Immigration newsletter 18 Jun 2014

Do you have a professional level contract in the UK paying at least £180 per day? If so, we can help you find a sponsor and obtain a UK Tier 2 (General) skilled worker visa. It is easier to switch if you already have a Tier 1 PSW visa or Tier 4 student visa or Tier 2 Visa. The UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur scheme may also be an option. Why not contact the London office for further details.

UK Immigration Solicitor needed - Call the UK office on 0344 991 9222

Chinese investor visa applicants sue Canadian immigration

More than 1,400 Chinese citizens who had applications for Canadian permanent residence visas terminated are suing the Canadian government. They have joined a class action lawsuit in the Canadian federal court. They claim that Canada acted illegally by terminating their applications for permanent residence visas under the Immigrant Investor Program.

The program allowed wealthy foreigners who in effect lent the Canadian government CAN$800,000 to apply for permanent residence. Canada closed the program in February because of alleged visa fraud.

The applicants are seeking CAN$5m in damages each.

Cambridge University head slams UK immigration policy

The vice chancellor of one of the world’s leading universities says that UK immigration policy is damaging the country’s education sector.

The UK government has for some years promised to cut net annual immigration to below 100,000 per year. Because university students are included in the immigration figures as ‘immigrants’, cutting the number of students will cut the immigration total.

Professor Leszek Borysiewicz, of Cambridge University says that UK government policies have put off international students, many of whom have decided to study in the US, Canada and Australia instead of in the UK.

Cantor defeat may spell end for US immigration reform

The defeat of a senior Congressman in a primary election in Virginia has led some anti-immigration reform activists to predict that the chances of an immigration reform law passing in the US this year are dead.

On 10th June, Eric Cantor, the Republican leader in the House of Representatives, was defeated by Dave Brat, a vocal opponent of reform.

Some commentators say that the defeat shows that Republican voters oppose reform. They say other Republicans should vote against reform or share Mr Cantor’s fate. But a poll carried out in Mr Cantor’s district shows it was his personal unpopularity, not support for reform, which cost him his seat.

UK minister says meeting immigration target will be 'difficult'

Home Secretary, Theresa May, says the UK will struggle to reduce annual net immigration to below 100,000 by May 2015.

The UK's Prime Minister, David Cameron promised to do so in 2010. The annual total was then about 250,000 per year. Since then, the government has made numerous changes to the immigration rules but has only cut the total to about 210,000 annually.

Mrs May said that rising immigration from other EU countries was making it hard to reduce the total but said that the government would continue to strive to meet its target.

Bilimoria: UKIP talk 'dangerous nonsense' on UK immigration

Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea, the founder of the Cobra Beer company, has said that the UK benefits greatly from immigration.

Lord Bilimoria, who was born in India, told journalists 'I think that this country would not be where it is without all the benefits of immigration taking place over the decade'.

He said that the UK was 'one of the top 10 economies and at the top table of the world, mainly because of the input of immigrants and the religious and ethnic minority community'.

Dragon: Immigration is what makes UK 'brilliant'

Theo Paphitis, a British entrepreneur and television personality, best known for his role on BBC TV show The Dragon's Den, says that immigration is part of what makes the UK so ‘brilliant'.

Mr Paphitis said it was not true that immigrants take jobs from UK citizens. He added that the UK is an excellent place to do business.

Mr Paphitis came to the UK aged nine in 1968. He owns several retail companies and is said to be worth more than £200m.