UK Immigration and nationality fee increases for 2010-2011

The Minister of State for Borders and Immigration, Phil Woolas, has put forward regulations in Parliament for the fees for immigration and nationality services. The fees for many services are higher than the normal administrative cost for the services.

In most cases the fees have not changed that much. The increase has been kept at less than ten percent. In some cases GBP50 per person is allocated to the Migration Impacts Fund to help communities affected by immigration.

It is interesting to note that for some dependent relative applications the fee has doubled or tripled in price. The Government feels that higher fees are justified to pay for the higher social and health care costs to look after elderly relatives. An application for entry on a settlement visa for a dependent relative will go up from GBP585 to GBP1680. An application for a dependent relative visa made from inside the UK will go up from GBP820 to GBP1680.

The immigration minister, Phil Woolas had the following comments to make about the increase in immigration and nationality fees, likely to be introduced in April 2010: "… it was only fair that those who benefited from using the immigration system should help fund it…" However, a number of people feel that the fees for dependent relatives are quite excessive.

There will also be a £15,000 "premium service" available for the very rich; For this price the UK Border Agency will visit skilled migrants at their offices or homes to deal with the processing of their application and to take biometric photographs and fingerprints. In this situation a decision will be made immediately. The UKBA estimates that the cost for providing the "mobile biometric enrolment and case-working" service is £1 982. On a trial basis fifty appointments will be made available in the first 12 months from this April. One group of people who may wish to take advantage of this scheme are wealthy professional footballers in the UK.

In February 2010 the Government will publish proposals on fees that will be set at below cost. The Government considers the following when setting fees:

• The the cost of processing applications.

• The importance of attracting certain groups of migrants to the UK.

• The value of a successful application to the migrant.

Tips for Students Living Abroad

A study abroad experience is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students that give them exposure to new academic and personal attributes. In a foreign study trip, students must be alert and prepared to live the time period of study peacefully in the new environment in the overseas country. Here are some tips and advice to help them out:

• Students should be smart enough to identify and understand the suspicious acts happening around them in the new country. They should try to keep away from such unwanted situations and conduct themselves in their best manners while in the streets or at the public places.
• Making friends in the new country is unavoidable but students are advised to develop 'friend-circle' at a slow pace so that they can avoid intimacy with 'wrong' kind of strangers.
• Preserve your passport and other important documents. It is always advisable to have a set of photocopies of all the important documents and passports to face any of the emergency situations during your stay in the foreign country.
• Avoid carrying large amount of cash, wherever you go. Keep your eyes and ears open to sense what is happening around you.
• Be well groomed and spend your time in the country abroad peacefully.

Study abroad students can find more handy tips on different issues to make their foreign study journey, a peaceful and problem-free one in this section.

Prepration for Students Going Abroad

Studying in another country, away from homeland, is an enriching experience for the aspirants. The experience can both be academically and personally rewarding. Yet, it is always good to collect all the relevant information about the country before making your decisions. Here are some things that all 'study abroad' hopefuls should know about:

• If you are going abroad for higher studies, you should first check the reputation of the university or the institute you choose to pursue your studies. Make efforts to know about 'which university is the reputed one, for the subject I'm aspiring for?'

• Study about the laws and cultural affairs of the country before you make a decision to go there.

• As you are subject to the laws and custom of the foreign country, stay away from any disorderly, riotous behavior while you are in the new place.

• Apply for your passport at the earliest possible to avoid final moment confusions.

• Checkup with the embassy of the respective country to get information about visa-updates and other entry details.

• Read carefully the consular information sheet to make yourself familiar with the travel information about the respective country.

• The school or the university department, you are going to join, will offer information about different admission criteria for foreign students. You can get information from relevant websites too besides gathering the appropriate information from the ex-students of those universities.

• Going abroad for higher studies generally entails huge expenditure. Many universities offer student-funds and merit scholarships for international students. You can avail these funds and scholarships to meet your expenses.

• Personal interview is a part of the selection procedure of most universities and schools. Enhancing your communication skills and subject knowledge can help you face the interview with confidence.

Living in a foreign country is an interesting and learning experience. To have a wholesome and pleasant stay students must adapt themselves to culture of that country. For adaption students must first familiarise themselves with the customs and traditions of that particular country. Students can get country specific information from internet or through books.

Before going abroad for studying, students are generally apprehensive. Some of the doubts that may creep in students mind are:

• Is studying abroad more beneficial than studying at home?

• Whether I will be able to adapt to the culture of the country ?

• Can I cope with the financial and other demands of studying abroad?

• Can I look forward to a healthy life overseas?

To allay all these doubts we have come up with this guide for students going abroad.

USA: DV-2011 green card lottery to start soon

 
Starting on 2 October 2009, the United States will begin accepting applications for the Diversity Visa 2011 Lottery, otherwise known as the Green Card Lottery.

For those who wish to live and work in the United States, the Green Card Lottery is a good opportunity as it does not require a sponsor such as a family member or employer. The application deadline is 30 November 2009.

Every Green Card Lottery applicant must have at least a high school education or its equivalent, or  within the last five years have had two years of work experience in an occupation which requires at least two years of training or experience.

Both spouses may submit separate applications which can improve their chances of being selected.

Applying for the Green Card Lottery does not require the services of a migration agent or immigration lawyer. However, it is very important to have all of the details submitted correctly on your application, such as the format of the digital portrait of the applicants.

For a small fee, workpermit.com can help you make sure your application is in order. We have a US qualified lawyer on hand for added peace of mind when putting your application together. If you would like to use our services, please see if you qualify today.

The list of eligible of Countries is likely to be similar to last year's list. However, full details are yet to be announced.

PLEASE NOTE:

The entry registration period for DV-2011 is now over and all submission processing has stopped.

Please click this link http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants_types_diversity.html for additional information on the Diversity Immigrant Visa program.

DV Entrant Status Check

2011 Entrant Status Check

Please check back at this link http://http://www.dvlottery.state.gov//ESC/ on or after July 1, 2010 for Entrants who applied for DV-2011

2010 Entrant Status Check

Please click this link http://http://www.dvlottery.state.gov//ESC/ for DV-2010 Entrant Status Check.

OFFICIAL SITE FOR DV LOTTERY PROGRAM

https://http://www.dvlottery.state.gov//

140 colleges suspended over immigration UK

Inspectors have suspended 140 colleges and shut down 15 in the past six months under new immigration rules, the Government said today.

Since last March, all education institutions which want to bring non-EU students into the country need to be approved by the UK Border Agency and granted a "tier four" licence.

Security minister Lord West of Spithead said a previous list held by the former Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills had a record of 4,000 colleges that regularly had foreign students but the official list now stood at 2,000.

Lord West told peers at question time: "In the last six months we have carried out around 600 inspections, suspending 140 and revoking 15 tier four licences."

But Tory Lord Naseby demanded: "Why is it still so easy for these bogus colleges to operate and bring in illegal immigrants?"

Lord West replied: "I don't accept that we have not got a handle on these various colleges."

He added: "We have a team that go and inspect them. They look at whole areas of the quality of the courses they are doing, we make sure they are aware of what they have to do in terms of if students leave that college where they go.

"There have been bogus ones but we are taking enforcement action."

He said a report into the tier four issue ordered by Gordon Brown in November last year would report back "shortly".

UKIP leader Lord Pearson of Rannoch asked: "Is there any truth in the suggestion that of the 66,000 people who came to this country from Pakistan in the nine months to last September, only 29 were interviewed by British immigration officials and the rest by contracted interviewers in Pakistan or elsewhere?"

Lord West replied: "The system is very much that we look at documentation before any of the people come in to give their biometrics and when we have looked at that documentation we assess whether we need to talk to and have a face-to-face interview. We are actually very content that we are achieving good results."

Canadian Immigration News,Immigration Canada - Biometrics to Become Mandatory

By 2011, international students intending to study in Canada will be expected to provide biometric-fingerprints and photos along with their application

This new plan will require digital fingerprints at the application period rather than at the entry stage. Although the new biometrics plan isn't expected to be fully enforced until 2013, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) thinks that it will certainly help reduce identity theft and increase the safety and security of Canadians.

In addition to students, fingerprints and photos taken in person will be mandatory for foreigners applying for temporary resident visas or work permits.

Even though this new system is seen as a progressive step forward, many critics are anticipating a decrease in student applications to Canada.

Cen Huang, Assistant Vice-President International of the University of Alberta is concerned that biometrics might "delay the process," making it more difficult for some to get to a consulate and quite possible, make potential students not feel welcomed.

Quite the contrary according to CIC, who have assessed results of other countries engaged in the same practice and noted that no significant decrease in enrolment has been found.

France and the U.S. currently require digital fingerprints as part of the application process while the U.K. plans to have its system in place by 2011. In Japan, digital fingerprints are mandatory at the point of entry for tourists but not during the application process.

Even though biometrics isn't being implemented in the U.K. until 2011, students are already being asked to provide their fingerprints and photographs to the Home Office. This information will then be crossed referenced with existing files and stored on their personal file as well as on the electronic chip on their identity cards.

On a related matter Canada has signed an agreement with the U.S. that previously included U.K. and Australia to share biometric information on asylum seekers.

Given the threat of terrorists and criminals crossing the Canadian - U.S. border, biometrics is seen as a preventative measure to combating asylum fraud and identity theft.

Despite the advantage of this agreement, Canada's privacy commissioner, Jennifer Stoddart is concerned that personal information gathered through biometrics will be used for secondary purposes.

However, Immigration Minister, Jason Kenny, contends that the sharing of biometric data will allow the government to identify individuals who "try to hide their past when trying to enter Canada". More importantly, the agreement allows countries to check each other's fingerprint databases for nationality, identity, travel, criminal and immigration history.

Even though privacy and civil rights are a concern, the four partners maintain that "no central database of fingerprints will be created," thereby not allowing "unfettered access to personal information."

If you are interested in Visas to Canada, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Canada.

TAG : Haiti

Update on Haiti : ICE Halts Deportations of Haitians For Now, TPS Still Not Granted

The United States and the international community continue to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the people of Haiti in response to the devastating earthquake that struck on Tuesday evening. As a complement to the comprehensive relief and development efforts, the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has announced that it will temporarily halt all deportations to Haiti. While this announcement comes as welcome news, it does not mean that the Obama administration has granted Temporary Protected Status to Haitian immigrants.

By granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians in the United States, the U.S. government would not only halt all deportations of Haitians from the United States to Haiti, but would also allow Haitian immigrants to obtain work permits. TPS would enable Haitian immigrants to better support their families and communities as they anxiously wait for the situation in Haiti to stabilize.

TPS is a temporary immigration status that does not allow its recipients to remain in the United States permanently. Rather, it protects people who cannot safely return to their home country because of ongoing armed conflicts, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary circumstances. For more on TPS, see the USCIS website. There are currently 30,000 Haitians in the United States facing deportation to Haiti, who would immediately benefit from TPS.

In order to protect Haitians already in the United States and allow the Haitian government to focus its limited resources on providing emergency care to its suffering people, the Obama administration should act immediately to grant TPS to Haitians. Contact President Obama to urge the U.S. government to immediately grant Temporary Protected Status to Haitian immigrants.

Immigration United Kingdom,Canada,United States,Australia,Ireland,Sweden,

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom has always been proved one of the most important destination for students, skilled migrants and investors all over the world. The UK work permits scheme is also very important for employment based entry. UK has introduced many new and important changes in their Visa policies and if you are interested in UK Immigration you are at the right place. Out website can give you complete information about new UK visa policies and points systems.

Canada

Over 320000 skilled migration visas are granted by Canada each year. Under the skilled worker immigration programme more people can emigrate due to low pass makes. A Canadian Lawyer, who is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and has the right to represent our clients in Canadian immigration cases, has been employed by us.

United States

Every year, millions of people try to enter the USA. USA is the most favourite destination for everyone who wishes to immigrate for starting a new life, develop their career, or join family members overseas. With huge cultural diversity and geographical variety, applying for immigration to the USA can provide a wealth of opportunities for potential US immigrants.

Australia

Australia is one of the world’s great immigration success stories. Today, nearly one in four of Australia’s 20 million people were born overseas, and it continues to welcome migrants who will contribute the future strength and well being of the country and its people.

Ireland

Last few years, Ireland has changed from being a country of emigration to a country of immigration. Ireland can offer excellent working conditions, low unemployment and low crime rates in addition to excellent healthcare and education as well as a rich cultural history and sense of national identity.

Sweden

Sweden government proposes new rules for labor immigration to Sweden. The rules will create a more effective and flexible system which will make it easier for people to come to Sweden to work and for companies to recruit labor from outside Europe. Sweden has also good health system, family life, good climate, political stability and security.

Australian General Skilled Migration English language Requirements

From 1 January 2010 the English language requirements for onshore General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas have changed:

• The English language requirements have increased for applicants nominating trade occupations (Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) Level 4 occupation) so that you no longer gain points for 'vocational English'.
• You no longer have the option to receive points for the General Points Test for 'vocational English'.
• If applying with 'concessional competent English' you will need to attain an average score of 6 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
• If you are applying with 'concessional competent English', you will no longer be restricted to being nominated by a State or Territory, or to being sponsored by a person who resides in a State or Territory. It will also no longer be a requirement that arrangements are established for suitable English language training, or that you will be required to enroll in an English language course and pay the fee.
• If the primary applicant is relying on partner points in the General Points Test, no points will be awarded if the partner has 'vocational English' and if claiming 'concessional competent English'. In this situation you would not have met the new requirements as set out for primary applicants.

You will now need to have a higher level of English ability if you wish to come under the General Skilled Migration visa scheme. Despite the changes there are still many tradespeople and professionals around the World who still qualify for the Australian General Skilled Migration category.


Tag: Jobs, job search, Immigration news, visit visa, VISA, sponsorship visa, Marriage visa, work visa, skill visa, migration, business visa, free education, uk visa, Canada visa, USA visa, green card lottery, green card visa, top universities free education, universities college student visa, medical professional visa, uk immigration, study in abroad, free information consultancy, employee visa, citizenship, immigration news, jobs in abroad, Work visa, Business Visa, family visa

Which Type of USA Visa Is Right for You,Nonimmigrant USA Visas,Live and Work in the U.S.A Permanently

Citizens of most foreign countries must obtain a visa to enter the U.S. There are two general classifications of US visas: nonimmigrant visas for temporary stays, and immigrant visas to live and work permanently in the U.S.

Temporary Visitors - Nonimmigrant USA Visas

Temporary visitors to the U.S. must obtain a nonimmigrant visa. This type of visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry. If you are a citizen of a country that's part of the Visa Waiver Program, you may come to the U.S. without a visa if you meet certain requirements.

There are a number of reasons why someone would come to the U.S. on a temporary visa, including tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work.

The State Department lists the most common US visa categories for temporary visitors. These include:

Australian (E-3) in Specialty Occupation

• Border Crossing Card - Mexican Travelers
• Business, Tourist and Visitors
• Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Professional
• Diplomats and Government Officials
• Exchange Visitors
• Fiancé(e) to Marry U.S. Citizen/Spouse
• International Organizations & NATO
• Media & Journalists
• Mexican and Canadian NAFTA Professional Worker
• Religious Workers
• Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Professional
• Students
• Temporary Workers Overview
• Treaty Traders & Treaty Investors
• Visa Renewals

Live and Work in the U.S.A Permanently - Immigrant USA Visas

To live permanently in the U.S., an immigrant visa is required. The first step is to petition the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to allow the beneficiary to apply for an immigrant visa. Once approved, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center for processing. The National Visa Center then provides instructions regarding forms, fees and other required documents to complete the visa application.

The major immigrant USA visa categories include:

• Immediate Relatives
• Special Immigrants
• Family-sponsored
• Employer-sponsored

Tag : Jobs, job search, Immigration news, visit visa, VISA, sponsorship visa, Marriage visa, work visa, skill visa, migration, business visa, free education, uk visa, Canada visa, USA visa, green card lottery, green card visa ,top universities, free education universities college, student visa, medical professional visa, uk immigration, study in abroad, free information consultancy, employee visa, citizenship, immigration news, jobs in abroad,Work visa,Business Visa, family visa

CHANGES TO AUSTRALIA's IMMIGRATION POLICIES,AUSTRALIA IMMIGRATION POLICY CAHNGE,AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT CHANGE TO CRITICAL SKILLS LIST.

The Australian Department for Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) has announced policy changes that will have implications for those currently applying to immigrate and for those intending to do so.Essentially, the changes mean that it is now even more important for all applicants to be fully informed of the best way and the best time to apply, in order to achieve visa success.

“We recommend that all eligible candidates for immigration to Australia apply now, without delay”, said Grant King of the Migration Bureau. “Although the DIAC changes may entail longer processing times under certain skilled visa categories, it is essential that all prospective settlers to Australia lodge their applications now in order to secure their position and protect themselves from further changes.”

Using a registered Migration Agent will also ensure that applicants are kept well informed of all such developments and of the different options open to them. “In many cases,” Grant King advised, “intending migrants can adjust or improve the quality of their applications in order to suit the requirements of other visa classes. For instance, we are currently re-assessing all of our clients to determine whether they could apply under a different visa class which would be more advantageous for them. If applicants can obtain a qualifying job offer, they can in fact speed up their visa processing by applying under an employer-sponsored category or a temporary work visa class (eg. 457).”
New applicants are definitely recommended to seek the professional advice of a registered Migration Agent in order to ensure that their application to immigrate to Australia is drafted in the best way possible and targeted to the visa category most likely to ensure them success.
For Business migrants the need to act now is imperative. The Australian Government has advised that changes to business visa regulations are likely to follow in the near future, so prospective candidates should apply without delay to safeguard their opportunities to immigrate.

Australian Government cuts migration program- changes to critical skills list:
 
The Rudd Government will cut the 2008-09 permanent skilled migration program by 14 per cent to protect local jobs while ensuring employers can access skilled professionals in industries still experiencing skills shortages.
As has long been the case, the Government can adjust immigration levels according to the economic circumstances of the day and last week Cabinet agreed to cut the permanent skilled migration program in light of the worsening global economic situation.
Clearly, the economic circumstances in Australia have changed as a result of the global financial crisis so it is prudent to reduce this year's migration intake accordingly

The changes to the program are:

A 14 per cent cut in the 2008-09 permanent skilled migration program intake from 133 500 to 115 000.
Removing building and manufacturing trades from the Critical Skills List, such as bricklayers, plumbers, welders, carpenters and metal fitters. The list will now comprise mainly health and medical, engineering and IT professions.
These changes follow measures announced in December that resulted in only those migrants sponsored by an employer or in an occupation on the Critical Skills List being granted visas under the permanent skilled migration program. Almost half of the permanent visas granted are to applicants already living and working in Australia.
The Critical Skills List will remain under constant review and the Government will remove occupations from the list if demand for those skills can be satisfied by local labour.
The overwhelming message from business and industry is that Australia still needs to maintain a skilled migration program but one that is more targeted so that migrant workers are meeting skills shortages and not competing with locals for jobs.
There are still skills shortages in some sectors, such as healthcare, and these measures will enable industry to continue to source the skilled professionals they need while protecting local jobs and the wages and conditions of Australian workers.
The Rudd Government remains committed to a strong migration program but will continue to monitor the migration intake and will set the 2009-10 migration program to reflect the economic climate as part of the Budget process.
Skilled migration plays a crucial role in stimulating the economy and combined with the Government's Nation Building and Jobs Plan, will help Australia come out of the global economic.

Application Visa,Online Application,Temporary Visa,Canadian Temporary Visa Applications can be made online

The Canadian Government has announced recently that temporary residents applying for work permits or wishing to extend their visit in Canada can now apply online.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney had the following to say:

"Extending our online services to more temporary residents will significantly facilitate the application process by providing faster, more accessible and efficient services,".

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) commented that applications submitted online have to be complete. Postal applications on the other hand are not always complete and so have to be returned so adding to the processing times. All temporary residents can apply apart from co-op program work permit applicants.

CIC have allowed online applications since June 2008 for international students in Canada. 33,000 applications have been submitted online for off-campus work permits, to confirm their eligibility, to renew their study permit and to extend visas for dependent family members. CIC says that in future it will be possible for all types of applications to be made online.

application visa. online application, temporary visa.

Obama Immigration Law Reform Unlikely,USCIS and ICE Focus on Work Visas,DHS Visits,Illegal Immigration.

Obama Immigration Law Reform Unlikely :

The New York Times is reporting that immigration reform in 2010 under president Obama is unlikely. "Mexico's ambassador to the United States said Friday he expects immigration reform is unlikely to pass in that country in 2010 because of unemployment and midterm elections. In an unusually frank assessment, Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan said Mexico will continue its quiet, ''under the radar'' lobbying for a reform that would benefit the estimated 11.8 million Mexicans living in the United States. A large percentage are undocumented."

H-1B Visa Cap Reached

Fiscal Year 2010 H-1B Cap Count

As of December 21, 2009, USCIS has received sufficient petitions to reach the statutory cap for FY2010. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions for new H-1B specialty occupation workers seeking an employment start date in FY2010 that are received after December 21, 2009 USCIS will apply a computer-generated random selection process to all petitions that are subject to the cap and were received on December 21, 2009

Immigration News on Worksite Enforcement, Raids, DHS Visits, and Illegal Immigration. USCIS and ICE Focus on Work Visas.