Beginning 1 July 2012, Australian immigration will be introducing huge changes to their skilled migration program. This represents the most dramatic change to the Australian immigration system in many, many years. It is expected that under the Australian immigration system fewer people will qualify and processing times will be longer. 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. In order to apply, 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, applicants may then be invited to submit an Australian visa application on the basis of their EOI.
This is a really significant change from the current Australian immigration system. It is likely that fewer people will qualify under the new scheme because under the new scheme you will not only need to gain enough points but, in addition, Australia immigration will decide whether or not you will be allowed to submit an application. This is compared to the current system wherein if you gain enough points under the particular visa scheme you are likely to get in.
From 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. However, unlike now you will have to also be approved by SkillSelect to obtain your visa. This brings in greater uncertainty compared to the current system.
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.
Once the new system in implemented, SkillSelect will begin issuing invitations to eligible applicants in August 2012. Invitations will be issued to the highest ranking EOIs in descending order. The date and time of submission of the completed EOI may be used to separate those who score equally, so apply as soon as possible. Australian immigration will also announce a cap for occupations to limit how many people are selected from a certain occupation group. This ensures that the migration program is not dominated by a narrow range of occupations.
Monday, January 23, 2012
UK Tier 4 Student visa & Tier 1 visa changes coming soon - apply now!
The UK immigration has issued new information regarding inspections and reviews for Tier 4 student visa sponsors. There are also major changes coming to the Tier 4 and Tier 1 visas.
All current Tier 4 sponsors must be inspected by the appropriate reviewing body in order to retain their sponsorship status. These inspections and reviews will take place throughout 2012, and the results of each inspection or review will be published on the website of the appropriate educational oversight body. If the Tier 4 visa sponsor fails to achieve a satisfactory inspection outcome they may no longer be able to sponsor international students under Tier 4 of UK immigration's points-based system.
In particular these changes are likely to affect those looking to sponsor international students under Tier 4 of the Points Based System. More importantly though, beginning 1 April 2012, the following major changes will be made to the Tier 4 Student Visa and to the Tier 1 Visa:
Work placements will be restricted to one-third of the course, unless the course is at degree level and the sponsor is a higher education institution or the student is on a study abroad programme.
Tier 4 visa holders will be limited to the time they can spend at degree level to 5 years, with certain exemptions for longer courses and doctorates at higher education institutions.
Tier 1 Post-study work will be CLOSED from 1 April 2012. UK immigration will still offer visas through Tier 2 of the points-based system for graduates. In most cases only graduates who have an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer under Tier 2 of the points-based system will be able to stay and work in the UK
All current Tier 4 sponsors must be inspected by the appropriate reviewing body in order to retain their sponsorship status. These inspections and reviews will take place throughout 2012, and the results of each inspection or review will be published on the website of the appropriate educational oversight body. If the Tier 4 visa sponsor fails to achieve a satisfactory inspection outcome they may no longer be able to sponsor international students under Tier 4 of UK immigration's points-based system.
In particular these changes are likely to affect those looking to sponsor international students under Tier 4 of the Points Based System. More importantly though, beginning 1 April 2012, the following major changes will be made to the Tier 4 Student Visa and to the Tier 1 Visa:
Work placements will be restricted to one-third of the course, unless the course is at degree level and the sponsor is a higher education institution or the student is on a study abroad programme.
Tier 4 visa holders will be limited to the time they can spend at degree level to 5 years, with certain exemptions for longer courses and doctorates at higher education institutions.
Tier 1 Post-study work will be CLOSED from 1 April 2012. UK immigration will still offer visas through Tier 2 of the points-based system for graduates. In most cases only graduates who have an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer under Tier 2 of the points-based system will be able to stay and work in the UK
New Immigration Group created to welcome immigrants and refugees to Canada
A new immigration group was launched in Canada last week comprising of local service providers, health care representatives, business people and politicians. The new Immigration Partnership Council will help immigrants and refugees integrate into Canadian life.
The group brainstormed ideas on how to best assist new immigrants and refugees to become part of the community for two years. Last Friday, the group officially launched their immigration council in Kitchener, Ontario.
This immigration organization aims to help immigrants and refugees settle, work and integrate into the community; It is one of 45 immigration councils across the province. The region's council has a budget of $680,000 for the next two years funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Region of Waterloo and the United Way of Kitchener Waterloo and Area.
Immigration Partnership Council manager, Arran Rowles noted that the local immigration partnership is important because it connects new foreign immigrants with the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network through free seminars and networking events and by offering internship and mentoring programs.
Currently, 22 percent of the region's population are immigrants or refugees; That number is expected to increase to 30 percent by 2031, according to the Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre.
On 6 February a discussion will be held on how to best welcome immigrants and refugees to Canada followed by a forum on March 26 about how immigrants can take part in civic leadership.
The group brainstormed ideas on how to best assist new immigrants and refugees to become part of the community for two years. Last Friday, the group officially launched their immigration council in Kitchener, Ontario.
This immigration organization aims to help immigrants and refugees settle, work and integrate into the community; It is one of 45 immigration councils across the province. The region's council has a budget of $680,000 for the next two years funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Region of Waterloo and the United Way of Kitchener Waterloo and Area.
Immigration Partnership Council manager, Arran Rowles noted that the local immigration partnership is important because it connects new foreign immigrants with the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network through free seminars and networking events and by offering internship and mentoring programs.
Currently, 22 percent of the region's population are immigrants or refugees; That number is expected to increase to 30 percent by 2031, according to the Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre.
On 6 February a discussion will be held on how to best welcome immigrants and refugees to Canada followed by a forum on March 26 about how immigrants can take part in civic leadership.
Russia promises visa-free travel for all World Cup ticket holders in 2018
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced this week that Russia would allow visa-free travel for fans at the 2018 World Cup. Putin discussed the visa-free arrangements with FIFA president Sepp Blatter and his UEFA counterpart Michel Platini.
"Russia has decided to let in all the fans for the 2018 World Cup if they have tickets," Putin said during the meeting with top World Cup executives. "What's more, we are even considering the option of letting fans use their tickets to travel between host cities for free."
FIFA president Blatter said it would be "tremendous" for fans to be able to bypass the normal Russian visa procedures.
UEFA's Platini added that he was currently working on allowing for visa-free travel with Poland and Ukraine - the twin hosts of this year's Euro championship.
"The problem with entry visas is a political problem," said Platini. "We need an agreement between Ukraine and Poland so that there are no difficulties for the fans."
"Russia has decided to let in all the fans for the 2018 World Cup if they have tickets," Putin said during the meeting with top World Cup executives. "What's more, we are even considering the option of letting fans use their tickets to travel between host cities for free."
FIFA president Blatter said it would be "tremendous" for fans to be able to bypass the normal Russian visa procedures.
UEFA's Platini added that he was currently working on allowing for visa-free travel with Poland and Ukraine - the twin hosts of this year's Euro championship.
"The problem with entry visas is a political problem," said Platini. "We need an agreement between Ukraine and Poland so that there are no difficulties for the fans."
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
London most popular immigration destination for foreign professionals
UK immigration officials are warning of possible delays this summer due to the London Olympics. Olympic VIPs will be given dedicated passport lanes at Heathrow Airport in order to fast-track UK visit visas for 25,000 athletes, coaches and officials. This reallocation of resources will likely mean delays for other travelers, according to the UK Border Agency.
Currently, queues at Terminal 4, Heathrow Airport for non-EU arrivals already reach two hours at peak times, according to the UK Daily Mail. In order to handle the influx of passengers, thousands of UK immigration staff will be transferred from their normal duties to deal with arrivals during the Olympics.
Olympics officials and athletes who have not registered their biometric data in advance will be required to have their fingerprints and photographs taken by border staff when they enter the country to be checked against immigration and security watch-lists.
"We have plans in place to make Games Family Members' arrivals at Heathrow as quick and simple as possible," a UK Border Agency spokesman said, "We expect most visa nationals will already have provided their biometric information prior to Games time and there will be dedicated Olympic lanes at Heathrow to speed up the process where we need to collect the biometric information of those who haven't."
The UK government predicts up to 80 percent of foreign Olympics visitors will go through the airport – including athletes, officials, sponsors, media and spectators. The day following the Olympic's closing ceremony – August 13 – is expected to be London Heathrow's busiest ever day.
The UK has begun processing Visitor visas for the 2012 London Olympics. We advise you to apply as soon as possible so that UK immigration officials have plenty of time to process your application. You will normally then be issued with a UK visitor visa with a start date that will cover you for the whole Olympic and Paralympic Games period. Once you receive your UK visitor visa, you can then travel to the UK for the Games from the beginning of 2012.
Currently, queues at Terminal 4, Heathrow Airport for non-EU arrivals already reach two hours at peak times, according to the UK Daily Mail. In order to handle the influx of passengers, thousands of UK immigration staff will be transferred from their normal duties to deal with arrivals during the Olympics.
Olympics officials and athletes who have not registered their biometric data in advance will be required to have their fingerprints and photographs taken by border staff when they enter the country to be checked against immigration and security watch-lists.
"We have plans in place to make Games Family Members' arrivals at Heathrow as quick and simple as possible," a UK Border Agency spokesman said, "We expect most visa nationals will already have provided their biometric information prior to Games time and there will be dedicated Olympic lanes at Heathrow to speed up the process where we need to collect the biometric information of those who haven't."
The UK government predicts up to 80 percent of foreign Olympics visitors will go through the airport – including athletes, officials, sponsors, media and spectators. The day following the Olympic's closing ceremony – August 13 – is expected to be London Heathrow's busiest ever day.
The UK has begun processing Visitor visas for the 2012 London Olympics. We advise you to apply as soon as possible so that UK immigration officials have plenty of time to process your application. You will normally then be issued with a UK visitor visa with a start date that will cover you for the whole Olympic and Paralympic Games period. Once you receive your UK visitor visa, you can then travel to the UK for the Games from the beginning of 2012.
UK officials predict major delays for immigration processing during Olympics
UK immigration officials are warning of possible delays this summer due to the London Olympics. Olympic VIPs will be given dedicated passport lanes at Heathrow Airport in order to fast-track UK visit visas for 25,000 athletes, coaches and officials. This reallocation of resources will likely mean delays for other travelers, according to the UK Border Agency.
Currently, queues at Terminal 4, Heathrow Airport for non-EU arrivals already reach two hours at peak times, according to the UK Daily Mail. In order to handle the influx of passengers, thousands of UK immigration staff will be transferred from their normal duties to deal with arrivals during the Olympics.
Olympics officials and athletes who have not registered their biometric data in advance will be required to have their fingerprints and photographs taken by border staff when they enter the country to be checked against immigration and security watch-lists.
"We have plans in place to make Games Family Members' arrivals at Heathrow as quick and simple as possible," a UK Border Agency spokesman said, "We expect most visa nationals will already have provided their biometric information prior to Games time and there will be dedicated Olympic lanes at Heathrow to speed up the process where we need to collect the biometric information of those who haven't."
The UK government predicts up to 80 percent of foreign Olympics visitors will go through the airport – including athletes, officials, sponsors, media and spectators. The day following the Olympic's closing ceremony – August 13 – is expected to be London Heathrow's busiest ever day.
The UK has begun processing Visitor visas for the 2012 London Olympics. We advise you to apply as soon as possible so that UK immigration officials have plenty of time to process your application. You will normally then be issued with a UK visitor visa with a start date that will cover you for the whole Olympic and Paralympic Games period. Once you receive your UK visitor visa, you can then travel to the UK for the Games from the beginning of 2012.
Currently, queues at Terminal 4, Heathrow Airport for non-EU arrivals already reach two hours at peak times, according to the UK Daily Mail. In order to handle the influx of passengers, thousands of UK immigration staff will be transferred from their normal duties to deal with arrivals during the Olympics.
Olympics officials and athletes who have not registered their biometric data in advance will be required to have their fingerprints and photographs taken by border staff when they enter the country to be checked against immigration and security watch-lists.
"We have plans in place to make Games Family Members' arrivals at Heathrow as quick and simple as possible," a UK Border Agency spokesman said, "We expect most visa nationals will already have provided their biometric information prior to Games time and there will be dedicated Olympic lanes at Heathrow to speed up the process where we need to collect the biometric information of those who haven't."
The UK government predicts up to 80 percent of foreign Olympics visitors will go through the airport – including athletes, officials, sponsors, media and spectators. The day following the Olympic's closing ceremony – August 13 – is expected to be London Heathrow's busiest ever day.
The UK has begun processing Visitor visas for the 2012 London Olympics. We advise you to apply as soon as possible so that UK immigration officials have plenty of time to process your application. You will normally then be issued with a UK visitor visa with a start date that will cover you for the whole Olympic and Paralympic Games period. Once you receive your UK visitor visa, you can then travel to the UK for the Games from the beginning of 2012.
Inspection Report published for UK immigration visa processing in New York
A recent report from the Independent Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency (UKBA), John Vine, looked at UK visas processing in New York. According to the report, more than three in five decisions to refuse family visas to those wanting to come to the UK from New York were overturned by managers before going to appeal.
The inspection focused on the UK immigration's handling of three separate visa categories: Family Visitor, Other Visitor and Settlement. At the time of inspection, between January and March 2011, the report states the Chief Inspector noted that "It is imperative that the agency ensures that its staff adopts a 'right first time' approach and makes correct and robust decisions."
"I found a high percentage of cases where the original decision was overturned before cases were allowed to proceed to appeal," Vine said. "This concerned me, as the agency had not conducted any analysis to establish whether or not the original decisions had been correctly made."
The Chief Inspector added that he had "concerns about the lack of transparency in the UK Border Agency's inconsistent approach to evidential requirements". He noted in some circumstances, UK visa applicants might be refused because of the additional evidential requirements, which weren't included in the UKBA's published guidance.
However Vine also said he "was impressed with the strong customer service ethos and commitment to providing high levels of customer care exhibited by managers and staff in New York. This was demonstrated by their recent success in being awarded accreditation in the government's Customer Service Excellence standard".
The report published several recommendations for UK immigration:
•UK immigration should provide applicants with clear information and guidance about the requirements for UK visas in advance of their application; and
•ensure that when applicants have followed published guidance, but Entry Clearance Officers require further information to make a decision, applicants are given an opportunity to provide this.
The inspection focused on the UK immigration's handling of three separate visa categories: Family Visitor, Other Visitor and Settlement. At the time of inspection, between January and March 2011, the report states the Chief Inspector noted that "It is imperative that the agency ensures that its staff adopts a 'right first time' approach and makes correct and robust decisions."
"I found a high percentage of cases where the original decision was overturned before cases were allowed to proceed to appeal," Vine said. "This concerned me, as the agency had not conducted any analysis to establish whether or not the original decisions had been correctly made."
The Chief Inspector added that he had "concerns about the lack of transparency in the UK Border Agency's inconsistent approach to evidential requirements". He noted in some circumstances, UK visa applicants might be refused because of the additional evidential requirements, which weren't included in the UKBA's published guidance.
However Vine also said he "was impressed with the strong customer service ethos and commitment to providing high levels of customer care exhibited by managers and staff in New York. This was demonstrated by their recent success in being awarded accreditation in the government's Customer Service Excellence standard".
The report published several recommendations for UK immigration:
•UK immigration should provide applicants with clear information and guidance about the requirements for UK visas in advance of their application; and
•ensure that when applicants have followed published guidance, but Entry Clearance Officers require further information to make a decision, applicants are given an opportunity to provide this.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
UK Immigration and Ireland sign agreement for enhanced border controls
The UK and Irish governments have now signed an agreement to continue with the Common Travel Area, a passport-free zone that comprises Ireland, Great Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. According to UK immigration authorities, the agreement will help reduce illegal immigration. Although the stricter controls may make it more difficult to gain entry into the area, once you are in you can travel freely between the participating countries.
The agreement updates border controls for initial entry to the Common Travel Area which has existed between the countries since Ireland left the UK. The new agreement will feature enhanced electronic border control systems, which are aimed at identifying incoming passengers who do not already have the right to enter the Common Travel Area before they arrive at an international border.
People travelling within the Common Travel Area do not generally need to carry a passport or national identity document for immigration purposes.
The agreement also stated both countries immigration departments commit to sharing important immigration related information, such as fingerprint biometrics, particularly from 'high risk' individuals, as part of the visa issuing process and to help crack down on illegal immigration.
"This agreement will help us quickly refuse those with poor immigration records, identify asylum shoppers and speed up the removal process in those cases where people have entered the Common Travel Area," said Immigration minister Damian Green.
"The benefits the Common Travel Area brings to travellers and the economies of our countries are well-established but it should not be exploited by those with no right to be here," he added.
The agreement updates border controls for initial entry to the Common Travel Area which has existed between the countries since Ireland left the UK. The new agreement will feature enhanced electronic border control systems, which are aimed at identifying incoming passengers who do not already have the right to enter the Common Travel Area before they arrive at an international border.
People travelling within the Common Travel Area do not generally need to carry a passport or national identity document for immigration purposes.
The agreement also stated both countries immigration departments commit to sharing important immigration related information, such as fingerprint biometrics, particularly from 'high risk' individuals, as part of the visa issuing process and to help crack down on illegal immigration.
"This agreement will help us quickly refuse those with poor immigration records, identify asylum shoppers and speed up the removal process in those cases where people have entered the Common Travel Area," said Immigration minister Damian Green.
"The benefits the Common Travel Area brings to travellers and the economies of our countries are well-established but it should not be exploited by those with no right to be here," he added.
Canadian Immigration opportunities for biologists and related scientists
Canada has a large demand for biologists and other scientists; Those looking to emigrate can apply under the Canada immigration Federal Skilled Worker program. This skilled immigration program is for people in a range of different occupations including for biologists, zoologists, pharmacologists, and geneticists. If you have skills in occupations listed on the Priority Occupation List under the Canadian skilled worker visa category you will not need sponsorship by an employer.
Canadian Immigration uses a Priority Occupation List which is a list of occupations deemed in demand by the Canadian Government; There is an ongoing national skills shortage in a number of areas. Skilled workers are people who are selected as permanent residents based on their points score and ability to become economically established in Canada.
Skilled workers who meet the visa program's requirements which includes the requirement that you have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience within the last ten years can apply for a visa under the Federal Skilled Worker program. Applicants also need to pass the official language proficiency test in order to apply.
If your occupation is listed on the Priority Occupation List, you are eligible for skilled migration to Canada without needing to have a job offer from a Canadian employer. In addition, processing times are quite quick; You may be able to gain entry to Canada within months of beginning the application process.
Here is a list of Biologist and some similar priority occupations that are in demand in Canada. If you come under one of these occupations and gain enough points under the skilled worker visa category you should be able to emigrate to Canada.
Biologist
Botanist
Geneticist
Marine biologist
Pharmacologist
Toxicologist
Zoologist
In order to qualify, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline. A master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology. Post-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions.
Once your application is submitted to Canadian Immigration and Citizenship, it will be processed according to the six selection factors in the skilled worker points grid, which are:
your education
your abilities in English and/or French
your work experience
your age
whether you have arranged employment in Canada, and
your adaptability
Canadian Immigration uses a Priority Occupation List which is a list of occupations deemed in demand by the Canadian Government; There is an ongoing national skills shortage in a number of areas. Skilled workers are people who are selected as permanent residents based on their points score and ability to become economically established in Canada.
Skilled workers who meet the visa program's requirements which includes the requirement that you have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience within the last ten years can apply for a visa under the Federal Skilled Worker program. Applicants also need to pass the official language proficiency test in order to apply.
If your occupation is listed on the Priority Occupation List, you are eligible for skilled migration to Canada without needing to have a job offer from a Canadian employer. In addition, processing times are quite quick; You may be able to gain entry to Canada within months of beginning the application process.
Here is a list of Biologist and some similar priority occupations that are in demand in Canada. If you come under one of these occupations and gain enough points under the skilled worker visa category you should be able to emigrate to Canada.
Biologist
Botanist
Geneticist
Marine biologist
Pharmacologist
Toxicologist
Zoologist
In order to qualify, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline. A master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology. Post-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions.
Once your application is submitted to Canadian Immigration and Citizenship, it will be processed according to the six selection factors in the skilled worker points grid, which are:
your education
your abilities in English and/or French
your work experience
your age
whether you have arranged employment in Canada, and
your adaptability
US universities report increase in enrollment of foreign students on F-1 student visas
The number of international students on F-1 student visas enrolled in post-graduate business schools in the US has been rapidly increasing. According to a recent BusinessWeek article, the average international student enrollment in the top 20 full-time US MBA programs "is now 33.4 percent, up from 30.2 percent at the height of the economic crisis, when visa and financing issues prevented many international applicants from enrolling."
A recent report conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council, shows that 46 percent of programs in 2011 reported growth in applications from foreign students wishing to come to study on F-1 student visas. Prospective students from Asian-Pacific countries sent the highest number of applications. It is interesting to note that there are also more women from countries like China, Vietnam and Taiwan that are pursuing post-graduate business degrees.
According to Businessweek, part of the reason for the increase in international students is because there is a higher approval rate for F-1 student visas, in part due to US Secretary Hillary Clinton's push to get more international students to study in the US.
"Because of the excellence and diversity of our colleges and universities, more students worldwide are choosing to study in the United States," said Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary of State. "Young people who study abroad gain the global skills necessary to create solutions to 21st Century challenges. In turn, international students globalize our campuses and communities."
A recent report conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council, shows that 46 percent of programs in 2011 reported growth in applications from foreign students wishing to come to study on F-1 student visas. Prospective students from Asian-Pacific countries sent the highest number of applications. It is interesting to note that there are also more women from countries like China, Vietnam and Taiwan that are pursuing post-graduate business degrees.
According to Businessweek, part of the reason for the increase in international students is because there is a higher approval rate for F-1 student visas, in part due to US Secretary Hillary Clinton's push to get more international students to study in the US.
"Because of the excellence and diversity of our colleges and universities, more students worldwide are choosing to study in the United States," said Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary of State. "Young people who study abroad gain the global skills necessary to create solutions to 21st Century challenges. In turn, international students globalize our campuses and communities."
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