Dear Visitor

The Australian state of Victoria has published its updated skilled migration strategy. Entitled "Global Skills for Victoria," it lays out plans for 2008 through 2011. The territorial government hopes to increase its share of migrants from 26.8% to 28.5% by 2011.

Victoria wants to expand and enhance its skills base by attracting more highly skilled migrants, business owners, trade workers, and investors to its regional communities while at the same time retaining those who are already there. $8.4 million AUD are budgeted for the effort, which will also focus on attracting skilled migrants from India and the United Kingdom by establishing presences in both countries.

The government of South Australia has published its current list of skills in demand for immigrants who intend to use the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program's Sponsored Visa categories.

Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) enacted significant changes to the GSM on 01 September 2007, including revisions to their visa categories to make it easier for migrants to choose a subclass that best fits their needs. The updated list by the state of South Australia reflects these changes.

There are two categories: 'Skilled - Sponsored' and 'Skilled - Regional Sponsored' visas, which are broken into two subclasses each, the subclass 176 for those applying from outside of Australia and the subclass 886 for those applying from within Australia.

The French Senate has approved a controversial law that would allow voluntary DNA tests for immigrants seeking to join family members in France. The new legislation is intended to speed up the process for genuine applicants. Critics of the law accuse it of being racist in nature and claim it would exclude those unable to pay for the tests. Supporters of the bill argue that 12 other European countries have similar policies.

Immigrant family members over the age of 16 are also asked to take a test in their country of origin that demonstrates a good knowledge of French language and values. They would also have to prove that their family in France could support them and earn at least a minimum wage.

The test would be paid for by the French government - part of a last minute change to the bill by Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux before the Senate vote. His other change would only require the examination of maternal DNA to prevent paternity suits arising from the tests.

The United States DV-2009 Green Card Lottery is currently open. It will close Sunday, 12:00 noon EST, 02 December 2007! Applications MUST be submitted online. workpermit.com offers services to evaluate and submit your entry for you. We have made a video of some frequently asked questions and a companion article on the DV-2009 for your convenience.

In 2007, the number of work and study permits issued by Denmark to foreigners increased for the 7th consecutive year. It is estimated this will result an increase of more than 50% compared with last year. By September 2007, Denmark already issued as many work permits as all of 2006. The Danish Immigration Service (DIS) estimates that the demand will not cease any time soon.

In 2006, the total number of work and study permits issued was 28,448 - compared to 24,988 in 2005. During the early 1990s, the number averaged less than 10,000. The increase in immigration is being attributed largely to the new European Union member states that joined in 2004 and 2007, and increases in the number of permits issued under Denmark's Job Card Scheme.

Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI), an Irish migrant's rights group, is releasing "The Richness of Change," a series of short films depicting personal experiences of migrants who have made a new life in the Emerald Isle. They want to emphasize the cultural benefits of immigration alongside the usual economic benefits often cited.

The event in Dublin was attended by Irish President Mary McAleese and Ireland's first black mayor, Nigerian-born Rotimi Adebari. President McAleese said that "on a purely economic level, Ireland has benefited significantly from inward migration. With our low levels of unemployment, the economy needs foreign workers to fill the jobs that in turn lead to further growth and prosperity."

The President added "this influx of talent, cultures and peoples presents us with a new set of realities, a new set of opportunities to build on, and challenges to deal with, to ensure that tomorrow's Ireland is a place that is flourishing humanly as well as being prosperous."

Canada continues to celebrate its 60th "Anniversary of Citizenship" by welcoming 28 new Canadian citizens during a special ceremony in Norfolk County, Ontario. More than 6.1 million people have been granted Canadian citizenship since its first citizenship act in 1947. About 200,000 people immigrate into the country every year at present.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has been celebrating the 60th anniversary with special ceremonies and promotions across the country throughout this year.

Studying overseas can be the best way for a potential migrant to get a foot in the door to the country of their choice. Many countries offer immigration schemes designed to keep foreign students in the country to fill skills shortage gaps and bolster their competitiveness in an increasingly global economy.

While not every country has a dedicated immigration scheme for foreign students who want to remain in the country, most top destinations give incentives to those who choose to study there. The United States has always been a top destination for students wishing to gain an education overseas. However, other nations have been stepping up in their bids to attract foreign talent. The easiest way to start the skilled immigration process is often through a graduate-oriented scheme which allows a student to stay on in their country of study upon successful completion of their courses.