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New Zealand - New Zealand delays updated skills shortage list
The revised Essential Skills in Demand Lists, which include the Long Term Skill Shortage List and the Immediate Skill Shortage List were scheduled to come into effect on 01 December 2008. It is now expected that the updated lists will not come into effect until 03 March 2009. Read more >
Canada - New changes fast-track skilled immigrants that Canada needs
Bill C-50, the so-called Budget Implementation Act, 2008, passed both the Canadian House of Commons and the Senate. The bill contains provisions which will allow immigration authorities to speed up the application process for skilled immigrants with shortage skills.
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Canadian Experience Class scheme open for business 23 Sep 2008
Canada recently introduced a new immigration scheme, which grants permanent residence to certain temporary foreign workers and foreign graduates of Canadian universities. (CIC) began accepting applications under the new program on 17 September 2008.
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Australia - Changes to the student visa Assessment Level for Degree Courses 1 Sep 2008
No third party funds acceptable now. Funds should be 6 months old againts 3 months now. Minimum acceptable IELTS score is 5.5 overall bands againts 5 now.
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Europe - Vote on EU skilled immigration Blue Card due in November
The proposed European Blue Card scheme for skilled immigrants will need to pass a crucial vote in the Civil Liberties Committee in early November, according to a press release by the European Parliament (EP).
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USA - Two US immigration categories to expire; Senate may grant extension
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that two non-minister categories in the Special Immigrant Religious Worker program will expire on 01 October 2008. The expiration date may be extended if legislation, which has already passed the united states house of Representatives, passes the U.S. Senate.
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UK details two new visitor visas for sportspeople and entertainers
The United Kingdom has released details on two new visitor visas for people such as athletes and entertainers making a trip to Britain to take part in events related to their occupation. The new visas come at a time when the UK is making the biggest changes to its immigration system in decades.
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