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Call us for visa advice at our London office: +44 (0) 20 7842 0800. The US DV-2008 (Greencard) Lottery - apply by 3rd December 2006

Wyoming, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States, is experiencing an economic boom in the mineral and energy sectors and is having trouble filling thousands of jobs. The local government has begun an aggressive recruiting campaign, hoping to attract skilled labour in welding and heavy machinary operation, among other positions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin that the government will prepare proposals by late November to bring order to immigration procedures. He wants to simplify the immigration process and help legalize the immigration status of people currently working and living in Russia.

The German government will issue a draft bill to implement EU directives on asylum and residency rights and to tighten entry regulations for foreign students...

Call us for visa advice at our London office: +44 (0) 20 7842 0800. New HSMP Points Calculator with latest changes The US DV-2008 (Greencard) Lottery - apply by 3rd December 2006

The UK announced that the current HSMP programme is suspended immediately and will resume under new rules from December fifth. The introduction of new rules affects HSMP extension applications, as well. Some transitional rules will come into effect for persons who currently hold an HSMP, with specific provisions for self-employed persons, but all new HSMP applications and applications for extension will be subject to the revised points-based system. Most notable, 75 points are now required when previously 65 were needed. Several points categories have been eliminated, with a specific income scale for additional points. A high level of English language proficiency must now be proven, in addition to other criteria. Transitional...

Call us for visa advice at our London office: +44 (0) 20 7842 0800. New HSMP Points Calculator with latest changes The US DV-2008 (Greencard) Lottery - apply by 3rd December 2006

75 points are now required for the UK HSMP visa; previously only 65 were needed. We have extensively revised the HSMP section of our website and have produced a detailed "Special Report on HSMP" video to describe the changes. Generally speaking, the HSMP points system has shifted toward more objective criteria, making it easier for some people and more difficult for others to obtain one. People will be able to submit applications under the new HSMP rules from December fifth.

The Skills Shortage Occupations listing for the UK Work Permit Scheme was revised last week. Advance notice is given of two more changes that will occur from December 18th, when...

Call us for visa advice at our London office: +44 (0) 20 7842 0800. New HSMP Points Calculator with latest changes - Apply from 5 December 2006 The US DV-2008 (Greencard) Lottery - apply by 3rd December 2006

HSMP applicants may begin gathering all required documentation immediately, but applications under the new rules will not be accepted until December 5th. Persons submitting applications are advised that HSMP applications must be complete in every way or it will likely be refused.

In late August, the UK government released statistics that show about 1,425,000 people have immigrated into the United Kingdom between May 2004 and June 2006. Approximately 636,000 Eastern Europeans have emigrated to the UK. Overall there is a net population gain of approximately 80,000 East Europeans annually to the UK.

400 police constables and 40 sergeants are being assigned to specialized...

Call us for visa advice at our London office: +44 (0) 20 7842 0800. New HSMP Points Calculator with latest changes - Apply from 5 December 2006 The US DV-2008 (Greencard) Lottery - apply by 3rd December 2006

From Sunday, 03 December at 12:00 p.m. noon, United States Eastern Standard Time, no further applications for the United States Green Card Lottery will be accepted. The only method of entry is by electronic application using the web-based Internet submission process. You should also note that there are very specific requirements for the photographs of yourself and family which also need to be submitted online, and that if you submit more than one application you will be disqualified.

HSMP applications under the new rules will be accepted from Tuesday, 05 December. The Immigration Law Practitioner's Association (ILPA) has written to the UK Minister of...