Immigration news

From 3 September 2012 Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will open two Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) in Beijing and Shanghai. The AVACs, operated by VFS Global Pty Ltd, will accept visa applications and visa fees, handle basic enquiries from clients before their application is submitted, and return passports."The introduction of AVACs will provide more convenient access to immigration services for clients through greater access to information, extended service hours and streamlined processing," said a DIAC statement.

Australian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has released new figures stating that 13,759 visas were issued under Australia's humanitarian program last year. Out of the total allocation of 13,759 visas, 6,004 visas were provided to UN-declared refugees from camps across the world. Another 7,041 places were given to asylum-seekers who arrived onshore in Australia, most coming by boat. The remaining 714 places were awarded under the special humanitarian visa category for family reunions and to people who have suffered gross human rights violations.

A new study has shown that the biggest concern for new immigrants and refugees settling in Ontario are finding employment and making sure that they have suitable language skills. Immigrants have difficulty finding work in Canada if they do not have adequate language skills.The study, titled "Making Ontario Home", by the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) uses research carried out over a period of two years analyzing newcomers' experience with use of immigrant services in the province.

There are several vacancies available in Canada that need to be filled immediately. Some vacancies already have an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO), while others are in the process of being approved or will start the process once they retain clients. If you have the necessary experience and wish to immigrate to Canada please send your detailed CV/Resume to indiaoffices@workpermit.com. Positions available Power Line TechnicianLMO approved - 16 vacanciesRequirements:

The US has eased the visa application process for eligible Indians wishing to visit the country. Children under seven years of age are no longer required to appear for a nonimmigrant visa interview after a completed visa form is submitted. Additionally, no extra visa fees will be charged for applicants if they are reapplying after their visa application was earlier put on hold or pending.The US Consulate in Mumbai now has a total of 40 windows to streamline visa processing and reduce the waiting time for a visa interview with a consular officer from three hours to one hour.

UK immigration officers have called off their 24-hour strike planned for 26 July. Immigration staff had threatened to strike this week on the eve of the Olympic Games in a dispute over pay and job losses. The strike would have included border staff who man passport and visa check desks at Heathrow airport and could have possibly created a massive delay as Olympic visitors come to London.