Tuesday, 25 October 2016

US EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREENCARDS GREATER AVAILABILITY FROM OCTOBER 1 2016



US employment-based green cards are becoming more readily available for many immigrants coming to the United States on EB employment based immigrant category visas, from October 1, 2016. As announced in the October edition of the Visa Bulletin, the US Department of State will be processing applications under the EB-1 immigrant visa category for all countries of birth as of October 1.
The Employment Based EB-1, US green card category includes multinational managers and executives, foreign nationals of extraordinary ability, and outstanding professors and researchers has availability for all nationals. Over the summer period, the Department of State had previously reported in their Visa Bulletin that requests from EB-1 immigrants born in mainland China and India were backlogged.
The Employment based EB-2 category - for professionals with an advanced degree and foreign nationals of exceptional ability - also became immediately available, but excludes immigrants born in mainland China and India due to backlogs stretching back to February 15, 2012, and January 15, 2007, respectively.
The EB-3 category – for foreign-born skilled workers and professionals - has a restricted number of green cards available for all countries of birth.  However, the backlog for places only extends to June 1, 2016, meaning that the immigration process is unlikely to be significantly delayed.
The Department of Labor tends to take more than four months to issue an employer  with labor certification to employ a foreign national, also known as PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) labor certification, which is a requirement of EB-3 employment based visas and many EB2 employment based immigrant visa applications.

EB-5 immigrant investor green card

The EB-5 immigrant investor category green card has availability for investors for all Countries of birth excluding Chinese born investors wishing to invest in projects at regional centers. However, China remains the country where most EB-5 immigrants to the US are born.
The EB-5 is currently not available to Chinese-born investors investing in projects at Regional Centers – those organizations designated by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as those that provide capital investment projects for EB-5 investors.  This is the most common way in which EB5 investors make their investments. 
Meanwhile, EB-5 category US green cards are available to Chinese-born investors involved in projects in non-Regional Center investments who have I-526 immigrant petition receipt dates on or before February 22, 2014.  It is more difficult to come under the investment schemes where the investor makes an investment in their own project.   However, some investors do actually prefer this.

Annual limit of Employment Based Immigrant EB visas replenished on October 1

EB category visas are subject to an annual limit, which is replenished on the first day of the fiscal year – October 1. In categories where demand outstrips supply, US Visa Bulletins issued by the Department of State from October to April, will most likely show the most movement. This is most likely to benefit Indian and Chinese nationals who typically have to wait the longest for employment based immigrant visas.
Usually, more movement occurs on dates for individuals born in mainland China and India during the months October to April. Despite more people being able to apply for immigrant visas following the release of the September Visa Bulletin, EB-1 and EB-5 dates are likely to regress at some point during the fiscal year.  If these visas “regress” this means that immigrants will have to wait longer for their employment based immigrant visa.
However, the Department of State did not offer any predictions as to when dates would regress or by how much.
US green cards properly known as lawful permanent residence in the US allows you to work permanently in the US, gives access to federal benefits, and may enable you to apply for citizenship at a later date.
Source--http://www.workpermit.com/news/us-employment-based-greencards-greater-availability-october-1-2016-20161023

Saturday, 22 October 2016

503 FAKE PASSPORTS SEIZED OVER SIX MONTHS AT DUBAI AIRPORT

A total of 503 fake passports were seized during the last six months by the Expertise Centre Identity and Fraud Documents, ECIFD, system atDubai International Airport, according to a top official. 

During an inspection visit yesterday to the ECIFD, Major General Mohammed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, GDRFA-Dubai, said that out of these passports 332 were forged, two distorted and 169 were identity theft. 

According to Aqueel Al Najaar, Director of ECIFD, said that visitors trying to enter the country using fake identity documents are being easily exposed at the airport, due to the high-tech passport-reading and biometrics technology system designed to identify fraud. He added that the centre, which was established in 2010, helps verify the identities of millions of travellers passing through Dubai airport each year. 

He explained that the training centre of ECIFD develops and maintains a high level of expertise in relation to document checks on national and international investigation, and training on body language is also very important for passport control officers. 

He added that all the training programmes at the centre are conducted by Emirati trainers, and a total of 316 trainee have completed their courses since the beginning of the year. - Emirates News Agency, WAM –http://www.wam.ae/en/news/general/1395298458296.html 
Source--http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/503_fake_passports_seized_over_six_months_at_Dubai_airport/76715.htm

Thursday, 20 October 2016

Foreign students 'not exempted from migration figures'


Downing Street has said it is "categorically not reviewing" whether foreign students should be excluded from net migration figures.
The prime minister's spokesman clarified the government's position after earlier saying there would be an overall review of immigration policy.
The chancellor has suggested foreign students and highly skilled workers are not a major area of concern.
The government is committed to bring net migration down below 100,000.
But according to Office for National Statistics estimates, net migration to the UK, rose to 333,000 in 2015 - the second highest figure on record.

'Possibly students'

In evidence to the Treasury Select Committee on Wednesday, Chancellor Philip Hammond said decisions about what was covered by the net migration target should be guided by public perception - and suggested highly skilled workers could be exempt.
He told MPs: "When the public tells us loudly and clearly that they have a problem with levels of migration, it is very clear to me that they are not talking about computer programmers, brain surgeons, bankers, senior managers... possibly students.
Philip Hammond
"But they are talking about people competing for entry-level jobs with people in the UK who, perhaps, have a level of skills that means they only have access to those kind of jobs."
The prime minister's spokesman said earlier on Thursday: "The issue of migrant numbers that will come into the country, be it student or otherwise, is an issue that will have to be very closely looked at by the government as we set about establishing a new system."
But later in the statement, Downing Street said: "The government objective is to reduce annual net migration to the tens of thousands, and in order to deliver this we are keeping all visa routes under review.
"Our position on who is included in the figures has not changed, and we are categorically not reviewing whether or not students are included."
BBC political correspondent Alex Forsyth said Mrs May had consistently resisted calls to exempt international students from immigration numbers while she was home secretary and it appeared, as prime minister, she was doing the same. She added, following Mr Hammond's comments, it would be seen as further evidence of differing opinions within the cabinet about how to manage migration, after Brexit.
Source--http://www.bbc.com/news/business-37722996

Tuesday, 18 October 2016

Saskatchewan's International Skilled Worker - Express Entry Immigration Category Reopens for 300 New Applications

The International Skilled Worker – Express Entry sub-category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) opened on the morning of October 12 to receive up to 300 additional applications. Through this sub-category, eligible individuals who are already in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) Express Entry pool may apply for a provincial nomination certificate from Saskatchewan. A provincial nomination certificate through this sub-category gives the candidate 600 additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The SINP targets prospective immigrants with the skills and experience needed to respond to Saskatchewan’s labour market and community needs. As candidates for the Express Entry sub-category must be in the IRCC Express Entry pool, all candidates must be eligible for one of the three federal economic immigration programs:

Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker program has three sub-categories: Express Entry,Occupations In-Demand, and Employment Offer. A week before the opening of the Express Entry sub-category, on October 4, the Occupations In-Demand sub-category opened to receive up to 500 applications, and closed shortly after. The Employment Offer sub-category is accepting applications at the time of writing.
Note: As of the afternoon of October 12, the International Skilled Worker — Express Entry sub-category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program is no longer receiving new applications.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the SINP's International Skilled Worker - Saskatchewan Express Entry sub-category, candidates must:
  • Have proof of legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
  • Have been accepted into IRCC’s Express Entry pool and have an Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code;
    • The Number and Code must be included in the SINP application.
  • Provide language test results from a designated testing agency that match the language level declared in their Express Entry profile;
  • Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training which is comparable to the Canadian education system and which has resulted in a degree, diploma, certificate, or a certificate equivalent to a trade certificate;
  • Have a minimum level of work experience related to their field of education or training in a highly skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) that is considered to be in-demand in Saskatchewan (See in-demand occupations list, below);
    • At least one year of work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled profession (non-trades); OR
    • At least two years of work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years; OR
    • At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the past three years (trades and non-trades).
  • Obtain proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if their profession is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensing;
  • Hold a certificate of qualification (also known as a letter of invitation) in their skilled trade from the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission if their work experience is in a skilled trade;
  • Have proof of sufficient settlement funds and a settlement plan; and
  • Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the SINP point assessment grid.

Points Assessment Grid

Candidates will be assessed points according to the following five factors: education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age, and connection(s) to the Saskatchewan labour market and adaptability. Candidates are required to score a minimum of 60 out of 100 points on the Points Assessment Grid in order to be eligible for nomination.
Selection Factors
Selection factorPoints
Education and trainingMaximum 23 points
Skilled work experienceMaximum 15 points
Language abilityMaximum 20 points
AgeMaximum 12 points
Connection to Saskatchewan labour market Maximum 30 points
TotalMaximum 100 points
Pass mark:60 points
Factor 1: Education and Training
The applicant will receive points for his or her education according to documented proof of completed post-secondary education and/or training programs from a nationally or provincially recognized institution or regulatory body.
Copies of diplomas, certificates, or degrees for any education/training with complete transcripts must be included in order to receive points under this selection factor.
Education & TrainingPoints
Master’s or Doctorate degree23
University degree that required at least three years of full-time study20
Trade certification equivalent to journey person status in Saskatchewan20
Degree, diploma or certificate that required at least two years of full-time post-secondary study, or certificate equivalent15
Degree, diploma or certificate that required at least one year of full-time post-secondary study, or certificate equivalent to a trade certificate12
Factor 2: Skilled Work Experience
Points are calculated under this selection factor according to documented proof of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, B or a designated trade) in the applicant's intended occupation in the previous ten years. Two points are awarded for each year of work experience in the most recent five years, and one point is awarded for each year in the six to ten year period prior to applying.
The applicant must show at least one year of full-time, or part-time equivalent, paid work experience in his or her her intended occupation in order to be eligible.
Documentation must include a letter of reference from the supervisor or Human Resources officer for each work experience listed, the applicant’s official work book, or other official government documentation.
Work experience during the most recent five years prior to applicationPoints
5 years10
4 years8
3 years6
2 years4
1 year2
Work experience during the six to ten year period prior to applicationPoints
5 years5
4 years4
3 years3
2 years2
1 year0
Factor 3: Language Ability
The applicant will receive points for his or her ability in either of Canada’s official languages, English or French. If proficient in both, the applicant should choose the language that he or she is most comfortable with.
Proof of language proficiency is required in the form of official results of a recent SINP-approved language test, such as the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS, General Training), Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and Test d’evaluation de francais (TEF).
Applicants must score a minimum of CLB 4 in order to be eligible.
Language abilityPoints
CLB 8 and higher20
CLB 718
CLB 616
CLB 514
CLB 412
English or French native speaker without language test results0
Factor 4: Age
The applicant will receive points according to his or her age on the date of application to the SINP.
AgePoints
Less than 18 years0
18-21 years8
22-34 years12
35-45 years10
46-50 years8
Over 50 years0
Factor 5: Connections to the Saskatchewan Labour Market and Adaptability
The applicant will receive points for his or her connection to the Saskatchewan labour market and ability to successfully settle and economically establish in Saskatchewan as a permanent resident through document proof of a high skilled employment offer.
Connection to the Saskatchewan Labour MarketPoints
High skilled employment offer
The applicant has a job offer for an occupation classified at NOC level 0, A, B or a designated trade in Saskatchewan
30
Close relative in Saskatchewan
The applicant or accompanying spouse has a close relative that is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Saskatchewan. Close relatives include:
  • Parents,
  • Siblings,
  • Grandparents,
  • Aunts and uncles,
  • Nieces and nephews,
  • Cousins, and
  • Step-family members or in-laws of the same relationships.
The family members in Saskatchewan must meet the requirements as listed in the Application Guide
20
Previous work experience in Saskatchewan 
The applicant worked in Saskatchewan for at least twelve cumulative months in the past five years on a valid work permit
 5
Previous student experience in Saskatchewan
The applicant studied at a recognized Saskatchewan education institution for at least one full-time academic year on a valid study permit
5

SINP In-Demand Occupations List

NOCOccupationSkill LevelMandatory / (compulsory) / certification or licensing
Mandatory certification
0213Computer and Information Systems Managers0No
0423Managers in Social, Community and Correctional Services0No
0513Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program and Service Directors0No
0714Facility Operation and Maintenance Managers0No
0821Managers in Agriculture0No
1224Property AdministratorsBNo
1225Purchasing Agents and OfficersBNo
1252Health Information Management OccupationsBNo
2161Mathematicians, Statisticians and ActuariesANo
2171Information Systems Analysts and ConsultantsANo
2221Biological Technologists and TechniciansBNo
2225Landscape and Horticulture Technicians and SpecialistsBNo
2231Civil Engineering Technologists and TechniciansBNo
2232Mechanical Engineering Technologists and TechniciansBNo
2244Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and InspectorsBNo
2253Drafting Technologists and TechniciansBNo
2255Technical Occupations in Geomantic and MeteorologyBNo
7253Gas FittersBNo
7312Heavy-duty Equipment MechanicsBNo
7321Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical RepairersBNo
7332Appliance Servicers and RepairersBNo
 Source--http://www.canadavisa.com/news/saskatchewan-international-skilled-worker-express-entry-immigration-category-reopens-300-new-applications.html