Immigration newsletter 20 Jul 2010

UK Immigration introduced the Tier 1 Visa limit from 19 July 2010. This is the first time that there has been an immigration quota on Tier 1 visas, previously known as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. If you are making an initial application for a Tier 1 visa the two main changes to the Tier 1 visa scheme are as follows:
 

• There will be an interim limit on Tier 1 (General) visa applications from 19 July 2010 to 31 March 2011.
• You will need to gain 100 points instead of the previous 95 points if you are in another visa category and wish to switch to the Tier 1 visas scheme.

Australian Immigration Minister Chris Evans announced recently a new agreement between Australia and New Zealand to improve identity checks and border security.  The Immigration Minister had the following to say:

‘Australia and New Zealand today signed a memorandum of understanding [MoU] to share biometric data, an agreement that will further strengthen our nations 'border security’.

Australia recently celebrated Constitution Day. Australian immigration had the following to say:

“Constitution Day on July 9 is the occasion that marks Australia’s creation as a nation, the day in 1900 when Queen Victoria gave royal assent to the Constitution. As we recognise this important date, Constitution Day is also a fitting occasion to welcome new Australian citizens who will contribute to Australia’s future.