Immigration news

Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced on 19 March further changes to student visas including streamlined visa processing and other changes that are intended to go into effect on 24 and 26 March 2012.The proposed changes are part of stage two of the Australian Government's response to the Knight Review of the student visa program. Stage one was implemented last November.

British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, Peter Beckingham announced new figures on 14 March about India's investment in the UK over last two years.

Australian Immigration has announced that from 15 February 2012 the validity period for Resident Return Visas (Subclass 155) will be reduced from five years to one year when the applicant has not lived in Australia for more than two of the last five years. The Resident Return visa is a permanent visa for current or former Australian permanent residents. This visa will allow you to maintain or regain your status as an Australian permanent resident if you re-enter Australia and meet the necessary requirements.

Currently there is a huge demand for Residential Care Officers in Australia. If you meet the necessary requirements you can emigrate to Australia under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program. A Residential Care Officer provides care and supervision for children or disabled persons in group housing or institutional care.

Nova Scotia held an International Careers Fair in Halifax on 6 March 2012 that attracted many new immigrants looking for jobs in the province.Hundreds of job seekers attended the job fair to meet with nearly 80 local businesses to see what job opportunities were available. Nova Scotia held the event to connect skilled immigrants, international graduates, and temporary foreign workers with local businesses.The province is facing a looming shortage of skilled workers; Connecting immigrants with local companies is becoming increasingly important.

The Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan announced changes to the Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) as part of the Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2011-12.LAFHA is an allowance paid to the employee to cover the additional costs of living away from home while performing employment related duties. There are typically three elements to a LAFHA; accommodation, food, and hardship. LAFHA is widely used by temporary residents to boost their take-home pay.