Immigration newsletter 29 Sep 2009

The following changes to the UK Tier 1 visa of the points based system will come into place on 1 October 2009:

The most significant change is probably that under the Tier 1 (General) visa students will no longer gain points for previous earnings before they became students. Therefore, you will only gain points for earnings over the last fifteen months if you were actually working during this time and earning a high enough salary to be awarded points under previous earnings. In practice this is likely to mean that students in the UK and recent students outside the UK wishing to apply under Tier 1 will be unable to do so.

The world's economy took a hit after the global financial meltdown in 2008. Despite this many countries are still maintaining active immigration policies designed to attract skilled overseas talent.

One thing that is likely to mean more skilled immigration in the near future is the brightening economic outlook. The US Leading Economic Index increased by 0.6% in August of 2009. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently said that the US recession is most likely over.

Special Danish visa announcements: When people think of immigrating to Europe, the first destinations that come to mind are countries such as Britain, France, or Germany. However, Denmark offers attractive immigration options for skilled workers. Through the Danish Green Card, you can be given a temporary visa allowing you to live in Denmark and search for employment! We've helped people achieve their dreams of living in Europe through this unique program. Contact us today and let us help you get a Danish Green Card!

On 23 September 2009 UKBA further clarified the transitional arrangements for those who already have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or who have a pending application before earned citizenships is introduced. UKBA also clarified the circumstances under which those on HSMP and certain others can continue to apply for ILR or British citizenship under the current rules.

On 17 September 2009 The UK Border Agency confirmed that phase 3 of the student Tier 4 of the points-based system for immigration will start on 5 October 2009.

Phase 3 is the voluntary trial period of the sponsorship management system for Tier 4 sponsors. Tier 4 sponsors are educational institutions such as schools, colleges and universities who wish to sponsor students for study in the UK. During the trial period educational institutions can continue to issue visa letters.

Special Australian visa announcements: Australia is looking overseas for good tradespeople to shore up their labor market. Even if you do not have an apprenticeship in a certain trade (culinary trades, carpentry, and many more), we can still help you immigrate to Australia! Australia is in particular need for cooks and chefs.

The UK Border Agency announced that it will start issuing national identity cards after the new year to Tier 2 skilled migrants, three months ahead of schedule. The issuing of cards will also be speeded up for migrants under Tiers 1 and 5 of the points based system who will now be issued cards sometime in 2010, rather than 2011.