News archives

NEWSLETTER

[Volume 600 No.40, Oct 8, 2014 Delivered to over 94,000 subscribers]

Victorian Government pauses ICT skilled nominations

Due to the large volume of applications received, applications for Victorian State nomination for ICT occupations will not be accepted from 1 October 2014 to 5 January 2015. This temporary closure will allow the Victorian Government to process all outstanding applications and to reduce delays for future applicants.

The occupations affected by this pause are:

· 135112 ICT Project Manager

· 261111 ICT Business Analyst

· 261112 Systems Analyst

· 261311 Analyst Programmer

· 261312 Developer Programmer

· 261313 Software Engineer

· 261314 Software Tester

· 261399 Software and Applications Programmers nec

· 262111 Database Administrator

· 262112 ICT Security Specialist

· 263111 Computer Network and Systems Engineer.

It is anticipated this closure will be for three months, however further updates will be provided if required.

Applicants applying under the streamlined PhD and 457 pathways are not affected by the closure and may continue to apply under these ICT occupations during the temporary closure.

All applications currently in process, and received prior to this date, will be assessed against current guidelines and an outcome will be provided in due course.
Applications for all other occupations eligible for Victorian Government nomination remain open.

Work and Holiday Visa arrangement signed with Portugal

Australia and Portugal have signed a youth mobility arrangement to establish a reciprocal Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) between the two countries.

When the arrangement comes into effect, it will allow 200 young people from each country to enjoy a holiday or undertake short term work or study in the other’s country. The necessary legal and administrative processes will be put in place in the coming months.

Source : www.mia.org.au

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Canada Immigration related news in leading news paper Times of India:

NEW DELHI: With US tech visas getting more difficult for Indians, Canada is the new destination. For Indian techie entrepreneurs and even venture capitalists, Canada is making it easier…

Read more:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Liberal-immigrations-norms-make-Canada-new-destination-for-techies/articleshow/38399414.cms

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CANADIAN IMMIGRATION:

Total received toward the overall cap: 157 of 25,000

Eligible occupation
(by National Occupational Classification [NOC] code)

Number of complete applications counted towards the 1,000 sub-cap

0013 Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services

1

0015 Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services, n.e.c.

0111 Financial managers

6

0112 Human resources managers

0113 Purchasing managers

3

0121 Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers

0311 Managers in health care

0711 Construction managers

0712 Home building and renovation managers

0811 Managers in natural resources production and fishing

0911 Manufacturing managers

1111 Financial auditors and accountants

6

1112 Financial and investment analysts

43

1113 Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers

1114 Other financial officers

1

1123 Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations

1

1212 Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers

1224 Property administrators

2113 Geoscientists and oceanographers

1

2131 Civil engineers

5

2132 Mechanical engineers

8

2133 Electrical and electronics engineers

5

2145 Petroleum engineers

2171 Information systems analysts and consultants

5

2172 Database analysts and data administrators

2173 Software engineers and designers

20

2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers

39

2232 Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

2234 Construction estimators

1

2241 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

2243 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics

2

2263 Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety

2281 Computer network technicians

5

3011 Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors

3012 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

1

3111 Specialist physicians

3112 General practitioners and family physicians

3132 Dietitians and nutritionists

3141 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists

3142 Physiotherapists

2

3143 Occupational Therapists

1

3214 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists

3215 Medical Radiation Technologists

3216 Medical Sonographers

3233 Licensed practical nurses

3234 Paramedical occupations

4011 University professors and lecturers

1

4151 Psychologists

4214 Early childhood educators and assistants

5125 Translators, terminologists and interpreters

Ref – Citizenship and Immigration Canada

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Australian Immigration

IMPORTANT INFORMATION on closure of Parent, Remaining Relative, Aged Dependent Relative & Carer visas: 2 June 2014

Applications received by DIBP after midnight Sunday 1 June will not be accepted.

How applications can be lodged today
Parent Visas subclass 103 and Subclass 804
Applications must be posted or couriered to the Perth Parent Processing Centre and
Applications must be received by Close of Business Perth time: 5pm TODAY

Emailed and faxed applications will not be accepted! Schedule 1 does not allow it.

Remaining Relative

Subclass 115

Applications can be lodged at any overseas DIBP office

Subclass 835

Although the DIBP website advises that applications can be lodged at the Perth DIBP office, marked “Attention Child and Other Family Processing Centre”, Schedule 1 states that “if no address has been specified for subparagraphs (i) and (ii) — by lodging the application at an office of Immigration.” And there appears to be no addressed specified by the Minister.

There is no legal impediment to lodging an application for this visa at any DIBP office in Australia.

Aged Dependent Relative

Subclass 114

Applications can be lodged at any overseas DIBP office

Subclass 838

Although the DIBP website advises that applications can be lodged at the Perth DIBP office, marked “Attention Child and Other Family Processing Centre”, Schedule 1 states that “if no address has been specified for subparagraphs (i) and (ii) — by lodging the application at an office of Immigration.” And there appears to be no addressed specified by the Minister.

There is no legal impediment to lodging an application for this visa at any DIBP office in Australia.

Carer

Subclass 116

Applications can be lodged at any overseas DIBP office

Subclass 836

Although the DIBP website advises that applications can be lodged at the Perth DIBP office, marked “Attention Child and Other Family Processing Centre”, Schedule 1 states that “if no address has been specified for subparagraphs (i) and (ii) — by lodging the application at an office of Immigration.” And there appears to be no addressed specified by the Minister.

There is no legal impediment to lodging an application for this visa at any DIBP office in Australia.

Since this cessation was announced in the Budget Papers on 14 May, the MIA has alerted Members to this imminent closure and to the fact that a cessation date had not been announced. We also advised that it was important to get applications for these visas in as soon as possible, as there might be very little notice. (The DIBP was unaware that this date would be announced until it occurred).

The MIA is aware of your concerns about the fairness of the cessation of these visas, and the extremely short notice given, and will be raising this with the Minister’s office.

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(25th April 2014)
Dear Applicant,
GOOD NEWS

A lot of eagerly waiting applicants will be thrilled to learn that Canada is soon to open its doors and accept a lot of new applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The FSW program is more open to applicants than it has ever been, especially in the past few years.

The cap limit has increased, from just 5,000 last year to 25,000 this year, with sub-caps of 1,000 applications for each of the eligible occupations. In addition, the number of eligible occupations has more than doubled, from just 24 last year to 50 as of May 1. Skilled workers who were not eligible for the program in previous years because of their professional experience may now be eligible to apply.

If you are keen to proceed, you must apply NOW.

Following is the new proposed list:

1.Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services (0013)

2.Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services, n.e.c. (0015)

3.Financial managers (0111)

4.Human resources managers (0112)

5.Purchasing managers (0113)

6.Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers (0121)

7.Managers in health care (0311)

8.Construction managers (0711)

9.Home building and renovation managers (0712)

10.Managers in natural resources production and fishing (0811)

11.Manufacturing managers (0911)

12.Financial auditors and accountants (1111)

13.Financial and investment analysts (1112)

14.Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers (1113)

15.Other financial officers (1114)

16.Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations (1123)

17.Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers (1212)

18.Property administrators (1224)

19.Geoscientists and oceanographers (2113)

20.Civil engineers (2131)

21.Mechanical engineers (2132)

22.Electrical and electronics engineers (2133)

23.Petroleum engineers (2145)

24.Information systems analysts and consultants (2171)

25.Database analysts and data administrators (2172)

26.Software engineers and designers (2173)

27.Computer programmers and interactive media developers (2174)

28.Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (2232)

29.Construction estimators (2234)

30.Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241)

31.Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics (2243)

32.Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety (2263)

33.Computer network technicians (2281)

34.Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors (3011)

35.Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (3012)

36.Specialist physicians (3111)

37.General practitioners and family physicians (3112)

38.Dietitians and nutritionists (3132)

39.Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (3141)

40.Physiotherapists (3142)

41.Occupational therapists (3143)

42.Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (3214)

43.Medical radiation technologists (3215)

44.Medical sonographers (3216)

45.Licensed practical nurses (3233)

46.Paramedical occupations (3234)

47.University professors and lecturers (4011)

48.Psychologists (4151)

49.Early childhood educators and assistants (4214)

50.Translators, terminologists and interpreters (5125)

Please call us or send us your resumes immediately to determine your eligibility. We urge you not to lose this fabulous opportunity!

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Australia

New Visa Application Charges for all Australian visas from July 2013

New visa pricing arrangements will be introduced on 1 July 2013. This will change visa application charges from a single charge at the time of application to a charge per applicant in an individual or combined application.

All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and correct at time of release…

Kindy click on the link for further information

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Canada

As you may know already, Canadian immigration has drastically changed to benefit a lot of applicants. There are just a few occupations currently required in Canada. However, the good news is that if you are among the lucky few, your application will get expedited and you will receive your Canadian permanent residence visa very quickly.

We, at IAS have assisted hundreds of applicants and their families get their Canadian permanent residency. More importantly, we are now offering discounted rates for a limited time period only! Please call us NOW to see if you qualify. You could receive your Canadian PR in less than a year and the eligibility of being a Canadian citizen thereafter. Apart from a lot of social security benefits, Canadian citizens have the pleasure of visa free travel to a lot of countries!

So, pick up the phone and call us or email us right now.

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Australia

Immigration SA to improve the state nomination application process

Immigration SA has asked the MIA to send the following message to Members:

The South Australian Government would like to increase economic development by attracting more skilled and business migrants to the state.
We’ve been listening to your feedback and as a result we are reviewing state-based application criteria and evidence to improve eligibility for potential migrants and South Australian employers.

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Validity dates extended for IELTS and skills assessment

IELTS and skills assessment validity dates for General Skilled Migration (GSM) state nomination applications have been aligned with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) requirements.
This means Immigration SA will now accept IELTS results which are three-years-old or less on the state nomination decision date.
GSM skills assessments will be accepted regardless of any validity period indicated.

Click for more information.

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Criteria changes for off-list and special conditions

Immigration SA have created greater flexibility in the off-list section of the State Nominated Occupation List and to the special conditions criteria – to enable more South Australian international graduates to apply for state nomination.
There are a limited number of off-list places left for the 2012/13 program year. Changes will only apply until 30 June, 2013.
Changes include: (these apply to applicants living and working in South Australia only)

All international graduates of South Australia will be considered; nomination is no longer restricted to students who graduated within the last six months.

Applicants who have completed a vocational education and training (VET) or higher education qualification in South Australia with a minimum duration of one academic year (or CRICOS registered for a minimum of 46 weeks).

Students who have completed a PhD or Masters by Research qualification in South Australia, no longer require work experience if they have an IELTS score of 7.5 overall or 7.0 in each band.

Click to read the complete list of revisions online.

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Previously refused applicants encouraged to re-apply

If you have previously submitted an application for a client that has been refused for any of the reasons mentioned above, you may submit a new application to Immigration SA.
Click to apply now.

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Canada

The new Federal Skilled Worker Class is scheduled to reopen on 4 May 2013.

As part of this new Class, there is a new Priority Occupations List consisting of 24 occupations. There are also new limits on the total number of applications which will be accepted (5,000) and a limit on the number of applications per occupation (300).

The new Priority Occupations List is heavily weighted towards engineering, technical and and medical technical positions, with some opportunities for financial and investment analysts; and computer programmers and interactive media developers. Please find the list below:

– Engineering managers
– Financial and investment analysts
– Geoscientists and oceanographers
– Civil engineers
– Mechanical engineers
– Chemical engineers
– Mining engineers
– Geological engineers
– Petroleum engineers
– Aerospace engineers
– Computer engineers (except software engineers/designers)
– Land surveyors
– Computer programmers and interactive media developers
– Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
– Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety
– Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
– Physiotherapists
– Occupational Therapists
– Medical laboratory technologists
– Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants
– Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
– Medical radiation technologists
– Medical sonographers
– Cardiology technicians and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified)
Prior to any application being made, the applicant must have their educational credentials assessed in Canada by one of four (4) approved Educational Credential Assessment evaluation organizations.

The requirement to have an educational assessment done in Canada means that there will not be a “rush” of applications to fill the 300 applications available for each occupation.

In addition, each applicant must complete language testing in either English or French before submitting an application. There are also now Minimum Language Requirements, which are International English Language Testing System (IELTS) language level 6.0 for all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). The minimum scores for French on the Test d’evaluation de Francais (TEF) exam will be : reading 206; listening 248; speaking 309; and writing 309.

Under the new FSW system, points are also awarded for the language skills of a spouse or partner, based on language test results, so language testing for both persons in a couple will be important.

If you feel you fit into the list above, please call us or e mail us immediately.

There are other ways of immigrating to Canada too. Call or e mail us to know more.

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Australia

It gives us great pleasure in announcing that lot more occupations have been added on to certain state sponsored lists, enabling a lot more aspiring applicants to apply for immigration to Australia!

If you wish to know your eligibility, please send us your resume immediately.

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New Federal Skilled Worker Program to accept applications beginning May 4, 2013

Ottawa, December 19, 2012 — The new selection system for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will take effect on May 4, 2013 at which time the program will re-open for applications, Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

“The government’s number one priority remains jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Kenney. “The new Federal Skilled Worker Program criteria will ensure Canada is selecting the skilled immigrants our economy needs, who are the most likely to succeed and fully realize their potential in Canada.”

The improvements to the FSWP points grid are based on a large body of research which has consistently shown that language proficiency and youth are two of the most important factors in the economic success of immigrants.

The final changes to the FSWP selection criteria include:

Minimum official language thresholds and increased points for official language proficiency, making language the most important factor in the selection process;

Increased emphasis on younger immigrants, who are more likely to acquire valuable Canadian experience, are better positioned to adapt to changing labour market conditions, and who will spend a greater number of years contributing to Canada’s economy;

Introduction of the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), so that education points awarded reflect the foreign credential’s true value in Canada;

Changes to the arranged employment process, allowing employers to hire applicants quickly, if there is a demonstrated need in the Canadian labour market; and

Additional adaptability points for spousal language ability and Canadian work experience.

“For too long, too many immigrants to Canada have experienced underemployment and unemployment, and this has been detrimental to these newcomers and to the Canadian economy,” said Minister Kenney. “Our transformational changes to the FSWP will help ensure that skilled newcomers are able to contribute their skills fully to the economy as soon as possible. This is good for newcomers, good for the economy, and good for all Canadians.”

There are two new steps to the new selection system. First, applicants will have to demonstrate that they meet the minimum language threshold, which is level 7 of the Canadian Language Benchmark assessment system.

Second, applicants will have their education credentials assessed prior to arriving in Canada. A list of assessment organizations designated by the Minister will be made available early in the New Year. The assessment of foreign educational credentials will provide prospective newcomers with a more realistic understanding of how their credentials compare to education standards in Canada. It will also give them the opportunity to upgrade their education prior to coming to Canada if they choose.

It is important to note that these changes will not apply to people who have applied to the FSWP prior to May 4, 2013 with a qualifying arranged job offer or under the Ph.D. stream.

As recently announced, due to the actions taken over the past months, new applications under the FSWP will be processed in a few months, rather than a few years. In order to ensure fast processing times and to avoid backlogs, the new FSWP will accept a fixed number of applications each year.

In the medium term, the Government is also moving forward to develop and implement an Expression of Interest (EOI) model, which will provide employers with access to a pool of skilled workers.

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CANADA

Ottawa, December 13, 2012 — In another step toward improving border security, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney and United States Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson signed today the Immigration Information Sharing Treaty, a key part of the Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan.

“Today’s important agreement builds on our countries’ mutual efforts to protect our common borders and the surrounding perimeter, through improved screening of immigrants and visitors, before they enter Canada and the United States,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.“Enhanced information sharing of foreign nationals will protect the safety and security of Canadians by helping us prevent terrorists, violent criminals, and others, who pose a risk, from entering Canada or the United States in the first place.”

“This important agreement is the culmination of ten years of effort to advance the security of the United States and Canada, and to ensure the integrity of our immigration and visa systems. It reflects the commitment of President Obama and Prime Minister Harper to the Beyond the Border process, which will enhance North American security while facilitating the efficient movement of safe goods and well-intentioned travellers,” said David Jacobson, United States Ambassador to Canada.
Under the Immigration Information Sharing Treaty, no information will be shared on Canadian or American citizens or permanent residents.

The historic Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan was signed in 2011 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama. The Action Plan will accelerate the vital flow of people and goods between countries, promoting job creation and economic competitiveness, while strengthening the security of both countries.

As part of the Action Plan, Canada and the United States committed to share immigration information to improve border efficiency and security, by establishing and verifying the identities of foreign nationals, and identifying those who are inadmissible at the earliest opportunity.

The adoption of the Treaty enables our two countries to share systematically information from third-country nationals who apply for a visa or a permit to travel to either country. The Treaty also provides an additional tool for regular, systematic information sharing on inland asylum claimants, which already occurs on a case-by-case basis under an existing agreement between Canada and the United States.

Biographic immigration information sharing is set to begin in 2013 and biometric sharing in 2014.

“Increased information sharing on immigration and refugee applicants will support better decision making by both countries in order to confirm identities, and identify risks and inadmissible persons before they reach our borders,” said Minister Kenney. “The requirement to provide biometrics in our temporary resident immigration program will bring Canada in line with many of our international partners. Coupled with enhanced information sharing with the United States, our ability to screen out people who try to abuse our respective immigration programs will be significantly strengthened.”

Any information shared on travellers and asylum seekers will be handled responsibly and, as with other information sharing agreements, exchanged in accordance with relevant Canadian laws including the Privacy Act to ensure individuals’ privacy rights are considered and protected.

Even with increased information sharing, Canada retains its sovereignty in making admissibility decisions. Canadian visa officers and border services officers will continue to consider all information presented before making admissibility decisions in accordance with Canadian immigration law.

Enhanced screening initiatives, including systematic immigration information sharing and the Electronic Travel Authorization system, were agreed to in the Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan to achieve the security and economic competitiveness goals outlined in the Beyond the Border Declaration. The Declaration articulates a shared vision in which both countries work together to address threats at the earliest point possible while facilitating the legitimate movement of people, goods and services across our shared border.

Ottawa, December 13, 2012 — The Government of Canada will invest a record $79.5 million in settlement services for immigrants to Alberta for the 2013–2014 fiscal year, Michelle Rempel, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North, announced today.

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring newcomers to Canada integrate and contribute fully to the Canadian economy and their community as soon as possible,” said MP Rempel, speaking on behalf of Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “We have made important changes to restore fairness in settlement funding by moving to a funding model based on the percentage of immigrants each province or territory receives. This model ensures a similar standard of settlement funding is available for all immigrants, regardless of where they choose to settle in Canada.”

The allocation for settlement services in Alberta will be $79.5 million for the 2013–14 fiscal year, an increase of $4.5 million from this current fiscal year. Since 2006, settlement funding to Alberta has increased fivefold. Also since 2006, the Government of Canada has tripled settlement funding outside of Quebec, increasing funding from $200 million per year to approximately $600 million.
A national settlement funding formula is used by the Government of Canada to allocate funding for settlement services in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. The formula is based on the provinces and territories share of immigrant intake and gives additional weight for refugees to account for their unique settlement needs. The Canada-Quebec Accord provides the Government of Quebec with an annual grant, the amount of which is calculated using a formula set out in the Accord.

“More newcomers are choosing to settle in Alberta, in part because of the federal government’s increase in provincial nominee spaces for the province,” added MP Rempel. “Our improvements ensure that newcomers to Alberta receive their fair share of settlement funding.”

The priority for the 2013–14 settlement services funding is to focus on delivering services directly to immigrants and away from supporting expenses such as administration, travel, or capital costs for organizations.

Transition to permanent residence now faster, more flexible

Ottawa, December 11, 2012 — Skilled temporary foreign workers will soon be able to transition to permanent residence faster than ever before, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.
Beginning January 2, 2013, skilled worker applicants may apply to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program with 12 months of Canadian work experience, a year sooner than the previously required 24 months. In addition, graduates now have more time to earn their one year of work experience – up to 36 months, compared to only 24 months previously.

“The CEC helps Canada attract the immigrants our economy requires: individuals who have valuable Canadian work experience and the necessary skills to benefit our country’s current labour market needs,” said Minister Kenney. “These skilled workers are set for success and expediting their transition to permanent residence will help Canada to respond to ongoing labour market challenges.”

This improvement makes the program more flexible for applicants, particularly for skilled worker applicants who will be eligible to qualify for permanent residency more quickly. International students will benefit by gaining more time to acquire the necessary experience to apply for permanent residency.

Through the CEC, which was created in 2008, Canada has admitted more than 20,000 international students and skilled workers. In 2013, CIC intends to accept a record high of up to 10,000 permanent residents through this program. This is a significant increase from the 2545 who were admitted in 2009.

“The government is committed to creating a fast and flexible immigration system that works for Canada’s economy,” added Minister Kenney. “The CEC has become Canada’s fastest growing economic immigration program and is part of our plan to attract the best and brightest from around the world.”

Mississauga, December 10, 2012 — To address Canada’s growing demand for skilled tradespersons, a new Federal Skilled Trades Program is being launched on January 2, 2013, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

“The new Skilled Trades Stream will help address serious labour shortages in some regions of the country, and support economic growth,” Minister Kenney said. “For too long, Canada’s immigration system has not been open to these in-demand skilled workers. These changes are long overdue and will help us move to a fast and flexible immigration system that works for Canada’s economy.”

The program criteria are built around four requirements that ensure applicants will have the right skills and experience needed to succeed here in Canada. In order to qualify, applicants will need to:

have an offer of employment in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a province or territory to ensure that applicants are “job ready” upon arrival;

meet a basic language requirement;

have a minimum of two years of work experience as a skilled tradesperson, to ensure that the applicant has recent and relevant practice as a qualified journeyman; and

have the skills and experience that match those set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC B) system, showing that they have performed the essential duties of the occupation.

In order to manage intake, avoid backlogs and ensure fast processing times, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will accept up to a maximum of 3,000 applications in the first year of the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Minister Kenney was joined at today’s announcement by Michael Atkinson, President of the Canadian Construction Association. “The introduction of a dedicated and streamlined program for skilled trades addresses many of the shortcomings from the current Federal Skilled Worker Program,” said Michael Atkinson. “The new program ensures greater consideration is given to the needs of industry when processing eligible immigration applications.”

“Ensuring Canada’s immigration system works for small employers in need of skilled trades’ people has been a concern for some time,” said Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “With the shortage of qualified labour in many parts of Canada growing once again, the launch of the Skilled Trades immigration stream is very welcome news.”

Eligible occupations will include electricians, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and pipefitters, among others. CIC is currently working with the provinces, territories and federal government partners on the list of skilled trades’ occupations that are experiencing acute labour shortages and which will qualify under the program. This list will be announced prior to the program opening on January 2, 2013.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program will complement other avenues already in place for skilled tradespersons to immigrate to Canada, such as the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Programs.

“As promised in Economic Action Plan 2012, we are creating a new immigration stream to facilitate entry of skilled tradespersons,” added Minister Kenney. “The Federal Skilled Trades Program will help transform Canada’s immigration system into a fast and flexible system focused on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.”

source: www.cic.gc.ca

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Immigration Update: Canadian

Immigration Still Open

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is currently accepting applications from applicants with backgrounds in 111 different areas of training and does not require a job offer or relative in Canada in order for applicants to be eligible.

Single applicant must score at least 49 points and applicant with spouse, common-law partner must score at least 57. Additional 6 points may be granted at interview for adaptability.

To assess your eligibility for this Program, please send us your resume, along with proof of knowledge of English and/or French.

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Most of you may know by now that the Australian immigration process has completely changed. With the introduction of the EOI (Expression of Interest) and ITA (Invitation to Apply) most of you who initially did not qualify, will now qualify to apply.

Please call us / e mail us to find out if you qualify.

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Today, Jason Kenney, the Minister for Citizenship & Immigration made the following announcement:

Effective July 1st, 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will place a temporary pause on new applications to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and federal Immigrant Investor Program (IIP).

“We have been making lots of changes to our economic immigration system,” said Minister Kenney. “We will take the next six months to do a lot of the heavy lifting to get us closer to a fast and flexible immigration system.”

The pause will allow CIC to make important changes to its economic immigration programs before accepting more applications. This is an important step in moving towards a faster, more flexible immigration system, while immigration levels are at a historic high.

Since the launch of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012, Minister Kenney has
announced a series of changes to CIC’s economic immigration programs. They include:

eliminating the backlog of old FSWP applications;

improving the selection of FSWs;

creating a new Federal Skilled Trades Program;

modifying the Canadian Experience Class to help transition successful skilled temporary workers to permanent residence;

changing business immigration programs to target more active investment in Canadian growth companies and more innovative entrepreneurs; and

moving towards a new application management system, to develop a pool of skilled workers who arrive in Canada ready to begin employment.

“This temporary pause on new Federal Skilled Worker applications will allow us to set the program on a new course as we intend to launch revised selection criteria soon,” said Minister Kenney. “The pause has no impact on the number of workers Canada admits into the country, as CIC continues to process applications already received. Current immigration remains at historically high levels.”

Application intake is expected to resume in January 2013, when the proposed FSWP regulatory changes – which will be published in the Canada Gazette in the coming months – are expected to come into force.

The temporary pause on FSWP applications does not apply to candidates with offers of arranged employment or those applying under the PhD eligibility stream.

We will closely monitor the development and advise you of any further news on the above. **************************************************************************************************************

BECOME A REGISTERED NURSE IN CANADA AND APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE

Dear Applicant,

We are proud to offer a unique Certificate Program in one of the best colleges in Canada! This is a one year program designed to support internationally educated nurses prepare to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE). Once the exam is completed successfully, an International Registered Nurse can work as a Registered Nurse in Canada.

Requirements for this course:

1. A degree in Nursing;
2. Current registration as a Registered Nurse in the country of origin;
3. Minimum one year full time work experience as a Registered Nurse;
4. Good English language ability;
5. A clean criminal record

The Registered Nurse can then apply for Permanent Residence and bring their entire family to Canada. Upon gaining permanent residence, you can enjoy all the rights and benefits, including FREE EDUCATION for children, FREE HEALTHCARE and all other social security benefits. Upon completion of three years in Canada, you and your family will also be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

If you are a Registered Nurse in your country of origin and wish to avail of this wonderful opportunity, please call us or e mail us right away.

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Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Operational Bulletin 400 – April 4, 2012

Cessation of Processing for Certain Federal Skilled Worker Backlog Applications: Budget 2012

Issue

A number of immigration-related announcements were made in the 2012 budget on March 29, 2012. This Operational Bulletin (OB) serves to clarify the immediate implications for processing of Federal Skilled Worker applications received prior to February 27, 2008.

Background

Budget 2012 (Economic Action Plan 2012) proposes to return applications and refund up to $130 million in fees, on a cash basis, paid by certain Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) applicants who applied prior to February 27, 2008. To implement this, the government’s Budget Implementation Act has to be passed by Parliament and come into force.

Instructions

Pre-February 27, 2008 FSW applications for which a Selection Decision had been made before March 29, 2012 should proceed according to routine office procedures.

For the time being, effective March 29, 2012, processing should not commence or continue for any FSW application received before February 27, 2008 FSW for which a Selection Decision had not been made before March 29, 2012.

Further messaging on next steps with respect to FSW backlog cases affected by the Budget announcement will be published as soon as they become available, including the process for how refunds will be implemented.

For further information on changes outlined in this OB, please contact Operational Management and Coordination Branch at OMC-GOC-Immigration@cic.gc.ca.

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NEW ZEALAND SILVER FERN Job Search Visa:

New Zealand currently offers a Job Search Visa (JSV) The annual quota the JSV is only 300 visas world wide. This category opens soon. The JSV is one year open work visa for young professionals/tradespersons aged 35 & under with recognized qualification at Level 7 or above, to travel to NZ and find skilled employment within 9 months from arrival. Upon securing skilled employment, work visa for further 2 years is issued and with a skilled job you can score sufficient points and become eligible for residence.

Considering JSV is the only open work visa available in NZ, there is huge demand for this visa and annual quota of 300 visas is taken up quickly (last year it closed within 30 mins).

Should you be keen to apply for this visa please send us your resume right away!

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Canada

Great opportunity for working in Canada

POSITION # 1

Our associates in Canada, on behalf of their Client, are seeking a Senior Manager responsible for their Client’s established IBM Maximo Enterprise Asset Management System.

The selected candidate will be responsible for managing on-going systems development, developing reports and key performance indices and maintaining a diverse user base.

Applicants must possess a Bachelors degree in a related technical discipline, together with demonstrated experience in managing a Maximo program, including Maximo 7, Maximo-Primavera and Enterprise Adapters and Schedulers.

The position offers a competitive compensation and rewards package as well as an attractive benefit program.

Should you feel you may be eligible for this wonderful opportunity, please send us your resume immediately on info@worldwideimmigration.com or hiral@nallaseth.com

POSITION # 2

Three Project Engineers required urgently

Project Engineers develop and evaluate plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities that are to be carried out by others. They require to assess the feasibility and soundness of proposed project details when necessary data are insufficient.

This position is held by an incumbent who has extensive background in project management (10ys+). Incumbent should possess a thorough knowledge of general principles and theories in a professional field and should contribute significantly to the solution of applied problems.

Representative Activities:

– Participates in establishing design constraints.

– Prepares detailed engineering criteria for projects.

– Helps management set technical objectives.

– Co-ordinates efforts at all levels with other units of the company, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, etc.

– May develop new or modified components, products, manufacturing processes, materials and equipment.

Should you feel your profile matches the above requirement, please send us your resume immediately on info@worldwideimmigration.com or hiral@nallaseth.com

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Australia

Sponsorship of Former PhD Graduates

The Victorian Skilled and Business Migration Program is offering state sponsorship to a limited number of international graduates who have completed a PhD within a Victorian university. Former PhD graduates who qualify as one of the occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) – Schedule 1 and 2 are eligible for sponsorship either through the 176 or 886 visa streams. This means that PhD graduates who have left Australia can also apply for state sponsorship. These sponsorships are unique to Victoria. This is a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for those who have completed their PhD in the last five years.

Call us if you think you are eligible!

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Canada

Applications received toward the overall cap: 529 of 10,000 as of July 29, 2011

Applications received per eligible occupation:

Eligible Occupation
(by National Occupational Classification [NOC] code)

Number of Complete Applications Received*

0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers

21

0811 Primary Production Managers (except Agriculture)

5

1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management

259

1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners

6

2121 Biologists and Related Scientists

17

2151 Architects

11

3111 Specialist Physicians

7

3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians

3

3113 Dentists

10

3131 Pharmacists

18

3142 Physiotherapists

3

3152 Registered Nurses

94

3215 Medical Radiation Technologists

4

3222 Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists

1

3233 Licensed Practical Nurses

4

4151 Psychologists

1

4152 Social Workers

16

6241 Chefs

6

6242 Cooks

6

7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades

8

7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades

9

7241 Electricians (except Industrial and Power System)

2

7242 Industrial Electricians

4

7251 Plumbers

1

7265 Welders and Related Machine Operators

1

7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics

5

7371 Crane Operators

0

7372 Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction

1

8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service

6

*The number of complete Federal Skilled Worker applications received as of July 29, 2011 is approximate.

**Once the cap has been reached, we can only accept applications for this occupation from people with an existing offer of arranged employment.

NOTE: Because application intake fluctuates, these figures are meant as a guide only. There is no guarantee that an application sent in now will fall within the cap.

Source: Cic.gc.ca

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Australia

Perth will be labeled a country town by the Federal Government to attract needed workers and to assist Perth businesses to alleviate skills shortages in the resources sector.

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has announced in the media on 19 July 2011 that Perth will be reclassified under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS), giving the city’s employers access to a national potential pool of 16,000 visas places for foreign workers.

In the Migration Conference of the Australian Minerals and Metals Association (AMMA), Mr. Bowen announced a record of A$380 billion in mining investment and was projected to lead to a shortage of 36,000 trades people by 2015.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy put an announcement on 20 July 2011, saying that the Federal Government’s plan to increase skilled migration is only one component in preparing for WA’s looming skills shortage. The chamber believes that 33,000 workers will be needed in WA over the next few years.

Workers that are coming to Perth under the RSMS program will be able to apply for their permanent residency. Businesses applying for those visas will be given priority in the processing of their applications.

This will lower the benchmark of English language requirement, while the demands on employers regarding salary thresholds may be lower than under other forms of skilled working visas.

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United Kingdom

UK Government sets out proposals for breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration

09 June 2011

The UK welcomes the brightest and the best migrants coming to work in the UK but believes that net migration needs to be sustainable. The UK Government today (9 June 2011) launched a consultation on proposals to break the link between temporary employment-related migration and settlement, as well as reforms to Tier 5, and overseas domestic worker routes.

Launching the consultation, the UK Immigration Minister Damian Green set out proposals to re-classify visas as either ‘temporary’ or ‘permanent’ and introduce stricter criteria for those who want to stay.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said:
“The proposals I am making today are aimed at breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration.

“Settlement has become almost automatic for those who choose to stay. This needs to change. The immigration system has got to be made to work properly.

“We want the brightest and best workers to come to the UK, make a strong contribution to our economy while they are here, and then return home.”

The UK Government has already implemented new settlement requirements for skilled workers entering under Tiers 1 and 2 of the points-based system, which require applicants to demonstrate English-language proficiency, continue to meet the salary requirements and to pass a new criminality test.

The consultation will also look at the overseas domestic workers routes. The UK Government believes that it is not right that low-skilled workers have a route to settlement when it is looking to remove that right from more skilled workers.

Key proposals under consideration in the 12 week consultation are as follows:

Re-branding Tier 2 (the skilled worker route) as temporary, ending the assumption that settlement will be available for those who enter on this route.

Allowing certain categories of Tier 2 migrant, for example those earning over £150,000 or occupations of a specific economic or social value to the UK, to retain an automatic route to settlement.

Creating a new category into which, after three years in the UK, the most exceptional Tier 2 migrants may switch and go on to apply for settlement.

Allowing Tier 2 migrants who do not switch into a settlement route to stay for a maximum of five years with the expectation that they and any dependants will leave at the end of that time.

Introducing an English language requirement for adult dependants of Tier 2 migrants applying to switch into a route to settlement.

Restricting the maximum period of leave for Tier 5 Temporary Workers to 12 months.

Closing or reforming routes for overseas domestic workers.

Damian Green added:

“A small number of exceptional migrants will be able to stay permanently but for the majority coming to the UK to work will not lead automatically to settlement.”

The UK Government has committed to reforming all routes of entry to the UK in order to bring immigration levels under control. The settlement reforms will work alongside the annual limit, the new student visa reforms and changes to the family route planned for later this year.

To see the consultation document and details on how to respond, please visit our main UK Border Agency website.

Source:ukvisas.gov.uk

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