NEWSLETTER No. 1 - January 2007

UK HIGHLY SKILLED MIGRANT PROGRAMME (HSMP) – NEW RULES

Work Permits (UK) suddenly changed the criteria for this visa in December 2006 without giving any advance notice. The new rules reduce the number of categories in which points can be scored but overall it appears more applicants will be eligible. It will of course mean that many previous applicants who didn't qualify may now indeed be eligible. However, if you qualify, you are best advised to apply promptly. Once approved by Work Permits (UK) you can choose to wait up to 6 months before having your visa inserted in your passport.

The new rules have also introduced new requirements in relation to providing evidence of your English language ability and proof of previous earnings.

The HSMP visa allows an individual to come to the UK to work or to establish oneself in self-employment. Eventually it leads to UK permanent residence for the applicant and his / her family. It is based on a complicated points system so make sure you get expert advice from us on your eligibility.

By completing the Online Assessment form on our website, we can see if you will qualify under the new criteria.


WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- STATE NOMINATION

The government of Western Australia are still desperately looking to attract many Tradespersons to their State. Almost all the major trades are included on the W.A. Priority Skills List.

State sponsorship through the State Migration Centre then allows an applicant to be fast-tracked for residency with the Department of Immigration. This can reduce the overall processing time to secure residency.

This option isn’t for everyone but if you are committed to settling in Western Australia and/or your points don’t meet the level for the Skilled Independent visa, then this is a great opportunity.

Western Australia is currently experiencing unprecedented sustained economic growth. Driven largely by an expanding minerals and petroleum sector, this is creating many exciting opportunities across the State.


CANADA
- BUSINESS IMIGRANTS
Commonwealth Immigration are pleased to confirm that we are now able to offer a guaranteed route which provides permanent residence to Canada for successful business immigrants.

Through a suitable, guaranteed investment in the Canadian economy, investor immigrants become eligible for permanent residence in Canada and, eventually, Canadian citizenship.

Applicants need to have a total net worth of CDN$800,000 and some business management experience. In partnership with a leading multi-national, applicants can receive financing for most of the required investment amount.

This then frees up their capital to purchase a home or a business when they arrive in Canada, while complying fully with Canadian government regulations.


NEWS - Exhibition at the Excel Centre, 30 Mar-1 Apr 2007

We are delighted to confirm that Commonwealth Immigration will be exhibiting at the “A PLACE IN THE SUN” exhibition at the ExCel Centre, London from Friday March 30th to Sunday April 1st.

The Emigration Show is being launched by the producers of the well-known Channel 4 television series and is in association with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. This campaign aims to provide those considering moving abroad with essential information and advice before leaving home.

We will be providing free consultations and advice on all matters related to visas for Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America.

Full details on the exhibition, including how to get there, are available at www.aplaceinthesunlive.com or by telephone on 0870 040 0071. You will find us on Stand EM 48. We would love to meet you there.

  Newsletter 1 - January 2007
  Newsletter 2 - March 2007
  Newsletter 3 - April 2007
  Newsletter 4 - May 2007
  Newsletter 5 - May 2007 - Australia
  Newsletter 6 - June 2007
  Newsletter 7 - July 2007
  Newsletter 8 - August 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

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – INVESTMENT VISAS

We are pleased to confirm that we are now able to offer two new exciting ways to secure US residence.

Firstly, through an investment of US$500,000 with a U.S. government designated Regional Centre, you can secure a permanent residence visa.

An annual return is paid on the investment and capital growth is accrued as well. The investment qualifies under U.S. immigration law to allow the investor to secure permanent residence for him and his family.

Another option is for individuals to purchase a U.S. business and apply for an E-2 visa. This is a temporary visa allowing the holder to live in the U.S. to run their new U.S. business.

The business must meet certain criteria to qualify for the E-2 visa and normally a minimum investment of US$100,000 is required. We can assist with the processing of this visa and crucially we can introduce you to a Florida based firm who can assist you to purchase a business that will qualify for the E-2 visa.

If you are interested in either of these options then please contact us.


WHERE? 
- NEW BRUNSWICK!

While many of our clients for Canadian residency apply to major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, we thought it worth mentioning that there are other places in Canada that are very welcoming for immigrants.

One such place is the Province of New Brunswick. One of our clients who has applied for Canadian residency recently went to visit New Brunswick and loved it so much that she is determined to move there.

So where is it? New Brunswick is on the eastern coast of Canada, beside Nova Scotia, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and the U.S. state of Maine. It has excellent links with all major Canadian and US cities and is easy to reach from Europe.

It’s roughly the same size as Ireland but only has a population of 730,000. That means the average house costs just CDN$130,000 (UK£60,000).

The New Brunswick economy has been outperforming the rest of Canada over the last several years. With a solid background in I.T. and manufacturing, coupled with its strategic position next to the U.S. market, the future seems rosy.

So much so, that the New Brunswick government offer a Provincial Nominee Program to attract immigrants – both workers and business applicants. If you are eligible, this is a much quicker process than an immigration application through the Federal government.

The capital city Fredericton is home to about 100,000 people and offers many cultural attractions such as theatres and art galleries. The city also has several large parks, forested areas and lakeside beaches. Two well established universities are also located in Fredericton.

And if all that isn’t enough to attract you, then here are some more key facts;

1. Free basic healthcare is provided by the Provincial government

2. New Brunswick’s crime rate is significantly lower than the national average.

3. New Brunswick is connected to the rest of North America and to Europe by major airlines. Air Canada provides daily flights from New York, Boston, Toronto, Montreal, St. John's and Halifax.


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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