Immigration newsletter 18 Sep 2013

This year, workpermit.com celebrates 25 years in business. We have helped thousands of people to move to the UK and around the world. We can help with many UK applications including Tier 2 visas, Tier 1 visas for entrepreneurs and investors, citizenship and Indefinite Leave to Remain.

If you are in the UK with a Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa, we can help switch to a Tier 2 (General) skilled worker visa. We can even help you to find a Tier 2 sponsor. We also help with sponsorship licences for Tier 2 and Tier 5 employers and for Tier 4 student visas.

We can also help with applications for Canada, Australia, the US and many other countries. Our expert staff are ready to help so why not give us a call now for a free consultation?

UK indefinite leave to remain requirements to change. Apply now!

From 28 October 2013, most family immigrants applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK will need to pass both the Life in the UK test and an English language test. At present, they only have to take one of these. People in the UK on work visas already have to take both tests. If you are in a family immigration category, you may wish to apply now to beat the deadline. Give us a call at our London Office on 0344 991 9222.

UK immigration announces 'business friendly' visa changes

Mark Harper, The UK's immigration minister, has announced changes to the immigration rules to make the UK more attractive for business. As of 1st October 2013, Tier 2 (intra-company transfer) visa holders will not have to take English language tests; It will be easier for Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa holders to get Tier 2 visas and it will be easier for up-and-coming artists to get Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visas. It will also be easier for Tier 4 student visa holders to take on internships at UK firms.

US immigration reform advocates step up the pressure

FWD.us, the pro-immigration organisation founded by Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, has held a 'Day of Action' to put pressure on US Congressmen.

FWD.us backs immigration reform so that US IT firms can employ more international computing talent.

On Tuesday 10th September, FWD.us encouraged its members to email their Congressmen, and to create a 'Twitter storm' in favour of reform. FWD.us hopes to persuade US Representatives to back immigration reform.

In June, the Senate passed a reform bill but this will not become law unless it is also passed by the House of Representatives.FWD.us wants to persuade Representatives to vote for the bill.

UK immigration has 'stopped trying to catch illegal immigrants'

The UK’s National Audit Office has issued a report which says that morale in the UK’s Border Force, which is responsible for border security, is extremely low. Staff numbers were cut by 6% between 2010 and 2013 and the NAO says this meant the Force had to abandon some searches for illegal immigrants and for contraband in order to ensure that queues at passport control were controlled. The report says that passport waiting times were lower in 2012 than in 2011 but says that border security may have been compromised as a result.

New Zealand immigration grants stay of execution for fat chef

New Zealand immigration has reversed its decision to deport Albert Buitenhuis, a South African chef.

Mr Buitenhuis and his wife have been granted two year temporary resident visas reversing an earlier decision to ask them to leave.

Mr Buitenhuis has worked in New Zealand since 2007. He weighs 20 stone, or 130kg. He was originally refused a visa extension because it was felt that he was likely to need medical treatment. He has been allowed to stay on the condition that he cannot use the public health services.

Mr Buitenhuis says he intends to lose 4 stone (25kg) in the next few months.