Tuesday 30 March 2010

newsletter

see our latest immigration newsletter at;

www.commonwealthimmigration.com



Friday 26 March 2010

new rules for Australian partner / spouse visas

The Australian Department of Immigration has confirmed that the definition of 'long-term partner relationship' will be amended, effective from 27 March 2010.

This will replace the minimum spouse or de facto partner relationship period required to qualify for either the Partner (Migrant) (Class BC) or Partner (Residence) (Class BS) visa, from 5 years to 3 years.

This is for those who can show they are in a committed long term relationship.

The 12 months period of cohabitation for defacto spouse visas (i.e. the provisional 2year visa) has not been affected.

Wednesday 24 March 2010

Australia trade assessment update

We were in Manchester on Monday to meet with VETASSESS - the Australian trade assessment body for many trade occupations.

VETASSESS currently assess UK based applicants in a variety of trades - such as Bricklayers, Plumbers, Carpenters etc...

It seems the role of VETASSESS will be expanding this year as they will be the designated authority to assess more trades such as Tilers, Plasterers, Painters, Metalworkers etc...

Monday 22 March 2010

UK Tier 1 visa changes

There has been a recent rule change in UK immigration that will affect many overseas migrants looking to work in the UK through the Tier 1 visa.

Effective April 2010, the minimum educational requirement for the Tier 1 visa has now been amended from a Masters degree to a Bachelors degree.

The Tier 1 visa allows overseas professionals to enter the UK to work or establish themselves as self-employed. Most importantly - this visa does not require a sponsoring employer. It is assessed on a points system with points awarded for age, education, previous earnings etc...

for full details, see

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/255022/46-new-rules-for-t1-t2-and-ir

For full information on immigration, see www.commonwealthimmigration.com

Thursday 18 March 2010

New Zealand - new retirement visas

From 29 March, New Zealand will be offering 2 new retirement visas for entry

These are named - the Temporary Retirement Category and the Parent Retirement Category (residence).

For full details, please see

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/news/retirementpolicies.htm

Wednesday 17 March 2010

Canada changing immigration rules ?

The Canadian government have today launched a consultation on their immigration programme.

The official announcement seems to indicate that this may result in changes to allow more occupations to be included the Federal Skilled Worker category.

This would be a welcome move, allowing more applicants to apply directly for permanent residency without having to apply through employer sponsorship or Provincial nomination entry.

The consultation runs until April 16th, after which we hope that a new more flexible system of entry will be introduced.

Monday 15 March 2010

Australian Nursing assessment

As of March 2010, all applications for qualifications assessments by overseas nurses need to be submitted through an online form.

This is the process through which an overseas qualified nurse applies to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) for recognition of qualifications and work experience.

The process is initially completed through an online form (submitted electronically) and then printed, signed and posted to the ANMC with all the required documents.

So, despite what the ANMC state - the process is not really an online application. Instead its more like an online application AND a hard copy application.

Friday 12 March 2010

Playing Politics with Immigration Reform ?

Well folks, its now over 3 months since the government review into the UK Tier 1 visa, promised some big changes, and what a surprise - NOTHING HAS CHANGED !

The review published in December told us the government would be launching immediate changes to the points assessment system, especially on the qualifications and previous earnings requirements. This of course prompted a plethora of client enquiries to see who would be effected.

Now that no changes have been introduced and the government are completely silent on it - one wonders why ?

Its the election, stupid !

My guess is that ministers are too busy preparing for the upcoming election (has to be held by June, probably will happen in May).

I also think they dont want any negative publicity on any immigration changes prior to an election. I believe we will not see any changes until after the election - whoever will be the Immigration Minister is anyone's guess.

Wednesday 10 March 2010

Discussion Paper on New Australian Points Test

The Department of Immigration have launched a discussion paper on the new points tested system, which should be effective by July 1st.

For full details, see

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/points-test-discussion.pdf

Tuesday 9 March 2010

UK visa fee increases (again)

Its that time of year again - the new financial year in the UK starts on April 6th and with it the the UK Border Agency announces new fees for all visa categories.

These new fees apply to all applications submitted from April 6th onwards, either in the UK or overseas. Fees for some categories have remained the same but the majority of visa categories see increased fee levels.

Make sure you are paying the correct fee or else the application will be returned as invalid.

Friday 5 March 2010

Teaching Australia - new English requirement

Effective from 22 March 2010, the English language requirement for teachers looking to emigrate to Australia is changing.

This change has been introduced by the AITSL (the teaching assessing authority). The new requirement means that all teachers must have;

1) completed at least one year full-time higher education level study for an initial teacher education qualification in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or

2) obtained a score of seven (7.0) or more in each component of the Academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination, within the last 12 months

So unless you studied in one of the above countries, then you need to pass the IELTS test. This increased English langauge requirement is becoming more and more a part of the Australian migration program.

In some countries there is a backlog of applications to sit the test, so best to plan ahead in plenty of time.

Thursday 4 March 2010

Give us more doctors !

Recent Australian government changes to the Panel Doctor list in the UK and Ireland have left many migrants bemused at the location of such doctors (these are the approved doctors and radiologists for your Australian immigration medical).

Some applicants are now required to travel much further for their medical - i.e. one panel doctor in Manchester to cover the whole of the north of England, only 2 in Scotland, 1 in Wales, 3 in Ireland (none in Northern Ireland) !

The Australian High Commission in London have confirmed that the full revised list has yet to be finalised so lets hope that the final list is longer. At the moment its just not fair to ask applicants to travel so far for a medical. This now mandates a full day off work for most aplicants.

So , please give us more doctors !

Wednesday 3 March 2010

Denmark has announced details of a "Green Card" style residence visa for highly skilled workers outside the EU. This doesn't require a job offer and is similiar to the UK's Tier 1 visa for Highly Skilled workers

newsletter

Australia Skilled Migration changes announced February 2010. see newsletter 26;

www.commonwealthimmigration.com