Australian immigration from 1 July 2012 will be introducing significant changes to their skilled migration program. If you wish to come under the current skilled immigration programme you should apply for a skills assessment as soon as possible. You need to be ready with your skills assessment and, have passed the English language test before you can submit your immigration application.
Australian immigration's new skilled worker program will be called the Skilled Migrant Selection Register, known as SkillSelect. This is similar to the New Zealand immigration system; You will have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The SkillSelect will work as an electronic two-stage process where prospective visa applicants first submit a claim for skilled migration through an online EOI. Following this, they may then be invited to submit an Australian visa application on the basis of their EOI.
Beginning 1 July 2012, all new prospective Australian skilled migration visa applicants will have to submit an EOI and wait for an invitation before they can lodge their visa application. For those who have lodged a visa application before that date, Australian immigration will process the application in accordance with any priority processing direction in effect at that time.
Australian visa applicants will be selected based on their points test score in a number of selection criteria. All prospective visa applicants will be required to meet the relevant English language requirements and obtain the necessary skills assessment prior to their EOI submission.
The SkillSelect system will affect applicants for the following Australian skilled visas:
•Independent Skilled Migration (subclasses 175 and 885)
•State Sponsored Skilled Migration (subclasses 176 and 886)
•Business Skills (subclasses 132, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 890, 891, 892, 893)
•Employer Nomination Scheme (subclasses 121 and 856)
•Regional Sponsored Nomination Scheme (subclasses 119 and 857)
•Subclass 457 Temporary Business (Long Stay) visa (subclass 457)
Remember if you wish to apply for a skilled immigration visa you should start preparing now so that you are ready to submit your application before 1 July 2012.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Canadian immigration to investigate citizenship fraud
Canada is carrying out the biggest citizenship-fraud crackdown in its history, Canadian Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced last week. The Canadian government is now investigating 6,500 people from more than 100 countries for their allegedly fraudulent attempts to become Canadian citizens or maintain permanent resident status.
In order to become a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident is required to have lived in Canada for three years in a four-year period. In order to retain your status as a permanent resident, you must be physically present in Canada for two years out of a five-year period.
"This is by far — by many orders of magnitude — the largest enforcement action ever taken in the history of Canadian citizenship," said Kenney. "Canadian citizenship is not for sale."
According to Kenney, Canada is seeking to revoke citizenship for more than 2,100 people; Canadian immigration officials are monitoring 4,400 permanent residents believed to be involved in residence fraud in case they try to obtain Canadian citizenship.
Kenney said nearly 1,400 of these individuals, most of whom are outside the country, have since withdrawn or abandoned their citizenship applications because of the heightened scrutiny. Since the Citizenship Act came into force in 1947 more than sixty years ago, Canada has revoked just 67 citizenships.
"Our intention is not to make it too difficult for law-abiding people to become citizens," Kenney added. "We have a very fair and relatively easy process, but the whole point here is, for those people who legally obtain it, we must protect its value."
In order to become a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident is required to have lived in Canada for three years in a four-year period. In order to retain your status as a permanent resident, you must be physically present in Canada for two years out of a five-year period.
"This is by far — by many orders of magnitude — the largest enforcement action ever taken in the history of Canadian citizenship," said Kenney. "Canadian citizenship is not for sale."
According to Kenney, Canada is seeking to revoke citizenship for more than 2,100 people; Canadian immigration officials are monitoring 4,400 permanent residents believed to be involved in residence fraud in case they try to obtain Canadian citizenship.
Kenney said nearly 1,400 of these individuals, most of whom are outside the country, have since withdrawn or abandoned their citizenship applications because of the heightened scrutiny. Since the Citizenship Act came into force in 1947 more than sixty years ago, Canada has revoked just 67 citizenships.
"Our intention is not to make it too difficult for law-abiding people to become citizens," Kenney added. "We have a very fair and relatively easy process, but the whole point here is, for those people who legally obtain it, we must protect its value."
UK immigration loophole allows Eurostar passengers to skip border checks
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) is facing further immigration issues following news of a legal loophole that allows individuals to enter the UK without going through passport checks.
The bypass is being called the 'Lille Loophole'. Eurostar train passengers are able to buy a ticket from Brussels to Lille, but can then continue to travel right through to London and bypass border checks. UK Immigration Minister Damian Green has commented on the situation saying that the loophole cannot be closed without international help.
The UKBA only operates immigration border checks in the country of departure, so a passenger who purchases a Lille bound ticket could remain on the train without being checked. The UK Border Agency said that 'tighter controls' will have to be introduced to stop Eurostar passengers from entering the UK without passport checks.
"There are strict UK Immigration controls in place in France and Belgium and we have UKBA officers based at St. Pancras to target those that we believe are intent on entering Britain illegally. We are working closely with our Belgian counterparts and Eurostar to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," said Green.
The bypass is being called the 'Lille Loophole'. Eurostar train passengers are able to buy a ticket from Brussels to Lille, but can then continue to travel right through to London and bypass border checks. UK Immigration Minister Damian Green has commented on the situation saying that the loophole cannot be closed without international help.
The UKBA only operates immigration border checks in the country of departure, so a passenger who purchases a Lille bound ticket could remain on the train without being checked. The UK Border Agency said that 'tighter controls' will have to be introduced to stop Eurostar passengers from entering the UK without passport checks.
"There are strict UK Immigration controls in place in France and Belgium and we have UKBA officers based at St. Pancras to target those that we believe are intent on entering Britain illegally. We are working closely with our Belgian counterparts and Eurostar to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," said Green.
Canadian Immigration to increase Federal Skilled Worker Program quota
The Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) have announced they plan to accept even more immigrants under the Federal Skilled Worker program in 2012.
In its report to the Parliament of Canada, CIC has indicated that in 2010 they admitted over 280,000 immigrants, an increase of over 11.3 percent over the previous year, and the highest number of immigrants in the last 50 years. Around 67 percent of those admitted were economic immigrants with 40 percent of these being Federal Skilled workers.
In 2012, Canadian immigration plans to accept 55,000–57,000 Federal Skilled Workers, which is up from 47,000–47,400 in 2011. The Canadian government stressed that these additional numbers will help meet market demand, as well as reduce the backlog of applicants for the skilled worker immigration program from previous years.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is Canada's most popular immigration route for immigrants to obtain permanent residency. Under this program, potential candidates are awarded points for their ability to adapt and contribute to Canada's economic development. In order to be eligible you must either:
•have a job offer with an eligible employer;
•have been legally residing in Canada for at least one year as a temporary foreign worker or an international student; or
•be a skilled worker with at least one year of experience in one or more eligible Canadian skilled occupations within the last ten years.
In a recent speech, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney expressed his optimism about the program and about Canadian immigration, "The government's number one priority remains the economy. We recognize the importance of immigration to our labour market and we value the contributions of skilled immigrants who add to our international competitiveness."
Canadian immigration completed an extensive review of the Federal Skilled Worker Program in 2010, which seemed to suggest that the program was working well and was leading to the selection of immigrants who perform well economically. The report also found that 89 percent of Federal Skilled Workers were employed or self-employed three years after landing in Canada. This would appear to suggest a strong continuing need for skilled immigrants in Canada.
"CIC will continue to ramp up efforts to modernize our immigration system to make it more nimble and responsive to labour market needs," said Kenney.
In its report to the Parliament of Canada, CIC has indicated that in 2010 they admitted over 280,000 immigrants, an increase of over 11.3 percent over the previous year, and the highest number of immigrants in the last 50 years. Around 67 percent of those admitted were economic immigrants with 40 percent of these being Federal Skilled workers.
In 2012, Canadian immigration plans to accept 55,000–57,000 Federal Skilled Workers, which is up from 47,000–47,400 in 2011. The Canadian government stressed that these additional numbers will help meet market demand, as well as reduce the backlog of applicants for the skilled worker immigration program from previous years.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is Canada's most popular immigration route for immigrants to obtain permanent residency. Under this program, potential candidates are awarded points for their ability to adapt and contribute to Canada's economic development. In order to be eligible you must either:
•have a job offer with an eligible employer;
•have been legally residing in Canada for at least one year as a temporary foreign worker or an international student; or
•be a skilled worker with at least one year of experience in one or more eligible Canadian skilled occupations within the last ten years.
In a recent speech, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney expressed his optimism about the program and about Canadian immigration, "The government's number one priority remains the economy. We recognize the importance of immigration to our labour market and we value the contributions of skilled immigrants who add to our international competitiveness."
Canadian immigration completed an extensive review of the Federal Skilled Worker Program in 2010, which seemed to suggest that the program was working well and was leading to the selection of immigrants who perform well economically. The report also found that 89 percent of Federal Skilled Workers were employed or self-employed three years after landing in Canada. This would appear to suggest a strong continuing need for skilled immigrants in Canada.
"CIC will continue to ramp up efforts to modernize our immigration system to make it more nimble and responsive to labour market needs," said Kenney.
New visa policy for entertainment industry workers in New Zealand
New Zealand's immigration department announced they will grant foreign entertainment industry workers easier access to New Zealand work visas if they are working for less than 14 days; It will not be necessary to seek the consent of local unions or guilds in this situation.
Currently unions and guilds (associations of workers in the same industry) have the right to object to foreign entertainment workers coming into New Zealand, if they believe a local actor could fill the role. The new policy, passed in September, and set to come into effect in March, means overseas entertainment workers no longer have to apply to unions and guilds for approval to enter the country on temporary contracts that are less than 14 days in duration.
Beginning in March, there will be two different New Zealand work visa application streams for entertainment workers: a streamlined process, without any guild or union referral, for applicants working in New Zealand less than two weeks; and another stream for other workers staying longer than two weeks that would be subject to industry-led labour market testing. Most applicants will qualify under the first stream.
The changes to New Zealand's immigration policy have left local unions and guilds fearing the new law will limit employment chances for local actors and musicians.
But the Government says it is streamlining the system and cited "ongoing concerns by big studios in Los Angeles" that New Zealand had become more difficult to do business with because of the immigration process.
In a recent statement, New Zealand Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman said the changes are being made to provide a simpler, more streamlined system.
"The existing policy is out-dated. It's been in place for 20 years and the entertainment industry has grown hugely over that time," he said. "We are removing a redundant, bureaucratic process which only served to make New Zealand a less attractive place for the screen and entertainment industry to do business."
"The economic activity and jobs generated are likely to outweigh any missed opportunities for Kiwi crew members and performers," said Coleman.
Currently unions and guilds (associations of workers in the same industry) have the right to object to foreign entertainment workers coming into New Zealand, if they believe a local actor could fill the role. The new policy, passed in September, and set to come into effect in March, means overseas entertainment workers no longer have to apply to unions and guilds for approval to enter the country on temporary contracts that are less than 14 days in duration.
Beginning in March, there will be two different New Zealand work visa application streams for entertainment workers: a streamlined process, without any guild or union referral, for applicants working in New Zealand less than two weeks; and another stream for other workers staying longer than two weeks that would be subject to industry-led labour market testing. Most applicants will qualify under the first stream.
The changes to New Zealand's immigration policy have left local unions and guilds fearing the new law will limit employment chances for local actors and musicians.
But the Government says it is streamlining the system and cited "ongoing concerns by big studios in Los Angeles" that New Zealand had become more difficult to do business with because of the immigration process.
In a recent statement, New Zealand Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman said the changes are being made to provide a simpler, more streamlined system.
"The existing policy is out-dated. It's been in place for 20 years and the entertainment industry has grown hugely over that time," he said. "We are removing a redundant, bureaucratic process which only served to make New Zealand a less attractive place for the screen and entertainment industry to do business."
"The economic activity and jobs generated are likely to outweigh any missed opportunities for Kiwi crew members and performers," said Coleman.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Immigration New Zealand to implement new online visa system
Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman announced a significant government investment in Immigration New Zealand's IT system will help attract more skilled immigrants and boost security.
Coleman said the New Zealand government would be contributing NZ$75 million towards the new IT system.
"The existing IT system is over 15 years old and is reaching the end of its technological lifespan. The cost of even simple changes is high and cannot be maintained over the long term. It's also significantly impairing our ability to provide standards of service and security comparable to other nations," said Coleman.
The new Immigration Global Management System (IGMS) will provide a secure system that enables more online processing and automation of simple tasks for visa applicants and employers. The new immigration system will also provide biometric capability and allow all data to be accessed by Immigration New Zealand offices worldwide.
''This IT initiative is a major step up in INZ's ability to provide timely, responsive and secure immigration services,'' said Coleman. ''We are competing worldwide to recruit skilled and talented people, and a new system will help speed up the processing of visa applications and allow applicants to do more online. Providing a fast and modern service is critical in attracting skilled migrants who can help grow the economy."
Applicants applying for New Zealand visas will also have their own individual online immigration accounts that will enable them to apply online and track their applications.
Implementation of the new immigration system is scheduled to begin in early 2012.
Coleman said the New Zealand government would be contributing NZ$75 million towards the new IT system.
"The existing IT system is over 15 years old and is reaching the end of its technological lifespan. The cost of even simple changes is high and cannot be maintained over the long term. It's also significantly impairing our ability to provide standards of service and security comparable to other nations," said Coleman.
The new Immigration Global Management System (IGMS) will provide a secure system that enables more online processing and automation of simple tasks for visa applicants and employers. The new immigration system will also provide biometric capability and allow all data to be accessed by Immigration New Zealand offices worldwide.
''This IT initiative is a major step up in INZ's ability to provide timely, responsive and secure immigration services,'' said Coleman. ''We are competing worldwide to recruit skilled and talented people, and a new system will help speed up the processing of visa applications and allow applicants to do more online. Providing a fast and modern service is critical in attracting skilled migrants who can help grow the economy."
Applicants applying for New Zealand visas will also have their own individual online immigration accounts that will enable them to apply online and track their applications.
Implementation of the new immigration system is scheduled to begin in early 2012.
UK to charge for immigration and asylum appeals beginning next week
UK Immigration has announced that the Ministry of Justice will be introducing fee charges for some asylum and immigration appeals beginning 19 December 2011.
Immigrants or asylum seekers who want to appeal against a decision notice dated 19 December 2011 or later will need to pay a fee. The appeal fee will apply to most categories of UK visas and decisions. This will not affect any decision notices that are dated before 19 December.
Appeals may be made in some types of visa application if you think that UK immigration officials have made an error in refusing your visa application.
Also, from 19 December individuals will need to lodge their appeals at the tribunal in the UK.
UK immigration will no longer accept appeals at any overseas UK visa application centres.
Any exemptions to the fees will be outlined by the UK Ministry of Justice and full guidance about the changes will be published on 19 December 2011.
Immigrants or asylum seekers who want to appeal against a decision notice dated 19 December 2011 or later will need to pay a fee. The appeal fee will apply to most categories of UK visas and decisions. This will not affect any decision notices that are dated before 19 December.
Appeals may be made in some types of visa application if you think that UK immigration officials have made an error in refusing your visa application.
Also, from 19 December individuals will need to lodge their appeals at the tribunal in the UK.
UK immigration will no longer accept appeals at any overseas UK visa application centres.
Any exemptions to the fees will be outlined by the UK Ministry of Justice and full guidance about the changes will be published on 19 December 2011.
UK immigration no longer accepting Tier visa paper applications
Please note, beginning 12 December 2011, all UK visa applications under the points-based immigration system will need to be made online. This includes all UK Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4, and Tier 5 visa applications. The UK Border Agency will no longer accept paper based visa applications under the points-based immigration system. All applications must be completed online.
Additionally, all appointments at a UK visa application centre will need to be made online.
Additionally, all appointments at a UK visa application centre will need to be made online.
US immigration allows bundling of US L-1 work visa applications
USCIS announced that if petitioners bundle US L-1 work visa applications for multiple L-1 workers related to the same project, where the location and the specialized knowledge duties of the applicants are the same, USCIS will consider them together.
USCIS has recently stated that they recognize that businesses often need to temporarily move several skilled workers with specialized knowledge to the US for particular projects. While each L-1 work visa application will be considered on its own merits, bundling multiple US immigration applications together for the same project may streamline and make the review process easier.
The US L-1 work visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows companies operating abroad to transfer specialized skills level employees and managers from its foreign operations to their US operations for up to seven years. The employee must have worked for the company abroad for at least one continuous year out of the last three years.
In addition, USCIS said forms filed for an applicant's dependents can be included in the bundle. USCIS will also consider petitions for L-1A managers included with the bundle if applicants will be managing the L-1B beneficiaries who will be working on the project.
However, it is important to note, each L-1 work visa application must be fully completed and paid for and must include supporting evidence.
USCIS has recently stated that they recognize that businesses often need to temporarily move several skilled workers with specialized knowledge to the US for particular projects. While each L-1 work visa application will be considered on its own merits, bundling multiple US immigration applications together for the same project may streamline and make the review process easier.
The US L-1 work visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows companies operating abroad to transfer specialized skills level employees and managers from its foreign operations to their US operations for up to seven years. The employee must have worked for the company abroad for at least one continuous year out of the last three years.
In addition, USCIS said forms filed for an applicant's dependents can be included in the bundle. USCIS will also consider petitions for L-1A managers included with the bundle if applicants will be managing the L-1B beneficiaries who will be working on the project.
However, it is important to note, each L-1 work visa application must be fully completed and paid for and must include supporting evidence.
US official says US visitor visas are in high demand
While US tourism leaders are pushing for reduced wait times for processing visitor visa applications for foreign visitors, a US Commerce Department official said last week that the State Department has already made progress in accommodating the record demand for US visitor visas.
Acting director of the US Office of Travel and Tourism Industries for the Commerce Department, Isabel Hill, said while demand has intensified in major emerging economies like Brazil, China, India and Mexico, the number of US visas issued are up by triple- and double-digit percentages since 2005.
According to Hill the US State Department is expecting to review 8.5 million US visa applications in the current fiscal year, 4 percent more than the record 8.1 million in the 2008 fiscal year. She said US visa issuances are up 234 percent in Brazil, 124 percent in China, 51 percent in India and 24 percent in Mexico since the 2005 fiscal year.
The US State Department is on target to process 41 percent more US visas in Brazil and 34 percent more in China this year compared with last year. Notably, the US also opened two new US visa centers in these countries this year.
"We can't just go into a country and set up an embassy and take applications," she said while explaining that part of the solution is in the diplomatic process. Additionally, other issues remain in the negotiation of agreements with foreign governments to enable more visitors to the US.
The US State Department also plans to open a new consulate facility and expand other operations in China, increasing capacity by more than 50 percent. They are also adding 90 new US immigration officers in China and Brazil over a two-year period and will add temporary officers to manage peak summer demand.
Acting director of the US Office of Travel and Tourism Industries for the Commerce Department, Isabel Hill, said while demand has intensified in major emerging economies like Brazil, China, India and Mexico, the number of US visas issued are up by triple- and double-digit percentages since 2005.
According to Hill the US State Department is expecting to review 8.5 million US visa applications in the current fiscal year, 4 percent more than the record 8.1 million in the 2008 fiscal year. She said US visa issuances are up 234 percent in Brazil, 124 percent in China, 51 percent in India and 24 percent in Mexico since the 2005 fiscal year.
The US State Department is on target to process 41 percent more US visas in Brazil and 34 percent more in China this year compared with last year. Notably, the US also opened two new US visa centers in these countries this year.
"We can't just go into a country and set up an embassy and take applications," she said while explaining that part of the solution is in the diplomatic process. Additionally, other issues remain in the negotiation of agreements with foreign governments to enable more visitors to the US.
The US State Department also plans to open a new consulate facility and expand other operations in China, increasing capacity by more than 50 percent. They are also adding 90 new US immigration officers in China and Brazil over a two-year period and will add temporary officers to manage peak summer demand.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Australian Immigration to change visa fees beginning in 2012 - Skilled workers apply now!
Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, announced today that the immigration department will implement a new visa fee system starting in 2012. Student visas will see a decrease in visa costs while other visas will see an increase in visa application fees.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said that the new visa fee system will be put in place to ensure taxpayers are no longer subsidising visa applications as the current fees do not cover the entire cost of processing the applications. The new visa fees will go into effect from 1 January 2012.
"These changes will bring Australia's visa application charge structures in line with comparable countries. The user-pays approach means that taxpayers will no longer need to subsidise visa applicants," said Bowen.
Student visa application fees will decrease by 5 percent in an attempt to increase the competitiveness of Australia's international education sector. Fees for a range of Skills and Business immigration visas will increase by between 5 percent and 15 percent.
Additionally, the Australian government will also introduce a fee for dependants of visa applicants. At present, there is no visa application charge if you apply as student dependents.
"If people are bringing family members with them to Australia, the fee will reflect the additional processing and checks for these family members," said Bowen. He also stated the changes are projected to generate about $613 million over the next four years in revenue.
The following applicants will be unaffected by the fee changes:
Refugee and humanitarian visa applicants
Citizenship applicants
Postgraduate research students
Australian sponsoring businesses
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said that the new visa fee system will be put in place to ensure taxpayers are no longer subsidising visa applications as the current fees do not cover the entire cost of processing the applications. The new visa fees will go into effect from 1 January 2012.
"These changes will bring Australia's visa application charge structures in line with comparable countries. The user-pays approach means that taxpayers will no longer need to subsidise visa applicants," said Bowen.
Student visa application fees will decrease by 5 percent in an attempt to increase the competitiveness of Australia's international education sector. Fees for a range of Skills and Business immigration visas will increase by between 5 percent and 15 percent.
Additionally, the Australian government will also introduce a fee for dependants of visa applicants. At present, there is no visa application charge if you apply as student dependents.
"If people are bringing family members with them to Australia, the fee will reflect the additional processing and checks for these family members," said Bowen. He also stated the changes are projected to generate about $613 million over the next four years in revenue.
The following applicants will be unaffected by the fee changes:
Refugee and humanitarian visa applicants
Citizenship applicants
Postgraduate research students
Australian sponsoring businesses
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