and demonstrating ties to the Portuguese community. The process is particularly attractive because it requires relatively short physical presence (7-14 days annually for Golden Visa holders) and provides a European Union passport with global mobility benefits.
British citizenship requirements typically include: 5 years of lawful residence (the last 12 months as a permanent resident/settled status), meeting the "good character" requirement, passing the Life in the UK test, demonstrating English language proficiency (B1 level), and meeting residency requirements (no more than 450 days absence in the 5-year period and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months). We provide comprehensive guidance on meeting these requirements and preparing a successful application.
Dual citizenship policies vary by country. The UK, Canada, Australia, the US, and Portugal allow dual citizenship. However, some countries like India, China, Japan, and Singapore generally don't recognize dual nationality and may require renunciation of original citizenship. We provide guidance on citizenship strategies that consider both your origin country's policies and your destination country's requirements to help you make informed decisions about citizenship applications.
Benefits of second citizenship include enhanced global mobility (visa-free travel to more countries), expanded business and employment opportunities, educational advantages for children, healthcare access, political and economic stability, tax planning options, and security during global uncertainties. For example, Portuguese citizenship provides EU rights to live and work across 27 member states, while British citizenship offers access to one of the world's strongest passports and economies.
Citizenship processing times vary by country. Portuguese citizenship applications typically take 1-2 years after meeting the 5-year residency requirement. British citizenship applications are usually processed within 6 months. These timelines can vary based on application volumes, complexity of individual cases, and administrative changes. We help prepare thorough applications that minimize the risk of delays and provide regular updates on processing timelines based on current trends.
Information about working with Navtra Visas
Navtra Visas provides comprehensive immigration services including eligibility assessments, visa application preparation and submission, document verification, interview preparation, appeal assistance, business plan development for entrepreneur visas, educational institution selection for student visas, job search assistance for skilled workers, family sponsorship guidance, and post-landing support. We offer end-to-end management of your immigration journey with transparent communication throughout the process.
Our service fees vary based on visa type, complexity, and level of assistance required. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Initial consultations are available at a nominal fee, which is credited toward your service package if you proceed with us. We provide detailed quotes after understanding your specific requirements during consultation. Payment plans are available for comprehensive service packages to make professional assistance accessible.
Navtra Visas maintains a 98% success rate across all visa categories. This high approval rate stems from our thorough assessment process, which ensures we only proceed with applications that meet eligibility criteria, our expertise in documentation preparation, and our strategic approach to application submission. We're transparent about chances of success during initial consultations and only recommend proceeding when we're confident in positive outcomes.
Navtra Visas distinguishes itself through MSME approval in India and partnerships with OISC-registered experts in the UK and IAA immigration lawyers/advisers. We provide personalized service with dedicated consultants, transparent communication throughout the process, ethical practices with realistic assessments, specialized expertise across visa categories, and comprehensive support from initial consultation through post-landing assistance. Our approach focuses on long-term immigration strategies rather than quick fixes.
Getting started is simple: book an initial consultation through our website, phone, or WhatsApp. During this consultation, our experts assess your immigration goals, review your profile, discuss suitable pathways, and provide a customized strategy with transparent pricing. If you decide to proceed, we'll assign a dedicated consultant who will guide you through document preparation, application submission, and follow-up until successful completion of your immigration journey.
Our immigration experts are ready to address your specific questions and concerns. Reach out to us through any of the following channels: