Immigration newsletter 27 Nov 2014

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Changes introduced to UK Visa applications

On 16 October 2014 the Government announced a number of important changes to the UK visa system, Some of these changes have already taken place. Further changes will follow.

From 6 November 2014 immigration officers have greater powers to refuse Tier 2 visa applications if they believe that the vacancy is not genuine. One of the requirements to apply for a Tier 2 visa in the first place is a job offer. Also if immigration officers believe that the migrant worker does not have the necessary qualifications to do the job a Tier 2 visa can be refused.

From 6 November 2014 the number of visit visa options available to foreign nationals was reduced. The previous fifteen different travel visa types was reduced to four broader visa types; simplifying the process.

As announced last month, the UK and Ireland have agreed a joint visa scheme which will allow visitors to travel to both countries under the one visa.

Finally, as of next month, UK landlords in the Midlands will be required to check the legal status of all foreign nationals, or face a fine for failing to do so. If successful, this pilot scheme will then be rolled out nationally.

UK Visas: Politicians call for Aussie-style points system

UK politicians Boris Johnson (Conservative) and Nigel Farage (UKIP) have both recently called for the UK to adopt an immigration system similar to that of Australia. These statements are not entirely accurate. In reality the UK has had a points system for about six years.

The UK visa program was overhauled in 2008 by the previous Labour government. The UK then ended up with a points system similar in some respects to the Australian points system.

The UK visa system is divided into four different Tiers, with a different points system for each tier. Applicants earn points based on different criteria.

In comparison, immigration to Australia is easier. The Australian Migration Program has a number of different skilled migration programs. Unlike in the UK you can still gain immigration to Australia based on your skills, qualifications and experience without a job offer. States in Australia can also sponsor migrants.

Obama announces US visa changes for Chinese citizens

President Obama recently announced some visa changes last week which will lead to longer term visas being issued to Chinese citizens.

The changes agreed during Obama’s recent visit to China apply to student and visitor visas. They will allow for longer-term visas for students, tourists and business visitors, reducing the need to extend visas in future.

Similar visa extensions will also apply to US citizens wishing to visit China.

Australia Immigration Opportunities

Australia has some of the best skilled immigration programs in the World. We can ensure that your Australian visa applications are dealt with competently and efficiently so maximising your chances of success. We can help with Skilled Independent and State sponsored visas and a number of other Australian visa categories.

Canadian government crack down on immigration fraud

The Canada Border Services Agency has pledged that it will continue to crack down on immigration fraud, following concerns that migrants are being ripped-off by unscrupulous consultants.

There have been a number of cases recently of immigration consultants, based in Canada, who are charging foreign migrants huge amounts of money for work in Canada; only to find that the job in Canada does not exist.

Workpermit.com is an important source of information on immigration to Canada. We have detailed information on Canadian immigration, Canadian work visas, Canadian citizenship, and about immigration to Canada in general. All cases are dealt with by an immigration consultant or Canadian qualified lawyer.

Canadian visa reforms for Saudi applicants

The Canadian government have made changes to the visa application process for Saudi nationals.

Referring to the conflict in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine and Syria, the Canadian Ambassador Tom MacDonald said the move was aimed at promoting peace in the region. The reforms followed a series of talks between Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, and various senior Saudi Leaders.

Some of the measures include –

• A maximum 10 working days visa processing time
• A three week processing time for students
• Introduction of online applications
• Opening of three visa application centres in Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar