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<keyword id="19896882" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="canada" source="keywords">Canada</keyword> is looking at the possibility of putting a cap on the number of international students to help reduce the surge in demand for housing and fix the system that has gone out of control, Immigration Minister <keyword id="19946179" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="marc-miller" source="keywords">Marc Miller</keyword> has said, a move that is likely to affect Indian students. The remarks by Miller came on Sunday as the federal government of Prime Minister <keyword id="1740494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="justin-trudeau" source="Orion">Justin Trudeau</keyword> faced criticism for welcoming an increasing number of immigrants - both permanent and temporary residents - while the country faces an acute housing shortage. In an interview with CTV News, Miller said the federal government will need to have talks with provincial governments "to make sure that the provinces that have not been doing their jobs actually rein in those numbers on a pure volume basis." "That volume is disconcerting," Miller said, in reference to the number of international students in Canada. "It's really a system that has gotten out of control." A cap on international students would not be a "one-size-fits-all solution" to housing shortages across Canada, Miller noted. But he did not reveal the size of the reduction the government is planning on making. India was the first among the top ten origin countries of study permit holders in 2022 in Canada, with a total of 319,000 students. Meanwhile, new reporting by The Canadian Press news agency - citing internal documents obtained through an access to information request - shows the federal government was warned by public servants two years ago that its ambitious immigration targets could jeopardise housing affordability. The Liberals have set targets aiming to bring in 485,000 immigrants this year, and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. Temporary residents, largely international students and migrant workers, are another part of the equation, with more than 300,000 of them arriving in Canada in just the third quarter of last year. Miller said he will be looking in both the first and second quarter of this year at possibly setting a cap on international students to help reduce the demand for housing. When asked why the government is only considering a cap now, when the idea of one has been floated for months, Miller said there's a need to sort out numbers on a federal level before looking with "a little more granularity" at what individual academic institutions are doing in different provinces, possibly profiting off bringing in more international students. "We need to be doing our jobs and making sure that we have a system that actually makes sure people have a financial capability to come to Canada, that we're actually verifying offer letters," Miller said. "And now it's time for us to have a conversation about volumes and the impact that that is having in certain areas." When pressed further on the number of international students coming to Canada far outpacing the number of homes the federal government has announced it's planning to help build, Miller also said housing is only part of the calculation when it comes to immigration targets. The pressing need to bring down the average age of the workforce also needs to be taken into consideration, he said. And while he wouldn't give specifics, Miller said a cap on international students is something the federal government is considering, "and will continue to consider." "We have a sense of what those numbers would look like, what the reduction of those numbers looks like, out of courtesy to my colleagues in the provinces, those are discussions that we're first going to have around the negotiating table," he said, adding the financial needs of academic institutions is also a factor.

Canada mulls putting cap on international students numbers; move likely to impact Indians

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Vaishali Gauba dreamed of being a journalist in the US but wasn't able to secure an H-1B visa. </li><li>Years later, Gauba secured a work visa in Canada after moving there to study. </li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Vaishali Gauba, 29, about her experience navigating the US and Canadian immigration systems. Business Insider verified her visas. The following has been edited for length and clarity.I <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-to-usa-denmark-pros-prefer-america-2024-3">moved to the US</a> when I was 17, with ambitions of being a journalist.I grew up in Gurugram, India, and moved to New Jersey in 2012 for my undergraduate degree. I studied journalism, media studies, and business management at Rutgers University.I worked with major US news outlets during and after college and wanted to keep working in America, but couldn't secure an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-startups-sponsor-h1b-work-visas-2024-1">H-1B work visa</a>. I returned to India feeling defeated. Five years later, I <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/english-man-moved-to-canada-loves-it-surprising-things-2023-10">relocated to Canada</a>.In Canada, I found a clearer path to securing a work permit, and I'm less worried about being uprooted by the immigration system.<h2 id="b6a8d628-2960-4ae2-bfa9-e6651b4da0a4">I interned at US media companies at university</h2>I came to the US on an F-1 visa, which is for full-time students.During my studies, I worked for the student newspaper, The Daily Targum, and also did news internships at CNBC, NBC, and CBS, which each lasted around four months.I remember having to get permission from international student services and the journalism department to do the internships, as there were restrictions around working off-campus for F-1 students. The work had to be related to my field of study.I remember feeling anxious about needing to get so many approvals to work as an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-employers-can-support-international-students-job-seekers-2022-3">international student</a>, but thankfully, I was permitted to do the internships.Working at big-name publications felt like a milestone, but it was also difficult to balance the internships with two college majors.<h2 id="76d690be-d407-4073-9d70-b7a3d889b3da">I wasn't able to secure an H-1B visa to stay in the US</h2>I became accustomed to the reality that anything related to my professional life required a lot of paperwork. I knew that to continue working in the US, I needed to apply for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ice-arrests-15-students-employed-fake-companies-to-stay-us-2020-10">optional practical training</a>, which allows F-1 students to work for a year in a field related to their studies.I graduated in May 2016, and after my OPT was approved, I started on the CBS Page Program, a rotational program for graduates.I had several assignments there, including on the evening news and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. I talked with Stephen Colbert at the show's rooftop parties and saw many celebrities on the job.But my time there was limited. The Page Program lasted a year, around the time my OPT expired. After six months on the program, I asked CBS about the possibility of sponsoring me for an H-1B visa but was told they don't offer sponsorships.I didn't realize this when I started working there, but I wanted the experience and to work on my OPT, so I would have done the program regardless.I applied to other jobs, but many applications included a question about whether I'd need a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fake-name-resume-hired-guilty-2024-5">visa sponsorship</a> now or in the future. I felt that this one question was already filtering me out as a candidate and I wasn't getting called for interviews.I spoke with two lawyers about my options. They told me about the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-ukraine-tech-culture-differences-2024-5">O-1 visa</a> for people with "extraordinary" ability in certain fields. I tried gathering references for the application, but as time went on, I felt my chances were slim.This is partly because the lawyers shared case studies of people who received O-1 visas with me, and I felt they were more arts-orientated than journalism-orientated. I felt the lawyers weren't confident I had a good chance, so I decided not to apply.Extended family members and lawyers suggested I continue my education to stay in the US on another F-1 visa. I eventually decided against this as I didn't think I could learn anything about news from a school program I wasn't already learning at CBS.<h2 id="f3fc1807-fde1-4bd6-b552-e9cd476f3cef">I went back to India feeling defeated</h2>I started to feel lost. I remember lashing out at my dad on the phone when he suggested I come home, but in the end, I had a gut feeling that it was time to return to India, so <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/left-us-for-northern-ireland-these-cultural-differences-surprised-me-2023-9">I left the US</a> in August 2017.It felt like a defeat. I knew I wanted to be a journalist in America, but I couldn't do it. I'd given so much to the US in terms of time, energy, and money, and it was hard to accept that I had to give up on it because of visa stuff.I spent the next five years in India, working in journalism before pivoting into a brand and communications position. In 2021, I began freelancing in PR and marketing strategy.I planned on doing a master's in digital media to boost my PR career. My boyfriend at the time, who's my husband now, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-from-sydney-australia-to-canada-pros-cons-2024-5">moved to Canada</a> for his MBA in 2021, so I started exploring master's options there.<h2 id="d34eb837-2609-4a93-ba9b-25683513eb6c">I've found the Canadian immigration system to be more immigrant-friendly</h2>I came to Canada on a study permit and started my master's program at Toronto Metropolitan University in September 2022.I applied for a work visa in September 2023 after finishing my studies. While it took a long time to get my study permit because of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cicnews.com/2023/12/breaking-canadian-parliament-committee-provides-recommendations-to-address-immigration-backlogs-1240610.html#gs.bm1bft">the backlog created by COVID-19</a>, the work visa process took less than a month and was fairly easy.Graduating from my master's program made me eligible for an open work permit, which isn't tied to a specific employer. I'm self-employed as a freelancer.Unlike the US <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/h1b-visa-lottery-changes-benefit-startups-hiring-immigrants-2024-2">H-1B process</a>, I didn't need an employer to sponsor me, and there was no lottery system.While I'm aware that some people have a hard time coming to Canada, my overall experience of Canadian immigration processes has been smooth. I feel it's more favorable to immigrants than the US processes.I couldn't get a work visa in the US, but there was a clearer and more stable path to getting one in Canada.When I left the US in 2017, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-first-week-as-president-2017-1">Donald Trump</a> had just become president. My understanding is that it's become <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-google-twitter-speak-out-against-trump-h1b-visa-freeze-2020-6">harder to get a work visa in the US</a> since.My work visa expires in October 2024, and I'm open to options for settling in Canada beyond that. Moving back to India is still a small possibility as my partner, and I have family there, but I like the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/montreal-canada-city-low-cost-of-living-quality-of-life-2024-6">quality of life in Canada</a>, and I'm less concerned about my life being uprooted here than I was in the US.

I lost my dream job in the US because I couldn't get a work visa. In Canada, the pathway has been much smoother. 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I moved from Australia to a town in the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-go-to-banff-canada-things-to-do-2023">Canadian Rockies</a> and loved it.</li><li>Canadian locals I met were so nice and the area had a lot of cheap thrills, like hiking and camping.</li></ul>When I was 25, my friend asked me if I wanted to do a working holiday in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-visiting-banff-summer-off-season-2023-7">Banff</a> amid the stunning Canadian Rockies. I looked up photos and, without giving it much thought, texted back: "When do we leave?"I'd been working as a journalist for a daily newspaper on the Gold Coast in Australia and was feeling burnt out. I'd always loved to travel, so the idea of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-american-pays-living-in-vienna-most-liveable-city-2024-4">living abroad</a> appealed to me.Within a few months, I quit my job and sold all of my worldly possessions except for what was in my backpack. I'll never forget that feeling of freedom when I drove to the airport.By the time I boarded my plane, I felt giddy with excitement about the future.<h2 id="a828a541-83a5-4010-8284-ad5a82a60b65">Our town in Canada immediately felt like home</h2><div type="image" title="Moraine Lake mountains reflected in blue glacial waters in the Canadian Rockies surrounded by trees" height="3545" width="5317" msid="113945069" hostid="261" sizebytes="1770228"></div>When we arrived, everything seemed to fall into place so easily.My friend had connected us with an agency that sorted out our visa paperwork and organized jobs for us in Banff. I started working in hospitality at an arts and culture institution and lived on-site in staff accommodations.My colleagues were from all over the world, and I loved getting to know more about their cultures and home countries. As for the Canadians — I get why many call them the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-you-didnt-know-about-canadians-2018-6">nicest people on the planet</a>. I found locals I met really easy to relate to, and I immediately felt right at home in the North American country.My partner from Australia joined me a couple of months in, and we had the time of our lives exploring the area. Although living in the Rockies was pricey, we found pleasure in many cheap, simple activities like hiking with friends or camping in the wilderness.Eventually, my six-month working holiday turned into a 1 ½-year stint in Banff. But I'd always had plans to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-americans-should-know-about-living-in-the-uk-london-2023-6">move to London</a> — my mom had lived there in her early 20s, and I'd enjoyed visiting the city in the past.So, with heavy hearts, my partner and I said goodbye to our friends in Canada (who felt more like family) and headed for Europe.<h2 id="8b0cbe3d-9770-4a6c-aa95-90a063735902">Living in London wasn't all we'd hoped it'd be</h2><div type="image" title="Aerial view of London with buses, pedestrians, fountain, billboards" height="1122" width="1683" msid="113945065" hostid="261" sizebytes="350272"></div>From the moment we touched down, we found living in London to be really hard work. Getting settled was a struggle — especially compared to the ease I experienced in Banff (though the program we'd found definitely helped).We were pretty broke as we'd spent a lot of our savings <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-abroad-with-credit-card-points-us-south-america-argentina-2024-9">backpacking through South America</a> a few months earlier, so we initially had to stay on a friend's couch. Getting lined up with a National Insurance number (for tax purposes), a bank account, job, and place to live was complicated, but we eventually got there.In order to support myself, I worked long hours at a café and pub, earning a pittance. At the same time, the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cost-of-living-crisis-uk-people-turn-to-tiktok-2022-11">cost of living in London</a> felt astronomical compared to Banff. One beer out here was equivalent to me having to work more than half an hour.My partner and I had grand plans to do loads of travel while we were living in London since it's short train and plane rides away from so many incredible cities.But in reality, we could only afford a few weekend trips. When we did travel, we were always on a shoestring budget.<h2 id="c45256d5-86ee-4228-aa58-5848837cf90f">Our big English city never felt quite like home, but I'd return to Canada in a heartbeat</h2>With a high cost of living and tight budget, we weren't able to take advantage of many big-city perks of London. And although we met some wonderful people during our year there, we left feeling a little disappointed.London just didn't have the same sense of community as our town in Canada. I often felt expendable — just one of so many millions of people trying to survive. Maybe that comes with the territory of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cities-losing-big-advantage-college-workers-wages-housing-costs-salaries-2024-8">living in a big city</a>.I'm glad we lived in both places, but if I could do it over, I would've stayed in Canada longer and maybe have chosen a smaller city for my next working holiday.For me, our town in the Rockies felt more like home, and I'd still move back in a heartbeat.

I've lived on 3 continents. Our town in Canada surpassed my expectations, but London let me down.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Australia plans to cut new international student enrollment by a third next year.</li><li>The cap follows a surge in international students post-pandemic, straining the rental market.</li></ul><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/australia-law-right-to-disconnect-ignore-calls-after-hours-work-2024-8">Australia</a> is capping new international students next year, in an effort to curb record migration.The country plans to limit <a target="_blank" class="" href=" https://www.businessinsider.com/how-employers-can-support-international-students-job-seekers-2022-3">international student</a> enrollments to 270,000 in 2025, Australian education minister announced on Tuesday. In 2023, there were just over 400,000 new international students."There's about 10% more <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/studying-abroad-in-north-korea-isolating-surreal-friendships-made-2024-7">international students</a> in our universities today than before the pandemic, and about 50% more in our private vocational and training providers," education minister Jason Clare said in a press briefing on Tuesday. "These reforms are designed to make it better and fairer, and set it up on a more sustainable footing going forward."The government will assign each university or vocational institute an individual limit.Australia has about 718,000 total <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/work-visa-moved-usa-canada-immigrants-2024-7">international students</a>, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-diplomat-chinese-students-should-not-access-sensitive-tech-2024-6">primarily from China</a>, India, and Nepal, according to 2024 education department <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.education.gov.au/international-education-data-and-research/international-student-numbers-country-state-and-territory">figures</a>.Curbs on migration were first announced in December, when Australia said it would tighten visa scrutiny for graduates and require students to secure higher scores on their English proficiency tests.The restrictions come after a period of concessions to encourage foreign workers and students who left during the pandemic to return to Australia. That created an influx of foreigners, which worsened the pressure on the country's tight rental market.Clare added that the restrictions will also limit the amount of "shonks" — people and businesses exploiting the demand for international education in Australia. Authorities have previously said that some providers participate in unethical practices or scams, such as recruiting students who are not proficient enough in English to do well, luring students with the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/26/fraudulent-course-providers-face-closure-in-labors-international-education-crackdown">promises of jobs</a>, or promising tuition fee discounts to those who recruit other students.Canada announced similar limitations earlier this year, in an effort to bring down the costs of buying and renting homes.Canada's immigration agency said in January that it will cap the number of acceptances for international study permits. The move is expected to cut the number of students by 35% compared to last year and reduce the number of "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://globalnews.ca/news/10241346/international-student-visas-canada/">puppy mills</a>" that provide poor-quality education.According to a study by education consultant IDP, the US, Australia, the UK, and Canada are hotspots for those seeking international education, with countries like Germany, New Zealand, and Ireland gaining interest in recent years.Since May 2023, the UK has clamped down on international students bringing their families on all student visas, except postgraduate research and those with government scholarships. The changes have also reduced the number of people using student passes as a loophole to work. The government <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tough-government-action-on-student-visas-comes-into-effect">forecast</a> that the changes would lead to 140,000 fewer people coming to the country.In the US, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/h1b-visa-lottery-changes-benefit-startups-hiring-immigrants-2024-2">dwindling chances</a> of landing a work visa after graduation because of the H-1B lottery system have made the country less attractive for some foreign students. A Trump-era executive order <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2021/08/10/biden-keeps-costly-trump-visa-policy-denying-chinese-grad-students/">denying visas to Chinese graduate students</a> also <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/decline-china-international-students-economy-universities-trump-biden-immigration-covid-2022-8">slashed the number of enrollments.</a>

It's a terrible time to be an international student. Australia is the latest country to limit visas.

India has temporarily suspends visa services in <keyword id="6356687" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="canada" source="Orion">Canada</keyword> as per a notice on India Visa Application Centre Canada's website. The notice states, "Due to operational issues, with effect from 21 September, 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice." Earlier, last evening, India advised its nationals in Canada and those contemplating travel there to exercise utmost caution in view of anti-India activities in some parts of that country. The advisory came amid further deterioration of diplomatic relations between the two countries following Canadian Prime Minister <keyword id="1740494" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="justin-trudeau" source="Orion">Justin Trudeau</keyword>'s allegations of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist <keyword id="7575364" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hardeep-Singh-Nijjar" source="Orion">Hardeep Singh Nijjar</keyword> in June. "In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the advisory. It said, "Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda." "Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents," it said. The MEA said the Indian High Commission and consulates general will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Indian community in Canada. "Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant," it said in the advisory. (With text inputs from PTI)

India temporarily suspends visa services in Canada

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Victoria Craparotta and Flavio Fabiani fell in love during a study abroad program in Spain. </li><li>Craparotta is Canadian, and Fabiani is Italian, so they decided to test out life in both countries.</li></ul>Victoria Craparotta and Flavio Fabiani had a decision to make. In 2022, after maintaining a long-distance relationship for over two years, Fabiani, a 27-year-old architect <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/teachers-buy-house-in-italy-instead-of-more-expensive-usa-2024-5">from Italy,</a> moved to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millennial-moved-to-florida-leaving-canada-cant-work-happier-healthier-2024-5">Toronto</a> to be with Craparotta, a 26-year-old <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/canadian-in-us-doesnt-understand-why-americans-want-to-move-2024-5">Canadian</a>. They'd met at a study abroad program in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-to-denver-colorado-and-regretted-it-2023-11">Spain</a> in 2019. It was their only "opportunity" to live in the same place, Craparotta told Business Insider. She had a full-time e-commerce job at Dyson, the technology and appliance company, while Fabiani had just graduated from college and had fewer commitments. <div type="image" title="Victoria Craparotta and Flavio Fabiani sitting at the edge of the Trevi Fountain in Rome." height="1707" width="1280" msid="112443085" hostid="261"></div>As the expiry date for his working holiday visa neared, Fabiani said they settled on a solution, "Let's do the same experience in Italy. And then, at the end of it, let's decide where we're going to stay." Craparotta, who was disillusioned with her job and ready for a fresh start, agreed. She quit her job and flew to Rome in May 2023 on a working holiday visa to start a new chapter with Fabiani. A year later, the <keyword id="19915400" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="couple" source="keywords">couple</keyword> is still in Rome. There have been challenges, like turning a dusty old apartment Fabiani inherited into their home, and plenty of adjustments, but they aren'tinterested in moving back to Canada anytime soon — here's why. <h2>Italy is pedestrian-friendly and a convenient base for travel</h2>One of Fabiani's first questions to Craparotta when he arrived in <keyword id="19988008" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Toronto" source="keywords">Toronto</keyword> was, "Where are the mountains?" Like many first-time visitors, Fabiani assumed Canada was "covered in nature," and that places like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-go-to-banff-canada-things-to-do-2023">Banff National Park</a> were a stone's throw away, Craparotta said. But the best lakes are a two-hour drive from Toronto, she said, and potentially pricey flights are the easiest way to get to hot spots like Vancouver. As an architect, Fabiani enjoyed how "industrial-looking" Toronto is, but he wasn't a fan of how reliant the couple was on a car in the city's suburbs, where they lived with Craparotta's parents. <div type="image" title="A bird's-eye view of the buildings lit up with lights in the business district in Toronto at night." height="853" width="1280" msid="112443087" hostid="261"></div>By contrast, Craparotta appreciates how "walkable" Rome is, even in its outskirts, and how close it is to lakes, beaches, and quaint medieval towns. Another upside is that the couple doesn't have to plan European vacations that far in advance. "Back in Canada, I would have to plan and take a one-week trip to go anywhere in Europe," she said. Based in Europe, it's relatively easy — and cheap — to book weekend trips on trains or budget airlines to Milan or <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amalfi-coast-towns-to-stay-in-according-to-local">the Amalfi Coast</a>, as well as international spots like London or Paris. "Ican easily travel around Italy or Europe for the same cost as a long-distance bus ticket in Canada," Craparotta said. <h2>Food in Italy is better, healthier, and cheaper</h2>Craparotta and Fabiani are big on food, as cooking isone of their favorite things to do together. But Fabiani wasn't a huge fan of some Toronto dining options. Craparotta said her mother was excited to take Fabiani to her favorite Italian spot. Like most Italians she's met, Fabiani is "brutally honest," Craparotta said. When a waiter came by to ask how the food was, his response was: "Not the greatest." It was only after Craparotta moved to Rome that she understood where Fabiani was coming from. <div type="image" title="An assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables on sale at a farmers market in Rome." height="854" width="1280" msid="112443084" hostid="261"></div>Italians "cook very simply," and there are fewer deep-fried or sugary dishes compared to restaurants in Canada, Craparotta said. "I could eat out three days in a row, and I'm not going to gain a crazy amount of weight," she said. Craparotta also said the produce is much fresher and cheaper in Italy. In Rome, she added, she can pop over to a local vegetable vendor and buy a week's worth of fruit and vegetables for 10 euros (or about $10), whereas in Toronto, a single bag of lettuce can cost as much as 10 Canadian dollars (or $7). <h2>Italian social life is less focused on drinking</h2>In Toronto, Craparotta was used to a social life that revolved around drinking. It came as a culture shock for Fabiani. When they lived in Canada, Craparotta remembered Fabiani being shocked by a rowdy party where people were playing beer pong and drinking out of red Solo cups. "The first time that I experienced something different to that was when I was in Spain with my Italian friends, because they would always have dinner parties or wine nights," Craparotta said. That's what most of their social life is like in Rome now, which Craparotta prefers as it's easier to get to know people and have more in-depth conversations. "If we go out, it's like one or two glasses of wine, and they're not drinking more than that," Craparotta said. <h2>Italy's job market can be tough, especially if you're used to North American salaries</h2>Craparotta came to Rome on a working holiday visa with "the hopes" that she'd eventually find a full-time job in e-commerce. Even though she felt she had the advantage of having worked for a well-known technology company for years, it became clear with every rejection that her lack of fluency in Italian was a real issue. "With Italian culture, it's so social, especially at the office," she said, adding that most of the companies she interviewed at didn't feel she was a "social fit" because of her language skills. <div type="image" title="Rome, Italy." height="3840" width="5760" msid="112443088" hostid="261"></div>Craparotta also had a "hard time" accepting how much lower salaries are in Rome compared with Toronto. According to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=Canada&amp;city1=Toronto&amp;country2=Italy&amp;city2=Rome">Numbeo</a>, a data-based website that crowdsources the cost of living in major cities across the world, the average monthly net salary in Toronto is 4,937 CAD ($3,564), whereas Rome's is 2,870 CAD ($2,071). "When I got here, people were saying my expectations were way too high," she said. As the months passed without an offer for her, she and Fabiani reluctantly toyed with the idea of moving back to Canada. "I didn't want to leave," she said. "But the job market in Italy is not your friend." But after over a year of applying, Craparotta secured a decent-paying job in Rome in e-commercethat she will start in July. While she is making less than what she would back in Toronto, Craparotta said the location is worth the pay cut. "You can do more with less in Rome," she said. "There's always something to do, amazing food to eat, and people out enjoying life." Correction: August 12, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the start date of Craparotta's e-commerce job in Rome. It was July of this year, not July of next year; she has started the role.

A couple tested out life in Canada and Italy. They chose to move where salaries are lower but life is sweeter.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Ron Allanach and his partner Ben Lorgeranon moved from New England to Vancouver to Mérida, Mexico.</li><li>They've found Mexico has much lower prices, better healthcare, and high-quality food.</li></ul>Ron Allanach, 74, and his partner Ben Lorgeranon moved to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-xer-moved-japan-build-house-countryside-slow-life-expat-2024-9">Vancouver</a> from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/small-town-in-maine-hidden-gem-northeast-belfast-2024-7">New England</a> in 2005, thinking they would stay there for their retirements. However, the city's rising prices and their desire to explore the world pushed them much further south.After a year abroad, the couple purchased a home in 2017 in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-to-mexico-from-us-merida-safety-cost-healthcare-2023-11">Mérida</a>, a large city in southeast Mexico, and split their time between there and Vancouver. In 2020, they moved there permanently.Allanach said with each day, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-from-us-to-mexico-what-surprised-me-2021-7">Mérida</a> feels more like home. The city is safer than he imagined, prices for nearly everything are much lower, and healthcare is more reliable. Allanach said they've tried to immerse themselves in the local culture instead of keeping just to fellow expats."Mérida has significantly improved its infrastructure, and many people are moving here. There is also a very significant gay community," Allanach said.<h2 id="9cf8a6cf-f8fd-44b6-bd65-c0ea999b3b66">Moving to Canada, then Mexico</h2>Allanach was born and raised in Portland, Maine, where he started his career as a journalist. He worked on the police beat for a local newspaper, which led him to become a police officer after a short stint at the US Postal Inspection Service.For over twenty years, Allanach worked in the police force, eventually becoming a police chief in the Portland area. He then earned master's degrees in public policy and education psychology and held positions as an education administrator and behavioral therapist.He met his partner in his master's program, though Lorgeranon, who is from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/expat-bangkok-thailand-better-life-low-cost-living-culture-home-2024-5">Thailand</a>, couldn't secure a residency in the US. Allanach suspected life in the US would be challenging as a same-sex couple, noting he became "quite disenchanted" with the country.Ultimately, they decided to move to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/living-in-city-where-tv-shows-are-filmed-vancouver-canadian-2024-2">Vancouver</a>. Allanach found work in the educational psychology department of various schools. Allanach and Lorgeranon agreed they lived a "wonderful life" in Vancouver with many friends and cultural opportunities.However, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-from-boston-nyc-brooklyn-worth-increased-costs-genz-2024-9">living expenses</a> started to rise, and he said his income was taxed at $12,000 one year. Even with a consistent salary, he couldn't see a comfortable future in Vancouver, knowing how rapidly the city was developing. At the time, he said healthcare was expensive, especially for dental care, and it was difficult to find open slots for medical appointments.Additionally, he found his area's politics shifting more toward the conservative viewpoint, and he felt increasingly uncomfortable.After retiring from the school board, Allanach put their 820-square-foot Vancouver condo on the market, selling for over a million Canadian dollars, and decided to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/visited-all-50-states-best-worst-nyc-weather-kansas-washington-2024-8">travel the world</a> for a year, figuring expenses would be more or less equivalent to staying in Canada. They owned another apartment that sold for almost $600,000 CAD in 2014, though it's now valued at over $1.4 million.They traveled to many European countries, staying in France for four months, and they spent time in Thailand with Allanach's partner's family.Allanach wanted to move to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/relocate-chiang-mai-thailand-affordable-quality-of-life-best-city-2024-7">Thailand</a> for his retirement, but Thailand only grants permanent residency to 100 people per country each year. Allanach added the country often changes its rules surrounding visas, meaning living there long-term wouldn't be feasible.They visited Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state in southeast Mexico, a few times starting in 2015, noting it was popular among expats but still had a vibrant local community. Allanach said they felt safer in Mérida than in the US or Canada, and prices were lower. Mérida has a population of about 1.2 million as the financial capital of the Yucatán Peninsula.In 2017, they bought a 1920 colonial home in Mérida from a Vancouver couple. They stayed there between trips back to Vancouver, and they moved to Mérida fully in 2020."One of the things that's just a disaster for people moving to a foreign country is going there and expecting that you're going to make it like your home where you came from, and that's just not what happens," Allanach said.<div type="image" title="View from Ron Allanach's home" height="3024" width="4032" msid="113093468" hostid="261" sizebytes="1302272"></div><h2 id="d22c938b-122c-4810-a317-f51331644007">Getting accustomed to Mérida</h2>Once Mexico opened to tourism after easing pandemic-related restrictions, Allanach met an architect from Los Angeles who moved to Mérida and brought his practice with him. The architect built them a 2,800-square-foot home, which they have lived in for three years. The home cost them $238,000 and has three bedrooms, a full bath, a dining room, gardens, and a pool in the city center. Still, Allanach said home prices have risen fast as more expats come.Allanach and Lorgeranon bought a car to explore the city and surrounding areas — which they park outside their home without any worries. They have tried to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-moving-living-mexico-what-expats-should-stop-doing-2024-1">immerse themselves</a> in the culture and history of the Mayan people; Allanach said they became very close with a local Indigenous family and paid tuition for their kid's school."We meet people who say, I'm moving to Mérida, but I know nothing about it," Allanach said, noting he's valued integrating into the community instead of only staying in expat areas.Allanach said he's been impressed by Mérida's medical system, as he's often able to see a physician within an hour without being rushed. Many pharmacies near him are open 24/7, and he often gets 30% to 45% off his prescriptions. He said doctors often make house calls in his part of the city, and seeing a doctor at a pharmacy costs just $2.50.<div type="image" title="A Mérida street with vintage cars" height="3024" width="4032" msid="113093471" hostid="261" sizebytes="900368"></div>They often get fresh produce at the Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, though they often shop at Costco for larger purchases. He estimates their grocery bill is much higher in Mérida than in Vancouver, given many items are imported. While there are many affordable restaurants, he said some restaurants catering more to tourists are "very expensive."He saves hundreds of dollars yearly on auto insurance, which is $500 in Mexico for a new SUV, whereas he paid over $2,500 in Vancouver. Whereas property taxes were about $1,700 a year in Vancouver, they're just $160 a year in Mexico. They use solar energy, which was a one-time expense of $5,500, though Allanach said the electric bill during the summer could cost $250 to $500, as the heat is sometimes difficult.Other costs include $38 yearly for trash pickup, $30 monthly for 5,000 TV channels, $35 for pool service, and $60 monthly for their phone plan."We love the routine here. We love the predictability," Allanach said. "I see what Canada is offering for $900,000, and it's half my living room. I almost feel nauseous."Have you recently left the US for a new country? Reach out to this reporter at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:nsheidlower@businessinsider.com">nsheidlower@businessinsider.com</a>.

A boomer who lived in the US and Canada before retiring to Mexico shares how life down south is much cheaper and safer

Our <keyword id="19961438" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="passport" source="keywords">passport</keyword> is our identification in a foreign destination, and that particular piece of document is not equal in power across geographies. Every country’s passport carries a different weight, and the more countries value your passport, the more powerful does it get. <keyword id="6559639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Henley-Passport-Index" source="Orion">Henley Passport Index</keyword> recently released the list of the world's <keyword id="8011256" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="most-powerful-passports" source="Orion">most powerful passports</keyword> for 2024. To no one’s surprise, <keyword id="19895045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Singapore" source="keywords">Singapore</keyword> ranks number 1 in the list as a Singaporean passport can grant you visa-free access to 195 destinations in the world. Visa-free access implies that your passport can allow you to travel to foreign destinations without any pre-approved visa or entry permits. India has also improved its rank from the 2023 index, where it was ranked 84th. This year, India ranks 82nd, along with Senegal and Tajikistan, with visa-free access to 58 countries. The ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which claims to have the most complete and accurate travel information available worldwide Here’s the list of the most powerful passports in 2024 till 10th ranks by the Henley Passport Index: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rank </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Countries </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Visa-free Access </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Singapore </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">195 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">France, Germany, Italy, Japan Spain </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">192 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">191 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">190 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Australia, Portugal </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">189 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Greece, Poland </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">188 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Canada, Czechia, Hungary, Malta </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">187 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">United States </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">186 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Estonia, Lithuania, United Arab Emirates </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">185 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">10 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Iceland, Slovenia, Latvia, Slovakia </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">182 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f4cccc;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">82 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f4cccc;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">India, Senegal, Tajikistan </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f4cccc;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">58 </td></tr></tbody></table> France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Japan are tied for second place, letting passport holders visit 192 countries without needing a visa. In third place are Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden, which all offer visa-free access to 191 destinations. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110879036" title="Luxury Escapes: Top international destinations for Indian travellers in 2024" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>If we talk about India’s neighbouring countries, China is ranked 59th, granting visa-free access to 85 countries. Afghanistan is at the bottom of the list at 103rd, giving its citizens visa-free access to just 26 countries. Pakistan is ranked 100th, providing passport holders access to 33 countries. Indian citizens can travel to 58 countries without a visa, including popular places like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. For the past 19 years, the Henley Passport Index has been tracking passport freedoms in 227 countries and territories. It is a widely used online tool that shows and ranks the world's passports. The index is updated throughout the year whenever there are changes in visa policies. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/international/webstories/7-countries-offering-visa-on-arrival-to-indians-perfect-for-summer-vacation/slidelist/108940120.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">7 Countries offering visa on arrival to Indians perfect for summer vacation</a>

World’s most powerful passport: Singapore reigns supreme with 195 visa-free destinations! Here’s where India ranks

<ul class="summary-list"><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/turkey-central-bank-hikes-interest-rates-battle-inflation-2023-11">Turkey</a> is the latest country to open its arms to remote workers keen to relocate.</li><li>Citizens from several European countries, plus Canada and the US, are eligible for a new visa. </li></ul>Digital nomads are now welcome to stay in Turkey.The country joins Italy, which recently made a similar announcement, in offering a visa for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/digital-nomad-virtual-assistant-job-countries-mexico-home-base-2024-3">traveling professionals</a> who want to work remotely in Turkey for an extended time.The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry created a website dedicated to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/remote-worker-promoted-senior-manager-2024-4">digital nomads</a> which provides a list of requirements for eligibility and the steps of the application process. The site also provides resources on how to get started in several of its major cities.The Digital Nomad Identification Certificate, which is the first step to a digital nomad visa, is open to remote workers ages 21 to 55.They have to provide proof that they are a university graduate, work in the "digital nomad field," and that they make at least $3,000 a month, or $36,000 annually, according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://digitalnomads.goturkiye.com/application-requirements-for-digital-nomad-visa-and-short-term-residence">site</a>.Applicants must also have a passport or travel documents that are valid for at least six months from the date they arrive in Turkey. The offer is only for citizens of several European countries and Canada, Russia, and the US.If approved, it's as simple as applicants receiving a certificate with a barcode that they can use to apply for the digital nomad visa at the Turkish consulate.Still, life in the country is not all rosy. Over the years, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/turkey-increases-minimum-wage-but-people-wont-be-happy-2023-12">Turkish citizens</a> have been up against rising inflation, and while the country bumped its minimum wage up 49% in 2024 to about $525 a month, many are still struggling.However, more and more millennials and Gen Z are giving up on the dream of owning a house in the US, so some have opted to spend their time traveling and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-choose-travel-over-promotions-paying-off-debt-2023-12">working abroad instead of saving for a starter home</a>.Earlier this month Italy announced that it would welcome remote workers and their families on renewable digital nomad visas.

Here's who qualifies for Turkey's new digital nomad visa and how to apply

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Dalia Goldberg chose to leave the US in 2010 to earn her BA at McGill University in Canada.</li><li>During her four years in college, she experienced some culture shock and learned a new language.</li></ul>It was 2009, my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/high-school-senior-commutes-hour-school-every-day-2024-4">senior year of high school</a> and I felt clueless.I'd never fit in particularly well at school. I enjoyed learning when I was younger, but toned down my enthusiasm when it became clear that having too many nerdy interests was "uncool." So by the time some of my peers were eagerly <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/successful-ivy-league-college-application-look-insider-2024-5">filling out college applications</a> and even discussing what they might choose as a major, I was still dragging my feet.I didn't feel particularly excited about the future. What was the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-millennials-skipping-college-living-paycheck-to-paycheck-2024-5">big deal about college</a>, anyway? I'd just be studying the same old subjects, preparing for some job I didn't really want. My parents took me on college visits, where we attended presentations that I listened to halfheartedly.Growing up in a Philadelphia suburb, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miami-university-ohio-confusion-student-florida-2023-10">University of Miami</a> caught my eye. I was enamored by the lush green campus filled with flowers and fountains, just a half-hour drive from South Beach. The distance from my hometown was an added bonus. But with a whopping cost of attendance of over <a target="_blank" href="https://irsa.miami.edu/_assets/pdf/Documents/CDS1011.pdf">$50,000 per year</a> at the time (including fees, room, and board), I'd definitely have to take out student loans.Similarly, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/college-nyu-fresham-move-overwhelming-2023-9">NYU</a> offered the excitement of living in a big city, but the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2012/10/04/Most-Expensive-Colleges:-2012-2013.html">tuition fees nearing $60,000 per year</a> were daunting.I began filling out applications to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-public-state-universities-compared-to-ivy-harvard-jobs-2023-7">state schools</a>, a more affordable option. But I couldn't quite give up my dream of moving further away and having an adventure.<h2 id="043029b2-21db-434e-a82f-8e9ab3fa8aeb">I started looking into colleges outside the US</h2>I wanted to meet new people, explore new places, and get a fresh start. Maybe if I could get away from memories of middle-school bullies and awkward encounters with boys, I could finally start to enjoy studying again.My parents had bought me a big book of colleges, which I haphazardly flicked through while watching TV. Then, something caught my eye. Not all the colleges in the book were American; some were overseas, and those were cheaper, a lot cheaper."Can I visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-universities-in-every-country-2014-7#ireland-trinity-college-dublin-15">Trinity College Dublin</a>?" I asked my parents. But they weren't fans of this idea. Europe was far away, and going back and forth would be expensive. Would European degrees be valid in the US? There were too many variables.So I proposed a closer option: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/college-tuition-costs-usa-canada-england-2017-3">McGill University </a>in Montreal. It was well-known in the US and just a 1.5 hour flight from Philadelphia. You could even take the train. The costs were significantly cheaper than my other favorites: around $25,000 for the year, including room and board.<h2 id="8416f662-2e81-40fa-b741-48b225dfc14a">Deciding on Montreal came with challenges</h2>During my first <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/day-in-the-life-montreal-canada-paris-of-north-america-2024-6">visit to Montreal</a>, I knew it was the place for me. I loved the narrow streets of the Old City, the plazas, the bars, and the restaurants. I also found the school appealing. I felt that this was a place where I'd be free to do things my way. I liked the independent approach to student life, with most students moving off-campus after their first year.When I went back to my high school, I pushed harder on my academic efforts than before. I studied hard in my French class, got a few letters of recommendation, and took the ACTs and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/digital-sat-test-easier-expert-2024-3">SAT subject tests</a>. Finally, I got the score I needed for admission.Leading up to graduation, I started to have cold feet. I'd be leaving all the friends I'd made in the last few years and starting completely from scratch. Did I really want to do this? Some friends thought it was cool that I was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-to-canada-from-us-differences-pros-cons-guns-drugs-2023-12">moving to Canada</a>, but others found it odd. Even when I explained the lower costs, it sounded too far away to them.<div type="image" title="Three college students on a couch looking at photos on a camera" height="469" width="625" msid="111390566" hostid="261" sizebytes="29658"></div>When I got to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/montreal-canada-city-low-cost-of-living-quality-of-life-2024-6">Montreal</a>, I didn't feel comfortable right away. Like any college freshman, I was somewhat anxious about being away from home for the first time, but there was also the added element of culture shock.I'd become friends with a French exchange student at my high school and spent some time in France, but I soon found the language and expressions used in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quebec-city-montreal-canada-things-to-do-history-architecture-2022-10">Quebec</a> were a lot different. I also didn't know much about Canadian culture — the slang, the history, the education system, and the way of viewing the world.At first, as I met groups of students who all knew each other from high school, I felt like it would be hard to find my place at McGill. Still, after a while, I found a good group of friends, got involved in city activities, and began feeling at home.<h2 id="eef77b24-1110-4048-a3b3-d398be15d05e">Starting my career abroad</h2>After receiving my diploma four years later, I knew I wanted to stay abroad.I applied for a post-graduate work permit that allowed me to stay in Canada, and found a job at a marketing agency where I had to speak French every day. At first, I felt intimidated. I didn't get some of the jokes and cultural references made around the office, so socializing was hard. Still, over time I began to feel more comfortable working in a second language.After a few years, I decided to move to Berlin with my partner at the time. It was hard to find work, learn German, and navigate the immigration system, but I drew on my previous experiences to help and found a remote job <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/former-teacher-side-hustle-job-youtube-english-2023-11">teaching English online</a>. We continued moving around Europe until I settled in Spain in 2018, where I started a career as a freelance content writer and journalist.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-to-germany-from-us-school-almost-deported-dont-regret-2023-11">Moving abroad for my degree</a> gave me the courage to pursue my own path. As I learned to figure out confusing visa situations, new cultures, and foreign language environments, I became more resilient and motivated in my career.Not having a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/how-to-pay-off-student-loan-debt-fast">student loan to pay off</a> was an added bonus.Got a personal essay about choosing to attend college outside the US that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor: <a target="_blank" href="mailto:akarplus@businessinsider.com">akarplus@businessinsider.com</a>.

I'm an American who went to college in Canada. I'm debt-free — and I have no plans to move back to the US.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Kellsie Bain is a makeup artist who moved from Australia to Canada.</li><li>Bain moved for her career and because she wanted to see the world beyond Sydney.</li></ul>Kellsie Bain, 33, said she "always had a travel bug."Bain, who grew up and lived in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-living-in-australia-shares-school-differences-2023-11">Sydney</a>, told Business Insider she visited the US several times in her 20s, including trips to New York City. She dreamed of moving there."But as I got older, I just realized how difficult that was, especially as an Australian, to get a US visa," Bain said. "It's quite challenging, especially being self-employed."While her dream of moving to New York may not have come true — at least not yet — the "travel bug" didn't go away, and she was able to move somewhere else: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-to-canada-healthcare-amazon-not-paradise-welcoming-community-2024-1">Canada</a>."Canada is exactly what I expected it to be like," Bain said. "There's a few things here that have shocked me. I didn't think the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/5170-homelessness-how-does-it-happen">homeless problem</a> would be as bad as what it is here."Bain said she got her visa "approved in a couple of months, and it was just a lot more simple" than what the process would have been like for a US visa.Bain, a destination makeup artist, said she "had to pack up the house" she owned and made the "big move" to Canada in the summer of 2022. She said, "I travel a lot with my bridal makeup business, so I've kind of been traveling throughout that time, but primarily I keep coming back to Vancouver, and this has been my base since then."Bain was excited about the move and ready for a change. "I wanted to meet new people, and I wanted a challenge," she said. "And, that's what I got."<h2 id="4424f34c-5d8b-426c-a9d8-2e2595ad142c">Pros and cons of living in Vancouver</h2>Bain noted to BI several personal advantages to living in Vancouver, including the people who she has found can be welcoming and generous."For the most part, I've been here on my own, which has been challenging," she said but added people have supported her and her business.But there are also pros beyond the people, such as the location."It's a beautiful country," Bain said. "The landscape is stunning. I love being close to the water."Bain, who said she's into health and fitness, also has found "a lot of people live a really healthy lifestyle here" and that people love the outdoors. She said she loved the spin studio she joined.After living in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-london-melbourne-australia-career-change-pros-cons-2024-1">Australia</a> and given her work as a destination makeup artist, Bain said another pro is the proximity from Vancouver to other places."The main reason behind my move was I started to get global attention from my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kellsiebainmakeup?lang=en">TikTok</a>," Bain, who had over 100,000 followers on her TikTok account at the time of reporting, said. With that attention, she said there were people looking to book her work, and she wanted to be closer to where bookings would need her.While Bain moved partly for her career, she was also ready to see what life was like outside of Sydney after living there for so long."I felt like I really wanted to experience more of the world," she said.While she finds the summertime can be beautiful, she finds the weather and temperature in general a large con of being in Vancouver. She misses the weather and beaches in Australia, although she noted there are beaches in Vancouver too.She said she also misses her family dog and "the familiarity of being around my family and friends." Plus, she said, "I miss the Australian people.""They're down to earth," she said. "They're honest. They're loud, and I really miss that at times."Another issue is the cost of living. She has found this is quite high.Bain said she's been subleasing because she prefers "short-term rentals because I really don't know what's around the corner." She looks for fully furnished apartments when subleasing. Her current rent is over 2,000 Canadian dollars."A few years ago, I definitely wouldn't have been able to afford that on my own, but I'm grateful that I can now," she said.Bain had to adjust her work in Canada."I had more of a client-facing business two years ago," she said. "In Sydney, I was doing four or five weddings a week, and then on my days off, I'd have clients coming to my house to get makeup done."She thinks Canadians aren't as obsessed with makeup as Australians and Europeans are."So when I moved here, I just wasn't picking up as many client-facing makeup jobs," she added.She also found that wedding work in Canada is more seasonal than in Australia due to the snowy winters. Given that, she tried working at a hotel spa early on after her move to help make some money, but she did that only briefly as she said she wasn't making a lot at the hotel."I had to basically transform my whole business," she said. "I launched an online business selling <a target="_blank" href="https://kellsiebainmakeup.com/en-us/collections/online-masterclass">masterclasses</a>, workshops. I do coaching calls for makeup artists."In addition to launching the masterclass in the spring of last year and starting those calls in the summer, she also does content creation and picks up makeup jobs in Canada.She said if she were "relying solely on makeup jobs and client-facing work, it would be very, very hard to live here."Bain is happy living in Canada and the positives that come with being there. However, her dream of New York isn't completely out of the picture either."I think eventually I'll move back to Australia, but there is a part of me that would love to experience living in the States, even if it's just for a year or two," she said. "New York still really interests me, but then I also just think I've just built my reputation in this town and built my business up here."She said while she's confident she could do it, "it's also a very expensive process to get a visa in the States. So I don't know what's around the corner, but we'll see."Share your moving story with this reporter at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:mhoff@businessinsider.com">mhoff@businessinsider.com</a>.

A millennial moved from Australia to Canada for her career. She said the people in Vancouver are welcoming, but the cost of living is high.

The <keyword id="6354458" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="us" source="Orion">US</keyword> risks losing talented foreigners, particularly those married to other skilled professionals, to <keyword id="6356687" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="canada" source="Orion">Canada</keyword>, which grants work authorisation to spouses of all skilled foreign workers, says a new study. But granting employment authorisation to all spouses of <keyword id="6358066" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="H-1B-visa" source="Orion">H-1B visa</keyword> holders would encourage more skilled migrants, including Indians, to choose the US over Canada, the study by National Foundation for American Policy revealed. "The US can reap significant economic benefits, ease labour shortages, and attract more workers in the global competition for talent if it expanded current rules on work eligibility for the spouses of H-1B visa holders," the study, authored by Madeline Zavodny, said. The number of Indians who became permanent residents in Canada increased by over 115 per cent between 2016 and 2020 and 2021. In 2015, then President <keyword id="15962" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="barack-obama" source="Orion">Barack Obama</keyword> allowed the spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the US via the H4 (dependent) visa. H4 visas are issued to dependent spouses and children who accompany H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders to the US. The spouses of H-1B visa holders tend to be highly educated, many of them in STEM fields, and previously had careers of their own or worked to support their families. "Allowing the spouses of H-1B visa holders to work upon arrival would help recruit and retain skilled workers and increase the already-considerable economic benefits of the H-1B visa category," Zavodny said. She estimates that almost 90 per cent of the spouses of H-1B visa holders have at least a bachelor's degree, and over half have a graduate degree, based on American Community Survey data (2017-2019). Out of these 90 per cent of spouses, two-thirds are from India and 6 per cent are from China. "Almost half of spouses of likely H-1B visa holders who have a bachelor's degree had a STEM-related major. Among spouses of likely H-1B visa holders who are employed, 42 per cent are working in a STEM field," she noted. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulation published in 2015 allows spouses who hold an H4 visa to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Currently, H4 spouses can only apply for an EAD after their H-1B spouse is in the queue for a permanent visa. That typically does not occur until the H-1B has worked in the US for several years; indeed, some spouses may apply only after their H-1B spouse has worked in the US for at least six years. The H4 visa holder must be selected in the H-1B lottery, which only occurs once a year and has low odds of success. Long delays in processing H4 EADs have plagued the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the spouses who need the approval to work. Spouses of workers who hold an L-1 intracompany transferee visa, an E-1 treaty trader, an E-2 treaty investor, or E-3 specialty occupation worker from Australia visa are allowed to work. Spouses of these visa holders are "considered employment authorised incident to status", that is, their visa allows them to work and they do not need to apply separately for an EAD. Since mid-2015, some 171,000 H-4 visa holders have been approved for employment authorisation, a significant portion of whom are from India. In fiscal 2021, Indians bagged the highest number of H1B visas i.e., over 74 per cent of the allotments. Out of 4.07 lakh H1-B visas approved by the USCIS, 3.01 lakh were allotted to Indians whereas, 50,000 Chinese received the visas. Research shows that the H-1B visa category bumps up economic growth, creates jobs for American workers, and slows offshoring of high-paid jobs. "If allowed to work, these spouses would make considerable contributions to the US labour market as most of them would enter occupations with very low unemployment rates and high job vacancy rates," says Zavodny. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/september-earnings-on-track-but-its-time-to-tone-down-optimism-says-kotak-institutional-equities/articleshow/95272073.cms">September earnings on track, but it’s time to tone down optimism says Kotak Institutional Equities</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/vodafone-ideas-q2-loss-widens-to-7596-crore/articleshow/95282354.cms">Vodafone Idea’s Q2 loss widens to ₹7,596 crore</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/hdfc-reports-18-year-on-year-rise-in-q2-net-profit-to-4454-crore/articleshow/95279744.cms">HDFC reports 18% year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit to ₹4,454 crore</a>

You Searched For "canada visa" and got 12 results

Canada mulls putting cap on international students numbers; move likely to impact Indians

PTI

I lost my dream job in the US because I couldn't get a work visa. In Canada, the pathway has been much smoother.

Charissa Cheong

I've lived on 3 continents. Our town in Canada surpassed my expectations, but London let me down.

Melissa Noble

It's a terrible time to be an international student. Australia is the latest country to limit visas.

Shubhangi Goel

India temporarily suspends visa services in Canada

BI India Bureau

A couple tested out life in Canada and Italy. They chose to move where salaries are lower but life is sweeter.

Maria Noyen

A boomer who lived in the US and Canada before retiring to Mexico shares how life down south is much cheaper and safer

Noah Sheidlower

World’s most powerful passport: Singapore reigns supreme with 195 visa-free destinations! Here’s where India ranks

Ayush Mehrotra

Here's who qualifies for Turkey's new digital nomad visa and how to apply

Jordan Hart

I'm an American who went to college in Canada. I'm debt-free — and I have no plans to move back to the US.

Dalia Goldberg

A millennial moved from Australia to Canada for her career. She said the people in Vancouver are welcoming, but the cost of living is high.

Madison Hoff

US risks losing skilled professional H-1B visa holders to Canada

IANS

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