Dear [Visitor]

On 20 May 2009 the UK Border Agency (UKBA) put in arrangements that will benefit many HSMP visa holders. This is following the judgement of 6 April 2009 in the judicial review brought by HSMP Forum Ltd and relates to the continuous residence requirements to gain indefinite leave to remain in the UK; also known as settlement or permanent residence.

If you came under HSMP you will benefit from this judgement in the following circumstances:

If you were sent a Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) approval letter on the basis of an application made before 3 April 2006

and

You obtained entry clearance or permission to stay in the United Kingdom (also called 'leave to remain' or LtR) on the basis of that letter.

The number of 457 visas issued in the period 2007 to 2008 went up by 27 percent:

2007-2008: a total of 110,570 temporary visas were granted to overseas workers and family members. In the previous year it was 87,310.
2006-2007: the number of primary visa holders was 46,680; It was 58,050 during 2007-2008.

New South Wales granted the largest number of 457 visas, with a total of 20,480 primary visa holders. Perth was second with a total of 11,800 primary visa holders.

Immigrants on the 457 visa are highly skilled professionals with shortage skills in Australia. Those most likely to come under the 457 visa are Computing professionals, registered nurses and information professionals.

A local perspective	Sashi Nagras from the USA	A local perspective	In London since 1993

The EU has had to deal with a falling birth rate and increased competition for skilled worker s from non EU Countries. The introduction of the EU "Blue Card" will make the EU more attractive for Skilled foreign workers who will be given the right to live and work in the EU under the Blue Card scheme.

"The period of validity of the EU Blue Card will be between one and four years, with the possibility of renewal. A Blue Card may also be issued or renewed for smaller periods in order to cover the work contract, plus three months," said the Council of EU in a press statement.

Further changes to the 457 visa program took place on 15 May 2009. This has resulted in the removal of some occupations from the standard sponsorship arrangements.
Occupations affected by the changes include those in the following industries:
* Tourism
* Clerical
* Agricultural

From 14 April 2009 the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) raised the language requirement for all subclass 457 trades and chef applicants. There had been concerns about the exploitation of workers from non-English speaking countries.

The language requirement for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was raised from 4.5 to IELTS 5. This means that the requirement for subclass 457 English standard are the same as the requirements for permanent sponsored visas for trades occupations.

Immigration Offices in India

If you would like to meet us in India to discuss immigration to the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the United States,

make an appointment (either office): indiaoffices@workpermit.com.

Tel: +91 11 4223 5025
Eros Corporate Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi 110 019, India

ANNOUNCING - Vacancies for Australian & Canadian Immigration Experts


We are looking for immigration consultants experienced in Canadian immigration. This is an exciting opportunity to join our Migration Team in the workpermit.com Head Office in Central London.

If interested please send email to worklondon@workpermit.com with a covering letter and CV.

We are looking for immigration consultants experienced in Australian immigration. This is an exciting opportunity to join our Migration Team in the workpermit.com Head Office in Central London.

If interested please send email to worklondon@workpermit.com with a covering letter and CV.

On 22 May 2009 the UK Border Agency announced changes to the way that it processes applications by European nationals and their families for registration certificates, residence cards, family member residence stamps or confirmation of permanent residence in the United Kingdom.

From 1 June 2009, UKBA will check all applications as soon as they are received. Unless the application form has been completed correctly and all necessary supporting evidence has been provided, the application will not be considered valid under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006.

The UK Home Secretary announced on 21 May 2009 that all former Gurkhas who have served in the British Army for at least four years will now be eligible for settlement in the United Kingdom.

Until now only those who retired after 1 July 1997 were eligible to apply for settlement under the immigration rules. Under the new policy, those Gurkhas who retired before 1 July 1997 and completed four years' service can also apply to settle in the United Kingdom with their spouses and dependent children. This follows advice from the Home Affairs Select Committee about the number of Gurkhas and their families who are likely to apply under the new rules.

Australian immigration officials have stated that there are no special Australian programs for Tamil Sri Lankans or internally displaced people in the north of Sri Lanka.

"We want to dampen expectations," a Department of Immigration and Citizenship spokesman said, "because media coverage both in Australia and in Sri Lanka, while not inaccurate, may have unnecessarily raised some people's expectations.

• Australian 457 Visa helps Employers

  The number of 457 visas issued in the period 2007 to 2008 went up by 27 percent: more  »

• European Union decides to go ahead with Blue Card

  The EU has had to deal with a falling birth rate and increased competition for skilled worker s from non EU Countries. The EU "Blue Card" will make the EU more attractive for immigrants. Skilled foreign workers will be given the right to live and work in the EU under the Blue Card scheme. more  »

• All former British Army Gurkhas can now settle in the United Kingdom

  The UK Home Secretary announced on 21 May 2009 that all former Gurkhas who have served in the British Army for at least four years will now be eligible for settlement in the United Kingdom. more  »

• UK Applications by EU and EEA nationals and family member ? Applications must be complete

  From 1 June 2009, UKBA will check all applications as soon as they are received. Unless the application form has been completed correctly and all necessary supporting evidence has been provided, the application will not be considered valid under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006. more  »

• UK HSMP Forum Judicial Review Judgement ? Good News for HSMP Holders

  On 20 May 2009 the UK Border Agency (UKBA) put in arrangements that will benefit many HSMP visa holders following the judgement of 6 April 2009 in the judicial review brought by HSMP Forum Ltd. This relates to the continuous residence requirements to gain indefinite leave to remain in the UK; also known as settlement or permanent residence. more  »

• Australian Immigration confirms no special programs for Sri Lankans

  Australian immigration officials have stated that there are no special Australian programs for Tamil Sri Lankans or internally displaced people in the north of Sri Lanka. more  »

• Australian 457 visa - changes to sponsorship requirements

  Further changes to the 457 visa program took place on 15 May 2009. This has resulted in the removal of some occupations from the standard sponsorship arrangements. more  »

• Australian 457 visa - tougher english language requirements

  From 14 April 2009 the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) raised the language requirement for all subclass 457 trades and chef applicants. There had been concerns about the exploitation of workers from non-English speaking countries. more  »

• UKBA is changing the UK marriage visa rules

  The UK Border Agency is changing the rules for marriage visas. The UKBA says that this is to protect people against forced marriage and help newcomer integrate into British life. more  »