Immigration newsletter 23 Nov 2011

Firstly, applicants looking to apply for UK family based immigration should consider applying soon. The Migration Advisory Committee, the UK government's advisors on immigration policy, has recommended an increase in minimum salary requirements to bring a spouse to the UK. If approved, the changes could cut the number of family visa applications by up to two-thirds.

Many Indians study abroad.  If you are from India and are looking for overseas study opportunities contact Work Permit dot com’s Indian office.  One of our consultants in India would be delighted to help you.

Tens of thousands of skilled workers are needed in New Zealand to work on reconstruction projects in Christchurch following the earthquake that hit the city earlier this year. Opportunities are available for people with skills in construction, engineering and IT in Christchurch over the next 10 years. If you would like to apply for a visa please contact us at WorkPermit dot com.

Graduates looking to apply for the UK Tier 1 Post Study Work visa will want to apply as soon as they are able to; this visa category will be abolished in April 2012.

In March 2011, UK immigration announced they will close the Tier 1 Post-study work visa, which allows students 2 years to work in the UK after their course ends. In most cases only graduates who have an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer under Tier 2 of the points-based system will be able to stay and work in the UK.

According to the US State Department, only eight million people applied to win a green card in this year's US Diversity Visa lottery, compared to the record 15 million applicants last year.

A US State Department spokeswoman attributed the drop in applications this year to the fact that Bangladeshi citizens weren't eligible to participate. The South Asian nation in years past had submitted the most applications but, as of this year, is no longer classified as a low-immigration country to the US.

The first stage of a series of changes in Australian student visa laws is being implemented as part of the government's response to the Knight Review, including changes in financial requirements and the admission process.

From 5 November, student visa applicants will need to include a confirmation of enrolment, issued by their intended education provider, as part of their student visa applications, the statement said.

More than half of China's millionaires are either considering emigrating or have already taken steps to do so, according to a poll by Shanghai's Hurun Institute, which publishes an annual list of the richest people in the country. The poll cited worries among the business elite about their quality of life and financial prospects; they also hope for better educational opportunities for their children abroad.

Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship released new figures showing a significant decline in the number of migrants settling in Western Australia. The data further reveals the major skills shortages facing the state and, specifically, the WA mining industry.Most new migrants coming to Australia went to live and work in New South Wales and Victoria, where the labour market is significantly tighter.