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New HSMP Points Calculator with latest changes
The US DV-2008 (Greencard) Lottery - apply by 3rd December 2006

75 points are now required for the UK HSMP visa; previously only 65 were needed. We have extensively revised the HSMP section of our website and have produced a detailed "Special Report on HSMP" video to describe the changes. Generally speaking, the HSMP points system has shifted toward more objective criteria, making it easier for some people and more difficult for others to obtain one.

People will be able to submit applications under the new HSMP rules from December fifth.

The Skills Shortage Occupations listing for the UK Work Permit Scheme was revised last week. Advance notice is given of two more changes that will occur from December 18th, when the Actuaries category and eleven engineering occupations will be removed from the listing.

People who will not qualify under the new HSMP rules are reminded that the Work Permit Scheme is an excellent alternative for skilled persons who have already located an employer.

2 1/2 weeks remain to apply for the United States Green Card Lottery. Applications MUST be submitted electronically using the Internet, and none will be accepted after 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time on December third.

It is strongly advised that people interested should not wait until the last days to make their submission. Small mistakes or busy Internet service may cause people to miss the filing deadline.

The UN report ranking the quality of life for 177 countries was released last week listing the Best Places to Live in the World. Number one for the sixth consecutive year, Norway is one of the most oil-rich-per-capita nations in the world. With approximately 4.5 million people, Norway gives nearly one percent of its gross national product annually in assistance to other nations of the world.

Based upon statistics from the past several years, Chinese immigration into Canada is dropping off while the number of immigrants from India is rapidly increasing. Previously, China had been the top source for approved immigrants entering the country. Under the current trend, India will likely be the top source of immigrants within a couple of years.

Australia has raised the annual quota for its Work and Holiday Visa for Chilean nationals from 100 to 500 to help meet demand after the previous quota was fulfilled. The Chilean Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) is for young people aged 18 to 30 who are interested in a working holiday of up to 12 months in Australia, and it also allows participants to travel and study.

The Chilean Government has reciprocated with a Work and Holiday Visa quota increase from 100 to 500 for Australian nationals.

Germany's population will decrease by as much as 16% by 2050 due to lower birth rates, an official forecast predicts. Approximately a 22% drop in the working-age population will likely result, when the pensioner-age population is factored in.

The study is grim news for Germany, which is struggling on several economic and social fronts. At the same time, immigration reform has stalled.

Latest immigration news

Australia offers more work and holiday visas for Chileans

Australia has raised the Work and Holiday Visa annual quota for Chilean nationals from 100 to 500 to help meet demand. more »

India challenges China as top immigration source to Canada

Canada has lost its lustre among immigrants from China, but newcomers from India are on the rise and, according to officials, a demographic shift is likely to have a dramatic impact on Canada's political and economic course. more »

German population falling, increased immigration seen as partial solution

Germany's population will decrease by as much as 16% by 2050 due to lower birth rates, an official forecast reports. more »

Current version, UK Skills Shortage Occupation List, November 2006

The British Work Permit Scheme focuses on three primary categories of "occupations in demand." These are skilled occupations that the United Kingdom has determined are required to fulfil needed tasks for a healthy economy: more »

UK Skills Shortage Occupations List changes, November 2006

The Skills Shortage Occupations listing for the British Work Permit scheme has been revised. Also, some advance notice announcements regarding changes that are about to come into effect have been released. more »

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips in passports and visas

Many governments of the world are currently changing and reforming their immigration and migration laws and regulations. The old methods of paper-only passports and visas have become too easy to forge, allowing criminals to travel between countries, and to reside and work in them illegally. more »

UN report on best places to live in the world

The United Nations has released its annual report this week, ranking the quality of life for 177 countries of the world. For six consecutive years, Norway has taken first place. With a population of only about 4.5 million, it is one of the most oil-rich-per-capita nations in the world, giving the society large amounts of wealth to lavish upon its citizens in education and social services. more »

UK HSMP Suspended pending a new scheme in a month

The first step towards a points based system for managing migration was launched today with the introduction of new rules for highly skilled foreign workers applying to come to the United Kingdom. more »

Turkey appears to miss out on rapid EU accession

The European Commission will decide this week if it will recommend a partial suspension of Turkey's membership negotiations for joining the European Union. Turkey has failed in several key areas, including failure to open up its ports to Cyprus and other trade issues. more »

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New on workpermit.com

We have completely updated and revised the UK HSMP section of our web-site where you will find the best HSMP guide on the internet.