Tuesday 19 April 2011

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 will 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

www.commonwealthimmigration.com and click “Countries and Visas”.


UK - CHANGES TO SETTLEMENT AND OTHER VISAS


The UK government have announced a number of changes to UK immigration over a range of categories.

Perhaps the most important change relates to applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement. Such applications will now be points tested for those in the UK on HSMP visas, Tier 1 General visas or other points tested visa categories such as Investors or Entrepreneurs.

Previously, such applications were relatively straightforward after accruing the necessary 5 years in the appropriate category. This has now changed and applicants need to ensure they can score enough points to obtain ILR.

Points are again awarded for factors such as age, qualifications and earnings.
Applicants now need to ensure they plan an application well in advance to ensure they can score the necessary points through earnings etc.

The following are some of the other key changes;

The Post Study Work visa will be abolished after April 2012.

The Worker Registration Scheme for citizens of countries that joined the EU in 2004 will be closed and all such work restrictions will finish.

The Certificate of Approval scheme (which requires non EEA nationals to obtain permission before being allowed to marry in the UK) is to be abolished in May 2011.

New rules to encourage Investors and Entrepreneurs to move to the UK have been introduced.

UK info page;

www.commonwealthimmigration.com/united_kingdom_uk.htm


AUSTRALIA – NEW POINTS SYSTEM IN JULY

Effective from July 1st 2011, a new points system will be introduced for general skilled migration to Australia.

The final details of the new points system have yet to be announced but we understand the following will be some of the key changes;

Increased points for “superior” level English

Removing the points difference for various occupations on the Skilled Occupations List so that all occupations are rated equally.

Changing the points brackets for age and increasing the upper age limit from 45 to 50years

The new system will not apply to those whose applications have already been submitted.

As in line with previous years we expect an announcement at some time in May on the exact details of the new system.


Australia info page;

www.commonwealthimmigration.com/australia.htm

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

FREE TEACHING AUSTRALIA EBOOK

Are you a Teacher looking to work or study in Australia? Then you should visit

http://www.teaching-australia.com


and obtain your Free Ebook.


TRANSFERRING FOREIGN CURRENCY - Worldwide Currencies

Make sure you use a reputable and competitive currency provider when transferring funds to the UK or to any other country.

Most banks offer poor exchange rates meaning that simply by using a dedicated currency provider, you can save a lot of money.

Make sure you use a currency provider that is fully registered by the UK authorities.

We recommend Worldwide Currencies who have assisted many of our clients in the past and can offer exchange rates with no commission or charges, and often up to 5% better than the banks.

For more information contact Richard Bass, Worldwide Currencies;

richard.bass@worldwidecurrencies.com

www.worldwidecurrencies.com
Tel +44 (0) 20 3326 4403


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



Thursday 14 April 2011

Australia - state sponsorship deadlines

In advance of a new points system on 1 July 2011, some state governments are imposing deadlines for state sponsorship applications. This is to ensure that state sponsorship can be processed and an residence visa application submitted before 1st July 2011.

For instance, South Australia is now asking all applicants to have their online form completed AND all documents sent to Adelaide by 2nd May 2011.

see their website;

http://migration.sa.gov.au/sa/immigrate_from_overseas/state_migration_plan_south_australia.jsp

If you want to apply for South Australian state sponsorship, please visit our website;

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

Monday 4 April 2011

Abolition of Certificate of Approval Scheme

On 9 May 2011, the UK Certificate of Approval Scheme will be abolished (subject to parliamentary approval).

The Certificate of Approval Scheme was set up a few years ago with the aim of requiring non EEA nationals to obtain permission before being allowed to marry in the UK.

The Scheme has been heavily criticised by the courts as being incompatible with Human Rights law.

The government has pledged to continue its enforcement of immigration law in relation to sham marriages. The UK Border Agency has stated it will;

"continue to investigate suspected abuse and, where possible, disrupt marriages before they take place. If we uncover marriages that are not genuine, we will challenge them and prosecute where possible."

for more information on all aspects of UK immigration, please visit our website

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