Immigration newsletter 22 Nov 2013

Sponsors available for IT and Banking Contractors in UK:

There are only a Limited number of places available. Call us on +44 (0)344 991 9222 or email uk@workpermit.com for further details. Sponsors for other occupations may also be available.

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.

If you are currently in the UK on a Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa and wish to switch to a dependent visa you can now do so without leaving the Country. Contact us for further details. We can also help with applications for Canada, Australia, the US and many other countries.

Republicans close door on US immigration reform bill

The speaker of the US House of Representatives, John Boehner,has told journalists that the House will not pass the comprehensive immigration reform bill which was passed by the Senate in June. This means that the bill will not become law. The bill would reform almost every part of the US's immigration system. It would increase the number of H-1B work visas and employment-based green cards. It would also create ‘a pathway to citizenship’ for most illegal residents.

UK PM: No limit on number of Indians studying in UK

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has told journalists in India that there is 'no limit on the numbers' of Indian students who can study in the UK. Mr Cameron was speaking on his second visit to India in 2013.

He said ‘We want to attract the brightest and the best to Britain. Whether you're a student, a post-grad, entrepreneur or businessman. If you're a genuine student studying at a genuine institution, you will get your visa. There are no limits on numbers'.

Canadian immigration announces changes to Canadian Experience Class

Canadian immigration minister Chris Alexander has announced changes to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) visa stream.

The CEC allows foreign nationals with one year's skilled work experience in Canada to apply for a Canadian permanent residence visa.

Mr Alexander said that only 12,000 new CEC applications will be accepted in 2014.

He added that some skilled occupations would no longer qualify. These include; Cooks, administrative assistants, and bookkeepers.

He added that the language skills of applicants will now be tested before applications are processed. Those who fail the language test will have their application fees refunded.

Australian immigration to fast track 'special investor' visas

The new Australian immigration minister Scott Morrison says he wants to fast-track 400 wealthy visa applicants for permanent residence. The 400 have applied for subclass 888 Significant Investor visas. Mr Morrison says that, between them, they will invest AUS$2bn in Australia.

He also says he wants to 'reboot' the Visa so that it creates more Australian jobs.

So far, 28 Significant Investor visas have been granted. Applicants must invest at least AUS$5m.

UK Immigration Minister says graduates can stay in UK

Mark Harper, the UK's immigration minister, has told the House of Lords that the UK has not communicated the 'very good arrangements' allowing international students to stay and work in the UK.

He said ‘If you have a graduate level job paying just over £20,000 a year, then you can stay in the United Kingdom'.

Immigration to grow UK population by 6m in next 25 years

The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) says that the UK population will grow by nearly 10m over the next 25 years of which 6m will be caused directly or indirectly by immigration.

The ONS says that the population should reach 73.3m in 2037. It says that that, over the next 25 years, net immigration will increase the population by 4.2m. In addition, a further 17% of population growth will be caused by a higher birth rate among immigrants.