NEWSLETTER No. 2 - March 2007

AUSTRALIA
 – RECORD LEVELS OF MIGRATION

A recent report from the Australian Department of Immigration has confirmed that the numbers of skilled migrants entering Australia is at an all-time high.

In the Migration Programme from 2005-2006, over 97,000 migrants entered Australia through the Skilled stream.

Also the number of applicants securing residency through nomination by a State government has increased by 47 % from the previous year. This State nomination route is proving increasingly popular, as it allows particular States to pinpoint exactly the types of skills they require.

In May, the Minister for Immigration is likely to announce another increase in the number of places in the Skilled stream.

And with so many occupations now receiving bonus points through the Migration Occupation Demand List (MODL), there may never be a better time than now to apply for Australian residency.


CANADA
 – TRUCKDRIVERS – BREAKING NEWS!

We have been in contact with a Trucking company based in New Brunswick, Canada who are very keen to take on UK Truckdrivers. They are looking to sponsor applicants for work visas and then permanent residence through the Provincial Nomination Program.

The employer is looking for UK Class 1 Truckdrivers with at least 2 years experience.

The employer will be visiting the UK for an information seminar to explain everything about the company and to offer employment on the spot.

We will be in touch again once we have an exact date for the seminar – likely to be April / May.


NEW ZEALAND
 – LONG TERM BUSINESS VISA

One of the most flexible routes to gaining residence in New Zealand is through the Long-Term Business Visa.

This allows those with experience of running their own business the opportunity to obtain a 3-year visa to establish a business in New Zealand. Each application needs to be accompanied by a sound business plan outlining the proposed venture in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Immigration Service then checks the business plan and the viability of the proposed venture. They also carry out checks on the background experience of the applicant and verify that the applicant has the funds necessary to establish the business.

There is no minimum amount required to invest but obviously this will depend on the business being established.

After the business has been running for 2 years the applicant and his/her family can apply for residence in New Zealand.


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.

Regards
Tim McMahon
Commonwealth Immigration
www.commonwealthimmigration.com

Contact us

Commonwealth Immigration Consultants Ltd.

59 Cambridge Gardens
London, N10 2LN
United Kingdom

Tel. +44 (0)20 8365 3380
Email: info@commonwealthimmigration.com

CANADA
- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Commonwealth Immigration are pleased to confirm that we are now able to offer exciting employment opportunities leading to temporary work visas and permanent residency in many occupations across Canada.

Through our relationship with an associate in Canada, employment can be secured for those of you who work in any of the following occupations;

o CARPENTERS AND JOINERS
o HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIANS
o SHEET METAL WORKERS
o FIRE ALARM SERVICE FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIANS
o CABINET MAKERS
o PLUMBERS
o BRICKLAYERS / STONE MASONS
o DRYWALL PLASTERERS
o FITTERS
o WELDERS
o HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS
o PAINTERS AND DECORATORS
o WELDERS & FABRICATORS
o CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS & PROJECT MANAGERS
o SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS
o DENTAL TECHNICIANS FOR ONTARIO
o BMW, VW, LANDROVER & JAGUAR TECHNICIANS

We can then assist with obtaining a temporary work visa and then permanent residency through the appropriate Provincial Nomination Program. This is a much faster route to securing your move to Canada. So, if you work in any of these occupations send us your CV and we’ll be in touch!


UK HIGHLY SKILLED MIGRANT PROGRAMME (HSMP) – CLARIFICATION REGARDING SALARY

Work Permits (UK) changed the criteria for this visa in December 2006 without giving any advance notice. According to Work Permits (UK) this has lead to many applicants submitting incomplete applications that have been refused, particularly in relation to proof of salary (one of the assessment criteria for which points are awarded).

Now Work Permits (UK) have issued further guidance clarifying the new rules relating to salary. These new rules explain in detail the supporting evidence that must be supplied as proof of salary. For instance, tax documentation must be supplied if available.

The new rules take into account differing situations – i.e. for salaried employees, self-employed applicants, independent contractors etc….

It is important to remember that Work Permits (UK) will not normally issue a request for further information. The application has to contain all required evidence when submitted.

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.


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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