Newsletter archive

If you currently have a Masters degree and meet the requirements for the UK Tier 1 visa it may be worth applying now. UK Immigration will probably be making significant changes to the requirements for the UK Tier 1 visa very soon. In early December 2009 the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommended various changes to the Tier 1 visa scheme. MAC recommended that those with a Bachelors degree and not just those with a Masters Degree or equivalent should be able to come under the Tier 1 visa. This will benefit many people. However, MAC also said that there should be a substantial increase in the thresholds under which you can gain points for previous annual earnings.

The UK Home Office recently published quarterly immigration statistics on immigration and asylum for the period October to December 2009. According to UK Immigration the immigration statistics show the following:

As mentioned in previous news reports UK immigration are substantially increasing Government fees in many cases. Some fees for dependent relative applications will double or triple in price. If you wish to come under the current fee schedule you have to apply before Tuesday 6 April 2010.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has announced that there may be delays and disruption to services for immigrants and those travelling on Monday 8 March and Tuesday 9 March. This is due to strike action by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS). Lin Homer Chief Executive of the UKBA has said that plans are in place to minimise potential disruption. Lin Homer had the following to say: 'We are disappointed that PCS members have voted in favour of industrial action. It means that the travelling public are likely to suffer disruption and delays at border control as a result of this...

The recent Australian immigration changes mean that fewer people qualify for Australian immigration under the skilled independent visa. The Migration Occupations in Demand List no longer exists. Changes to the Skilled Occupation List in June 2010 may make Australian immigration more difficult still. Sponsorship by an Australian State or Territory under the State Sponsorship permanent 176 visa (relatives may sponsor as well) or the provisional 475 visa may be an alternative to the Australian Skilled independent visa. If you meet the requirements for a State Sponsorship visa it may be worth applying now instead of waiting until later in the year when you may no longer meet the requirements.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced recently that they will start accepting H-1B petitions again for the fiscal year FY 2011 cap from 1 April 2010. These visas are useful for professional and management level employees in specialized fields,...

As expected UK immigration will be making significant changes to the requirements for the UK Tier 1 visa and Tier 2 visa. The changes will take place on 6 and 7 April 2010. If you meet the requirements for the Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa you should seriously consider applying now before the changes in less than a month's time. If you earn a high salary and have a Bachelors degree then you may qualify for the Tier 1 visa from 6 April 2010. Under the current rules you cannot come under Tier 1 at all with a Bachelors degree. If you have a Masters degree and not such a high salary it may be more difficult to come under Tier 1 from 6 April 2010. The UK Government is reviewing the overseas earnings multipliers. This is important for those applying from abroad. This is used to calculate the...

The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) announced full details of the changes to UK Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas on 18 March 2010.UKBA reminds people that the changes will take place on 6 April 2010. It should also be noted that 2 and 5 April 2010 are public holidays in the UK which may mean that the last day for applications under the current immigration rules may be 1 April 2010. The new immigration rules mean that you will need a higher salary under Tier 1 visa criteria to gain points. If you come under the Tier 2 intra company transfer category this will from 6 April 2010 no longer lead to indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence).

The following UK Visa Application Centres in South India will be closed during part of this week and next Monday: