The UK government have announced English language tests for partners / spouses will be introduced from 29 November 2010.
The introduction of such a test was announced following the new government's election to office.
From this date, any migrant who wants to enter or remain in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or a person settled here will need to show that they can speak and understand English, by taking an English language test. The test will be with one of the approved test providers - such as IELTS, TOEFL etc....
The new rules will apply to anyone applying as the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner, same-sex partner, fiance(e) or proposed civil partner of a British citizen or a person settled in this country. They will be compulsory for people applying from within the UK as well as visa applicants from overseas.
Some applicants will be exempt - such as those from "majority English language countries" - this will include those countries designated as such for the Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa categories.
Applicants should be aware of the introduction of the test if looking to apply after 29th November.
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
Thursday 29 July 2010
Tuesday 27 July 2010
Commonwealth Immigration Newsletter, July 2010
Dear Subscriber,
Welcome to the Commonwealth Immigration Newsletter.
Please feel free to forward this newsletter on to your friends and family. However, if you no longer wish to receive this newsletter then just send us an email and we'll delete your details straightaway.
Previous issues of the newsletter are available to read on our website. You can also now click onto dedicated Country Info pages on our website for each of the countries that we specialise in. Just go to http://www.commonwealthimmigration.com and click “Countries and Visas”.
UK – IMMIGRATION QUOTA INTRODUCED
The UK government have announced that they are pressing ahead with plans to implement a cap or quota on all non-EU economic migrants. This was predicted in our previous newsletter.
This is likely to affect all applications for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas.
A permanent cap is set to be introduced from April 2011. In the meantime, a temporary cap is to be imposed which will see overall numbers between now and April 2011, reduced by 5 %.
The criteria for Tier 1 visas (Highly Skilled workers) has been tightened from July 19th by increasing the points threshold by 5 points.
We therefore advise all applicants and employers to look at applying for such visas, as soon as possible. The announcement of a cap is unprecedented in UK immigration and is likely to lead to an increase in applications.
This may then lead to visas being unavailable until the new visa year commences in April 2011. The new criteria effective from April 2011 may well see further restrictions to ensure an immigration cap is effective.
A review by the Migration Advisory Committee has been launched into the permanent cap. There are a broad range of proposals on how the government should implement a cap and also what the final quota numbers should be.
If you wish to go ahead with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 application, then please contact us so that we can assess your eligibility
UK info page;
www.commonwealthimmigration.com/united_kingdom_uk.htm
AUSTRALIA – NEW DEVELOPMENTS
At a recent meeting at Australia House, London we received some information on future plans for the introduction of State Migration Plans (SMPs).
SMPs are crucial for many migrants to Australia as they specify which states will sponsor which occupations. This is now a vitally important route for many migrants.
It seems the first SMPs will be published by September and hopefully implemented soon afterwards. All SMPs need to be fully approved by the Federal government before being launched. It is thought that many SMPs will follow the previous state sponsorship occupations.
Furthermore, the Australian Department of Immigration are introducing a new system for occupational coding.
The new system is called the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). This replaces the previous ASCO coding system and is being introduced as the new standard to capture occupation information in all visa, settlement and citizenship programs.
ANZSCO will also be used within skilled visa programs, where it is a requirement for visa eligibility, as the standard by which a visa applicant's skills to undertake a specific occupation in Australia are assessed.
If you are looking to move to Australia then please contact us so that we can check your eligibility.
Australia info page;
www.commonwealthimmigration.com/australia.htm
CANADA –IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR SKILLED WORKERS AND INVESTORS
The Canada government has now announced some changes in processing for federal skilled worker applicants.
The new rules mean that applicants must either have a job offer, or they must have experience in one of 29 in-demand occupations. This is a new list of occupations which is a shortened version of the previous list.
For those applying under the occupation list, the government will limit the number of applications considered for processing to 20,000 per year. Furthermore, within the 20,000 limit, a maximum of 1,000 applications per occupation will be considered. The limit does not apply to applicants with a job offer or those who have already applied.
In addition, all federal skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class applicants must submit the results of an independent language test before they will be considered.
Previously, applicants had the option of proving their language ability via a written submission. Citizenship and Immigration Canada now only accepts designated third-party language tests as proof of language ability – no exceptions.
Also, the rules for those applying for Canadian residency through the Investor category are set to get tighter.
The proposed changes will require new investors to have a personal net worth of CDN$1.6M, up from CDN$800,000, and make an investment of CDN$800,000, up from CDN$400,000.
Until the new investor rules are implemented, Canada will stop accepting new applications in this category.
This is of course a significant change and the lack of any advance warning makes it difficult for applicants to plan accordingly.
Canada info page;
www.commonwealthimmigration.com/canada.htm
Actuary Magazine article
Please see our latest article on UK immigration in the July 2010 issue of The Actuary magazine;
http://db.riskwaters.com/global/actuary/digital/Actuary_July_Supp.pdf
KEEP UP TO DATE THROUGH OUR IMMIGRATION BLOG
– UPDATED FREQUENTLY
http://immigration-newsletter.blogspot.com/
We hope that this email has been informative for you. However, remember everyone's circumstances are different so if you or a friend or family member want to check your eligibility to emigrate then either
1) complete the Online Assessment form on our website http://www.commonwealthimmigration.com
or
2) give us a call on (+44) (0) 1223 830 916
Regards from Commonwealth Immigration
http://www.commonwealthimmigration.com
Are you a Teacher looking to work or study in Australia? Then you should visit
http://www.teaching-australia.com
Welcome to the Commonwealth Immigration Newsletter.
Please feel free to forward this newsletter on to your friends and family. However, if you no longer wish to receive this newsletter then just send us an email and we'll delete your details straightaway.
Previous issues of the newsletter are available to read on our website. You can also now click onto dedicated Country Info pages on our website for each of the countries that we specialise in. Just go to http://www.commonwealthimmigration.com and click “Countries and Visas”.
UK – IMMIGRATION QUOTA INTRODUCED
The UK government have announced that they are pressing ahead with plans to implement a cap or quota on all non-EU economic migrants. This was predicted in our previous newsletter.
This is likely to affect all applications for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas.
A permanent cap is set to be introduced from April 2011. In the meantime, a temporary cap is to be imposed which will see overall numbers between now and April 2011, reduced by 5 %.
The criteria for Tier 1 visas (Highly Skilled workers) has been tightened from July 19th by increasing the points threshold by 5 points.
We therefore advise all applicants and employers to look at applying for such visas, as soon as possible. The announcement of a cap is unprecedented in UK immigration and is likely to lead to an increase in applications.
This may then lead to visas being unavailable until the new visa year commences in April 2011. The new criteria effective from April 2011 may well see further restrictions to ensure an immigration cap is effective.
A review by the Migration Advisory Committee has been launched into the permanent cap. There are a broad range of proposals on how the government should implement a cap and also what the final quota numbers should be.
If you wish to go ahead with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 application, then please contact us so that we can assess your eligibility
UK info page;
www.commonwealthimmigration.com/united_kingdom_uk.htm
AUSTRALIA – NEW DEVELOPMENTS
At a recent meeting at Australia House, London we received some information on future plans for the introduction of State Migration Plans (SMPs).
SMPs are crucial for many migrants to Australia as they specify which states will sponsor which occupations. This is now a vitally important route for many migrants.
It seems the first SMPs will be published by September and hopefully implemented soon afterwards. All SMPs need to be fully approved by the Federal government before being launched. It is thought that many SMPs will follow the previous state sponsorship occupations.
Furthermore, the Australian Department of Immigration are introducing a new system for occupational coding.
The new system is called the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). This replaces the previous ASCO coding system and is being introduced as the new standard to capture occupation information in all visa, settlement and citizenship programs.
ANZSCO will also be used within skilled visa programs, where it is a requirement for visa eligibility, as the standard by which a visa applicant's skills to undertake a specific occupation in Australia are assessed.
If you are looking to move to Australia then please contact us so that we can check your eligibility.
Australia info page;
www.commonwealthimmigration.com/australia.htm
CANADA –IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR SKILLED WORKERS AND INVESTORS
The Canada government has now announced some changes in processing for federal skilled worker applicants.
The new rules mean that applicants must either have a job offer, or they must have experience in one of 29 in-demand occupations. This is a new list of occupations which is a shortened version of the previous list.
For those applying under the occupation list, the government will limit the number of applications considered for processing to 20,000 per year. Furthermore, within the 20,000 limit, a maximum of 1,000 applications per occupation will be considered. The limit does not apply to applicants with a job offer or those who have already applied.
In addition, all federal skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class applicants must submit the results of an independent language test before they will be considered.
Previously, applicants had the option of proving their language ability via a written submission. Citizenship and Immigration Canada now only accepts designated third-party language tests as proof of language ability – no exceptions.
Also, the rules for those applying for Canadian residency through the Investor category are set to get tighter.
The proposed changes will require new investors to have a personal net worth of CDN$1.6M, up from CDN$800,000, and make an investment of CDN$800,000, up from CDN$400,000.
Until the new investor rules are implemented, Canada will stop accepting new applications in this category.
This is of course a significant change and the lack of any advance warning makes it difficult for applicants to plan accordingly.
Canada info page;
www.commonwealthimmigration.com/canada.htm
Actuary Magazine article
Please see our latest article on UK immigration in the July 2010 issue of The Actuary magazine;
http://db.riskwaters.com/global/actuary/digital/Actuary_July_Supp.pdf
KEEP UP TO DATE THROUGH OUR IMMIGRATION BLOG
– UPDATED FREQUENTLY
http://immigration-newsletter.blogspot.com/
We hope that this email has been informative for you. However, remember everyone's circumstances are different so if you or a friend or family member want to check your eligibility to emigrate then either
1) complete the Online Assessment form on our website http://www.commonwealthimmigration.com
or
2) give us a call on (+44) (0) 1223 830 916
Regards from Commonwealth Immigration
http://www.commonwealthimmigration.com
Are you a Teacher looking to work or study in Australia? Then you should visit
http://www.teaching-australia.com
Thursday 22 July 2010
Australia processing priorities
For about the fourth time in 12 months, the Australian government have released new details of immigration "processing priorities".
This is the order in which applications under the Skilled Migration program will be processed. Previously applications were all processed in order of receipt but beginning in 2009 - they are processed in accordance with published and frequently changed "processing priorities".
This is now very important as it can make a huge difference in timeframes.
The latest processing priorities take into account the introduction of State Migration Plans under the new system from July 1st.
For full details, see
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/updated-priority-processing-arrangements.htm
The main beneficiaries would appear to be those who apply after July 1st 2010 on the new Skilled Occupation List, and especially those who are sponsored by a State government.
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
This is the order in which applications under the Skilled Migration program will be processed. Previously applications were all processed in order of receipt but beginning in 2009 - they are processed in accordance with published and frequently changed "processing priorities".
This is now very important as it can make a huge difference in timeframes.
The latest processing priorities take into account the introduction of State Migration Plans under the new system from July 1st.
For full details, see
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/updated-priority-processing-arrangements.htm
The main beneficiaries would appear to be those who apply after July 1st 2010 on the new Skilled Occupation List, and especially those who are sponsored by a State government.
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
Tuesday 20 July 2010
Australia - General Election called
A general election has been called for Australia on August 21st.
Julia Gillard, the first female Prime Minister of Australia announced the move on Saturday. Gillard has only been PM a matter of weeks after an unexpected leadership battle.
Immigration of course is a key policy issue in the election. We look forward to seeing what detailed policies the ruling Labor Party and the opposition Liberal Party are proposing.
However, it is the plight of asylum seekers arriving by boat in Australia's northern waters that is the main focus of immigration concern, rather than general skilled migration. Both parties are keen to ensure that skilled migrants are encouraged to move to areas of Australia where they are needed – i.e. through individual State Migration Plans.
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
Julia Gillard, the first female Prime Minister of Australia announced the move on Saturday. Gillard has only been PM a matter of weeks after an unexpected leadership battle.
Immigration of course is a key policy issue in the election. We look forward to seeing what detailed policies the ruling Labor Party and the opposition Liberal Party are proposing.
However, it is the plight of asylum seekers arriving by boat in Australia's northern waters that is the main focus of immigration concern, rather than general skilled migration. Both parties are keen to ensure that skilled migrants are encouraged to move to areas of Australia where they are needed – i.e. through individual State Migration Plans.
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
Thursday 15 July 2010
Russian spy to be stripped of UK citizenship
According to reports, the UK government is to deprive Anna Chapman (the recently uncovered Russian spy) of her UK citizenship.
Ms Chapman obtained UK citizenship through a previous marriage to a UK citizen. Up to now she has had dual UK and Russian citizenship.
Under a change in the law in 2002, the UK Home Secretary can strip someone of citizenship if their presence is "seriously prejudicial" to British interests. This would include those involved in terrorism, spying or a wider threat to national security. The law has been used only a few times in this type of scenario.
So, for any spies out there - you have been warned, the UK government may strip you of your UK passport!
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
Ms Chapman obtained UK citizenship through a previous marriage to a UK citizen. Up to now she has had dual UK and Russian citizenship.
Under a change in the law in 2002, the UK Home Secretary can strip someone of citizenship if their presence is "seriously prejudicial" to British interests. This would include those involved in terrorism, spying or a wider threat to national security. The law has been used only a few times in this type of scenario.
So, for any spies out there - you have been warned, the UK government may strip you of your UK passport!
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
Tuesday 13 July 2010
Canada changing Investor rules
The rules for those applying for Canadian residency through the Investor category are set to get tighter.
The proposed changes will require new investors to have a personal net worth of CDN$1.6M, up from CDN$800,000, and make an investment of CDN$800,000, up from CDN$400,000.
Until the new rules are implemented, Canada will stop accepting new applications in this category.
This is of course a significant change and the lack of any advance warning makes it difficult for applicants to plan accordingly.
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
The proposed changes will require new investors to have a personal net worth of CDN$1.6M, up from CDN$800,000, and make an investment of CDN$800,000, up from CDN$400,000.
Until the new rules are implemented, Canada will stop accepting new applications in this category.
This is of course a significant change and the lack of any advance warning makes it difficult for applicants to plan accordingly.
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
Friday 9 July 2010
State Migration Plans
On Tuesday in a meeting at Australia House, London we received some information on future plans for the introduction of State Migration Plans (SMPs).
SMPs are crucial for many migrants to Australia as they specify which states will sponsor which occupations. This is now a vitally important route for many migrants.
It seems the first SMPs will be published by September and hopefully implemented soon afterwards. All SMPs need to be fully approved by the Federal government before being launched. It is thought that many SMPs will follow the previous state sponsorship occupations.
Let's hope the election of a new Prime Minister and talk of an early election will not postpone the introduction of the SMPs and hence the plans of so many migrants.
www.teaching-australia.com
SMPs are crucial for many migrants to Australia as they specify which states will sponsor which occupations. This is now a vitally important route for many migrants.
It seems the first SMPs will be published by September and hopefully implemented soon afterwards. All SMPs need to be fully approved by the Federal government before being launched. It is thought that many SMPs will follow the previous state sponsorship occupations.
Let's hope the election of a new Prime Minister and talk of an early election will not postpone the introduction of the SMPs and hence the plans of so many migrants.
www.teaching-australia.com
Thursday 8 July 2010
consultation on UK visa "cap"
The UK government have launched a consultation on the process of implementing a "cap" or "quota" on non EU immigration through Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas.
This follows on from the imposition of a temporary cap from now until April 2011.
The consultation is being run by the Migration Advisory Committee and continues until September. There are a broad range of proposals on how the government should implement a cap and also what the final quota numbers should be.
For more details, see
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/workingwithus/indbodies/mac/
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
This follows on from the imposition of a temporary cap from now until April 2011.
The consultation is being run by the Migration Advisory Committee and continues until September. There are a broad range of proposals on how the government should implement a cap and also what the final quota numbers should be.
For more details, see
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/workingwithus/indbodies/mac/
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
Friday 2 July 2010
Actuary Magazine article
Please see our latest article on UK immigration in the July 2010 issue of The Actuary magazine;
http://db.riskwaters.com/global/actuary/digital/Actuary_July_Supp.pdf
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
http://db.riskwaters.com/global/actuary/digital/Actuary_July_Supp.pdf
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
Thursday 1 July 2010
Canada - new rules
The Canada government has now announced some changes in processing for federal skilled worker applicants.
The new rules mean that applicants must either have a job offer, or they must have experience in one of 29 in-demand occupations. This is a new list of occupations which is a shortened version of the previous list.
For those applying under the occupation list, the government will limit the number of applications considered for processing to 20,000 per year. Furthermore, within the 20,000 limit, a maximum of 1,000 applications per occupation will be considered. The limit does not apply to applicants with a job offer.
In addition, all federal skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class applicants must submit the results of an independent language test before they will be considered.
Previously, applicants had the option of proving their language ability via a written submission. Citizenship and Immigration Canada now only accepts designated third-party language tests as proof of language ability – no exceptions.
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
The new rules mean that applicants must either have a job offer, or they must have experience in one of 29 in-demand occupations. This is a new list of occupations which is a shortened version of the previous list.
For those applying under the occupation list, the government will limit the number of applications considered for processing to 20,000 per year. Furthermore, within the 20,000 limit, a maximum of 1,000 applications per occupation will be considered. The limit does not apply to applicants with a job offer.
In addition, all federal skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class applicants must submit the results of an independent language test before they will be considered.
Previously, applicants had the option of proving their language ability via a written submission. Citizenship and Immigration Canada now only accepts designated third-party language tests as proof of language ability – no exceptions.
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
www.teaching-australia.com
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