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It is usual for new Government Policy to be announced in the UK in the Queen’s speech. In reality the speech is based on what the Government of the day wishes to do rather than the Queen’s personal political views. The Queen had the following to say in her recent speech to the House of Lords: “My Government will limit the number of non European Union economic migrants entering the United Kingdom and end the detention of children for immigration purposes.” The UK Government confirmed after the Queen’s speech that the aim is to reduce immigration levels from outside the EU from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands. It remains to be seen what will happen after the consultation period ends. It has been said that an immigration quota will be very harmful for the UK economy.

Recently the UK Government has announced that identity cards for immigrants...

UK Immigration has confirmed that the interim limit on Tier 1 (General) visas will start on 19 July 2010 (previously it was thought to be 16 July 2010). The permanent limit on Tier 1 (General) applications under the points based system will start in April 2011. If you are affected by the changes in the Tier 1 (General) points system and new Tier 1 limit you should consider applying before 19 July 2010. The changes to the Tier 1 Visa system are as follows:

Canadian immigration plans to increase economic immigration in its...

This is a reminder to everyone that the UK immigration cap that will affect Tier 1 visas and Tier 2 visas will come into effect next Monday. The interim cap will be introduced on 19 July 2010 ahead of the long term cap to be introduced in April 2011. There is hardly any time left to submit your application if you wish to come under the current immigration rules. You will see further details of the interim cap below: Tier 2 Visas Interim Cap Details:

UK Immigration introduced the Tier 1 Visa limit from 19 July 2010. This is the first time that there has been an immigration quota on Tier 1 visas, previously known as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. If you are making an initial application for a Tier 1 visa the two main changes to the Tier 1 visa scheme are as follows:

Australian Immigration Minister Chris Evans announced recently a new agreement between Australia and New Zealand to improve identity checks and border security. The Immigration Minister had the following to say: ‘Australia and New Zealand today signed a memorandum...

Following an important High Court victory on 23 June 2010 it was judged that maintenance funds assessment must be in line with the immigration rules. UKBA had brought in a requirement that to meet the requirements for a Tier Visa the relevant maintenance funds had to be in your bank account for a continuous period of three months instead of just on the day the application is made as under the immigration rules. UK immigration now says that you will meet the requirement as long as in any one day in the one month period preceding your application you had sufficient maintenance funds for both you and your family. This is actually more generous than under the immigration rules.

UK Immigration is making or has already made a number of significant changes to the UK tier 4 visa scheme for students including changes to the English language requirements: If...