Juanita Trinidad of the Manila Bulletin reports on Filipino’s living and working in the UK.
Tales of woe are common among Filipino migrant workers. Tales of abuse, exploitation, and maltreatment have been played up every so often, although this is probably the risk that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have to take each time they leave to look for greener pastures or look for means of income that, for them, are few and far between in their own country.
It, however, comes as a breath of fresh air to hear stories of success, happiness, and contentment in an OFW’s existence in the host country.
In this city, for instance, Filipino workers are seemingly a happy lot; they go about their daily chores with ease and a smile on their faces.
This writer had the chance to meet some of the Filipino crew members of the Norwegian Epic, a luxury liner owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), that had its maiden voyage in Southampton, a port city on the outskirts of London, and which played host to Filipino and foreign journalists who covered the ship’s inaugural sail.
Of the Norwegian Epic’s 1,700 crew, 60 percent are young Filipinos, while the rest are Indonesians, Indians, and Sri Lankans. This is the reason they are found all over the luxury liner, doing various jobs as chef, hotel supervisor, bartender, waitress, junior waiter, room assistant, and other odd jobs. The Norwegian Epic, for them, is their “ship of dreams.”
Roxan Angeles has been with the NCL for nine years now, and has risen from the ranks, from dining room assistant to her present job as casino supervisor. She lamented about the loneliness of living in a foreign land, as she misses her family in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, but the friendship and company of fellow-Filipinos aboard the ship have somehow helped her cope with the travails.
Restaurant stewardess Nelfa Sy is with the NCL for over 10 years. She said she is enjoying her job as it gives her the opportunity to see the world, pointing out that the Norwegian Epic’s Filipino crew has been taken from other NCL-owned ships, stressing that they have been selected for the maiden voyage due to their skills and experience. While on dock, the crew, she said, is allowed to go out for a few hours to shop or see some places. “This way, we are able to tour and do some picture-taking.”
The same enthusiasm for work is shared by Jowell Manzano, a bar chief, who, like Roxan, also rose from the ranks in almost 20 years with the NCL. “We’ve free medical care, insurance, and our lodging in the ship is probably one of the best accommodations given to workers. Free time is spent by bonding together through music, dance, and small party aboard the ship.”
It was learned that the first three decks of the Norwegian Epic have been allotted to house its workers, each provided with his own cabin, complete with plasma TV, DVD, a small refrigerator, and facilities.
The tale of Clarinda Agno is a different one; she doesn’t work inside a ship, but in a hotel near the Heathrow International Airport. Now a British subject, Agno is staying with her husband, Froilan, and three children on a house and lot on Bath Road, near Sheraton Skyline, where she works for 23 years now.
“I came to London in 1983 and first worked at the Heathrow airport, later transferred to the hotel. I am blessed to get jobs that have been good to me and my family,” Agno relates, saying that she was able to petition her family when she opted to become a British subject.
Her husband now works at the Heathrow Terminal 5.
She, however, confides that although she doesn’t miss her family as they now stay with her, she someday wishes to retire in her own country. “The last time I went home was when my mother died in 2007. I aim for the simple life in my hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte. Someday, when we have enough money to sustain us, we’ll go back to the Philippines and retire there permanently,” stressing that “it’ll be home sweet home, indeed.” Source: Juanita Trinidad, Manila Bulletin MB.com
The content of story will come as no surprise to those of us who have known overseas Filipino workers (OFW’s) living in the UK for the last 30 years.
The vast majority of Filipinos work with a happy heart and a smile, whatever their job or situation, which is one of the main reasons employers love them. Even the new Foreign Secretary, Willan Hague, praised Filipino workers for their “considerable” contribution to the country’s economy and health".
And why wouldn’t Filipinos and other overseas workers be happy in the UK?
Prosperous, multi-cultural and vibrant, Britain is safe and fair country where employment, health and safety and human rights laws are among the toughest in the world.
Unlike many places where OFW’s are deployed, foreign workers, including those on student visas, have the same rights as British workers.
Many thousands of Filipinos have gained permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain/ILR) or British Citizenship and this route is still open to workers and highly skilled migrants.
Workers and students can bring their dependant and at present they all receive free healthcare and schooling. Dependants of visa holders, even Tier 4 students, can work without restriction.
Tier 4 and old students visa holders are allowed to work and can switch into a Tier 2 Working Visa or Tier 1 post graduate category (for degree level students) whilst in the UK
Despite global economic problems the UK job market for those with the right skills remains buoyant, especially in the care and service sectors.
The benefits of living in the UK are numerous, evidenced by the fact that so many people want to come here and very few leave!
The new coalition government has pledged to cut immigration and impose a cap on non-EU immigration. Initially there will be an interim limit whilst a government to business consultation takes place.
Despite favourable conditions in the UK, thousands of people seek greener opportunities in countries like Canada, USA and Australia. But this has always been the case with an estimated 5 million Brits currently living or working abroad.
See also:
Foreign Secretary Hague praises UK Filipino workers
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
UK immigration cap Q&A – your questions answered
Why the world wants to be Canadian
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
Nursing In Australia-A Guide To Working & Living As A Nurse Down Under
A Step-by-step Guide to Getting A Visa, Job And Registration & Relocating And Settling In Australia.
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Showing posts with label US citizenship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US citizenship. Show all posts
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Philippine Government launch new program for OFW's
The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) recently launched a program that ensures the efficient delivery of the social protection services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Dubbed ‘Kabayanihan,’ the program will be implemented in partnership with the Social Security System
(SSS), Philhealth, Pag-ibig, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said ‘Kabayanihan,’ a one-stop-shop that will be set up at the Philippines Overseas Labor Offices (POLO), uses a ‘bundling approach’ membership and services.
“This means that all government welfare services, social insurance, savings and investment, housing, loans and scholarship benefits to OFWs and their families, among others are unified to make it more accessible, convenient and affordable for the OFWs,’’ said Roque.
“Registration and transaction procedures are also expected to be simplified under the program,’’ said Roque. Source: Shianee Mamanglu, Manila Bulletin
See also:
Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice and survival
Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
“How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! … “ Click Here!
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Dubbed ‘Kabayanihan,’ the program will be implemented in partnership with the Social Security System
(SSS), Philhealth, Pag-ibig, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said ‘Kabayanihan,’ a one-stop-shop that will be set up at the Philippines Overseas Labor Offices (POLO), uses a ‘bundling approach’ membership and services.
“This means that all government welfare services, social insurance, savings and investment, housing, loans and scholarship benefits to OFWs and their families, among others are unified to make it more accessible, convenient and affordable for the OFWs,’’ said Roque.
“Registration and transaction procedures are also expected to be simplified under the program,’’ said Roque. Source: Shianee Mamanglu, Manila Bulletin
See also:
Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice and survival
Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
“How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! … “ Click Here!
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Migrant cap will 'hit growth' business tells UK Government
The Government-imposed limit on immigration could pose a risk to the UK recovery, a prominent business group has told Sky News.
David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, told Jeff Randall Live that it was not a good time to close the door on workers who could play a role in rebuilding Britain's fragile economy.
His warning followed an announcement by Home Secretary Theresa May of a temporary cap on the number of migrant workers allowed into the UK from outside the EU.
Mr Frost told Sky business presenter Anna Jones: "We need to be careful that at a time when we need to get all the growth we can in the UK economy that we remember the needs of British business.
"The City for example... relies on a pool of global talent; specialist engineering companies working in the North Sea, those vital new science and innovation companies (all) rely on getting their employees from across the globe. We can't stop that."
On a day which saw the Government signal cuts to benefits as it seeks to reduce the budget deficit, Mr Frost also called for changes to the welfare system.
"We need to look at the whole picture and of course what is happening is, because many of the local employees don't have the skills, don't have the work ethic, then of course businesses are turning to Eastern European migrants and you can't reform migration without reforming the benefits system.
"Too many companies report through to me that they offer the job to the local person but they say 'It's not worth it - I get more money on benefit' and therefore immigration has got to be tackled hand and hand with welfare reform."
Mr Frost's views on the potential economic impact of an immigration cap echoed a warning from shadow home secretary Alan Johnson.
Mr Johnson told Sky News companies could take their business elsewhere if they were banned from hiring the skilled workers they need.
"The people we're talking about here are the people the economy needs in order to grow in very difficult economic times... At best this is a gesture, at worst this is a deceit," he said.
The restrictions mean that just over 24,000 workers from outside Europe can enter the country this year - 5% fewer than last year.
The measures are intended to prevent a spike in workers heading to the UK before the introduction of a permanent limit next year.
Defending the move, Mrs May told Sky News: "We need to introduce this limit. Immigration has been good for the UK but uncontrolled immigration isn't."
The Liberal Democrats, who are part of the coalition government, opposed the Conservatives' policy during the election campaign. Source: Sky News
This month a cross party group of MP’s signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK Government to abolish ‘flawed and rushed’ legislation brought in by the previous administration requiring overseas students wishing to study English in Britain to first pass an English test.
The new coalition Government has slashed a £75m programme to help 50,000 young unemployed people enter the adult social care workforce, in a move condemned by a leading care provider.
The Highly Skilled Migrants Forum and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) argued that the cap would be unworkable and could damage the economy. The forum warned that a curb on international students would put at risk the £12bn a year generated by their fees.
The Home Office should take care that we do not scare off talented migrants and fee paying students who bring in over £12 billion in fees to Universities and colleges. Australia and Canada are waiting in the wings ready to grab skilled migrants take our share of the lucrative student market.
See also:
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
Early Day Motion calls on UK Government to scrap new Tier 4 student visa rules
UK Government scraps social care recruitment incentives
Lib Dem defends temporary cap on non-EU migration
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
Cameron’s immigration cap ‘will strangle Britain’ say JCWI
Nursing In Australia-A Guide To Working & Living As A Nurse Down Under
Why the world wants to be Canadian
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, told Jeff Randall Live that it was not a good time to close the door on workers who could play a role in rebuilding Britain's fragile economy.
His warning followed an announcement by Home Secretary Theresa May of a temporary cap on the number of migrant workers allowed into the UK from outside the EU.
Mr Frost told Sky business presenter Anna Jones: "We need to be careful that at a time when we need to get all the growth we can in the UK economy that we remember the needs of British business.
"The City for example... relies on a pool of global talent; specialist engineering companies working in the North Sea, those vital new science and innovation companies (all) rely on getting their employees from across the globe. We can't stop that."
On a day which saw the Government signal cuts to benefits as it seeks to reduce the budget deficit, Mr Frost also called for changes to the welfare system.
"We need to look at the whole picture and of course what is happening is, because many of the local employees don't have the skills, don't have the work ethic, then of course businesses are turning to Eastern European migrants and you can't reform migration without reforming the benefits system.
"Too many companies report through to me that they offer the job to the local person but they say 'It's not worth it - I get more money on benefit' and therefore immigration has got to be tackled hand and hand with welfare reform."
Mr Frost's views on the potential economic impact of an immigration cap echoed a warning from shadow home secretary Alan Johnson.
Mr Johnson told Sky News companies could take their business elsewhere if they were banned from hiring the skilled workers they need.
"The people we're talking about here are the people the economy needs in order to grow in very difficult economic times... At best this is a gesture, at worst this is a deceit," he said.
The restrictions mean that just over 24,000 workers from outside Europe can enter the country this year - 5% fewer than last year.
The measures are intended to prevent a spike in workers heading to the UK before the introduction of a permanent limit next year.
Defending the move, Mrs May told Sky News: "We need to introduce this limit. Immigration has been good for the UK but uncontrolled immigration isn't."
The Liberal Democrats, who are part of the coalition government, opposed the Conservatives' policy during the election campaign. Source: Sky News
This month a cross party group of MP’s signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK Government to abolish ‘flawed and rushed’ legislation brought in by the previous administration requiring overseas students wishing to study English in Britain to first pass an English test.
The new coalition Government has slashed a £75m programme to help 50,000 young unemployed people enter the adult social care workforce, in a move condemned by a leading care provider.
The Highly Skilled Migrants Forum and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) argued that the cap would be unworkable and could damage the economy. The forum warned that a curb on international students would put at risk the £12bn a year generated by their fees.
The Home Office should take care that we do not scare off talented migrants and fee paying students who bring in over £12 billion in fees to Universities and colleges. Australia and Canada are waiting in the wings ready to grab skilled migrants take our share of the lucrative student market.
See also:
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
Early Day Motion calls on UK Government to scrap new Tier 4 student visa rules
UK Government scraps social care recruitment incentives
Lib Dem defends temporary cap on non-EU migration
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
Cameron’s immigration cap ‘will strangle Britain’ say JCWI
Nursing In Australia-A Guide To Working & Living As A Nurse Down Under
Why the world wants to be Canadian
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Monday, June 28, 2010
Lib Dem's Cable defends temporary cap on non-EU migration
There have been several media reports that the coalition government has watered down its flagship ‘immigration cap’ election pledge after a cabinet revolt.
The BBC reports that the Business Secretary Vince Cable defended government plans for a temporary cap on migrant workers from outside the EU, but said it must be implemented in a "flexible way".
The government has informed the media that it will announce a limit of 24,100 until April 2011 while the coalition consults on introducing a permanent cap.
Mr Cable said ministers had "signed up" to the principle of a cap, but they must "accommodate" the needs of certain industries as well as universities.
Labour has said an arbitrary immigration cap is "fraught with difficulty".
The Lib Dems opposed Conservative proposals for an annual cap before the election - but agreed to back the proposal as part of their coalition agreement.
'Public reassurance'
The temporary cap, due to be announced today by Home Secretary Theresa May, is aimed at preventing a rush of applications before a permanent figure is agreed.
Mr Cable told the BBC's Andrew Marr show that it was designed to "pre-empt a flood" of new arrivals in the period before permanent arrangements came into force.
Businesses have warned that the cap could stop them from filling vacancies at times of high demand and also recruiting people with specific skills in areas such as catering and social care.
Critics have said the measures could have a detrimental effect on the higher education sector, which is reliant for much of its income on foreign students.
"The new regime has to accommodate those concerns," Mr Cable said. "It has to be implemented in a flexible way."
The government had to "reassure the public" that there was an effective system of immigration controls in place but also to ensure the economy was not damaged as it seeks to recover from the effects of the recession.
'Confident'
He said talks between Conservative and Lib Dem ministers on the issue had been "collegiate".
"I am confident the way it is being implemented will achieve these objectives," he said.
During the election campaign David Cameron said he wanted to reduce net annual migration - the number of immigrants minus the number emigrating from the UK - from hundreds of thousands currently to tens of thousands.
Labour says any policy needs to be "tough but fair" and that the points-based system it introduced in 2008 has succeeded in reducing immigration levels and stopping unskilled workers from outside the EU coming into the UK.
The home secretary will give details of the consultation process ministers will undertake before deciding what the permanent cap should be.
It has been reported that this could include the option of exempting job categories to reflect skills shortages in some areas.
Mr Cable also defended the Budget, saying many of the spending cuts and tax rises announced by Chancellor George Osborne were "unpleasant" but action was needed to deal with the "horrendous" financial situation the coalition had inherited.
Measures such as raising the income tax threshold for the lowest-paid - as well maintaining the top rate 50p tax band and cutting pension tax relief for the better-off - helped offset the VAT increase in terms of where the burden fell, he added.
"If you look at the package as a whole, that makes the balance much better and more equitable," he said.
He also played down talk that Lib Dem MPs could seek to table amendments to the Budget following comments by the party's Deputy Leader Simon Hughes last week.
"We have a balanced package as it is," he added. "We are not reopening it." Source: BBC
During the election campaign the Liberal's were the only main party to suggest an amnesty as a way of dealing with the estimated 750,000 immigrants illegally in the UK. Although their honesty did not go down too well with voters they now find themselves, through the coalition government, in a position to influence immigration policy.
See also:
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
The BBC reports that the Business Secretary Vince Cable defended government plans for a temporary cap on migrant workers from outside the EU, but said it must be implemented in a "flexible way".
The government has informed the media that it will announce a limit of 24,100 until April 2011 while the coalition consults on introducing a permanent cap.
Mr Cable said ministers had "signed up" to the principle of a cap, but they must "accommodate" the needs of certain industries as well as universities.
Labour has said an arbitrary immigration cap is "fraught with difficulty".
The Lib Dems opposed Conservative proposals for an annual cap before the election - but agreed to back the proposal as part of their coalition agreement.
'Public reassurance'
The temporary cap, due to be announced today by Home Secretary Theresa May, is aimed at preventing a rush of applications before a permanent figure is agreed.
Mr Cable told the BBC's Andrew Marr show that it was designed to "pre-empt a flood" of new arrivals in the period before permanent arrangements came into force.
Businesses have warned that the cap could stop them from filling vacancies at times of high demand and also recruiting people with specific skills in areas such as catering and social care.
Critics have said the measures could have a detrimental effect on the higher education sector, which is reliant for much of its income on foreign students.
"The new regime has to accommodate those concerns," Mr Cable said. "It has to be implemented in a flexible way."
The government had to "reassure the public" that there was an effective system of immigration controls in place but also to ensure the economy was not damaged as it seeks to recover from the effects of the recession.
'Confident'
He said talks between Conservative and Lib Dem ministers on the issue had been "collegiate".
"I am confident the way it is being implemented will achieve these objectives," he said.
During the election campaign David Cameron said he wanted to reduce net annual migration - the number of immigrants minus the number emigrating from the UK - from hundreds of thousands currently to tens of thousands.
Labour says any policy needs to be "tough but fair" and that the points-based system it introduced in 2008 has succeeded in reducing immigration levels and stopping unskilled workers from outside the EU coming into the UK.
The home secretary will give details of the consultation process ministers will undertake before deciding what the permanent cap should be.
It has been reported that this could include the option of exempting job categories to reflect skills shortages in some areas.
Mr Cable also defended the Budget, saying many of the spending cuts and tax rises announced by Chancellor George Osborne were "unpleasant" but action was needed to deal with the "horrendous" financial situation the coalition had inherited.
Measures such as raising the income tax threshold for the lowest-paid - as well maintaining the top rate 50p tax band and cutting pension tax relief for the better-off - helped offset the VAT increase in terms of where the burden fell, he added.
"If you look at the package as a whole, that makes the balance much better and more equitable," he said.
He also played down talk that Lib Dem MPs could seek to table amendments to the Budget following comments by the party's Deputy Leader Simon Hughes last week.
"We have a balanced package as it is," he added. "We are not reopening it." Source: BBC
During the election campaign the Liberal's were the only main party to suggest an amnesty as a way of dealing with the estimated 750,000 immigrants illegally in the UK. Although their honesty did not go down too well with voters they now find themselves, through the coalition government, in a position to influence immigration policy.
See also:
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Revised Green Card Form I-9 Documentation
On May 11, 2010, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) announced it had redesigned the Permanent Resident Card, which most of us know more commonly as the Green Card. In a moment of sheer genius, the designers of the "Green" Card actually decided to make it green in color for ease of recognition!
A Green Card is proof of authorization to live and work in the United States. A newly issued Green Card is valid for 10 years for lawful permanent residents and 2 years for conditional residents.
Some existing Green Cards have an expiration date - these cards will remain valid until they expire. Holders of Green Cards with an expiration date will receive the redesigned version when seeking a renewal or replacement.
Other existing Green Cards have no expiration date. These cards remain valid however; USCIS is recommending that people who have a card without an expiration date apply to replace their cards with the newly redesigned version.
Evidence of Work Eligibility
The intent of the newly redesigned Permanent Resident Card is to help prevent immigration fraud. The new Green Card incorporates state-of-the-art technology to prevent counterfeiting and facilitate accurate authentication. The enhanced features are intended to be useful to law enforcement, employers, and immigrants - all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of authorization to legally live and work in the United States.
Although this seems to be a positive step in decreasing incidents of identity theft and document fraud, it actually creates more uncertainty for employers. It becomes the employer's burden to identify legitimate documents when many employers are not familiar with every version of the Green Card issued over time.
There have been several versions of the Green Card issued over the years. The first Green Card was issued in 1946 and at that time was referred to as an Alien Registration Receipt Card. Few of these are still in circulation. They contain no expiration date and as of March 20, 1996 are no longer valid evidence of permanent residency. Other versions of the Resident Alien Card were issued in 1977 and again in 1989. Oddly enough, neither the 1977 card nor the 1989 were green in color.
In 1997, the card was renamed the Permanent Resident Card. It was updated yet again in 2004. Every time the card has been updated, additional security measures have been added. As for the most current version, holders of older cards will only receive the redesigned Permanent Resident Card when seeking a renewal or replacement card.
Recipients of the redesigned Permanent Resident Card will include those newly approved lawful permanent residents, as well as those who get a renewal or replacement card. As of May 11, 2010 the cost of renewing or replacing a Permanent Resident Card was $370.
Identity Documents for the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
Inspecting work authorization and identity documents is an integral part of meeting your responsibility to verify the work eligibility of each person you hire. Employers should choose to work with a qualified expert to help them navigate the complex requirements of the Form I-9.
See also:
American Immigration – what will be the impact of increased processing fees?
Canadian Government takes on rogue immigration consultants
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
A Green Card is proof of authorization to live and work in the United States. A newly issued Green Card is valid for 10 years for lawful permanent residents and 2 years for conditional residents.
Some existing Green Cards have an expiration date - these cards will remain valid until they expire. Holders of Green Cards with an expiration date will receive the redesigned version when seeking a renewal or replacement.
Other existing Green Cards have no expiration date. These cards remain valid however; USCIS is recommending that people who have a card without an expiration date apply to replace their cards with the newly redesigned version.
Evidence of Work Eligibility
The intent of the newly redesigned Permanent Resident Card is to help prevent immigration fraud. The new Green Card incorporates state-of-the-art technology to prevent counterfeiting and facilitate accurate authentication. The enhanced features are intended to be useful to law enforcement, employers, and immigrants - all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of authorization to legally live and work in the United States.
Although this seems to be a positive step in decreasing incidents of identity theft and document fraud, it actually creates more uncertainty for employers. It becomes the employer's burden to identify legitimate documents when many employers are not familiar with every version of the Green Card issued over time.
There have been several versions of the Green Card issued over the years. The first Green Card was issued in 1946 and at that time was referred to as an Alien Registration Receipt Card. Few of these are still in circulation. They contain no expiration date and as of March 20, 1996 are no longer valid evidence of permanent residency. Other versions of the Resident Alien Card were issued in 1977 and again in 1989. Oddly enough, neither the 1977 card nor the 1989 were green in color.
In 1997, the card was renamed the Permanent Resident Card. It was updated yet again in 2004. Every time the card has been updated, additional security measures have been added. As for the most current version, holders of older cards will only receive the redesigned Permanent Resident Card when seeking a renewal or replacement card.
Recipients of the redesigned Permanent Resident Card will include those newly approved lawful permanent residents, as well as those who get a renewal or replacement card. As of May 11, 2010 the cost of renewing or replacing a Permanent Resident Card was $370.
Identity Documents for the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
Inspecting work authorization and identity documents is an integral part of meeting your responsibility to verify the work eligibility of each person you hire. Employers should choose to work with a qualified expert to help them navigate the complex requirements of the Form I-9.
See also:
American Immigration – what will be the impact of increased processing fees?
Canadian Government takes on rogue immigration consultants
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Immigration News Round up 27 June 2010
American Immigration – what will be the impact of increased processing fees?
The following article by analyzes the rising costs of US Immigration petitions and applications and how these increased fees may impact those who wish to bring a foreign loved one to the United States of America.
Points Based System appeal case succeeds
The appeal against the Home Office interpretation of the Points Based System has succeeded in the Court of Appeal. The case is Secretary of State for the Home Department v Pankina [2010] EWCA Civ 719. The question now is where this leaves the Home Office/UK Border Agency on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK. FULL STORY
UKBA immigration officials are failing victims of domestic violence says leading Barrister
An article by leading immigration Barrister Colin Yeo for the Guardian.
Border Agency bust sham marriage – six arrested
The UK Border Agency reports that a bride and groom together with four wedding guests were arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected sham marriage.
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Office for Budget Responsibility predicts curbs on immigration and costs of an ageing society will slow economy’s growth rate…
Canadian Government takes on rogue immigration consultants
People seeking help to emigrate to Canada are set to be better protected after the Canadian government announced new legislation to deal with fraudulent immigration consultants.
Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre expansion plans scrapped
Plans to double the size of Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre in north Bedfordshire have been scrapped.
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
American voters in Fremont Nebraska on Monday approved a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants, the latest proposal in a series of immigration regulations taken up by communities around the country.
Early day motion by MP’s in support of doomed RMJ
The JCWI has called for members to write to their MP’s to ask for support for the Early Day Motion to save the RMJ.
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
The Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants (JWCI) has issued a press release calling on the government to take urgent action to prevent the closure of Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ).
Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments
The Philippines balance of payments (BOP) surplus rose by almost a third in the first five months of the year, as more foreign exchange flowed in (from OFW’s) through loans against domestic currency used to pay the country’s debts.
Why the world wants to be Canadian
More than half of people around the world say they would abandon their homelands and emigrate to Canada if they could.
Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice and survival
ABS-CBN’s Niña Corpuz, the author of the article, “Filipino Domestic Workers: between justice and survival,” won the 2010 edition of the journalistic prize for the best story on labour rights, awarded by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC-ILO), the training arm of the ILO.
See also:
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
The following article by analyzes the rising costs of US Immigration petitions and applications and how these increased fees may impact those who wish to bring a foreign loved one to the United States of America.
Points Based System appeal case succeeds
The appeal against the Home Office interpretation of the Points Based System has succeeded in the Court of Appeal. The case is Secretary of State for the Home Department v Pankina [2010] EWCA Civ 719. The question now is where this leaves the Home Office/UK Border Agency on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK. FULL STORY
UKBA immigration officials are failing victims of domestic violence says leading Barrister
An article by leading immigration Barrister Colin Yeo for the Guardian.
Border Agency bust sham marriage – six arrested
The UK Border Agency reports that a bride and groom together with four wedding guests were arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected sham marriage.
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Office for Budget Responsibility predicts curbs on immigration and costs of an ageing society will slow economy’s growth rate…
Canadian Government takes on rogue immigration consultants
People seeking help to emigrate to Canada are set to be better protected after the Canadian government announced new legislation to deal with fraudulent immigration consultants.
Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre expansion plans scrapped
Plans to double the size of Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre in north Bedfordshire have been scrapped.
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
American voters in Fremont Nebraska on Monday approved a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants, the latest proposal in a series of immigration regulations taken up by communities around the country.
Early day motion by MP’s in support of doomed RMJ
The JCWI has called for members to write to their MP’s to ask for support for the Early Day Motion to save the RMJ.
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
The Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants (JWCI) has issued a press release calling on the government to take urgent action to prevent the closure of Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ).
Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments
The Philippines balance of payments (BOP) surplus rose by almost a third in the first five months of the year, as more foreign exchange flowed in (from OFW’s) through loans against domestic currency used to pay the country’s debts.
Why the world wants to be Canadian
More than half of people around the world say they would abandon their homelands and emigrate to Canada if they could.
Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice and survival
ABS-CBN’s Niña Corpuz, the author of the article, “Filipino Domestic Workers: between justice and survival,” won the 2010 edition of the journalistic prize for the best story on labour rights, awarded by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC-ILO), the training arm of the ILO.
See also:
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice say ABS CBN
ABS-CBN's Niña Corpuz, the author of the article, "Filipino Domestic Workers: between justice and survival," won the 2010 edition of the journalistic prize for the best story on labour rights, awarded by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC-ILO), the training arm of the ILO.
The article was selected among stories written by professional journalists who attended the training courses on "Communicating Labour Rights," yearly organized by the ITC-ILO.
The courses introduce journalists and media professionals from all over the world, to international labour standards, with the aim of raising public awareness of their relevance to local labour and social issues.
The award ceremony was held in Turin, Italy, on Monday 21st June 2010 at the ITC-ILO.
Niña Corpuz is a broadcast journalist for the Philippine's biggest TV network, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. She has been a reporter for 9 years, covering labour, education, health and politics. She also anchors a television news program entitled "Balitang Europe" (News from Europe), which tackles the concerns of overseas Filipino workers in
Europe.
Niña also hosts a public service radio program, with Philippine Vice-President Noli de Castro, on ABS-CBN's AM station, DZMM, the No. 1 radio station in the Philippines. The program, "Para sa yo Bayan" (For the Country) discusses national issues affecting the Philippines, including the situation of overseas Filipino workers. She also anchors a radio talk show, "Magandang Gabi Doc" (Good Evening Doctor) which discusses health issues with the Philippines' top doctors. Niña is also a contributor for ABS-CBN's news website, www.abs-cbnews.com. Most recently, she joined the team of reporters who covered the Philippines' 1st nationwide automated Presidential elections. Source: ABS CBN News, Manila.
See also:
Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
"How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! ... " Click Here!
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
The article was selected among stories written by professional journalists who attended the training courses on "Communicating Labour Rights," yearly organized by the ITC-ILO.
The courses introduce journalists and media professionals from all over the world, to international labour standards, with the aim of raising public awareness of their relevance to local labour and social issues.
The award ceremony was held in Turin, Italy, on Monday 21st June 2010 at the ITC-ILO.
Niña Corpuz is a broadcast journalist for the Philippine's biggest TV network, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. She has been a reporter for 9 years, covering labour, education, health and politics. She also anchors a television news program entitled "Balitang Europe" (News from Europe), which tackles the concerns of overseas Filipino workers in
Europe.
Niña also hosts a public service radio program, with Philippine Vice-President Noli de Castro, on ABS-CBN's AM station, DZMM, the No. 1 radio station in the Philippines. The program, "Para sa yo Bayan" (For the Country) discusses national issues affecting the Philippines, including the situation of overseas Filipino workers. She also anchors a radio talk show, "Magandang Gabi Doc" (Good Evening Doctor) which discusses health issues with the Philippines' top doctors. Niña is also a contributor for ABS-CBN's news website, www.abs-cbnews.com. Most recently, she joined the team of reporters who covered the Philippines' 1st nationwide automated Presidential elections. Source: ABS CBN News, Manila.
See also:
Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
"How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! ... " Click Here!
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Why 53% of people surveyed would move to Canada
More than half of people around the world say they would abandon their homelands and emigrate to Canada if they could.
Given the choice, 53 per cent of adults in the world's 24 leading economies said they would emigrate to Canada, according to an international survey commissioned by the Historica-Dominion Institute in partnership with the Munk School of Global Affairs and the Aurea Foundation.
It's a startling finding, one that is reinforced by respondents' overwhelmingly positive attitudes about Canada's welcoming and tolerant treatment of newcomers. The results bode well for Canada's efforts to attract highly educated immigrants as the global search for talent heats up in coming years.
“Canada is considered desirable for people all around the world. The shining city on the hill, as America was, and remains, for many people,” said Andrew Cohen, president of the Historica-Dominion Institute.
“Largely, it's because we welcome immigrants. We do not have anti-immigration parties in Canada. Almost every European country has one. We do not have a skinhead movement in Canada. So that speaks well of Canada and may point to our greatest success of the last 25 years, which is the manner in which we have continued to welcome immigrants.”
The tilt toward Canada is most pronounced in the emerging economies of the G20. More than three-quarters of those surveyed in China said they would prefer to live in Canada, followed by Mexico and India at close to 70 per cent. Slightly more than half of Britons, Italians and Russians said the same, while about four in 10 French and Germans would also choose Canada. Citizens of Japan and Sweden, followed by the United States and Australia, were the least interested in moving to Canada, with only one in five Swedes saying they would make the move.
Janice Stein, director of the Munk School at the University of Toronto, said the survey suggests Canada can thrive in the looming global talent wars.
“In terms of our economic future, our social future, our capacity to innovate, on all these dimensions that intelligent Canadians think about all the time, these are enormously encouraging data,” Prof. Stein said. “The developed world is getting old very quickly. … We are going to have to recruit globally as everybody else does.”
The reasons for Canada's relative attractiveness are clear: 86 per cent of respondents around the globe said Canada is a country where rights and freedoms are respected; 72 per cent said Canada is welcoming to immigrants; 79 per cent said Canadians are tolerant of people from different racial and cultural backgrounds; and 79 per cent said Canadians have one of the best qualities of life.
On most questions Canadians feel more strongly about their openness and tolerance than non-Canadians. Ninety-four per cent of Canadians say Canada is welcoming to immigrants, more than in any other country, but China and India, which have the largest diasporas in Canada, are not far behind.
“Of course we think we are [generous, open and tolerant,] Prof. Stein said. “Are we more vain than other publics? I doubt it.”
Canada's reputation in some areas is even stronger than Canadian vanity. Citizens of five countries, South Africa, Australia, France, Indonesia and South Korea are all more likely than Canadians to describe Canada as a country where rights and freedoms are respected.
Citizens of 10 countries, including China, South Africa, France and Russia, are more likely than Canadians to say Canada is tolerant of people from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Source: Joe Friesen, Globe and Mail, Canada.
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
“How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! … “ Click Here!
Given the choice, 53 per cent of adults in the world's 24 leading economies said they would emigrate to Canada, according to an international survey commissioned by the Historica-Dominion Institute in partnership with the Munk School of Global Affairs and the Aurea Foundation.
It's a startling finding, one that is reinforced by respondents' overwhelmingly positive attitudes about Canada's welcoming and tolerant treatment of newcomers. The results bode well for Canada's efforts to attract highly educated immigrants as the global search for talent heats up in coming years.
“Canada is considered desirable for people all around the world. The shining city on the hill, as America was, and remains, for many people,” said Andrew Cohen, president of the Historica-Dominion Institute.
“Largely, it's because we welcome immigrants. We do not have anti-immigration parties in Canada. Almost every European country has one. We do not have a skinhead movement in Canada. So that speaks well of Canada and may point to our greatest success of the last 25 years, which is the manner in which we have continued to welcome immigrants.”
The tilt toward Canada is most pronounced in the emerging economies of the G20. More than three-quarters of those surveyed in China said they would prefer to live in Canada, followed by Mexico and India at close to 70 per cent. Slightly more than half of Britons, Italians and Russians said the same, while about four in 10 French and Germans would also choose Canada. Citizens of Japan and Sweden, followed by the United States and Australia, were the least interested in moving to Canada, with only one in five Swedes saying they would make the move.
Janice Stein, director of the Munk School at the University of Toronto, said the survey suggests Canada can thrive in the looming global talent wars.
“In terms of our economic future, our social future, our capacity to innovate, on all these dimensions that intelligent Canadians think about all the time, these are enormously encouraging data,” Prof. Stein said. “The developed world is getting old very quickly. … We are going to have to recruit globally as everybody else does.”
The reasons for Canada's relative attractiveness are clear: 86 per cent of respondents around the globe said Canada is a country where rights and freedoms are respected; 72 per cent said Canada is welcoming to immigrants; 79 per cent said Canadians are tolerant of people from different racial and cultural backgrounds; and 79 per cent said Canadians have one of the best qualities of life.
On most questions Canadians feel more strongly about their openness and tolerance than non-Canadians. Ninety-four per cent of Canadians say Canada is welcoming to immigrants, more than in any other country, but China and India, which have the largest diasporas in Canada, are not far behind.
“Of course we think we are [generous, open and tolerant,] Prof. Stein said. “Are we more vain than other publics? I doubt it.”
Canada's reputation in some areas is even stronger than Canadian vanity. Citizens of five countries, South Africa, Australia, France, Indonesia and South Korea are all more likely than Canadians to describe Canada as a country where rights and freedoms are respected.
Citizens of 10 countries, including China, South Africa, France and Russia, are more likely than Canadians to say Canada is tolerant of people from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Source: Joe Friesen, Globe and Mail, Canada.
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
“How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! … “ Click Here!
Friday, June 25, 2010
American Immigration - what impact of increased processing fees?
The following article by analyzes the rising costs of US Immigration petitions and applications and how these increased fees may impact those who wish to bring a foreign loved one to the United States of America.
Recently enacted rules by the American State Department have resulted in increased fees for those applying for K-1 and K-3 visas, and their derivative counterparts, abroad. In the recent past, the application fee for K category visas was $131 per applicant. Under the recently promulgated rules, K visa applicants must pay 350 USD when applying for a K1, K2, K3, or K4 visa at a Consulate abroad. The apparent reason for the fee increase is due to the fact that the State Department seems to feel that more resources are necessary to effectively process certain non-immigrant visa applications. Many are of the opinion that increased fees will also be used to assist in the Department of State's ongoing efforts to uncover fraud in the American Immigration process.
Even though the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (the agency which has jurisdiction over the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service commonly referred to by the acronym USCIS) are two separate government agencies they both usually have a role in the American Immigration process. For instance, in K-1 fiance visa cases, USCIS is tasked with the adjudication of the initial K1 visa petition. After USCIS approval, the K-1 visa petition is sent to the National Visa Center (under the jurisdiction of the American State Department) where the case is forwarded to the Embassy or Consulate with proper jurisdiction. After the arrival of the K1 case file at an American Consulate overseas, the proposed beneficiary of the K-1 visa must submit a K-1 visa application and be subjected to a K-1 visa interview. Should the application receive approval, the K-1 visa holder must then travel to the United States within 180 days and request admission at the Customs and Border Protection Service (USCBP, also under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security) at an American port of entry.
Upon arrival in the United States and after marriage to the petitioner, the K-1 visa holder will have Ninety (90) days in which to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence.
The K1 visa process is complicated and rather time consuming. There are some who hope that an increase in petition and application fees will result in a faster and more efficient process. However, each American Immigration case is different and it is difficult to foresee all possibilities in each and every Immigration petition and/or application.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will raise fees an average 10% to help close a projected $200-million budget deficit. The cost of citizenship applications will not increase.
The cost of obtaining a green card, business visa and other US immigration benefits will increase an average 10% under a proposal announced Wednesday by federal immigration officials.
But in a move hailed by immigrant advocates, officials decided not to propose fee hikes for US citizenship applications, one of the largest and most politically popular categories of immigration benefits.
Citizenship fees were increased by nearly 70% to $675 in 2007, which immigrant advocates say contributed to a sharp drop in the number of citizenship applications over the last two years.
See also:
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
US Citizenship And Immigration | Ciudadania Americana E Inmigracion.
Immigration Is A Hot Market. Benefit From 100% Unique Content Based On Personal Events. This Is Not Legal Advice. | La Inmigracion Es Un Mercado Muy Cotizado. Aproveche El Unico Contenido 100% Basado En Eventos Personales. Esto No Es Un Consejo Legal.
For more information on US immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
"How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! ... " Click Here!
Recently enacted rules by the American State Department have resulted in increased fees for those applying for K-1 and K-3 visas, and their derivative counterparts, abroad. In the recent past, the application fee for K category visas was $131 per applicant. Under the recently promulgated rules, K visa applicants must pay 350 USD when applying for a K1, K2, K3, or K4 visa at a Consulate abroad. The apparent reason for the fee increase is due to the fact that the State Department seems to feel that more resources are necessary to effectively process certain non-immigrant visa applications. Many are of the opinion that increased fees will also be used to assist in the Department of State's ongoing efforts to uncover fraud in the American Immigration process.
Even though the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (the agency which has jurisdiction over the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service commonly referred to by the acronym USCIS) are two separate government agencies they both usually have a role in the American Immigration process. For instance, in K-1 fiance visa cases, USCIS is tasked with the adjudication of the initial K1 visa petition. After USCIS approval, the K-1 visa petition is sent to the National Visa Center (under the jurisdiction of the American State Department) where the case is forwarded to the Embassy or Consulate with proper jurisdiction. After the arrival of the K1 case file at an American Consulate overseas, the proposed beneficiary of the K-1 visa must submit a K-1 visa application and be subjected to a K-1 visa interview. Should the application receive approval, the K-1 visa holder must then travel to the United States within 180 days and request admission at the Customs and Border Protection Service (USCBP, also under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security) at an American port of entry.
Upon arrival in the United States and after marriage to the petitioner, the K-1 visa holder will have Ninety (90) days in which to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence.
The K1 visa process is complicated and rather time consuming. There are some who hope that an increase in petition and application fees will result in a faster and more efficient process. However, each American Immigration case is different and it is difficult to foresee all possibilities in each and every Immigration petition and/or application.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will raise fees an average 10% to help close a projected $200-million budget deficit. The cost of citizenship applications will not increase.
The cost of obtaining a green card, business visa and other US immigration benefits will increase an average 10% under a proposal announced Wednesday by federal immigration officials.
But in a move hailed by immigrant advocates, officials decided not to propose fee hikes for US citizenship applications, one of the largest and most politically popular categories of immigration benefits.
Citizenship fees were increased by nearly 70% to $675 in 2007, which immigrant advocates say contributed to a sharp drop in the number of citizenship applications over the last two years.
See also:
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
US Citizenship And Immigration | Ciudadania Americana E Inmigracion.
Immigration Is A Hot Market. Benefit From 100% Unique Content Based On Personal Events. This Is Not Legal Advice. | La Inmigracion Es Un Mercado Muy Cotizado. Aproveche El Unico Contenido 100% Basado En Eventos Personales. Esto No Es Un Consejo Legal.
For more information on US immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
"How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! ... " Click Here!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Canada takes on rogue immigration consultants
People seeking help to emigrate to Canada are set to be better protected after the Canadian government announced new legislation to deal with fraudulent immigration consultants.
Britons are among thousands exploited by the so-called crooked consultants, who are paid “extortionate amounts of money” by potential immigrants duped into believing they can guarantee them visas, for example, reduce the wait time for applications or claim to have connections in the Canadian immigration department who will expedite the process.
The national police force, the RCMP, and the Canada Border Services Agency are reportedly dealing with hundreds of current investigations into allegations against unscrupulous consultants across Canada. Around a quarter of a million people worldwide emigrate to Canada every year, while the number of immigrants settling from the UK has doubled in the past decade from approximately 4,500 in 1999 to 9,500 last year.
The Canadian government’s ‘Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act’ aims to close a loophole in the current legislation, which does not regulate any consultants’ involvement in the pre-application period. If passed, it would require all paid-for advice or representation be provided by an authorised immigration consultant, lawyer or notary only. It would also give the government power over the body governing immigration consultants “in order to ensure the integrity of the process”.
Jason Kenney, Canada’s minister of citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism, said at an earlier conference that, while most immigration consultants working in Canada were professional and ethical, “the unfortunate reality is that many consultants are acting dishonestly or even illegally to profit from people’s dream of coming here.” He cited one case of an exorbitant fee of $90,000 (around £60,000) paid to a crooked consultant by an immigrating family. “These prospective immigrants often find out too late that they’ve been deceived,” Kenney added
While the legislation of course covers Canada only, the minister will be also encouraging foreign governments to tackle the problem of crooked consultants dealing with immigrants to Canada. Jason Kenney is in London next week to talk about these and other immigration issues with Home Secretary Theresa May and Immigration Minister Damian Green as part of the Five Country Conference, comprising the UK, Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
If anyone is defrauded by an immigration consultant in the UK, they are advised to file a complaint with the local police and inform the Canadian Embassy, said Kelli Fraser, media relations adviser for Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
She pointed out that immigration fraud happens, of course, around the world not just in Canada, but added that it threatens the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. “It also raises security concerns, wastes tax dollars, adds to the processing time for legitimate applications, and it is unfair to those who do follow the rules,” she said.
For more information on immigration protection and potentially choosing an immigration consultant, log on to www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/protection/index.asp
Canada is a growing country which needs skilled workers in a wide range of areas for instance from Care, Nursing and medical staff to catering and other trades. Unlike the UK, Canada is also open to immigrants who want to migrate there with a view to settle. Applicants must qualify under the Canadian points system.
UK based immigration consultants are regulated by the OISC, which has strict rules designed to protect migrants from exploitation. However, the rules do not extend to visa consultants operating abroad where the worst atrocities take place. Migrants coming to the UK have long been charged extortionate fees by unscrupulous unlicensed operators in their own country.
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
See also:
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
US Green cards face fee hikes
The cost of obtaining a green card, business visa and other US immigration benefits will increase an average 10% under a proposal announced Wednesday by federal immigration officials.
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
“How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! … “ Click Here!
Britons are among thousands exploited by the so-called crooked consultants, who are paid “extortionate amounts of money” by potential immigrants duped into believing they can guarantee them visas, for example, reduce the wait time for applications or claim to have connections in the Canadian immigration department who will expedite the process.
The national police force, the RCMP, and the Canada Border Services Agency are reportedly dealing with hundreds of current investigations into allegations against unscrupulous consultants across Canada. Around a quarter of a million people worldwide emigrate to Canada every year, while the number of immigrants settling from the UK has doubled in the past decade from approximately 4,500 in 1999 to 9,500 last year.
The Canadian government’s ‘Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act’ aims to close a loophole in the current legislation, which does not regulate any consultants’ involvement in the pre-application period. If passed, it would require all paid-for advice or representation be provided by an authorised immigration consultant, lawyer or notary only. It would also give the government power over the body governing immigration consultants “in order to ensure the integrity of the process”.
Jason Kenney, Canada’s minister of citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism, said at an earlier conference that, while most immigration consultants working in Canada were professional and ethical, “the unfortunate reality is that many consultants are acting dishonestly or even illegally to profit from people’s dream of coming here.” He cited one case of an exorbitant fee of $90,000 (around £60,000) paid to a crooked consultant by an immigrating family. “These prospective immigrants often find out too late that they’ve been deceived,” Kenney added
While the legislation of course covers Canada only, the minister will be also encouraging foreign governments to tackle the problem of crooked consultants dealing with immigrants to Canada. Jason Kenney is in London next week to talk about these and other immigration issues with Home Secretary Theresa May and Immigration Minister Damian Green as part of the Five Country Conference, comprising the UK, Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
If anyone is defrauded by an immigration consultant in the UK, they are advised to file a complaint with the local police and inform the Canadian Embassy, said Kelli Fraser, media relations adviser for Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
She pointed out that immigration fraud happens, of course, around the world not just in Canada, but added that it threatens the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. “It also raises security concerns, wastes tax dollars, adds to the processing time for legitimate applications, and it is unfair to those who do follow the rules,” she said.
For more information on immigration protection and potentially choosing an immigration consultant, log on to www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/protection/index.asp
Canada is a growing country which needs skilled workers in a wide range of areas for instance from Care, Nursing and medical staff to catering and other trades. Unlike the UK, Canada is also open to immigrants who want to migrate there with a view to settle. Applicants must qualify under the Canadian points system.
UK based immigration consultants are regulated by the OISC, which has strict rules designed to protect migrants from exploitation. However, the rules do not extend to visa consultants operating abroad where the worst atrocities take place. Migrants coming to the UK have long been charged extortionate fees by unscrupulous unlicensed operators in their own country.
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
See also:
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
US Green cards face fee hikes
The cost of obtaining a green card, business visa and other US immigration benefits will increase an average 10% under a proposal announced Wednesday by federal immigration officials.
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
“How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! … “ Click Here!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
American Green cards face fee hikes
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will raise fees an average 10% to help close a projected $200-million budget deficit. The cost of citizenship applications will not increase.
The cost of obtaining a green card, business visa and other US immigration benefits will increase an average 10% under a proposal announced Wednesday by federal immigration officials.
But in a move hailed by immigrant advocates, officials decided not to propose fee hikes for US citizenship applications, one of the largest and most politically popular categories of immigration benefits.
Citizenship fees were increased by nearly 70% to $675 in 2007, which immigrant advocates say contributed to a sharp drop in the number of citizenship applications over the last two years. Source: Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times.
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
US Citizenship And Immigration | Ciudadania Americana E Inmigracion.
Immigration Is A Hot Market. Benefit From 100% Unique Content Based On Personal Events. This Is Not Legal Advice. | La Inmigracion Es Un Mercado Muy Cotizado. Aproveche El Unico Contenido 100% Basado En Eventos Personales. Esto No Es Un Consejo Legal.
For more information on US immigration Click Here!
The cost of obtaining a green card, business visa and other US immigration benefits will increase an average 10% under a proposal announced Wednesday by federal immigration officials.
But in a move hailed by immigrant advocates, officials decided not to propose fee hikes for US citizenship applications, one of the largest and most politically popular categories of immigration benefits.
Citizenship fees were increased by nearly 70% to $675 in 2007, which immigrant advocates say contributed to a sharp drop in the number of citizenship applications over the last two years. Source: Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times.
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
US Citizenship And Immigration | Ciudadania Americana E Inmigracion.
Immigration Is A Hot Market. Benefit From 100% Unique Content Based On Personal Events. This Is Not Legal Advice. | La Inmigracion Es Un Mercado Muy Cotizado. Aproveche El Unico Contenido 100% Basado En Eventos Personales. Esto No Es Un Consejo Legal.
For more information on US immigration Click Here!
Early day motion by MP's in support of doomed Refugee Migrant Justice (RMJ) group
The JCWI has called for members to write to their MP's to ask for support for the Early Day Motion to save the RMJ.
The JCWI press release in full
Please send over a quick e mail to your MP to support the save RMJ campaign and ask them to out their name to Early Day Motion 191 tabled by Caroline Lucas MP. This appears below
Early Day Motion - EDM 191
REFUGEE AND MIGRANT JUSTICE CHARITY
09.06.2010
Lucas, Caroline
That this House notes that the legal advice charity Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ) is in danger of closing because it is facing a cash crisis because a large proportion of legal aid work is now paid upon completion, meaning payment can take anything up to two years; further notes that as a result the charity has a £1.8 million backlog of payments; further notes that senior legal and human rights experts, faith leaders including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Citizens Advice, Liberty and Mind all back the campaign to rescue the legal advice charity from the cash crisis that is not of their own making; is aware that RMJ is not asking for new money but simply prompt payment of legal aid by the Legal Services Commission, or failing that, interest-free loans by the Government to cover the gap; and calls for the legal aid payment system to be changed to ensure charities are paid promptly for their work.
Signatures( 32)
Status
See also:
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
Justice Secretary defends government over Refugee and Migrant Justice collapse
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
The JCWI press release in full
Please send over a quick e mail to your MP to support the save RMJ campaign and ask them to out their name to Early Day Motion 191 tabled by Caroline Lucas MP. This appears below
Early Day Motion - EDM 191
REFUGEE AND MIGRANT JUSTICE CHARITY
09.06.2010
Lucas, Caroline
That this House notes that the legal advice charity Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ) is in danger of closing because it is facing a cash crisis because a large proportion of legal aid work is now paid upon completion, meaning payment can take anything up to two years; further notes that as a result the charity has a £1.8 million backlog of payments; further notes that senior legal and human rights experts, faith leaders including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Citizens Advice, Liberty and Mind all back the campaign to rescue the legal advice charity from the cash crisis that is not of their own making; is aware that RMJ is not asking for new money but simply prompt payment of legal aid by the Legal Services Commission, or failing that, interest-free loans by the Government to cover the gap; and calls for the legal aid payment system to be changed to ensure charities are paid promptly for their work.
Signatures( 32)
Status
See also:
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
Justice Secretary defends government over Refugee and Migrant Justice collapse
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
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