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The vast majority of highly skilled migrants coming to the UK under the Tier 1 visa are from India. A recent High Court ruling has resulted in the interim immigration cap imposed in the summer no longer being valid; There are currently no limits on the number of Tier 1 visas and Tier 2 visas that can be issued to Indians looking to live and work in the UK under Britain's points based immigration system.
Australia plans to simplify their temporary work visa program by reducing the number of different visas available. The planned changes are a result of responses by key stakeholders to a discussion paper released by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
"The government has considered submissions made in response to the initial discussion paper and has drawn up its proposed model for visa simplification," said Immigration Minister Chris Bowen.
An interim cap introduced last summer has been deemed unlawful by the UK High Court; High Court Judges have ruled that ministers needed parliamentary approval before going ahead with the temporary immigration.
The Australian government has announced a review of the student visa program along with a set of measures intended to help Australia's international education sector.
One of Australia's most valuable industries is the international Education sector. Thousands of students each year come to Australia to gain a world-class education. However, recently announced changes to Australian immigration law will possible have an adverse effect on the sector, prompting industry stakeholders to lobby for relaxed requirements for overseas students.
The European Parliament rejected a draft Directive for a single permit law to simplify procedures for residence and work permits for legal immigrants in the European Union. The European Commission now has to decide whether to withdraw the proposal, present a new one, or try to keep the current proposal alive.
From 10 January 2011 English language students who wish to attend only English language courses in the UK will be able to apply for a student visitor visa which allows them to stay in the UK for up to 11 months. The extended student visitor visa will only be available to applicants outside of the UK.
The visa will only apply to students wishing to learn English. If you wish to study other courses in the UK for longer than 6 months you will need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa.