A leading international think tank is urging Japan to open up its traditionally restrictive immigration system to incoming skilled immigration.
The proposal by the Japan Forum on International Relations (JFIR) proposes that Japan adopt a skills-based immigration system, similar to immigration systems in leading immigration destination countries in the West.
In addition, JFIR proposes that Japan implement social integration policies alongside the skills-based immigration system to avoid tensions related to immigration that occurs in certain Countries in Europe.
Japan has historically shunned immigration, but voices are now saying that skilled immigration is the only way to head off skills shortages and re-energize the Japanese economy.
Kenicho Ito, chairman of the JFIR's policy council, said he considered Australia, Canada, and the US as models for a new Japanese immigration system.
"If Japan wants to survive in a globalised world economy and to advance its integration with the burgeoning East Asian economy, it essentially has no other choice but to accept foreign migrants, while making full use of domestic human resources," he said.
"A key question is not whether we should accept foreign migrants or not, but how we should accept them," he added.
Australia has a points-based system that grants permanent residence to skilled migrants who gain enough points under their points based system. The UK has a a tier based immigration system, which has some similarities to the Australian immigration system, which also allows skilled immigrants to enter the country without the need for a job offer. The United States has a complicated system that allows entry of skilled immigrants on a number of employment-based visas.
Whether Japan will implement similar policies remains to be seen. The number of foreigners moving to Japan has increased in the last decade, but only very slowly: from 1.5 million ten years ago to 2 million today.
"The annual intake is estimated to be 50,000 to 60,000 as far as the last 10 years is concerned. We think such a number is too small," Ito said.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Change to immigration cap could be 'disastrous for the UK'
The skilled immigration cap announced by the UK Government on 23 November 2010 is already coming under fire. The permanent skilled immigration cap will reduce the number of Tier 1 (General) visas, so called "highly skilled" visas, from 13,000 a year to 1,000 when it is implemented in April 2011.
Gedeon Rachman, blogger for the Financial Times, calls the cap "pointless and self-defeating". Rachman feels that the British public is upset with high levels of immigration coming from within the EU and through other routes such as asylum that he says the British Government has little contol over. So instead, the Government cracks down on the one area for which it can -- skilled immigration.
"So, unable effectively to tackle the kind of immigration that actually upsets people, the British government is taking aim at the one group of migrants that are largely uncontroversial and that unambiguously contribute to the country's well-being," Rachman wrote.
Writing in The Guardian, Imran Khan, director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering said that the UK is only shooting itself in the foot by slashing highly skilled immigration. Khan stated that "there has been considerable and consistent concern from the science and engineering community that the cap on non-EU immigration could be disastrous for the UK."
The oil and gas industry is also concerned with the immigration cap, specifically changes to the intra-company transfer route, one of the Tier 2 visas in the UK's points based system. The industry feels that the new limits would hurt the ability of oil and gas companies to assemble teams of specialists.
Speaking in the Oil Voice, a website devoted to the oil and gas industry, employment law expert Linda Beedie criticised the changes to the intra-company transfer scheme. Beedie feels that the new £40,000 salary limit for employees staying in the UK for more than a year is just "a cap by the back door."
"The intra company transfer route is essential to the continued strength and competitiveness of British industry," Beedie said.
If you wish to gain entry to the UK under the Tier 1 visa or Tier 2 visa scheme it may be best to apply as soon as possible. It will be more difficult in future.
Gedeon Rachman, blogger for the Financial Times, calls the cap "pointless and self-defeating". Rachman feels that the British public is upset with high levels of immigration coming from within the EU and through other routes such as asylum that he says the British Government has little contol over. So instead, the Government cracks down on the one area for which it can -- skilled immigration.
"So, unable effectively to tackle the kind of immigration that actually upsets people, the British government is taking aim at the one group of migrants that are largely uncontroversial and that unambiguously contribute to the country's well-being," Rachman wrote.
Writing in The Guardian, Imran Khan, director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering said that the UK is only shooting itself in the foot by slashing highly skilled immigration. Khan stated that "there has been considerable and consistent concern from the science and engineering community that the cap on non-EU immigration could be disastrous for the UK."
The oil and gas industry is also concerned with the immigration cap, specifically changes to the intra-company transfer route, one of the Tier 2 visas in the UK's points based system. The industry feels that the new limits would hurt the ability of oil and gas companies to assemble teams of specialists.
Speaking in the Oil Voice, a website devoted to the oil and gas industry, employment law expert Linda Beedie criticised the changes to the intra-company transfer scheme. Beedie feels that the new £40,000 salary limit for employees staying in the UK for more than a year is just "a cap by the back door."
"The intra company transfer route is essential to the continued strength and competitiveness of British industry," Beedie said.
If you wish to gain entry to the UK under the Tier 1 visa or Tier 2 visa scheme it may be best to apply as soon as possible. It will be more difficult in future.
Australian education needs more foreign students
Australian education groups are optimistic that the government will help fix Australia's ailing education industry.
Educators traveled to Canberra on 22 November to meet with Immigration Minister Chris Bowen, Trade Minister Craig Emerson, and the coalition government's universities spokesman, Brett Mason to lobby for changes that will support the education sector.
The education industry is Australia's most valuable export industry worth more than AUD $18.5 billion to the Australian economy. Unfortunately, the industry has seen a dramatic decline in foreign student enrolments.
Student visas granted to offshore applicants has declined 30 percent in the past year, causing universities to cut staff and budgets.
The education industry wants the Australian government to relax student visa rules and to implement faster and more transparent processing of applications. They also feel more can be done to promote Australia as a study abroad destination.
Claire Field of the Australian Council for Private Education and Training was encouraged by the Australian government's reaction to the current situation in the education sector.
"They understand that Australia is out of step with competitor countries and they understand the consequences of no further change. We are looking forward to and hopeful of both short-term and long-term changes," Field said.
Educators traveled to Canberra on 22 November to meet with Immigration Minister Chris Bowen, Trade Minister Craig Emerson, and the coalition government's universities spokesman, Brett Mason to lobby for changes that will support the education sector.
The education industry is Australia's most valuable export industry worth more than AUD $18.5 billion to the Australian economy. Unfortunately, the industry has seen a dramatic decline in foreign student enrolments.
Student visas granted to offshore applicants has declined 30 percent in the past year, causing universities to cut staff and budgets.
The education industry wants the Australian government to relax student visa rules and to implement faster and more transparent processing of applications. They also feel more can be done to promote Australia as a study abroad destination.
Claire Field of the Australian Council for Private Education and Training was encouraged by the Australian government's reaction to the current situation in the education sector.
"They understand that Australia is out of step with competitor countries and they understand the consequences of no further change. We are looking forward to and hopeful of both short-term and long-term changes," Field said.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Canadian immigration to accept Immigrant Investor applications again
Starting on 1 December 2010, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will again start accepting applications under the federal Immigration Investor Program.
Applicants under the Immigration Investor Program will need to have a personal net worth of $1.6 million CAD, which doubles the previous net worth requirement of $800,000. Moreover, applicants will be required to make an investment of $800,000. Under the previous rules, only a $400,000 investment was needed.
According to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, changes to the criteria for the immigration investor program were overdue.
"These changes were necessary," said Kenney. "The requirements had not been increased in more than a decade and we need to keep pace with the changing economy."
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) said that Canada had the lowest requirements for their investor immigration schemes compared to other countries with similar programs. To reduce the backlog of applications and to avoid a rush of applications before the changes take place Canada suspended the Immigration Investor Program in June 2010.
"The new criteria now align it more closely with other immigrant-receiving countries," CIC said in a statement.
CIC said that the previous requirements were leading to a backlog of applications. By raising the net worth and investment requirements, Canada hopes to reduce the number of applicants and only let in those who can make a substantial investment in the Canadian economy.
"Higher investment amounts mean provinces and territories will receive more investment capital to put toward job creation and economic development projects," Kenney said.
Canada's Immigration Investor Program grants applicants a permanent residence visa and a guaranteed repayment of their investment. The immigrant investor program was already an expensive way of gaining permanent residence in Canada. Doubling the investment requirements is bound to put off some people. It remains to be seen if the changes will in reality result in increased investment into Canada. There are already a number of ways in which you can emigrate to Canada and a number of other Countries around the World without having to invest any money.
Applicants under the Immigration Investor Program will need to have a personal net worth of $1.6 million CAD, which doubles the previous net worth requirement of $800,000. Moreover, applicants will be required to make an investment of $800,000. Under the previous rules, only a $400,000 investment was needed.
According to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, changes to the criteria for the immigration investor program were overdue.
"These changes were necessary," said Kenney. "The requirements had not been increased in more than a decade and we need to keep pace with the changing economy."
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) said that Canada had the lowest requirements for their investor immigration schemes compared to other countries with similar programs. To reduce the backlog of applications and to avoid a rush of applications before the changes take place Canada suspended the Immigration Investor Program in June 2010.
"The new criteria now align it more closely with other immigrant-receiving countries," CIC said in a statement.
CIC said that the previous requirements were leading to a backlog of applications. By raising the net worth and investment requirements, Canada hopes to reduce the number of applicants and only let in those who can make a substantial investment in the Canadian economy.
"Higher investment amounts mean provinces and territories will receive more investment capital to put toward job creation and economic development projects," Kenney said.
Canada's Immigration Investor Program grants applicants a permanent residence visa and a guaranteed repayment of their investment. The immigrant investor program was already an expensive way of gaining permanent residence in Canada. Doubling the investment requirements is bound to put off some people. It remains to be seen if the changes will in reality result in increased investment into Canada. There are already a number of ways in which you can emigrate to Canada and a number of other Countries around the World without having to invest any money.
New Australian immigration points test in July 2011
Australia has announced changes to its independent skilled migration points test which will go into effect on 1 July 2011. The new immigration points system will put increased emphasis on work experience and high level educational qualifications. For a complete overview of points awarded under the new points test, please see this page.
Points will continue to be awarded for study in Australia, regional study, community languages, partner skills, and for completing an approved Professional Year. However, points will no longer be awarded for a particular occupation, but an applicant must still nominate an occupation on Australia's Skilled Occupation List.
One significant change to the points test is that people aged 46 to 49 will now be able to apply, although no points can be earned under age for applicants from 45 to 49 years of age. The age related points will be as follows:
Age 25-32: 30 Points
Age 18-24 and 33-39: 25 Points
Age 40-44: 15 Points
Age 45-49: 0 Points
Moreover, points can be earned for English language proficiency above Competent English, which is a minimum score of 6 on each of the four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Points earned for higher levels of English language proficiency are as follows:
Superior English (a score of at least 8 in each of the fourcomponents of the IELTS): 20 Points
Proficient English (a score of at least 7 in each of the fourcomponents of the IELTS): 10 Points
The pass mark for the points test will change as well and is expected to be set at 65 points.
"These changes to the points test are an important next step in the series of reforms to the skilled migration program announced by the Government in February this year," said Immigration Minister Chris Bowen.
"The reforms set the foundations for a skilled migration program that will be responsive to our economic needs and continue to serve Australias interests in the medium to long term," he added.
A review of the current points test found it had resulted in applications from people in only a small number of occupations and a growing backlog of people waiting for a skilled immigration visa.
"The existing points test has not always led to outcomes consistent with the objectives of the skilled migration program," Bowen said.
"For example, the current test puts an overseas student with a short term vocational qualification and one year's work experience in Australia ahead of a Harvard educated environmental engineer with three years' relevant work experience."
Bowen said the new points test should ensure that Australia admits the "best and brightest people" from the pool of applicants.
The new points test will only affect skilled independent immigration and not employer-sponsored immigration. Anyone lodging an application after 1 July 2011 will come under the new points test. If you meet the requirements for skilled immigration to Australia it may be best to apply now and come under the current immigration scheme. You may not qualify under the new immigration scheme from 1 July 2011.
Points will continue to be awarded for study in Australia, regional study, community languages, partner skills, and for completing an approved Professional Year. However, points will no longer be awarded for a particular occupation, but an applicant must still nominate an occupation on Australia's Skilled Occupation List.
One significant change to the points test is that people aged 46 to 49 will now be able to apply, although no points can be earned under age for applicants from 45 to 49 years of age. The age related points will be as follows:
Age 25-32: 30 Points
Age 18-24 and 33-39: 25 Points
Age 40-44: 15 Points
Age 45-49: 0 Points
Moreover, points can be earned for English language proficiency above Competent English, which is a minimum score of 6 on each of the four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Points earned for higher levels of English language proficiency are as follows:
Superior English (a score of at least 8 in each of the fourcomponents of the IELTS): 20 Points
Proficient English (a score of at least 7 in each of the fourcomponents of the IELTS): 10 Points
The pass mark for the points test will change as well and is expected to be set at 65 points.
"These changes to the points test are an important next step in the series of reforms to the skilled migration program announced by the Government in February this year," said Immigration Minister Chris Bowen.
"The reforms set the foundations for a skilled migration program that will be responsive to our economic needs and continue to serve Australias interests in the medium to long term," he added.
A review of the current points test found it had resulted in applications from people in only a small number of occupations and a growing backlog of people waiting for a skilled immigration visa.
"The existing points test has not always led to outcomes consistent with the objectives of the skilled migration program," Bowen said.
"For example, the current test puts an overseas student with a short term vocational qualification and one year's work experience in Australia ahead of a Harvard educated environmental engineer with three years' relevant work experience."
Bowen said the new points test should ensure that Australia admits the "best and brightest people" from the pool of applicants.
The new points test will only affect skilled independent immigration and not employer-sponsored immigration. Anyone lodging an application after 1 July 2011 will come under the new points test. If you meet the requirements for skilled immigration to Australia it may be best to apply now and come under the current immigration scheme. You may not qualify under the new immigration scheme from 1 July 2011.
UK will relax immigration cap to help businesses
According to the Daily Telegraph, UK Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to significantly increase the number of non-EU immigrant skilled workers allowed to enter the United Kingdom each month.
Businesses have been among the groups criticizing the UK Government for imposing the cap, which they say prevents badly needed highly skilled immigrants from working in the UK.
The current limit of 2,600 skilled worker immigrants from outside the EU is likely to be increased which will benefit both Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa applicants. By the tenth day of November all visas were used up for the UK's highly popular Tier 1 (General) Visa, a points based immigration visa aimed at highly skilled workers. The Tier 1 visa is so popular because you do not need a job offer to come under the Tier 1 visa and you can work for any employer.
The UK Government is expected to increase the immigration cap next year to more than 4,000 per month; UK businesses have said that they need more immigrants with the right skills to fill labour shortages.
The current cap is a temporary arrangement until a permanent cap is introduced next year. Details on the permanent cap are expected to be announced later this month.
This week, the Migration Advisory Committee is expected to publish its recommendations for the level at which the permanent cap should be set. A number of scenarios will be put forward, ranging from a liberal immigration cap to a more hardline immigration cap.
It is expected that the Government will reject the more hard-line immigration cap proposals from the Migration Advisory Committee. However this is not certain. If you meet the current immigration requirements for say a Tier 1 visa or Tier 2 visa it may be best to apply sooner rather than later.
If you apply in the future for immigration to the UK it may also be more difficult to gain permanent residence. If you apply now you will hopefully come under the current immigration rules for gaining permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) instead of stricter rules in future.
Businesses have been among the groups criticizing the UK Government for imposing the cap, which they say prevents badly needed highly skilled immigrants from working in the UK.
The current limit of 2,600 skilled worker immigrants from outside the EU is likely to be increased which will benefit both Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa applicants. By the tenth day of November all visas were used up for the UK's highly popular Tier 1 (General) Visa, a points based immigration visa aimed at highly skilled workers. The Tier 1 visa is so popular because you do not need a job offer to come under the Tier 1 visa and you can work for any employer.
The UK Government is expected to increase the immigration cap next year to more than 4,000 per month; UK businesses have said that they need more immigrants with the right skills to fill labour shortages.
The current cap is a temporary arrangement until a permanent cap is introduced next year. Details on the permanent cap are expected to be announced later this month.
This week, the Migration Advisory Committee is expected to publish its recommendations for the level at which the permanent cap should be set. A number of scenarios will be put forward, ranging from a liberal immigration cap to a more hardline immigration cap.
It is expected that the Government will reject the more hard-line immigration cap proposals from the Migration Advisory Committee. However this is not certain. If you meet the current immigration requirements for say a Tier 1 visa or Tier 2 visa it may be best to apply sooner rather than later.
If you apply in the future for immigration to the UK it may also be more difficult to gain permanent residence. If you apply now you will hopefully come under the current immigration rules for gaining permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) instead of stricter rules in future.
Increased Australian immigration unavoidable for Australia
An Australian Treasury warning has been issued which states that increased immigration in Australia is 'inescapable'.
During Prime Minister Julia Gillard's election campaign, she said that Australia should not "hurtle" towards a big population. She thought that the 36 million people by 2050 as forecast by the Treasury was excessive.
However, a recent Treasury briefing warns that the 36-million people projection factored in a significant reduction in migration to an annual average of 180,000. Immigration recently peaked at 300,000.
According to the briefing, even by limiting net migration to 60,000 people per year Australia would reach 29 million people by 2050.
"Given the powerful global forces driving the Australian economy, net immigration figures well in excess of that low number are probably inescapable," the briefing said.
"Strong population growth is not necessarily unsustainable," the briefing continued. "It need not adversely affect the environment, the livability of cities, infrastructure and service delivery, provided the right plans and policies are put in place now in anticipation of it."
According to a senior Labor source, the government has accepted that they cannot cut migration to such an extent that population growth is reduced.
The Treasury has also predicted that unemployment will fall to 4.9 percent in the future, resulting in more skills shortages and so making the case for reducing levels of immigration that much more difficult to justify.
Future immigration changes will favour people with degree level education and good English. If you are a tradesperson or do not have good enough English to meet the new requirements you may wish to consider applying for immigration before the changes take place.
During Prime Minister Julia Gillard's election campaign, she said that Australia should not "hurtle" towards a big population. She thought that the 36 million people by 2050 as forecast by the Treasury was excessive.
However, a recent Treasury briefing warns that the 36-million people projection factored in a significant reduction in migration to an annual average of 180,000. Immigration recently peaked at 300,000.
According to the briefing, even by limiting net migration to 60,000 people per year Australia would reach 29 million people by 2050.
"Given the powerful global forces driving the Australian economy, net immigration figures well in excess of that low number are probably inescapable," the briefing said.
"Strong population growth is not necessarily unsustainable," the briefing continued. "It need not adversely affect the environment, the livability of cities, infrastructure and service delivery, provided the right plans and policies are put in place now in anticipation of it."
According to a senior Labor source, the government has accepted that they cannot cut migration to such an extent that population growth is reduced.
The Treasury has also predicted that unemployment will fall to 4.9 percent in the future, resulting in more skills shortages and so making the case for reducing levels of immigration that much more difficult to justify.
Future immigration changes will favour people with degree level education and good English. If you are a tradesperson or do not have good enough English to meet the new requirements you may wish to consider applying for immigration before the changes take place.
Australia immigration changes will help older workers, graduates and fluent English speakers
In July 2011, Australia will implement significant changes to its points based Australian immigration system. One important change is that people up to the age of 49 will now be able to apply for skilled immigration to Australia.
If you are a tradesperson and/or you are not so fluent in English it may be worth applying now. If you are a graduate with excellent English and in your mid to late 40s you may benefit from the July 2011 changes; Australian immigration realizes that many people in their mid to late 40s are just reaching the peak of their careers.
The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) welcomed the increased age limit, stating that the planned changes are "reflecting both shifts in the workforce age and the Australian value of fairness."
The Australian economy stands to gain significantly from increased immigration. Unemployment is expected to fall in many parts of Australia, leading to skills shortages; This means that Australia will have to allow in more overseas workers.
Australia has a skilled immigration policy that in recent years has attracted hundreds of thousands of skilled immigrants to Australia. The new changes from July 2011 will make it more difficult for tradespeople and for those who are not fluent in English to emigrate to Australia.
Australia has benefitted enormously be letting in both tradespeople and professional level people. The emphasis on immigration of professional level workers in preference to tradespeople may not be in the long term interests of Australia. On the other hand allowing more people in their forties to emigrate to Australia is probably in the long term interests of Australia.
If you are a tradesperson and/or you are not so fluent in English it may be worth applying now. If you are a graduate with excellent English and in your mid to late 40s you may benefit from the July 2011 changes; Australian immigration realizes that many people in their mid to late 40s are just reaching the peak of their careers.
The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) welcomed the increased age limit, stating that the planned changes are "reflecting both shifts in the workforce age and the Australian value of fairness."
The Australian economy stands to gain significantly from increased immigration. Unemployment is expected to fall in many parts of Australia, leading to skills shortages; This means that Australia will have to allow in more overseas workers.
Australia has a skilled immigration policy that in recent years has attracted hundreds of thousands of skilled immigrants to Australia. The new changes from July 2011 will make it more difficult for tradespeople and for those who are not fluent in English to emigrate to Australia.
Australia has benefitted enormously be letting in both tradespeople and professional level people. The emphasis on immigration of professional level workers in preference to tradespeople may not be in the long term interests of Australia. On the other hand allowing more people in their forties to emigrate to Australia is probably in the long term interests of Australia.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
European Educational Consultants by European Connections
European Educational Consultants by European Connections: "Concise Ad title will improve the chance of being clicked. So, to make your Ad easily searchable"
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
New 'Entrepreneur Visa' to be announced by the UK
The UK Government is expected to announce a new "entrepreneur visa" aimed at attracting investor-backed businessmen who wish to immigrate to the UK to start high-tech companies. The goal is to better position London as a hot-bed for startups; The UK Government hopes that East London will become the "Silicon Valley" of the UK.
The United States, particularly the San Fransisco Bay area, is known for its leading position in encouraging high-tech innovation, something the UK hopes to emulate. Europe in general is often seen as lagging behind America in encouraging entrepreneurship, particularly in the technology arena.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron is announced plans for the new entrepreneur visa on 4 November 2010, which if successful will transform part of East London into a High Tech Centre; Investors include companies such as Google, Intel, and Facebook.
Businessmen applying for an entrepreneur visa are expected to have significant backing from investors for their new business. How much investment will be required remains to be seen.
The new visa announcement comes at a time when the UK Border Agency has a cap on highly skilled immigration. Many would say that making it easier for people to come into the UK on a Tier 1 Visa or Tier 2 Visa would do much more to encourage innovation and investment in the UK than a new high-tech area in East London.
It also remains to be seen just how this new visa will be integrated into the UK's existing tiered immigration system.
The United States, particularly the San Fransisco Bay area, is known for its leading position in encouraging high-tech innovation, something the UK hopes to emulate. Europe in general is often seen as lagging behind America in encouraging entrepreneurship, particularly in the technology arena.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron is announced plans for the new entrepreneur visa on 4 November 2010, which if successful will transform part of East London into a High Tech Centre; Investors include companies such as Google, Intel, and Facebook.
Businessmen applying for an entrepreneur visa are expected to have significant backing from investors for their new business. How much investment will be required remains to be seen.
The new visa announcement comes at a time when the UK Border Agency has a cap on highly skilled immigration. Many would say that making it easier for people to come into the UK on a Tier 1 Visa or Tier 2 Visa would do much more to encourage innovation and investment in the UK than a new high-tech area in East London.
It also remains to be seen just how this new visa will be integrated into the UK's existing tiered immigration system.
Home Secretary vows to reduce UK immigration numbers
In her first major speech on immigration, UK Home Secretary Theresa May stated that her goal was to bring in more high-value migrants to the UK, such as investors and research scientists, while at the same time encouraging employers to fill vacant jobs with local unemployed workers.
"The government intends to control immigration by focusing on all aspects of the immigration system, not just the points-based system," May said.
"So over the coming months action will be taken on students, families and settlement as well as people coming here to work," she added.
According to a statement released by the UK Border Agency, her priorities include:
encouraging entrepreneurs and investors to come to the UK
stopping abuse of the student visa route
'cutting the link' between temporary immigration and permanentsettlement
Encouraging entrepreneurs to come to the UK may come in the form of a new business visa announced recently.
May concluded her speech by stating that net migration will be reduced from the current level of hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands by the end of the Parliamentary term.
"It will take hard work and a great deal of political courage. But the British people want us to do it and it is the right thing to do. So we will do it," she said.
It looks as if UK immigration will become more difficult in future, you should seriously consider applying now before the changes.
"The government intends to control immigration by focusing on all aspects of the immigration system, not just the points-based system," May said.
"So over the coming months action will be taken on students, families and settlement as well as people coming here to work," she added.
According to a statement released by the UK Border Agency, her priorities include:
encouraging entrepreneurs and investors to come to the UK
stopping abuse of the student visa route
'cutting the link' between temporary immigration and permanentsettlement
Encouraging entrepreneurs to come to the UK may come in the form of a new business visa announced recently.
May concluded her speech by stating that net migration will be reduced from the current level of hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands by the end of the Parliamentary term.
"It will take hard work and a great deal of political courage. But the British people want us to do it and it is the right thing to do. So we will do it," she said.
It looks as if UK immigration will become more difficult in future, you should seriously consider applying now before the changes.
UK: New English language requirements for partners from 29 November 2010
Starting 29 November 2010, migrants who are the spouse or partner of a British citizen or resident and who wish to live in the UK will be required to prove that they can speak and understand English.
The new immigration rules will affect the spouse or partner of a British citizen or resident from countries outside the European Economic Area (including Switzerland).
To prove English language ability, you will need to show one of the following:
come from a majority English-speaking country; or
pass an acceptable English language test approved by the UK Border Agency (UKBA); or
have a degree taught in English which is accepted by the UKBA.
The UKBA accepts the following countries as being majority English-speaking countries:
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
the Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
the United States of America
If you have a bachelors degree taught in English determined by UK NARIC to be equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree this will meet the English language requirements. The UKBA will not accept Master's degrees or PhD degrees taught in English as evidence of English ability because UK NARIC can only assess whether Bachelor's degrees were taught in English. It also seems to be the case that in future it will be more difficult to meet the English language requirements for those applying under say the Tier 1 visa or Tier 2 visa of the points based system. It will no longer be the case that Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa applicants will be able to show English language ability by having a Masters Degree or PhD taught in English.
If you are affected by these changes and you wish to immigrate to the UK as a partner of a British citizen or resident you may want to apply for a visa before the changes go into effect.
workpermit.com can help you with your application. We have over 22 years experience helping people from all over the world live and work in the UK. Please contact us for more information.
The new immigration rules will affect the spouse or partner of a British citizen or resident from countries outside the European Economic Area (including Switzerland).
To prove English language ability, you will need to show one of the following:
come from a majority English-speaking country; or
pass an acceptable English language test approved by the UK Border Agency (UKBA); or
have a degree taught in English which is accepted by the UKBA.
The UKBA accepts the following countries as being majority English-speaking countries:
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
the Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
the United States of America
If you have a bachelors degree taught in English determined by UK NARIC to be equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree this will meet the English language requirements. The UKBA will not accept Master's degrees or PhD degrees taught in English as evidence of English ability because UK NARIC can only assess whether Bachelor's degrees were taught in English. It also seems to be the case that in future it will be more difficult to meet the English language requirements for those applying under say the Tier 1 visa or Tier 2 visa of the points based system. It will no longer be the case that Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa applicants will be able to show English language ability by having a Masters Degree or PhD taught in English.
If you are affected by these changes and you wish to immigrate to the UK as a partner of a British citizen or resident you may want to apply for a visa before the changes go into effect.
workpermit.com can help you with your application. We have over 22 years experience helping people from all over the world live and work in the UK. Please contact us for more information.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
UK Tier 1 visas issued again from 1 November
The UK Border Agency has started issuing Tier 1 (General) Visas again from 1 November 2010.
On 19 July 2010, the UK Government introduced an interim limit on the number of initial Tier 1 (General) Visa applications that can be issued each month; On 20 October 2010 the monthly limit had been reached and the UK Government stopped issuing Tier 1 (General) Visas.
As of 01 November, the Government is again issuing Tier 1 General Visas. Applicants who were put on hold due to the limit will now be processed in the order in which their visa application was received.
Tier 1 (General) is part of the UK's points-based immigration system. Applicants are scored on criteria such as age, past earnings, and qualifications. If you are a highly skilled individual, you may be eligible to receive a visa which will allow you to work for any employer in the UK or be self-employed. A job-offer from a UK employer is not required under the Tier 1 (General) visa.
Due to the new interim limit on Tier 1 (General) Visa applications, Tier 1 General Visa processing times are likely to go up in future. If you wish to avoid future delays in the processing of your visa application it would advisable to apply sooner rather than later.
workpermit.com has over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the immigration process and live and work in the UK. If you would like some help with your application, please fill out our Tier 1 (General) form and a workpermit.com representative will contact you shortly.
On 19 July 2010, the UK Government introduced an interim limit on the number of initial Tier 1 (General) Visa applications that can be issued each month; On 20 October 2010 the monthly limit had been reached and the UK Government stopped issuing Tier 1 (General) Visas.
As of 01 November, the Government is again issuing Tier 1 General Visas. Applicants who were put on hold due to the limit will now be processed in the order in which their visa application was received.
Tier 1 (General) is part of the UK's points-based immigration system. Applicants are scored on criteria such as age, past earnings, and qualifications. If you are a highly skilled individual, you may be eligible to receive a visa which will allow you to work for any employer in the UK or be self-employed. A job-offer from a UK employer is not required under the Tier 1 (General) visa.
Due to the new interim limit on Tier 1 (General) Visa applications, Tier 1 General Visa processing times are likely to go up in future. If you wish to avoid future delays in the processing of your visa application it would advisable to apply sooner rather than later.
workpermit.com has over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the immigration process and live and work in the UK. If you would like some help with your application, please fill out our Tier 1 (General) form and a workpermit.com representative will contact you shortly.
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