Immigration newsletter 08 Feb 2012

If you are interested in immigration to Canada you should consider applying sooner rather than later.  If you wish to apply without a job offer there are only five hundred visas per occupation in a limited number of occupations under the Canadian Skilled Worker category.  If you are an architect or licensed practical nurse there are only a small number of visas left.  Visas are running out for a number of other occupations as well.

The Canadian governmenthas announced funding for an organization that works to attract international students to immigrate to Nova Scotia. The federal agency, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, promised $185,000 in funding for EduNova.

UK immigration has announced changes to the application process for Tier 2 visas and Tier 5 visas. The changes will allow applicants applying under Tier 2 and Tier 5 and their dependants who are in the UK to apply online to extend their UK visa. Applicants will still need to submit supporting documents in person or by post after submitting an application online. The online application service will begin 14 February 2012.

Following US President Barack Obama's announcement to streamline the processing of US visa applications, the Australian Tourism Export Council implored Australian immigration to take similar action. The council noted that the changes in the US clearly addressed the significance of the tourism industry to the US economy by making it easier to obtain US visit visas. Australia should also make changes that will benefit their tourism sector.

UK immigration Minister Damian Green announced this week that the UK would be bringing in a more selective immigration policy that encourages the "brightest and best" to come to the UK. Specifically, Green said that the UK wants immigrants who can "benefit Britain". He committed to continue with more reforms that he says will result in an immigration system that he says will better meet the needs of the UK.

Australian Immigrationhas increased the application fees for employer sponsored visas beginning 1 January 2012. The application fee for 457 visas increased by 15 percent from $305 to $350. The fees for sponsorship approval and nominations for 457 visas remain the same.

Beginning 6 April 2012 the UK Border Agency will require all applicants applying to remain in the UK under Tier 1 General, Tier 1Entrepreneurand Tier 2of the UK points-based system to have a completed language test prior to applying for a visa.

Australia is looking for immigrants to come work in their hospitality and tourism industry. These industries are short staffed; The Australian Government needs to attract 36,000 cooks, waiters, and bartenders as soon as possible.

UK Immigration is pushing to install facial recognition technology at London's Heathrow airport for the Olympics. UK Border Agency (UKBA) originally planned to install facial recognition technology in all five of its terminals in time for the Olympics but there have been several delays in getting the system up and running.