Immigration newsletter 15 Nov 2006

Call us for visa advice at our London office: +44 (0) 20 7842 0800.

New HSMP Points Calculator with latest changes 
The US DV-2008 (Greencard) Lottery - apply by 3rd December 2006

75 points are now required for the UK HSMP visa; previously only 65 were needed. We have extensively revised the HSMP section of our website and have produced a detailed "Special Report on HSMP" video to describe the changes. Generally speaking, the HSMP points system has shifted toward more objective criteria, making it easier for some people and more difficult for others to obtain one. 

People will be able to submit applications under the new HSMP rules from December fifth.

The Skills Shortage Occupations listing for the UK Work Permit Scheme was revised last week. Advance notice is given of two more changes that will occur from December 18th, when the Actuaries category and eleven engineering occupations will be removed from the listing. 

People who will not qualify under the new HSMP rules are reminded that the Work Permit Scheme is an excellent alternative for skilled persons who have already located an employer.

2 1/2 weeks remain to apply for the United States Green Card Lottery. Applications MUST be submitted electronically using the Internet, and none will be accepted after 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time on December third. 

It is strongly advised that people interested should not wait until the last days to make their submission. Small mistakes or busy Internet service may cause people to miss the filing deadline.

The UN report ranking the quality of life for 177 countries was released last week listing the Best Places to Live in the World. Number one for the sixth consecutive year, Norway is one of the most oil-rich-per-capita nations in the world. With approximately 4.5 million people, Norway gives nearly one percent of its gross national product annually in assistance to other nations of the world.

Based upon statistics from the past several years, Chinese immigration into Canada is dropping off while the number of immigrants from India is rapidly increasing. Previously, China had been the top source for approved immigrants entering the country. Under the current trend, India will likely be the top source of immigrants within a couple of years.

Australia has raised the annual quota for its Work and Holiday Visa for Chilean nationals from 100 to 500 to help meet demand after the previous quota was fulfilled. The Chilean Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) is for young people aged 18 to 30 who are interested in a working holiday of up to 12 months in Australia, and it also allows participants to travel and study. 

The Chilean Government has reciprocated with a Work and Holiday Visa quota increase from 100 to 500 for Australian nationals.

Germany's population will decrease by as much as 16% by 2050 due to lower birth rates, an official forecast predicts. Approximately a 22% drop in the working-age population will likely result, when the pensioner-age population is factored in. 

The study is grim news for Germany, which is struggling on several economic and social fronts. At the same time, immigration reform has stalled.