Immigration newsletter 21 Jun 2006

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Updates to numerous immigration and visa forms in the UK take effect 

Please note that as of June 19, a large number of application forms related to UK visas and work permits have been updated. For posts for postgraduate doctors and dentists starting on or after 19 June 2006 you will need to use the new PD1 work permit form.

Current listing of critical skills shortage for the UK 

The British Home Office has a listing of current critical skill areas, with nearly 100 specialties being aggressively recruited from around the world. Engineers in many fields are prominent, with several dozen dental specialties also listed. General medical practitioners, nurses and healthcare workers, and midwives are also considered in high demand.

US H-1B visa update for FY 2007 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stopped accepting applications for H-1B visas on May 26th due to the quota being met. However, a special category of H-1B is still open for those who have graduated from a U.S. university with an advanced degree to start work from 1 October 2006.

Illegal immigration crackdown in the US 

The United States Department of Homeland Security is engaged in an aggressive crackdown on illegal immigrants. In a series of sweeps over the past month, several thousand people have been arrested and are being processed for deportation. 

In late-breaking news, the conservative GOP faction in control of the House of Representatives has announced (Wed, 22 June, 2006) that "No reform will take place this year”.

UK amnesty for illegals still an open option 

Back in the UK, the Home Office is keeping the option of amnesty open for the majority of the estimated half a million illegal immigrants in Britain. The topic has been under consideration for three years now and a decision is expected. Of primary concern is that persons engaged in criminal activity be deported, while honest and hard working immigrants be given a humane opportunity to become legal.