The Greener Side - Your Immigration Guide

You don't have to break the bank to study in France's state universities! Find out how you could apply for this country's student visa with the help of our Paris-based interviewee, Leni Morales.

Episode guide:

• 00:00 - 19:30 - France's student visas: required documents, estimated timelines, and post-COVID updates. For the resources mentioned, check out the links below.

• 19:30 - 46:30 - France's culture. We talk about stereotypes, the academe and the workplace, and the wonders of the French language.

• 46:30 - end - is the grass greener in France?

Do you want to move abroad, but don't have enough money yet to cover visa application fees, flights, and the like? This episode is for you.

The 80 Percent's Fitz Villafuerte shares tips and tricks on how you could save money for your immigration plans. What are some of the fastest ways to get an additional income? What is an investment account, and when and where should you open one? Is cryptocurrency a viable option to grow your money?

Do you want to live the American dream? Begin the journey here as we talk about the United States of America's H-1B and EB-2 visas and learn a bit about its culture! Our interviewee is PT Meal host and physical therapist Johann dela Paz.

Episode guide:

* 00:00 - 05:40: Our USA-based interviewee tells us about his H-1B visa application, and how he instead moved to the US as a green card holder

* 05:40 -  27:30: We discuss the following: 

> H1B visa - What is an H-1B visa? We talk about who is eligible to apply for this visa,  the application process, its lottery system, and important dates and documents. 

> EB2 visa (green card) - What is an EB-2? We discuss its differences to an H-1B visa and how you could apply for a green card. 

> Tips on how you could land a job in the USA

* 28:00 - 43:00: What is the OFW experience like in the States? We talk about various facets of living in the USA.

* 43:00 - end: Is the grass greener in the United States of America?

Is South Korea your dream destination, or a country that you would like to live and work in? Look no further as we dive deep into South Korea's D-8 work visa and the many facets of its culture. Let's find out if Hanguk is your land of promise!

Episode guide:

* 00:00 - 03:30: We introduce Seoul-based interviewee Edrian Dy and learn about how he moved to SoKor

* 03:30 - 18:00: SoKor D-8 visa: what is it and who is eligible for it? We talk about the process of applying and the documents needed for this visa, application timelines, and changes that have been implemented since COVID-19. Also, what industries could non-Korean speakers get into? 

* 18:00 - 46:30: All about South Korea's society and culture. We talk about the country's language and cuisine (for one, is samgyeopsal as commonplace in Korea as we think?), and also dive deep into its work culture and societal issues. Hanguk is a largely homogenous society - how does this impact foreign workers?

* 46:30 - end: Is the grass greener in SoKor?

Whether you have a college degree or not, you will thrive in Australia! If you want to move down under, then Aussie's Temporary Skill Shortage Visa subclass 482 might be for you. Listen as we talk to Chrisopedia's Chrisz Rodriguez about this visa.

Episode guide:

* Start - 3:00: Interviewee Chrisz Rodriguez tells us how and why she migrated to Australia.

* 04:00 - 22:45: AU's Temporary Skill Shortage Visa subclass 482 - what is it, and how could you be eligible for it? What are its core requirements? What industries and jobs are sought-after in the country? 

* 22:45 - 40:00: Australia's laid-back lifestyle - how does it impact work? How does the state support its people? We also talk about some of the social issues the country faces. 

* 40:00 - Is the grass greener in Australia?

Do you want to move to Canada, but aren't sure what options are available to you? The Provincial Nominee Program might be for you. Listen to this episode featuring Manitoba-based Marian Ereno to find out. 

Episode guide:

* Start - 02:00: We introduce our interviewee, Tita Talks podcast host Marian Ereno

* 02:00 - 17:40: Canada's Provincial Nominee Program: what is it and how could you be eligible for it? What are the processes and documents that come with applying for this program? We also briefly talk about another pathway: the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.

*17:40 - 37:00: What is Canada like? We talk about Manitoba's crazy-cold winters, Canada's work culture, and how Canadian people love small talk. We also discuss mental health and how the country helps new immigrants prepare for life on new soil.

*37:00 - end: Is the grass greener in Canada? 

Have you ever considered moving to the Czech Republic? This episode delves into how you could work in Czechia, its requirements for its Schengen visa and long-term residence card, and its people and culture. Pojďme (Let's go)!

Episode guide:

* Start - 02:50: We introduce our Brno-based interviewee Adrian Ramos

* 02:50 - 11:40: We talk about Czech Republic's Schengen visa and long-term residence card, plus tips on how you could move to the country.

* 11:40 - 20:30: What are the pros and cons of living as a Filipino in this non-English speaking country? We also talk about Czech Republic's work environment and its people.

* 20:30 - 25:30: More information about the long-term residence card, plus what jobs are in demand in the country?

* 25:30 - 38:00: How different is life in Prague versus Brno versus Manila? Plus, a plot twist that we didn't see coming!

* 38:00 - end: Is the grass greener in Czechia?

Links:

Do you want to study in the United States? The Greener Side and guest Chris Cruz give you a rundown of USA's F1 visa!

Episode guide:

* 00:00 - 04:40: We introduce Chris Cruz and learn about his journey to the USA

* 04:40 - 26:40: The F1 visa: what are its requirements for undergrad and postgrad programs? How long a time should you give yourself to prepare your visa requirements? Does the States have any universities for the Filipino budget? We give you tips on how to get your F1 visa.

* 26:40 - 43:30: How different is the USA's work and study environment vs the Philippines? Americans are known for their individualistic spirit; what are the pros and cons of this trait? We also talk about what the environment in this country is like for Asians, especially at the time of the coronavirus.

* 43:30 - end: is the grass greener in the States? The answer may surprise you.

Interviewee links:

Yes, you read the title right! If you want to study in Germany - a country that has abolished international fees in its public colleges - this episode is for you. We'll guide you through the process of applying for this nation's student visa. 

Episode guide: 

* 00:00 - 02:30: We introduce our interviewee, Dee Paje, who has been residing in Berlin since 2017 

* 02:30 - 16:00: Germany's student visa: what are the requirements for Filipinos, and how could one get waived tuition fees? How long does the process of applying for a student visa take? We also talk about how different studying in Germany is versus the Philippines 

* 16:00 - 21:00: Could you apply for a work visa after finishing your studies? We briefly talk about the nation's work visa and its path to permanent residency 

* 21:00 - 35:00: Living in Germany: how is it like? We talk about working in the country while learning its language. We also discuss its public transportation, amazing mobility, and free healthcare. Also, what toxic traits do you unlearn when you live in a foreign country? 

* 35:00 - end: Is the grass greener in Germany? 

Interviewee links: 

The Lion City - Singapore.

We speak with 29-year-old art director Nikko Pascua, who lives in Singapore under an S Pass or work visa. If you want to work overseas, but still want to be close to the Philippines, then this episode is for you.

Episode guide:

*00:00 - 03:11 - We introduce Nikko Pascua and his visa category

*03:12 - 15:15 - Singapore has different types of work visas - learn which one is right for you. We also discuss work visa requirements, learn which industries are more open to foreign talent, and give tips on how to land a job in Singapore.

*15:16 - 30:30 - The melting pot that is Singapore: find out about its diversity and openness to foreign talent. We talk about its standard of living,  passion for food, and similarities with the Philippines. If permanent residency is in your mind, you'll find out a bit about that, too!

*30:31 - END - In what ways is the grass greener in Singapore?

Links:

The Land of the Rising Sun - Japan.

In this episode, we speak with Ram Tan, who has lived in Japan since 2018 under a work visa. If you want to live and work in Japan and eventually become a Japanese citizen, then this episode is for you!

Episode guide:

*00:00 - 03:00 - We introduce Ram, our Tokyo-based interviewee
*03:00 - 09:20 - Find out more about Japan's work visa: its process, requirements, and timelines. We also discuss the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration's (POEA) requirements.
*09:20 - 12:00 - Know more about the jobs that are available to non-Japanese speakers, plus the other pathways to live in Japan.
*12:00 - 28:30 - Ram talks about the various facets of Japan, including its work and dating culture. Is the overwork culture real? What is 'kokohaku'? What societal pressures do Japanese women and the youth face? Also, how different is the country's standard of living to that of the Philippines'?
*28:30 - 34:00 - How hard is it to learn Japanese? Also, how could one apply for citizenship?
*34:00 - end - Is the grass greener in Japan? Let's find out!

Links:

The Land of Rabbits - Spain.

This episode delves into Spain's 'autónomo', also known as its self-employed or freelancer visa, as well as the European Union's Schengen visa. If you want to live and work in Spain or anywhere in the EU, this episode is for you! 

Episode guide:

* 00:00 - 03:30 - We introduce Irene Falco, our Barcelona-based interviewee
* 03:30 - 10:30 - We know more about EU's Schengen visa. Is it just a tourist visa, or something more? What documents and how much 'show money' would you need to apply for it? Irene also talks about residing in Netherlands and Italy - the two countries she lived in before moving to Spain.
* 10:30 - 20:40 - What is the autónomo visa, and how could you apply for it? What are the country's in-demand jobs which don't need Spanish fluency? Also, find out how you could get on the fast track to citizenship!
* 20:40 - 36:15 - What are Spain's culture and people like, and how similar are they to the Philippines'? How difficult is it to navigate its bureaucracy? Irene tells us about how she lives and works in the country despite not being fluent in its language.
*36:15 - Finish - Is the grass greener in Spain? Irene also dishes out tips for aspiring freelancers.

Links:

The Land of Smiles - Thailand.

Precious Aquino gives us the details on moving to Thailand under a Non-B work visa. What is a Non-B visa, and what documents would you need to secure it? Could you apply for work in Thailand while on a tourist visa? How similar is Bangkok to Manila, both in its culture and in its standard of living?

Here's an episode guide:

*00:00-13:15 - All about Thailand's Non-Immigrant Visa "B" - requirements, timelines, and tips
*13:16-31:05 - We talk about the country's society and culture, and the ways in which it is similar to the Philippines
*31:06-34:45 - Is the grass greener in Thailand? We find out.

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The Land Down Under - Australia.

In this episode, Steph Jamisola gives us the details about moving to Australia. What is a partnership visa, and does one have to be married to an Australian visa-holder to apply for it? How does one go about applying for an Australian work visa? How does the work culture down under compare to the Philippines'? 

Here is an episode guide:

*00:00-12:10: All about Australia's partnership visa and work visa - requirements and tips
*12:11-33:45: We talk about OZ's culture in both work and play
*33:46-37:24: Is the grass greener in Austalia? We find out.

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The Great White North - Canada.

Bryan Lacson talks to us about studying in Canada. What’s the difference between a one-year and a two-year student visa? How many hours of part-time work could one do while studying? What does Toronto have that Manila doesn’t?

Here's an episode guide:

* 00:00-11:15: All about Canada's student visa - requirements, timelines, and tips
* 11:15-22:50: We talk about life in Canada. How different is Toronto from Manila, and how is it coping with Covid-19?
* 22:50-26:39: Is the grass greener in Canada? Bryan dishes out the details.

The City of Gold - Dubai. 

We talk with guest Yvette Diangson about living and working in Dubai while on a residence visa. What is a residence visa and how could you get one? Could you apply for work while on a tourist visa? Why is Dubai a viable place to work in for Filipinos? 

Here's an episode guide: 

* 00:00-18:00: All about the residence visa - requirements, timelines, and tips
* 18:00-41:20: We talk about life in Dubai. How different is the UAE's culture to the Philippines'? How is its standard of living?
* 41:20-58:00: We answer the most important question... is the grass greener in Dubai?  

Subscribe to The Greener Side for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Aotearoa New Zealand - it's the country to be in! Join host Kring Lacson as she talks about her experience with moving to the country. How did she get her student visa, what documents did she need, and how long did the whole process take? How different is New Zealand's culture from the Philippines'? Also, is the grass greener on her side of the world?  

Subscribe to The Greener Side for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! 

Do you have plans of moving overseas? The Greener Side is here to help! We talk about visa requirements and cultural adjustments, and answer the million-peso question: is the grass greener in other parts of the world?