Immigration news

UK immigration has announced changes to the application process for Tier 2 visas and Tier 5 visas. The changes will allow applicants applying under Tier 2 and Tier 5 and their dependants who are in the UK to apply online to extend their UK visa. Applicants will still need to submit supporting documents in person or by post after submitting an application online.The online application service will begin 14 February 2012.

The Canadian government has announced funding for an organization that works to attract international students to immigrate to Nova Scotia.The federal agency, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), promised $185,000 in funding for EduNova, a non-profit organization that advertises Nova Scotia's educational and training programs to encourage international students to immigrate to Canada. Last year, ACOA invested $215,000 in the organization.

Australian Immigration has increased the application fees for employer sponsored visas beginning 1 January 2012.The application fee for 457 visas increased by 15 percent from $305 to $350. The fees for sponsorship approval and nominations for 457 visas remain the same. The application fee for SBS sponsorship approval is $405 and the fee for a 457 nomination is $80. All fees are in Australian Dollars.

Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced this week that changes are coming to Canada's immigration system soon. According to Kenney, the changes will make the system more flexible in an effort to combat labour shortages.

Beginning 6 April 2012 the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will require all applicants applying to remain in the UK under Tier 1 (General), Tier 1(Entrepreneur) and Tier 2 of the UK points-based system to have a completed language test prior to applying for a visa.

Following US President Barack Obama's announcement to streamline the processing of US visa applications, the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) implored Australian immigration to take similar action.Last week, President Obama signed an executive order stating the US State Department would increase US visas issued to China and Brazil by 40 percent this year.