NEWSLETTER No. 12 - February 2008

UNITED KINGDOM – DETAILS ON THE NEW SYSTEM


The UK government have just announced that the first stage of the new Points Based System will be introduced on 29th February 2008. 

From that date any highly skilled foreign nationals (such as current HSMP holders) currently working in the UK who want to extend their stay will need to apply under the new system. In April, the new system will begin to be rolled out overseas when anyone from India who wants to work in the UK as a highly skilled migrant will need to apply under the new system. By the summer the new highly skilled system will operate worldwide.

At the moment, the initial guidance from the Home Office is that the new system from 29th February will only apply to those in the UK looking to obtain or extend a HSMP visa. Other categories such as work permits would not yet be affected.

We are still awaiting exact details of the new application system for
applicants in the UK from 29th February. Once we have this, we will be detailing the process for you on our website and explaining exactly what it involves. 

For further information on the overall changes to be introduced gradually in the new Points Based System, please see back issues of the newsletters on our website.  

* Click for United Kingdom info page with the latest migration news


NEW ZEALAND – MORE OCCUPATIONS
RECOGNISED FOR IMMIGRATION

New Zealand has the lowest unemployment rate on record which has created a tight labour market and a strong need for skilled workers. The record low unemployment level is 3.5%.

"We have the fifth lowest unemployment rate in the OECD and we are the only country in the OECD to achieve such a low unemployment rate over such an extensive period," said Ruth Dyson, NZ government minister.

Recognising the need to attract more skilled workers, changes to immigration policy have been introduced. On the 4th February 2008 New Zealand Immigration introduced new rules for Skilled Worker applications. The new process allows for a wider range of jobs to be recognised as skilled workers that in turn support an immigration application. Recognition of work experience as well as qualifications (where held) will determine how successful an application will be. If you would like to know if your job is on the list please complete our
free online assessment.

* Click for New Zealand info page with the latest migration news


Previous Newsletters on migration issues:
  Newsletter 1 - January 2007
  Newsletter 2 - March 2007
  Newsletter 3 - April 2007
  Newsletter 4 - May 2007
  Newsletter 5 - May 2007 - In Focus: Australia
  Newsletter 6 - June 2007
  Newsletter 7 - July 2007
  Newsletter 8 - August 2007
  Newsletter 9 - October 2007
  Newsletter 10 - November 2007
  Newsletter 11 - December 2007

Contact us

Commonwealth Immigration Consultants Ltd.
59 Cambridge Gardens
London, N10 2LN
United Kingdom
Tel. +44 (0)20 8365 3380
Email: info@commonwealthimmigration.com 

AUSTRALIA - CANBERRA, ACT


We will shortly be meeting with representatives of the government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) who are very keen to attract migrants to their city of Canberra. 

The ACT government will be looking at nominating applicants for Australian residency and sourcing employment for them. If you work in any of the occupations listed below, then we would be very interested in receiving your CV. We can then present your details to the ACT officials with a view to employment and / or nomination for residency.

Automotive Electrician
Baker
Bricklayer
Binder and Finisher
Cabinetmaker
Carpenter
Joiner
Communications Linesperson
Cook
Drainer
Electrician
Electronic Equipment Tradesperson
Plasterer
Fitter
Furniture Upholsterer
Gasfitter
Hairdresser
Motor Mechanic
Air-conditioning Mechanic
Plumber
Panel Beater
Motor Mechanic
Printing Machinist
Roof Slater and Tiller
Stonemason
Vehicle Body Maker
Vehicle Painter
Tiler
Welder
Chef
Building Inspector
Building Associate
Estimator
Architectural Associate
Accountant
Child Care Co-ordinator
Computing Professional (CISSP, e-commerce, Network security, SAP, SIEBEL, DB2,
Oracle, Satellite Design, PK1)
Dentist
Civil Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Environmental Health Officer
Nurse
Midwife
Occupational Therapist 
Pharmacist
Podiatrist
Physiotherapist
Quantity Surveyor
Radiographer
Social Worker
Urban and Regional Planner

* Click for Australia info page with the latest migration news


We hope that this newsletter has been informative for you.  However, remember everyone's circumstances are different so if you or a friend or family member want to check your eligibility to emigrate then either

1) complete the Online Assessment form on our website www.commonwealthimmigration.com or
2) give us a call on (+44)  (0) 20 8365 3380

We would love to hear from you!

Regards
Tim McMahon
Commonwealth Immigration
www.commonwealthimmigration.com

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