Immigration newsletter 09 Nov 2005

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The US Senate voted to increase the number of available H-1B visas by 30,000 to 95,000 from next year. The H-1B visa is largely used in the IT industry to bring in skilled workers, and industry leaders have been lobbying for its increase in recent months. The Senate also voted to increase the number of legal immigrants as part of a broad budget deficit cutting bill that was passed on 3 Nov., by a margin of 52 to 47 votes. Family members have been removed from the limit on employment-based immigration visas. Visa fees have also increased.

The European Union's top justice official has stated that highly skilled foreign migrants should be offered Europe-wide "job seekers'permits", which would allow them to look for employment anywhere across the EU. It would break new ground in that it would be recognized by as many as 25 EU member states, so that a permit issued by one nation would be valid in another. It would not be restricted to a particular employer. An alternative being discussed within the Commission would restrict the permit to a single EU state for the first five years

A review of the general skilled migration program in Australia has found that while overall employment among the foreign worker population is high, many are not using their qualifications. Of migrants who gained entry to Australia on the condition they moved to regional areas, 23 percent were unemployed, according to a survey conducted by the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs since 1997. Australia believes that part of the problem may be attributed to immigrants?€™ poor command of English. For this reason, the country is considering making its English tests more difficult.

From 13 November 2005, all nationals from non-European Economic Area member states who wish to come to the UK for more than six months will need to obtain an entry clearance from a British diplomatic mission before travelling. The entry clearance, which will cost GBP85.00 will enable the traveller to stay for the full period without having to apply for a residence permit unless they wish to change or extend their stay.