Immigration newsletter 23 Dec 2008

2008 is almost at an end.  It has been an eventful  year.   In this special edition of the newsletter we will cover some of the major immigration events of the year.

UK Points Based System

The UK points based system has to a great extent been implemented in 2008.  The very successful Highly Skilled Migrant Programme popularly known as HSMP was replaced by Tier 1 (General).  On 1 April 2008 those applying from India had to come under Tier 1.  Then on 30 June 2008 Tier 1 was introduced Worldwide.   It remains to be seen how successful Tier 1 will be compared to HSMP.  Already, there have been concerns that many people do not meet the new maintenance requirements.  

On 27 November 2008 Tier 2 and Tier 5 were introduced.  Tier 2 replaces the work permit scheme.  Employers now need to register as a licensed sponsor.  However, so far most employers are yet to apply.  As it can can take months for applications to be processed this will be a serious problem for many employers!  Tier  5 the Youth Mobility scheme was introduced on the same date.  This replaces the working holidaymaker scheme and various other schemes.  The number of young people who can now come to the UK is greatly reduced.  Only nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand qualify for this scheme.

Canada Immigration System

The number of people who can now come under the Canada skilled worker category has been greatly reduced.  Most people will find that they will now need to have one year of experience in a list of thirty-eight occupations to be able to come under the skilled worker category.   Canada has at the same time increased the opportunities for immigration; There is the new Canadian Experience class introduced on 17 September 2008.  Those with Canadian work or study experience can come under this new immigration category.

Australian Immigration

Australia saw record levels of immigration with over 200,000 new immigrants in Australia.   Australia has a generally positive view on immigration.  It is expected that levels of immigration will stay at high levels for the foreseeable future.  Australia allows entry for both professionals and skilled tradespeople under the General Skilled Migration categories.   Despite the Worldwide economic downturn the economy in Western Australia remains strong with excellent job opportunities.

USA Immigration

It can be difficult to gain entry to the US.  The most popular visa category for temporary professional workers is the H-1B. However, the 65,000 visas allowed under the quota with an additional 20,000 for those with advanced degrees is never enough.   It is also very difficult to come under one of the work based immigrant categories in the US.  It is hoped that the election of Barack Obama will lead to greater immigration opportunities in the US.  We will see!

Which Country?

Australia and Canada allows entry for both professionals and skilled tradespeople.  Probably at the moment it is easier to gain entry to Australia than to Canada, the UK or the US.  Historically Australia has been an attractive destination Country for people from the UK.  In recent years there has been an increase in immigration to Australia from Asian Countries.  The UK and Canada also have very successful skilled migration programmes.  A migrant who eventually gains British citizenship can then work freely throughout the EU.   If you have a job offer then it may be possible to gain entry to the US.

workpermit.com in 2008 and beyond

We are pleased to be able to celebrate our twentieth anniversary year in 2008.  Much has changed over the last twenty years.  Twenty years ago it was often very difficult to find out about immigration opportunities around the World. Now with the internet you can do a google search and find a wealth of information on immigration to just about any Country in the World. 

After many years in the City of London workpermit.com moved office.  We are now located in modern office premises in Shepherds Bush, London.  This is the location of a new Shopping centre which has been widely publicised as being the largest in Europe.  We are also continuing to increase our presence in India for the benefit of clients who are based there.

We look forward to the next twenty years of helping people emigrate and start their new lives abroad.