Immigration newsletter 31 Aug 2011

If you are interested in US immigration the US Green Card Lottery starts in about a month’s time. The new period of entry is from 4 October to 2 November 2011.

Net migration into the UK increased by 21 percent in 2010 to 239,000 immigrants. The increase was mainly due to a smaller number of people leaving the UK which coincided with a huge increase in the number of workers from Poland and other Eastern European Countries coming to Britain to work.

The new figures show that caps on skilled immigration and tighter immigration rules imposed on non-EU migrants has done very little to reduce immigration into Britain. The Government has imposed these immigration restrictions in an effort to reduce net immigration into Britain to the "tens of thousands".

A large portion of immigrants come from within the European Union, something that the UK has little control over due to EU Law on free movement of EU Citizens within the EU.

It is hoped that a new initiative in Canada will lead to the creation of a startup visa which would allow easier immigration for skilled migrant entrepreneurs and employees.  This is similar in many ways the US Start Up Visa initiative.

Startup Visa Canada is an initiative aimed at encouraging global entrepreneurial talent to open businesses in Canada. The hope is that companies started by overseas businessmen will create jobs and stimulate investment.

Alberta Employment and Immigration Minister Thomas Lukaszuk is traveling to the US to look for skilled workers for the province's energy industry.

Lukaszuk says the US has similar health and safety standards to Canada; Therefore, US workers should feel at home in Canada.

Lukaszuk also mentioned that Alberta needs more geologists, geochemists, and engineers.

Australia Immigration Minister Chris Bowen launched Australian Citizenship Day 2011 celebrations with a special citizenship ceremony at the World famous Sydney Opera House.

Over 40 people from 16 countries became citizens of Australia at Sydney Opera House. They are the first of approximately 3,000 people who will become citizens at ceremonies on and around Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September 2011.

The Cambridge University's Certificate of Advanced English is now recognized by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC); You can now take this test to confirm your  English language ability when applying for a student or immigration visa.