Best Countries to Migrate From India 2024

Moving to a different country is often described as a life-changing experience – be it for work or education abroad. With a world of choices before us, many seek to identify the best country to migrate to from India. 

However, with strict immigration rules, migrating can be a complex process. Several international destinations offer education quality, job prospects, and a good lifestyle, but to determine the most immigration-friendly countries, one needs a thorough assessment of the visa rules and work permits.

A relatively easier immigration process makes these below-mentioned countries the top immigration-friendly countries in the world.

What Factors Should You Consider Before Migrating

The following six factors should be considered before while planning to migrate to a foreign  country:

Ease of Migration and Visa Applications 

These factors directly affect your immigration. Many countries take too long to process immigration applications, follow stringent regulations, or do not offer online portals to apply and submit immigration requests. It's difficult to migrate to such countries despite good educational and work opportunities.

To paint a picture, Japan, Vatican City, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Bhutan, China, and Switzerland have some of the toughest immigration laws (according to ‘The Economic Times’ 2023 article). 

Despite having good higher education facilities and work opportunities, immigrating to these countries is difficult.

Job Opportunities and Economic Stability 

You must analyze economic conditions and track the ongoing unemployment rates in the country you are looking to migrate to. For example, Ukraine and Russia were once lucrative destinations for students in healthcare and engineering. However, recent political turmoil and armed conflicts have made both countries unattractive for immigration.

If you are planning to study abroad and work thereafter, it is also advisable to check whether the country enjoys economic stability over time. Regions that experience unstable economies should be avoided. 

To truly decide whether a country is a good match for you, it is also important to identify the lucrative sectors within its economy. 

There is a high demand for healthcare workers in New Zealand. According to reports, there is a 24% staff shortage in psychiatry, anesthetics, dermatology and neurology departments. In France, Research Scientists are in high demand. So, this country will be the best to migrate to if you are looking for a job in the research field.

Quality of Life

Quality of life is a key indicator of a desirable immigration destination. Does the country of your choice have adequate and affordable healthcare infrastructure? Do they allow international students to avail of domestic healthcare facilities free of cost? How safe is the country for foreign nationals working or studying there? These are some of the many key determinants of quality of life.

Norway, Canada, and Finland are a few countries that top the list in terms of quality of life. They have reliable healthcare, public safety, and foreign-friendly social services. Alternatively, Saudi Arabia may have a robust economy, but it ranks much lower in terms of quality of life.   

Hence, you must view a country comprehensively to determine the best for you.

Educational Opportunities

Some countries may offer an easy immigration process for international students but lack quality infrastructure for higher education. It is advisable to check the ranking of colleges and universities in your destination country. 

Do they rank high on the global list? Getting degrees from unknown or less recognized universities is likely to be not a wise decision for your future career. 

Community Presence

Settling in a foreign land as an international student or professional may become challenging, and sometimes, stressful. You need to adjust to new norms, change your food habits, and arrange necessities on your own. The presence of a familiar community helps to overcome these challenges. 

The USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia have strong Indian student communities, making them the top immigration destinations for Indian students.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in any country may vary depending on various factors, such as housing, utilities, weather, location, lifestyle, and family size. It is important to have a clear idea of the living expenses in your destination country to better plan your finances. 

In Canada, average living expenses for university students often total about CAD 20,635 (INR 12,58,349) per year. To get a student visa to New Zealand, a degree student must show that he has NZD 20,000 (INR 10,07,554) to cover living costs for a year.

Top 10 Immigration Friendly Countries

Here is a list of the top 10 immigration friendly countries for Indians:

1. Canada
2. New Zealand
3. Australia
4. Singapore
5. Norway
6. USA
7. Germany
8. UK
9. Finland
10. UAE

Detailed Analysis of Top Countries to Migrate From India in 2024

1. Canada 

Canada is one of the best countries for Indians in terms of immigration. International students from all over the world move to Canada for a promising future. The application numbers are increasing every year, and one of the major reasons is Canada’s easy and friendly immigration policies.

Canada offers flexibility in obtaining visas, study and work permits, and post-graduation work permits. The flexibility is possible through simple eligibility norms for migration, less emphasis on paperwork, quality education, and a robust job market. 

Migration is also likely due to the availability of various types of visas, such as tourist visas, student visas, work visas, permanent residence visas, and Express Entry Program visas. Canada values immigration and makes it easy for international students to integrate into Canadian culture.

Canada Immigration Process

Canada’s immigration system is one of the most efficient systems globally. There are several ways through which a person can immigrate to Canada from another country:

Express Entry

Express Entry is one of the most popular immigration programs in Canada. It is said to be the first immigration program to use a points-based system to assess the eligibility of people seeking to immigrate to Canada. 

Express Entry applications are handled by the federal department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The visa processing time under this program might be as short as six months, and there is a need for 67 points to create an Express Entry profile.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

The initial step is to register an interest in immigrating to Quebec; individuals with the necessary training and professional abilities to ease their job integration in the province are then chosen and invited to apply. Quebec holds invitation rounds using the Arrima Portal. 

As a result, Quebec’s provincial draws are also known as Arrima draws. Candidates need not require a valid job offer to migrate to Quebec. On the other hand, those with a job offer are given higher priority. The QSWP is a points-based system, similar to the Express Entry System.

Provincial Nominee Program

If anyone opts for the PNP to apply for their PR visa, below are the steps:

1. One must apply in the province or region where they desire to settle.
2. The province could nominate a person to apply for a PR visa if their profile meets the eligibility criteria.
3. One can apply for a PR visa after a province nominates them.

When making an application under the PNP, one can choose a province from where it will be easy to get a nomination based on the profile. 

A provincial nomination under Canadian PNP can help in two ways – 

(1) make a person eligible to apply for their permanent residence directly to IRCC, and (2) automatically get a person CRS 600 as ‘additional’ points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Eligibility to Immigrate to Canada

Each of Canada’s immigration programs has its own set of requirements. However, there are a few requirements that all permanent residency applications have in common.

Typically, migration applications are evaluated based on:

• Educational background
• Professional profile
• Your IELTS/CELPIP score
• French language skills, if migrating to Quebec
• References & legal documentation
• Canadian employment documentation

Important Scholarships to Study Abroad:

State Scholarship | Fulbright Scholarship | Vidya Lakshmi Portal | Narotam Sekhsaria

2. New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries for international students. The culturally vibrant country and its ever-growing job market make it easy for more students to enter New Zealand and benefit from its excellent education system.

The country offers various types of immigration visas, such as the New Zealand Visitor Visa, New Zealand Student Visa, New Zealand Work Visa, and New Zealand Resident Visa. Post-graduation work permits and permanent residency facilities are offered to deserving applicants. 

In addition, international students can get a Qualified Migrant Category Resident Visa for permanent residence.

Student Immigration to New Zealand

Students can immigrate by studying in a New Zealand university, and getting a job offer post graduation. The smooth incorporation into New Zealand is the key benefit of this strategy. 

In addition, New Zealand encourages overseas graduates to immigrate by providing them with special work visas.

Process of Student Immigration to New Zealand

1. Search for an educational institution and program
2. Reach language proficiency of at least B2
3. Search for a source of scholarship
4. Pass language and entrance exams
5. Get education documents transcribed
6. Get admitted and receive an acceptance letter from the university
7. Apply for a student visa
8. Move to New Zealand and start studies in language, foundation courses, or at the university
9. Search for work during or after studies and apply for a graduate visa or one of the work visas for further immigration

Eligibility Criteria for Student Immigration

1. Certificate of previous education with a transcription
2. Recommendation letter
3. Motivation letter
4. Language certificate
5. A CUP from a foundation program, if necessary
6. Other on-demand documents

Professional Immigration to New Zealand:

New Zealand requires highly trained professionals, so a special Skilled Migrant Category Visa is granted to them. Candidates are initially assessed based on a free Expression of Interest application in which they describe themselves, their qualifications, and work experience. 

Every two weeks, the finest applications are chosen from the pool. Candidates whose applications obtain the highest scores are invited to apply for a visa.

Eligibility Criteria for Professional Immigration

1. The maximum age is 55.
2. In a point exam, from 160 points, Expression of Interest is evaluated
3. IELTS 6.5+, PTE 58+, TOEFL iBT 79+, FCE 176, OET B + or a certificate of study in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Ireland, or New Zealand — 2 years for bachelors and 1 year for master’s courses.

3. Australia

Australia has always been on the list of best countries for immigration. It welcomes deserving applicants from all over the world with an easy and flexible immigration process and policies. Australia has various types of immigration visas, such as student visas, work visas, temporary visas, short-stay work visas, skilled visas, and visitor visas.

The facilities of permanent residency and post-study work permits offer international students a better chance to build their career in  the country. 

The Skill Select Migration Program is an online scheme that has been created to help lodge an online Expression of Interest (EOI) for foreign students and migrants who have graduated from Australia and may want to apply for permanent residency.

Australia Immigration Process

1. One needs to choose their occupation, if listed, from SOL/ CSOL, to apply.
2. Get the skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
3. If moving to Australia under the sponsorship/nomination subclass, there is a need to get a sponsorship or nomination from an Australian state.
4. One needs to show and submit an EOI.
5. Once the profile is selected and a person receives an invitation to apply, they need to apply along with the immigration fees within the next 60 days for visa approval.

Eligibility Criteria for Australian Visa

1. Minimum required qualification with skill-assessment
2. English proficiency test result
3. Meet the minimum points criteria
4. Work experience-related documents
5. Medical clearance certificate
6. Police clearance certificate

4. Singapore

Singapore is a popular South Asian country with a promising education system. It offers world-class facilities and research-oriented programs to international students. 

Also, being the third largest financial center in the world has its perks. Singapore also falls under the category of countries with an easy immigration process. There are various types of immigration visas in Singapore, such as work visas, student visas, and visitor visas.

Singapore Immigration Process

For professionals-

• Employment Pass: It is for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and candidates who must earn at least $5,000 per month.
• Personalized Employment Pass: It is for high-earning existing Employment Pass holders or international professionals.

For skilled and semi-skilled workers-

• S Pass: For mid-level skilled staff: Candidates must earn at least $3,150 per month and meet the eligibility requirements.
• Work Permit for Foreign Workers: For foreign semi-skilled workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, or service industries.
• Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers: For foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to work in Singapore.

Read More: Singapore Announces Five-Year Work Pass for Expats, Ends Talent Crunch

Eligibility Criteria for Singapore Immigration

• All applicants must have a valid passport.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• The applicant is only allowed to work within the work permits provided by the authorities.
• Online applications take three weeks to process, whereas manual applications take eight weeks.

5. Norway

Norway offers all immigrants a happy and healthy lifestyle as a friendly and safe country. This opulent country offers free education facilities. The immigration laws are friendly, and the eligibility requirements are not too rigid. 

The types of visas offered here are student visas, visitor’s visas, and work permits. It is indeed one of the best destinations to plan abroad studies.

Norway Immigration Process

Most students don’t need a permit to study in Norway for less than three months. However, citizens from certain countries require a visitor’s visa. A study permit is required for those who study in Norway for more than three months.

If a person comes from a country outside the EU/EEA and wishes to study in Norway, they must apply for a study permit. A person can apply for a residence permit to study at a university college or university, or attend bible school, or folk high school.

Eligibility Criteria for Norway Student Visa

• One must have been accepted into a university or institution in Norway.
• The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education must accredit the university or college (NOKUT).
• One must enroll in a full-time program.
• A student must be able to pay for the tuition and living expenses. In addition to tuition, they require at least NOK 137,907 for living expenses. This money must be kept in a Norwegian bank account.
• A person must have somewhere to stay in Norway.
• A minimum level of English language proficiency is required, and the test scores accepted by most universities in Norway are TOEFL and IELTS.

6. The United States of America (USA)

One of the largest economies in the world, the USA is one of the most preferred destinations considering the country’s job prospects and educational facilities. It is home to some of the top-ranked global universities and colleges. 

It is a country that supports a multicultural environment and has immigrants from all over the world. It makes immigration easier with flexibility in rules and protocols. The types of visas offered here are student visas, visitor visas, and work visas.

US Immigration Process

In most cases, one needs to be sponsored or have an immigrant petition filed on their behalf. The person then should wait until their petition is approved and a visa in their country becomes available. Then the next step is to apply for an immigration visa. 

1. A medical evaluation needs to be done
2. Attend a job interview 
3. Await a response to the application

Eligibility Criteria for Studying in the USA

1. An online non-immigrant DS-160 application form
2. Valid passport
3. Receipt proving payment of $185 for a non-immigrant US visa application

7. Germany

Germany has a promising automotive industry and hence ample employment opportunities. It is one of the most popular European countries that offer world-class educational opportunities. 

It is an immigration-friendly country and offers a flexible and smooth immigration process. The rules, protocols, and policies are designed to make the process of immigration hassle-free. It offers various types of visas, such as work visas, job search visas, student visas, training visas, and guest scientist visas.

Germany also provides easy permanent residency opportunities that attracts aspirants from all over the map. The easiest way to do so is by receiving a residency permit or an EU Blue Card from the Central Registry Office of Foreign Nationals.

Germany immigration for employment:

Germany has reported a shortage of skilled workers and highly qualified people. They regularly look for engineers, IT professionals, medical workers, and other qualified professionals. In order to encourage such people to emigrate to Germany, foreign immigration authorities have relaxed the stringent requirements.

Thus, one of the most popular means of immigration to Germany is finding a job in the country. The steps to moving to Germany for work are the following:

• Find a job in Germany, which accepts foreign nationals
• Apply for the Germany employment visa
• Move to Germany and get a working residence permit

Germany Immigration for Higher Studies

German universities either have meager fees or do not charge anything. This is why Germany is a popular study abroad destination to immigrate for education purposes.

To immigrate to Germany for a university degree, you must obtain a visa to study in Germany. If you get your study visa for Germany and complete your degree, you can remain in Germany to search for a job for a limited time. If you can find a job during that time, you are allowed to stay in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria for German Student Visa

1. Demonstrate financial stability:

You must meet financial criteria and demonstrate you can fund yourselves in Germany regardless of the immigration intent. Even if a person intends to work in Germany, they must have sufficient finances to support their expenditures until their salary arrives.

2. Have health insurance:

Without proper health insurance, it is impossible to immigrate to Germany. Because one can’t be sure whether German authorities will accept foreign health insurance.

3. Have a basic understanding of German:

To live in Germany, one must be able to communicate in German. You will require a C1 or C2 level of proficiency if you want to stay in the country permanently (this is recommended and not mandated).

8. The United Kingdom (UK)

The UK is one of the best countries for immigration for meritorious students and graduates who aspire to build a career in the country. The UK offers several visas, such as work visas, business visas, study visas, visitor visas, and settlement visas.

The post-study programs and permanent residency facilities are ample and offer great opportunities to students and job aspirants. It hosts some of the biggest brands, the best universities, and colleges. The living standards are high with easy availability of part-time jobs and permanent employment.

UK Immigration Process

Individuals looking to settle down in the UK have several options. Individuals must move to the UK temporarily before applying for an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). 

Some options for moving to the UK include:

1. Migrating to the UK with a job offer on hand.
2. Settling down in the UK through the student route.
3. Settling down in the UK if you are married or engaged to a UK citizen or permanent resident.
4. Migrating to the UK as an entrepreneur to set up a business.
5. Relocating to the UK as an investor.

Candidates must have a decent IELTS score and meet all professional, legal, and financial criteria in order to migrate to the United Kingdom. These requirements are determined by the migration path a person chooses.

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Study Visa

1. The UK follows a points-based system for visa.
2. For skilled workers, a job offer is required.
3. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to communicate in English (A-level or equivalent).
4. Highly skilled professionals must be endorsed by a UK authority, but they are not required to have a job offer.
5. Students who want to study in the UK must pass a points-based system and show proof of an admission letter from an educational institution, as well as English proficiency and financial means.
6. 70 points is the minimum score required to be eligible for a visa.

9. Finland

Finland hosts some of the excellent universities that provide a wide range of globally-recognized degrees. One must apply for a visa if they desire to study here and are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country.

For a course that is less than 90 days long, you can study without a residence permit, but a visa will still be needed. If the course lasts more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit. The residence permit allows you to stay in Finland for one year, and it can be renewed once the period is over.

The process of applying for a student residence permit:

1. The first step is to fill in the details in the form and apply online. One should submit the documents required with the application.
2. Pay the application fees online or at the Finnish embassy or consulate.
3. Visit the Finnish embassy or consulate on the appointment date to submit biometric data.
4. It may take one to three months to process the application.
5. The final step is to collect the residence permit after arriving in Finland.

Eligibility Criteria for Finland Student Visa 

1. Before applying for a student visa, a person must be enrolled in a Finnish university, which means they must first apply for a study program.
2. A person must not have travel restrictions in the Schengen Area.
3. A person must not be facing any criminal charges.
4. A person must not pose a threat to Finland’s national interests.

10. UAE 

The United Arab Emirates, or Emirates, is a West Asian country that provides high incomes and falls in the developing economy category. It enjoys high standards of living and a booming commercial market. 

The UAE economy is predicted to enjoy steady GDP growth during the period from 2024 to 2029 per Statista report. Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the Emirates, and Dubai is the commercial hub with the highest population.

UAE immigration policy:  

• Students willing to study abroad in the UAE need sponsorship from the institute they have been admitted to or their parents must be UAE residents. 
• The UAE’s Green Visa allows foreign nationals to stay in the country for five years. The scheme is targeted toward professionals, skilled workers, and investors. No sponsorship from UAE citizens or employers is required for this visa.  
• Under the Golden Visa policy, exceptionally talented students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-value investors can extend their stay for ten more years. 
• Golden visa holders can also sponsor their relatives for study and work purposes. 

The process of applying for a UAE student visa is as follows:

• According to the UAE immigration law, students must secure a UAE entry permit first before they can apply for a UAE Study Visa. 
• UAE institutes are responsible for applying for a UAE entry permit for their foreign students from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. 
• Accordingly, you must get accepted at a UAE university or institute. 
• Once you enter the UAE with the entry permit, your institute will begin the application procedure for your student visa. 
• The study visa duration is usually one year, but it can be extended based on study requirements. 
• Beginning in 2018, the UAE has also started providing a 5-year study visa for exceptionally talented students. 

Eligibility Criteria for UAE Study Visa 

• For a 5-year undergraduate student visa at most UAE institutes, you must have at least 95% or equivalent grade from recognized public or private institutions. 
• For a 5-year study at graduate and postgraduate levels, the minimum requirement is a 3.75 GPA.

11. Others 

You can also check out a few other countries that are rapidly becoming attractive work destinations for foreign students and professionals.

Some of these countries are:

• Ireland: Cybersecurity, computer science and information tech sectors are booming in this country. 
• Portugal: Some of the thriving sectors in this country are renewable energy, agriculture, business support, and healthcare. 
• The Netherlands: The top sectors for job opportunities for expatriates are hospitality, engineering, logistics, renewable energy, and healthcare. 

How Do These Countries Compare on Key Migration Factors

Source: BBC/Reuters/Forbes/Economic Times/CNBC,etc. articles, Statista, Numbeo, and Official immigration websites

Preparing for Migration: What Should You Do Before Moving

You must consider the following factors before you start preparing for migration. 

1. Research thoroughly: Gather as much information as possible regarding climate, local food habits, language preferences, other cultural issues, legal structure, and immigration process.  
2. Complete documentation: Check your academic, professional, and other relevant citizenship records and arrange them in proper folder structure. 
3. Evaluate your finances: Make a list of your assets and liabilities, arrange funds necessary for migration and settling in a new country, and document them properly. 
4. Insurances and banking: Streamline your bank accounts and, if necessary, open new international bank accounts. Enquire about and purchase travel and health insurance. 
5. Try to build a new network: Connect with people who are already settled, studying, or working in your preferred destination country.

Conclusion

The best immigration-friendly countries for Indians in 2024 continue to offer a blend of opportunities, welcoming policies, and a supportive environment for integration.

Countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand stand out for their favorable immigration policies, robust job markets, and high standards of living, making them attractive destinations for Indian expatriates. These nations not only provide pathways for skilled workers and students but also value the cultural diversity and unique perspectives that Indian immigrants bring. 

For Indians contemplating relocation in 2024, these countries represent a fulfilling life, professional growth, and the chance to be part of vibrant, multicultural communities.