Newsletter archive

The United States will begin accepting applications for the Diversity Visa 2009 Lottery beginning today, Wednesday, 03 October 2007. Entries may be submitted electronically after 12 noon East Coast time for the U.S. The application period will end at 12 Noon Eastern Standard Time on Sunday, 03 December 2007. All applications must be submitted by electronic Entry Form on the Internet; paper entries will not be accepted. Only one entry per person will be accepted. workpermit.com offers services to evaluate and submit your entry for you. We have made a video of some frequently asked questions and a companion article on the DV-2009 for your convenience.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that no more H-2B visa petitions will be accepted for work during the first half of the fiscal year 2008, which runs...

The Australian state of Victoria has published its updated skilled migration strategy. Entitled "Global Skills for Victoria," it lays out plans for 2008 through 2011. The territorial government hopes to increase its share of migrants from 26.8% to 28.5% by 2011. Victoria wants to expand and enhance its skills base by attracting more highly skilled migrants, business owners, trade workers, and investors to its regional communities while at the same time retaining those who are already there. $8.4 million AUD are budgeted for the effort, which will also focus on attracting skilled migrants from India and the United Kingdom by establishing presences in both countries.

The government of South Australia has published its current list of skills in demand for immigrants who intend to use the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program's Sponsored Visa categories. Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) enacted significant changes to the GSM on 01...

A new study released by the British Council ranks 25 European Union states, plus Norway, Switzerland, and Canada, according to how well they integrate immigrants. The UK ranks 5th in several key categories, and ranks overall 9th as "most favorable" toward immigrants. The only category Britain didn't score in the top half was in "Political rights," where it came in 15 out of 28 countries. The study also notes that the UK could improve family reunification.

According to new figures from the United Kingdom's Office of National Statistics, migrant workers from the eight Central and Eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 (the 'A8' countries) are more spread out across the UK than traditional migrant groups. The report is based upon a 508,000 registration records of employers and breaks down by percentage the occupations Eastern European migrants have taken up.

Most of the European Union States...

workpermit.com has introduced a convenient new online visa service for those wishing to travel to Australia. If you hold a passport from an eligible country, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa using an electronic form on our website . An ETA is a multiple-entry visa that allows you to visit Australia for up to three months during a 12-month period for the purpose of short holidays, tourism, recreation, business trips, and informal studies or training. We can submit your application for you for a very reasonable service fee.

The European Commission this week is unveiling its "Blue Card" plans for a skilled immigration scheme to attract workers into the European Union. Under the proposal, skilled professionals may work in an EU nation for two years, after which the permit would become renewable and...

The European Union Commission has laid out its proposal for a "Blue Card" residence and work permit. Designed to attract highly skilled immigrants from around the world to Europe, the proposal must now be debated and agreed upon by all 27 Member States before it can come into effect. If passed, the EU Blue Card Scheme will provide residency for skilled workers in a Member State for two years, after which they may work in any EU nation. Immigrants would be eligible for permanent residency after five years, and they will have some rights to family reunification. Still in its infancy, the proposal provides protections for immigrants and for the labor markets of each Member State.

On 26 October in Belgium, 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific region countries (ACP) voiced serious concerns about the proposed European Union Blue Card were aired. The coalition wants the EU to "give consideration...