Topical:
There have been a number of major changes to Australia's skilled migration program recently. Australian immigration believes that these changes are more likely to result in Australia bringing in the type of immigrants needed by the Australian economy. Immigration Minister Chris Evans stressed recently that students with an occupation on the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) may still be able to apply for permanent residence.
A recent online survey of 1600 international students in more than 10 Australian Universities shows that 24 percent are interested in studying overseas to gain permanent residence. This is up five percent compared to a similar survey in 2005. The recent changes to the Australian immigration system which will make it more difficult for many students to gain a permanent residence visa may therefore put off many prospective students interested in Australia.
Students from North India, Bangladesh and Nepal wishing to study in a higher education course will from 1 March 2010 again be able to apply for an UK student visa. This will help thousands of students who have been unable to apply for a student visa since 1 February 2010.
Pat McFadden, the Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, had the following to say, "The suspension was taken in response to a huge surge in applications over a very short period of time."
Immigration Minister Chris Evans had the following to say:
The Australian Rudd Government is reforming Australian skilled immigration so that the immigration system will better deal with the needs of industry and employers now and in the future.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson has announced changes to student visas that will mean that students will need to have better English; Also, those on shorter courses will only be allowed to work a smaller number of hours in the UK. It is interesting to note that only a week ago UKBA announced a temporary ban on student visa applications from Northern India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
The new requirements since 7 February 2009 are as follows:
On 8 February 2010 the Immigration Minister Chris Evans announced a number of major changes to the Australian immigration system. This will affect applicants applying for General Skilled Migration.
Removal of the Migration Occupations in Demand List: