Immigration news

US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano traveled to Brazil this week to meet with international counterparts to discuss joint efforts to combat human trafficking, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel."Brazil is one of the United States' most steadfast allies and partners when it comes to protecting our hemisphere from evolving threats," said Napolitano. "We're pleased to be working with our Brazilian counterparts on efforts to both ensure national security and facilitate economic security."

Canadian immigration has announced they are expanding the Temporary Foreign Worker pilot project which allows Alberta employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers in certain in-demand occupations"Alberta is facing some of the most acute labour shortages in the country," said Immigration Minister Jason Kenney. "The expansion of this pilot project will enable more employers in Alberta to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis to fill short-term skills and labour needs when Canadians or permanent residents are unavailable."

Beginning 17 July 2012, UK Tier 4 visa applicants will be eligible to use the UK Border Agency's priority visa service in Malaysia.The priority service is available to eligible Tier 4 applicants who pay an additional fee of 392 Malaysian ringgits (£80) to have their visa application processed ahead of others. UKBA aims to process all applications using the priority service within 3-4 working days of receiving them.

Canadian immigration announced they have issued a record number of visitor visas this year with over 500,000 issued since the start of 2012. This same time last year, Canada had issued 450,000 visitor visas to foreigners visiting the country.

From 16 July 2012 if you are applying for British nationality from outside the UK you will have to send your application forms to the UK Border Agency's office in Liverpool. This change does not apply to residents of Hong Kong who can continue to submit their application at their local British High Commission or British Consulate.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced that Canada and the US have removed the three-year residency requirement for Canadian and US citizens to apply for the NEXUS program. The NEXUS program is available for pre-approved, low-risk travellers into Canada and the US at designated air, land and marine ports of entry. When travelling by air, NEXUS expedites passport and visa checks by enabling cardholders to enter either country quickly and easily by using self-service kiosks.