Immigration news

It is a requirement for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in certain categories that the applicant demonstrates that the Knowledge of Life in the UK (KOL) requirement is met. If all the requirements are met apart from KOL it is currently the case that applicants are automatically considered for grant of limited leave in the same category. The difference in the fee between the settlement application and the cost of an extension of stay is refunded.

Foreign currency broker Foreign Currency Direct has found that the cost of living in Australia and New Zealand is up to a third lower than in the UK. This is one of the main reasons why Brits are moving to Australia.

The UK Border Agency has announced that applications under many of the categories of the UK points based system will be allowed at one of the five public enquiry offices. It should be noted from the beginning of April 2009 it will be more difficult to come under Tier 1.

Sun Media reports that the immigration department is working on a plan to fast-track some business travellers to Canada. Business visitors will then be able to obtain visas much faster than other visitors.

If the plan is put in place employees of established companies that have operations in Canada could be able to get visas in about one or two days.

Boris Johnson, the London mayor, again called for an "earned" amnesty for illegal migrants.

The interim study by the London School of Economics, commissioned by the mayor, estimated that about 450,000 would qualify for an amnesty which would carry a five-year residency qualification.

The following information is from the LSE Study and official statistics:

On 20 February 2009 Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced a record number of permanent and temporary residents in 2008.