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Immigration news

The UK government's advisors on UK immigration policy the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended an increase in minimum salary requirements to bring a spouse to the UK. If approved, the changes could cut the number of family visa applications by up to two-thirds.
The first stage of a series of changes in Australian student visa laws is being implemented as part of the government's response to the Knight Review, including changes in financial requirements and the admission process.The Knight Review is a government appointed strategic review of the student visa program to help reform the Australian immigration student visa program.From 5 November, student visa applicants will need to include a confirmation of enrolment, issued by their intended education provider, as part of their student visa applications, the statement said.
Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship released new figures showing a significant decline in the number of migrants settling in Western Australia. The data further reveals the major skills shortages facing the state and, specifically, the WA mining industry.
According to the US State Department, only eight million people applied to win a green card in this year's US Diversity Visa lottery, compared to the record 15 million applicants last year.A US State Department spokeswoman attributed the drop in applications this year to the fact that Bangladeshi citizens weren't eligible to participate. The South Asian nation in years past had submitted the most applications but, as of this year, is no longer classified as a low-immigration country to the US.
UK immigration's shortage occupation list changes for the Tier 2 immigration route is now in effect. The changes affect those applying for Tier 2 visas, making it more difficult for some workers to seek employment in the UK. The recommended list was announced by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and accepted by the UK immigration department on 18 October and went into effect beginning 14 November.
Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship has announced they will be hosting two informational sessions in London for skilled workers in the UK to enable them to find new opportunities to emigrate and work in Australia.The informational meetings, entitled "Skills Australia Needs", will be on 25-26 February 2012 and will give Australian employers the chance to discuss potential employment and sponsorship opportunities with pre-screened UK skilled workers.