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More than 151,000 overseas nationals from outside the EU were granted permission to work: almost four times the level when Labor took power in 1997. It was announced to MPs that 151,635 work visa applications were granted between December 2007 and November last year. The greatest numbers of visas were issued to enable to following nationalities to work in the UK: Indians: 49,950, Americans: 28,835, Chinese Nationals: 8,090.

The UK Border Agency reminds Universities, Colleges and Schools that they must apply by 2 February 2009 if they wish to sponsor students when the new student Tier 4 is introduced at the end of March 2009. So far eight hundred educational institutional have been approved under the scheme. The new UK points based system covers work, business and student based entry into the UK. The student tier, Tier 4 will complete the rollout of the points-based system.

An increasing...

The British Trade & Cultural Office (BTCO) announced recently that from 3 March 2009 Taiwan passport-holders who visit the United Kingdom will not need a visa. This benefits those who will visit for less than six months on business or as a tourist, family visitor or student visitor. "Britain enjoys strong commercial and cultural ties with Taiwan", David Campbell, the BTCO's new Director said. "Lifting the visa requirement for stays of less than six months will help to build on that to the benefit of both British and Taiwanese people." It is not such good news for South African nationals. From 3 March 2009, South African nationals seeking to visit or transit the United Kingdom will require a visa to enter or transit the UK unless they qualify for a temporary exemption. To qualify under this exemption you must have travelled to the UK recently and have evidence of your...

The removals firm Pickfords' Move Monitor Survey found that there was a 31 percent increase in the numbers of immigrants from the UK moving to Australia in 2008 compared to 2007. 40,000 Brits moved to Australia in 2007; 23,000 say that they will stay permanently in Australia. Over ten years the level of emigration from the UK to Australia has more than doubled. The current economic situation in the UK has also led to an increase in immigration to Australia. The Australian General Skilled Migration visa has been very successful in attracting migrants. Prospective migrants gain points based on skills, work experience, qualifications, age, etc. There is now an extra five points for passing an English language test; this benefits people from English speaking Countries such as the UK.

The UK Government has recently announced proposed fee levels for all visa, immigration and nationality applications and services for the...

Due to the economic situation in the UK Jacqui Smith the Home Secretary has announced changes which will make it more difficult to come under the points based system. From 1 April the Government will:

On 20 February 2009 Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced a record number of permanent and temporary residents in 2008. "While other countries are talking about taking fewer immigrants, today, I am pleased to announce that in 2008, we increased the number...