Australia Immigration News
New priority processing for certain skilled migration visas – 23 September 2009
The Minister of Immigration in Australia has set a new priority processing direction which is in effect from 23 September 2009 and applies to certain skilled migration visas.
The Direction applies to applications currently in process that have not been finalised, and to applications lodged with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, on or after 23 September 2009.
Tighter English language requirements from 1 January 2010
On 12 May 2009, the Minister announced tighter English language requirements for onshore GSM applicants from 1 January 2010.
Introduction of JobReady Test from 1 January 2010
Applicants who apply for an onshore GSM visa from 1 January 2010 and nominate a trade occupation must meet the new JobReady requirement.
Please click here to check the news in detail
New Zealand Immigration News
Domestic Student Definition and the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment
Domestic Student Definition
Immigration New Zealand’s policy was updated on 14 September 2009 to reflect the removal of domestic student status for French and German postgraduate students. Note that French and German PhD students will continue to have domestic status in line with Government policy on domestic student status for all international PhD students.
List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment
Changes to the Hungary, Netherlands and United Kingdom lists within the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment is in effect from 5 October 2009.
Key changes include:
- United Kingdom Masters qualifications added
- Changes to dates associated with institutions
- Former names of institutions added.
Please click here to check the news in detail
Skilled Migrant Category – Recognised Qualifications
Changes to the recognition and evidence of qualifications under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) effected from 25 May 2009.
Details of the upcoming policy changes are available now to enable those people intending to express interest under the SMC, those who have already submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI), and those people invited to apply for residence to make informed decisions about their EOI and/or subsequent residence application.
Please click here to check the news in detail
Canada Immigration News
Special immigration measures for typhoon victims in the Philippines – October 1. 2009
Residents in the Philippines who are significantly affected by Typhoon Ketsana are being offered special measures to facilitate immigration to Canada, announced by the Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
“I would like to express my deepest sympathy and support for the people of the Philippines affected by this terrible disaster,” said Minister Kenney. “This government is moving quickly to reunite Canadians and permanent residents with their families by extending a welcome to those who wish to come to Canada.”
Effective immediately, Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) visa office in the Philippines is responding on a priority basis for those directly affected by the disaster.
This will be applied to new and existing applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who have close family members in the Philippines. They must, however, identify themselves as being directly and significantly affected by the current situation and notify CIC.
New sponsorship applications should have “Philippines” prominently written on the mailing envelope. Sponsors and applicants presently in Canada who have applications in process should notify the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only) to identify their existing applications, if they or the family they have sponsored have been adversely affected.
Temporary residence applicants will be given priority processing by the visa office in Manila once they demonstrate that they have been significantly affected by the typhoon.
Please click here to check the news in detail
Online services for International Students
International students can now apply online to extend their study permit. New e-Services are yet another way Canadian Government is working towards attracting and retaining international students. Over 6,000 international students have applied online for an off-campus work permit. Now, international students at over 200 participating educational institutions will be able to apply for an off-campus work permit and confirm their eligibility online.
Students who gain skilled work experience after graduation may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class.
Please click here to check the news in detail