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 replaces Express Entry from 1st Jan 2015
From Jan 2015, New Immigration Program Express Entry will be starting. Details will be avaliable by end of 2014.
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Canada - Federal Investor program temporarily closes its doors to new applicants
On June 26, 2010, Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced that the Government of Canada temporarily closed applications for the immigrant investor program. Effective June 26, 2010, the Government of Canada announced that it will cease accepting new investor applications. This said, any application postmarked or received before June 26, 2010 will be considered.
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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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