UK net migration rises by 36%

The level of net UK migration has risen by 36% in the last year according to figures released from the Office of National Statistics.

Net migration is the difference between those arriving in the UK and those leaving. This net figure for the 12 months to June 2010 was 226,000. This is the figure that the government are committed to bringing down to the "tens of thousands".

For the full story, see

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/mig0211.pdf

If you are interested in moving to the UK, then please see our website;

www.commonwealthimmigration.com

Canada immigration changes ?

The Canadian government have launched a new consultation on changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

The points for age and English language ability are marked out as areas that could be changed - i.e. giving more points for younger applicants and those who speak advanced English.

The main areas of consultation include;

•requiring federal skilled workers to have a minimum level of language proficiency;

•making the program more accessible to skilled tradespeople, technicians and apprentices;

•placing greater emphasis on younger immigrants who will adapt more easily and be active members of the work force for a longer time frame;

•redirecting points from work experience to other factors that better contribute to success in the Canadian work force; and

•reducing the potential for fraudulent job offers.


Are you interested in moving to Canada. Please visit our website;

http://www.commonwealthimmigration.com/immigration-consultants-canada.htm

more info on new UK migration cap

The government have been setting out new proposals for managing skilled migration after 5 April 2011.

This mainly includes the operation of the migration "cap".

This will involve a new points system and employers applying for allocation of certificates of sponsorship on a monthly "quota" basis.

Interestingly, workers earning more than £150,000 a year are to be excluded from the government's immigration cap.

For more information, please see;

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/february/42-government-outlines-visa

www.commonwealthimmigration.com

CANADA – OCCUPATION QUOTAS BEING REACHED

Intending applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker category should be aware that there is an overall limit of 20,000 places in the year which commenced on 26 June 2010.

There is also an annual limit of 1,000 places per eligible occupation.

This has lead to the limit being already reached in 2 occupations;

1. Registered Nurses
2. Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management

Therefore, no more applications can be accepted for such occupations until after June 2011. The limit is also close to being reached in many other occupations.

However, these limits do not apply to applicants who have an approved offer of “arranged employment” or are nominated by a Provincial government.

If you are interested in moving to Canada, then please contact us through our website;

http://www.commonwealthimmigration.com/immigration-consultants-canada.htm

Australia - State Migration Plans update

AUSTRALIA – STATE MIGRATION PLANS OPEN

All states / territories in Australia are now looking to attract migrants through their State Migration Plans.

This allows states to select migrants according to state specific occupation lists – i.e. what occupations are in acute shortage in that state. State sponsored migrants are processed as priority applicants, so this is a preferred option for many migrants.

States such as Western Australia and South Australia have long lists of occupations that they will consider for sponsorship. Other states such as Queensland and New South Wales are more specific – often targeting specific industry sectors that they want to develop.

It is important for migrants to remember that your occupation is not the sole factor in obtaining approval under a State Migration Plan. English language ability, available financial resources and employment research are additional factors that many states see as vital.

Furthermore, some occupations are subject to a quota. For instance, the state of Victoria has recently stopped accepting applications for ICT occupations, having received the limit of places under the annual quota for such occupations.
State Migration Plans are an increasingly important part of migration to Australia.
The criteria varies from state to state and is often subjective – how can the applicant show he / she will settle successfully in that state.

Applicants intending to apply for residency through State sponsorship need specialist advice in making an application and demonstrating their suitability to that State.

Australia info page;

www.commonwealthimmigration.com/australia.htm

UK Tier 2 (General) visa update

The Migration Advisory Committee has recently published their report into the list of occupations that are eligible for Tier 2 (General) visas – i.e. work visas sponsored by an employer.

This has resulted in the threshold level being increased from National Qualification Framework level 3 to graduate level.

Consequently, many occupations are no longer eligible for the Tier 2 (General) visa.

This doesn’t affect normal graduate level recruitment (or skilled occupations requiring a higher degree or extensive experience). However, employers need to be sure that the position they are offering matches an occupation on the revised list.

To read the report in full, please click on;

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/workingwithus/mac/analysis-of-the-pbs

For information on all types of UK visas, please visit our website;

www.commonwealthimmigration.com

UK student visa changes ahead

It seems the UK government are determined to bring about big changes to student visas.

In a recent speech, the Immigration Minister re-iterated his determination to further strengthen the student visa system and clamp down on abuse. His main target is the privately funded student sector which he claims is more open to abuse.

The current proposals which the government has been consulting on include;

reducing the number of people coming to the UK to study at below degree level;

introducing a tougher English language requirement;

ensuring that students wishing to extend their studies show evidence of academic progression;

limiting students' entitlements to work and their ability to bring in dependants; and

improving the accreditation process for education providers, alongside more rigorous
inspections

For more information, please see;

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/february/02-consultation-closes-on-tier-4

For information on all aspects of UK immigration, then please check out our website;

http://www.commonwealthimmigration.com/immigration-consultants-uk.htm