The British Columbia government in Canada is setting up a task force aimed at boosting the number of skilled workers and investors immigrating to the province. Premier Christy Clark announced this week the creation of a new task force to review how skilled immigrants and foreign investors come to the province and how to better attract skilled workers looking to emigrate.
The task force will review the effectiveness of all of B.C.'s current immigration programs and make recommendations on how to improve the federal government's responsiveness to immigration needs for skilled workers throughout Western Canada. John Yap, head of the task force, said skilled people all over the world want to come to B.C. The aim of the task force is to make it easier for skilled workers to emigrate.
The nine-member group will consist of community and business leaders and will review the Provincial Nominee Program, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Immigrant Investor Program. The group will begin its work immediately and submit a final report by the end of March 2012.
"We've laid out an ambitious plan to create jobs in the B.C. Jobs Plan and we will need skilled immigrants to help fill more than one million job openings expected over the next decade," Clark said. "We don't know yet, how we're going to fill those jobs."
In order to achieve the task force's goal of attracting more skilled workers, task force members will meet with employers, industry and sector associations, settlement service providers, community associations and other relevant groups.
"This is a province and a country that was built on immigration, and that hasn't changed," Clark added.
Clark also noted that she would like to see the elimination of Canadian immigration's caps on the Provincial Nominee Program, a program that fast-tracks educated, experienced, skilled workers into the economy and accelerates the process to secure permanent residency.
Study Migrate offers a variety of immigation and study programmes in Canada. For more information please visit our Canada page: http://www.studymigrate.com/canada.html
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
US immigration H-1B visa cap met for foreign skilled workers
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced they have received enough petitions for graduate level skilled workers under the H-1B visa program to meet the cap of 65,000 for fiscal year 2012. This is the earliest the visa cap has been reached in the past three years, signifying renewed demand for this visa program.
Each year on April 1 the USCIS begins accepting H-1B petitions for the new fiscal year; USCIS announced the cap for H-1B visa applications was officially reached on 22 November, two months ahead of last year.
US businesses use the H-1B visa to employ foreign skilled workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise such as scientists, engineers or computer programmers. etc. The work visa is valid for up to three years from issuance and applicants can reapply for another three years for a total of six years.
US Immigration will continue to accept and process applications filed to extend current H-1B visas, change employment terms or employers, and to allow current H-1B visa holders to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.
The H-1B visa is very popular for many US IT firms looking to recruit skilled workers from abroad. Part of the renewed demand, particularly from Indians, may be due to US immigration creating stricter regulations about issuing visas for other visa categories, such as for L1s and B1s.
Apart from the annual quota of 65,000, an additional 20,000 H1-B visas are available every year under the advanced degree exemption for those who have a Master's or higher degree. This visa cap was met on 19 October 2011.
Each year on April 1 the USCIS begins accepting H-1B petitions for the new fiscal year; USCIS announced the cap for H-1B visa applications was officially reached on 22 November, two months ahead of last year.
US businesses use the H-1B visa to employ foreign skilled workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise such as scientists, engineers or computer programmers. etc. The work visa is valid for up to three years from issuance and applicants can reapply for another three years for a total of six years.
US Immigration will continue to accept and process applications filed to extend current H-1B visas, change employment terms or employers, and to allow current H-1B visa holders to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.
The H-1B visa is very popular for many US IT firms looking to recruit skilled workers from abroad. Part of the renewed demand, particularly from Indians, may be due to US immigration creating stricter regulations about issuing visas for other visa categories, such as for L1s and B1s.
Apart from the annual quota of 65,000, an additional 20,000 H1-B visas are available every year under the advanced degree exemption for those who have a Master's or higher degree. This visa cap was met on 19 October 2011.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Australian university graduates can now apply for the Post-Study Work Visa
The Australian government has announced this week that more international students will be eligible for the Post-Study work visa as part of the Australian government's response to the Knight Review of the student visa program.
Australian Immigration announced on November 30 the new Post-Study work visa program would be available for Bachelor or higher degree graduates starting in 2013, according to a joint press release from Chris Evans, Australian Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations and Chris Bowen, Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.
"These changes bring Australia into line with arrangements in other countries and enable education providers to offer a more competitive package to international students who are seeking good quality and long-term study in Australia, regardless of their field of interest,"said Evans.
Currently, more than 80 percent of foreign students enrolled at the Bachelor degree level or above use the Temporary Skilled Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to stay in Australia after they graduate. Additionally, some students who obtain qualifications other than a Bachelor degree or above can use the Temporary Skilled Graduate Visa, which provides an 18-month stay in Australia to study or work but requires applicants meet the qualifications for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
The new arrangements will extend the visa stay period to two years, while Masters by research or PhD students will be eligible for stays of three and four years respectively.
Specific Criteria
In order to be eligible for the Post-Study Work visa, graduates must meet the following criteria:
For students who obtain qualifications other than a Bachelor degree or above, like a vocational degree, the existing Temporary Skilled Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) will still be available. This visa allows graduates to stay up to 18 months for those who have occupations on the Skilled Occupation List.
Study Migrate offers several visa options for Australia. Please see this page for more details:
http://www.studymigrate.com/australia.html
Australian Immigration announced on November 30 the new Post-Study work visa program would be available for Bachelor or higher degree graduates starting in 2013, according to a joint press release from Chris Evans, Australian Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations and Chris Bowen, Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.
"These changes bring Australia into line with arrangements in other countries and enable education providers to offer a more competitive package to international students who are seeking good quality and long-term study in Australia, regardless of their field of interest,"said Evans.
Currently, more than 80 percent of foreign students enrolled at the Bachelor degree level or above use the Temporary Skilled Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to stay in Australia after they graduate. Additionally, some students who obtain qualifications other than a Bachelor degree or above can use the Temporary Skilled Graduate Visa, which provides an 18-month stay in Australia to study or work but requires applicants meet the qualifications for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
The new arrangements will extend the visa stay period to two years, while Masters by research or PhD students will be eligible for stays of three and four years respectively.
Specific Criteria
In order to be eligible for the Post-Study Work visa, graduates must meet the following criteria:
- Graduates must have completed a Bachelor degree or higher level course in Australia in the last six months.
- Graduates must complete their degrees after at least two academic years' study in Australia
- Applicants must demonstrate competent English language abilities
For students who obtain qualifications other than a Bachelor degree or above, like a vocational degree, the existing Temporary Skilled Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) will still be available. This visa allows graduates to stay up to 18 months for those who have occupations on the Skilled Occupation List.
Study Migrate offers several visa options for Australia. Please see this page for more details:
http://www.studymigrate.com/australia.html
Friday, December 9, 2011
Survey finds foreign students affected by recent UK visa changes
Foreign students believe that recent policy changes to the UK's visa system, specifically the ending of the Post-Study Work Visa in April next year, mean they are no longer welcome, according to a recent survey.
The survey, conducted by UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) in October, shows that the future closure of the Post-Study Work Visa has had the greatest impact on foreign students coming to the UK. The visa, which allows graduates two years to work in the UK after their course ends, is being abolished in April 2012.
"The fact that nearly four in ten of those well-qualified students who successfully gained places and visas did not endorse the statement that the UK welcomes international students is a very real cause of concern," reported UKCISA who questioned 5,000 overseas students.
Professor Paul Webley, chair of the UKCISA board of trustees, said, "It is essential therefore that we get these processes right, for the sake of continued growth in the sector and promote the message that in this field the UK is very much open for business."
The results were released around the same time Australian Immigration announced they will introduce a new post-study work visa for graduates.
"With the announcement by Australia of its new post-study work scheme, it is quite possible that significant numbers will be attracted there instead," Webley suggested, adding that recruitment to UK institutions has reduced as students "conclude that without part-time work, the cost of study in the UK is no longer affordable".
Changes to the policy on students working while studying on a Tier 4 student visa, include removing or decreasing work rights for students; This has been damaging, according to the survey. The most recent changes affect students applying for UK student visas from July this year; The changes also affect students who wish to renew their visas to stay in the UK.
The report also noted that some of the changes to the UK immigration rules affecting foreign students in the UK have been positive; 70 percent of students applying from overseas finding the visa application process quick and efficient, compared to 59 percent in 2009.
Study Migrate offers various UK programmes, please check our UK page here: http://www.studymigrate.com/uk.html
The survey, conducted by UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) in October, shows that the future closure of the Post-Study Work Visa has had the greatest impact on foreign students coming to the UK. The visa, which allows graduates two years to work in the UK after their course ends, is being abolished in April 2012.
"The fact that nearly four in ten of those well-qualified students who successfully gained places and visas did not endorse the statement that the UK welcomes international students is a very real cause of concern," reported UKCISA who questioned 5,000 overseas students.
Professor Paul Webley, chair of the UKCISA board of trustees, said, "It is essential therefore that we get these processes right, for the sake of continued growth in the sector and promote the message that in this field the UK is very much open for business."
The results were released around the same time Australian Immigration announced they will introduce a new post-study work visa for graduates.
"With the announcement by Australia of its new post-study work scheme, it is quite possible that significant numbers will be attracted there instead," Webley suggested, adding that recruitment to UK institutions has reduced as students "conclude that without part-time work, the cost of study in the UK is no longer affordable".
Changes to the policy on students working while studying on a Tier 4 student visa, include removing or decreasing work rights for students; This has been damaging, according to the survey. The most recent changes affect students applying for UK student visas from July this year; The changes also affect students who wish to renew their visas to stay in the UK.
The report also noted that some of the changes to the UK immigration rules affecting foreign students in the UK have been positive; 70 percent of students applying from overseas finding the visa application process quick and efficient, compared to 59 percent in 2009.
Study Migrate offers various UK programmes, please check our UK page here: http://www.studymigrate.com/uk.html
US State Department to review claims of US J-1 Summer Work Travel visa abuse
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has ordered a complete review of the J-1 Summer Work Travel visa program that has been used by US businesses to hire international students for short-term, seasonal positions. Foreign students this year have issued numerous complaints about work conditions to the department.
A US State Department spokesman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Clinton "has called for an extensive and thorough review of the program. We continue to be committed to working to strengthen the Summer Work Travel Program to safeguard the health and welfare of the participants."
Under the J-1 Summer Work Travel visa program, foreign students are granted US visas for up to four months and often land jobs at hotels, resorts and restaurants. There are other categories for J-1 visas including for au pairs, interns, and camp counselors. Only the Summer Work Travel category is affected by the review.
The US House Judiciary Committee's immigration subcommittee also has been gathering information on the visa program, which was created in 1963 to allow college students from other countries to spend their summer breaks living, working and traveling in the U.S.
In November, the US State Department announced no new organizations will be permitted to sponsor students who come on J-1 Summer Work Travel visas. Also, no more than 103,000 J-1 visas, the number issued this year, will be issued to international students in 2012. The US State Department also revised its rules to require more supervision of its 53 designated sponsors, which help students arrange for visas and find jobs and housing in return for a fee.
Nearly a year ago, The Associated Press reported numerous abuses, including cases in which J-1 Summer Work Travel visa holders were put up in crowded apartments and forced to work long hours at labour-intensive jobs for $1 an hour or less.
"We have already instituted one set of reforms and are working toward additional ones that take additional measures to protect participants and prioritize the original cultural intent of the program," the State Department spokesman said.
The reforms being considered by the State Department would limit and refine the types of jobs students can have and expand the list of prohibited employment categories. Most of the abuses in the J-1 Summer Work Travel Program over the years have been blamed on unregulated, third-party labor brokers who work with the students.
Participation in the visa program has increased from about 20,000 students in 1996 to more than 150,000 in 2008; Roughly 1 million foreign students have taken part in the past decade. The students come from around the world, with some of the top participating countries being Russia, Brazil, Ukraine, Thailand, Ireland, Bulgaria, Peru, Moldova and Poland.
A US State Department spokesman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Clinton "has called for an extensive and thorough review of the program. We continue to be committed to working to strengthen the Summer Work Travel Program to safeguard the health and welfare of the participants."
Under the J-1 Summer Work Travel visa program, foreign students are granted US visas for up to four months and often land jobs at hotels, resorts and restaurants. There are other categories for J-1 visas including for au pairs, interns, and camp counselors. Only the Summer Work Travel category is affected by the review.
The US House Judiciary Committee's immigration subcommittee also has been gathering information on the visa program, which was created in 1963 to allow college students from other countries to spend their summer breaks living, working and traveling in the U.S.
In November, the US State Department announced no new organizations will be permitted to sponsor students who come on J-1 Summer Work Travel visas. Also, no more than 103,000 J-1 visas, the number issued this year, will be issued to international students in 2012. The US State Department also revised its rules to require more supervision of its 53 designated sponsors, which help students arrange for visas and find jobs and housing in return for a fee.
Nearly a year ago, The Associated Press reported numerous abuses, including cases in which J-1 Summer Work Travel visa holders were put up in crowded apartments and forced to work long hours at labour-intensive jobs for $1 an hour or less.
"We have already instituted one set of reforms and are working toward additional ones that take additional measures to protect participants and prioritize the original cultural intent of the program," the State Department spokesman said.
The reforms being considered by the State Department would limit and refine the types of jobs students can have and expand the list of prohibited employment categories. Most of the abuses in the J-1 Summer Work Travel Program over the years have been blamed on unregulated, third-party labor brokers who work with the students.
Participation in the visa program has increased from about 20,000 students in 1996 to more than 150,000 in 2008; Roughly 1 million foreign students have taken part in the past decade. The students come from around the world, with some of the top participating countries being Russia, Brazil, Ukraine, Thailand, Ireland, Bulgaria, Peru, Moldova and Poland.
Proposed law would create single EU work permit and visa
The European Union Single Permit Directive is one step closer to being approved. This week the Civil Liberties and Employment Committees of the European Parliament backed the Single Permit Directive, which would give non-EU migrant workers in the EU the same status as EU nationals, allowing them to benefit from comparable working conditions, social security and access to public services. However, it remains to be seen how this will work in practice. EU member states will have the right to decide whether to admit workers under the new EU work visa scheme and how many to admit.
The proposed legislation would create a single application for a single permit for non-EU nationals to reside and obtain work visas in the EU. Under the agreement, single permit holders would enjoy equal treatment as EU nationals regarding pay and dismissal, health and safety at work, the right to join trade unions, recognition of diplomas, access to public goods and services and social security. Once the law is passed, EU member states would decide on the specific requirements of the single permit application.
The changes would only apply to non-EU nationals who wish to reside and work in an EU member state, or who already legally reside or work in an EU country. The Single Permit Directive would not cover long-term residents, refugees, seasonal workers or intra-company transferees, or au pairs.
"This directive is a first step towards a common European policy on economic migration. It will allow more effective action against illegal migration, which benefits mafia networks, and help to meet the labour needs that Europe will face in coming years," said French EU Parliament member Véronique Mathieu.
Mathieu noted that the Directive acknowledges that "all persons working legally in Europe must have the same rights as European workers" and added it would "help to combat unfair competition for European workers".
Next week Parliament will make a final vote on the directive and following its approval, EU member states will have two years to place the directive into their national laws.
The proposed legislation would create a single application for a single permit for non-EU nationals to reside and obtain work visas in the EU. Under the agreement, single permit holders would enjoy equal treatment as EU nationals regarding pay and dismissal, health and safety at work, the right to join trade unions, recognition of diplomas, access to public goods and services and social security. Once the law is passed, EU member states would decide on the specific requirements of the single permit application.
The changes would only apply to non-EU nationals who wish to reside and work in an EU member state, or who already legally reside or work in an EU country. The Single Permit Directive would not cover long-term residents, refugees, seasonal workers or intra-company transferees, or au pairs.
"This directive is a first step towards a common European policy on economic migration. It will allow more effective action against illegal migration, which benefits mafia networks, and help to meet the labour needs that Europe will face in coming years," said French EU Parliament member Véronique Mathieu.
Mathieu noted that the Directive acknowledges that "all persons working legally in Europe must have the same rights as European workers" and added it would "help to combat unfair competition for European workers".
Next week Parliament will make a final vote on the directive and following its approval, EU member states will have two years to place the directive into their national laws.
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