As a reminder for people who entered Britain under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) scheme prior to 07 November 2006, it is now possible to extend their HSMP under the old rules. People denied an extension to their HSMP visa under rules established after the change can have the UK Border & Immigration Agency (BIA) reconsider their applications. Following a judicial review, the United Kingdom's High Court decided that the BIA acted unlawfully by requiring HSMP visa holders who entered under the old rules to effectively re-qualify under newer, much more difficult requirements.
The travel site, Destination New Zealand, recently conducted a reader survey that shows more people immigrating to New Zealand are using immigration consultants. 47.1% of readers are using an immigration consultant for their applications. The survey also found that many people had difficulty in providing all the documentation required for the application.
It was found that the waiting time was the most inconvenient and irritating part of the immigration process. This perception may have contributed to the increased use of immigration consultants. Professional consultants can help applicants avoid delays by ensuring the required paperwork is complete and correct.
Did you get an HSMP visa before 07 November 2006?
• Windfall opportunity for some HSMP visa holders
You may be eligible to extend your old HSMP visa under the old rules!
You MUST have received your HSMP approval before 07 November 2006:
• if you applied for an extension and were refused;
• if you need to file an extension (or already have);
• if you have lodged an appeal; OR
• if you switched categories because you could not qualify under the changes
We can help you get your extension under the old rules. Contact us at our London office. You may also email us directly at hsmp@workpermit.com.
On 12 August 2008, Canada proposed a new immigration scheme called the "Canadian Experience Class." The new immigration scheme would, if passed into law, create a new route to permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship. People applying under the Canadian Experience Class can continue to work in Canada while their application is being processed.
Under the proposed scheme, certain temporary foreign workers and certain foreign student graduates with managerial, professional, or technical/trade work experience would be eligible to become permanent residents and eventual Canadian citizens. Depending upon their occupational skill level, applicants would need to have at least basic or moderate language skills.
Funding has been announced for 11 organizations in the Canadian province of Ontario to help an estimated 1,800 internationally trained professionals improve their language skills. The Canadian federal government will provide over CAD $7.8 million and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration will provide an additional CAD $3.4 million to agencies in Toronto that provide settlement services for immigrants.
Services are to include specialized language training, help for newcomers to find work, and mentoring and internship placements for internationally trained people. Funding will support services for foreign-trained individuals in specific fields such as health care, engineering, social work, architecture, and finance.
