United Kingdom: Interim Limit on Sponsorship Certificates under Tier 2 (General)

Posted on July 2, 2010 by Immigration/Global Migration Group

The UK Border Agency announced that on July 19, 2010, it will introduce an interim limit on the number of sponsorship certificates employers can issue to migrant workers. An annual limit will be introduced in April 2011.

Priority will be given for extension applications and shortage occupations. While the interim limit is in effect, sponsors can request additional certificates via the sponsorship management system, but approval will only be granted in exceptional circumstances: sponsors must have used all their certificates and have a pressing need for more certificates.

Applicants in the UK under another immigration category seeking to switch into Tier 2 (General) will be included in the limit, but those under the intra-company transfers, sportsperson and minister of religion categories will not be.
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Australia: Victoria Announces Major Changes to the List of Occupations Eligible for State Sponsorship under the Class 176 Visa

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Immigration/Global Migration Group

Under Australia’s 176 visa scheme, migrants seeking permanent residence and who are unable to pass the immigration points test for independent migration are sponsored either by an eligible family member or by the government of an Australian state or territory. States sponsor the residence application of a migrant, in exchange for a commitment to live in the state for at least the first two years after migrating to Australia. Each state keeps a list of occupations deemed eligible for sponsorship.

Victoria has announced significant changes to its eligibility list  for the 176 visa, effective from January 12, 2009. This action reflects the changing labor market in Victoria, Australia’s second-most populous state. Off the list are many traditional occupations such as teachers, accountants, and several trades. Occupations new to the list include various engineering jobs, geologists, dental technicians, and social workers.

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