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On 01 September 2007, Australia will introduce major changes to their General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, a points-based system designed to bring in skilled foreign workers. Some of the key changes include tightening requirements in English language proficiency, increased emphasis on skilled work experience, and simplifying the GSM visa structure. A new temporary work visa will be introduced for graduates as well.
Germany has become the fourth nation in the European Union to sign an EU directive into law that will make it easier for scientists from non-European countries to gain work visas. Austria, Slovenia, and Slovakia have already signed the new directive into law.
A group called the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps wants to patrol the border between Canada and the U.S. state of New Hampshire, in an effort to keep out illegal immigrants. The Minutemen are known for patrolling the U.S.-Mexican border and other parts of the immense Canadian border.
They want to start as soon as possible but need more members and contributions, according to organizers.
As of Monday, 02 April 2007, anyone wishing to gain permanent residence in the United Kingdom - properly known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - will be required to take a test that assesses their knowledge of British life and culture. They will also be required to have proficient knowledge of the English language.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that they have received enough H-1B petitions to satisfy the congressionally mandated cap of 65,000 visas for fiscal year 2008.
The United States State Department is warning Americans who need passports that they should expect and plan for longer than usual processing times. While the longer times are generally not longer than two additional weeks, they are still strongly advising people to apply as soon as possible if they think they will need a passport this year.
At the beginning of the year, a new law became effective that requires Americans - and everyone else - to have a valid passport to cross the border of the United States by air. There are very few, exclusive exemptions.