Immigration newsletter 17 Nov 2010

This is a reminder that UK visa fees are due to go up on 22 November 2010.  Even if the visa fee increase is delayed again it seems likely that visa fees will go up very soon.  Certain UK visa fees for dependents applying to remain in the UK will double or triple in price.

There will also be large increases in UK immigration fees if you are applying for Tier 1 visas and Tier 2 visas from outside the UK.  This may put off some people interested in skilled immigration to the UK.

According to the Daily Telegraph, UK Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to significantly increase the number of non-EU immigrant skilled workers allowed to enter the United Kingdom each month.

It is expected that the Government will reject the more hard-line immigration cap proposals from the Migration Advisory Committee. However this is not certain. If you meet the current immigration requirements for say a Tier 1 visa or Tier 2 visa it may be best to apply sooner rather than later.

If you apply in the future for immigration to the UK it may also be more difficult to gain permanent residence. If you apply now you will hopefully come under the current immigration rules for gaining permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) instead of stricter rules in future.

Australia has announced changes to its independent skilled migration points test which will go into effect on 1 July 2011. The new immigration points system will put increased emphasis on work experience and high level educational qualifications. 

Points will continue to be awarded for study in Australia, regional study, community languages, partner skills, and for completing an approved Professional Year. However, points will no longer be awarded for a particular occupation, but an applicant must still nominate an occupation on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Moreover, points can be earned for English language proficiency above Competent English, which is a minimum score of 6 on each of the four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

An Australian Treasury warning has been issued which states that increased immigration in Australia is 'inescapable'.

During Prime Minister Julia Gillard's election campaign, she said that Australia should not "hurtle" towards a big population. She thought that the 36 million people by 2050 as forecast by the Treasury was excessive.

Starting on 1 December 2010, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will again start accepting applications under the federal Immigration Investor Program.

Applicants under the Immigration Investor Program will need to have a personal net worth of $1.6 million CAD, which doubles the previous net worth requirement of $800,000. Moreover, applicants will be required to make an investment of $800,000. Under the previous rules, only a $400,000 investment was needed.

In July 2011, Australia will implement significant changes to its points based Australian immigration system. One important change is that people up to the age of 49 will now be able to apply for skilled immigration to Australia.

If you are a tradesperson and/or you are not so fluent in English it may be worth applying now.

If you are a graduate with excellent English and in your mid to late 40s you may benefit from the July 2011 changes; Australian immigration realizes that many people in their mid to late 40s are just reaching the peak of their careers.