After successully running several IELTS reviews, we are glad to announce our Limited Time Promotion for this Christmas:
Free IELTS review if you apply for any of our immigration and/or study programmes in UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand!
How to get a Free IELTS review:
- enrol to any of our programmes
- pay the enrolment fee
- you can start the review immediately
- we have Monday-Friday and Saturday/Sunday schedules
- we have 2 IELTS review centers: Makati and Naga City
Terms and conditions:
This promotion is valid for enrolments between December 1-15, 2010 only. You can use your right for a free IELTS review in December 2010 or January 2011 only. IELTS review with Global Visa Support lasts 5 days, 9am-4pm. The usual price of our IELTS review is 5,000 peso in Makati or 5,500 peso in Naga City. Group discounts available. We can process your IELTS exam application with IDP and/or British Council, in any location in the Philippines. More about our IELTS review here: http://bit.ly/bjHMC3.
Visas for UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Please visit our website: http://www.globalvisasupport.com
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
British Council IELTS Scholarship
Have you heard of the British Council IELTS Scholarship? Click here for more details: http://bit.ly/e3RXnV Tell your friends!
Friday, November 19, 2010
UK will relax immigration cap to help businesses
According to the Daily Telegraph, UK Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to significantly increase the number of non-EU immigrant skilled workers allowed to enter the United Kingdom each month.
Businesses have been among the groups criticizing the UK Government for imposing the cap, which they say prevents badly needed highly skilled immigrants from working in the UK.
The current limit of 2,600 skilled worker immigrants from outside the EU is likely to be increased which will benefit both Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa applicants. By the tenth day of November all visas were used up for the UK's highly popular Tier 1 (General) Visa, a points based immigration visa aimed at highly skilled workers.
The Tier 1 visa is so popular because you do not need a job offer to come under the Tier 1 visa and you can work for any employer.
The UK Government is expected to increase the immigration cap next year to more than 4,000 per month; UK businesses have said that they need more immigrants with the right skills to fill labour shortages.
The current cap is a temporary arrangement until a permanent cap is introduced next year. Details on the permanent cap are expected to be announced later this month.
This week, the Migration Advisory Committee is expected to publish its recommendations for the level at which the permanent cap should be set. A number of scenarios will be put forward, ranging from a liberal immigration cap to a more hardline immigration cap.
It is expected that the Government will reject the more hard-line immigration cap proposals from the Migration Advisory Committee. However this is not certain. If you meet the current immigration requirements for say a Tier 1 visa or Tier 2 visa it may be best to apply sooner rather than later.
If you apply in the future for immigration to the UK it may also be more difficult to gain permanent residence. If you apply now you will hopefully come under the current immigration rules for gaining permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) instead of stricter rules in future.
Businesses have been among the groups criticizing the UK Government for imposing the cap, which they say prevents badly needed highly skilled immigrants from working in the UK.
The current limit of 2,600 skilled worker immigrants from outside the EU is likely to be increased which will benefit both Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa applicants. By the tenth day of November all visas were used up for the UK's highly popular Tier 1 (General) Visa, a points based immigration visa aimed at highly skilled workers.
The Tier 1 visa is so popular because you do not need a job offer to come under the Tier 1 visa and you can work for any employer.
The UK Government is expected to increase the immigration cap next year to more than 4,000 per month; UK businesses have said that they need more immigrants with the right skills to fill labour shortages.
The current cap is a temporary arrangement until a permanent cap is introduced next year. Details on the permanent cap are expected to be announced later this month.
This week, the Migration Advisory Committee is expected to publish its recommendations for the level at which the permanent cap should be set. A number of scenarios will be put forward, ranging from a liberal immigration cap to a more hardline immigration cap.
It is expected that the Government will reject the more hard-line immigration cap proposals from the Migration Advisory Committee. However this is not certain. If you meet the current immigration requirements for say a Tier 1 visa or Tier 2 visa it may be best to apply sooner rather than later.
If you apply in the future for immigration to the UK it may also be more difficult to gain permanent residence. If you apply now you will hopefully come under the current immigration rules for gaining permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) instead of stricter rules in future.
Increased Australian immigration unavoidable for Australia
An Australian Treasury warning has been issued which states that increased immigration in Australia is 'inescapable'.
During Prime Minister Julia Gillard's election campaign, she said that Australia should not "hurtle" towards a big population. She thought that the 36 million people by 2050 as forecast by the Treasury was excessive.
However, a recent Treasury briefing warns that the 36-million people projection factored in a significant reduction in migration to an annual average of 180,000. Immigration recently peaked at 300,000.
According to the briefing, even by limiting net migration to 60,000 people per year Australia would reach 29 million people by 2050.
"Given the powerful global forces driving the Australian economy, net immigration figures well in excess of that low number are probably inescapable," the briefing said.
"Strong population growth is not necessarily unsustainable," the briefing continued. "It need not adversely affect the environment, the livability of cities, infrastructure and service delivery, provided the right plans and policies are put in place now in anticipation of it."
According to a senior Labor source, the government has accepted that they cannot cut migration to such an extent that population growth is reduced.
The Treasury has also predicted that unemployment will fall to 4.9 percent in the future, resulting in more skills shortages and so making the case for reducing levels of immigration that much more difficult to justify.
Future immigration changes will favour people with degree level education and good English. If you are a tradesperson or do not have good enough English to meet the new requirements you may wish to consider applying for immigration before the changes take place.
During Prime Minister Julia Gillard's election campaign, she said that Australia should not "hurtle" towards a big population. She thought that the 36 million people by 2050 as forecast by the Treasury was excessive.
However, a recent Treasury briefing warns that the 36-million people projection factored in a significant reduction in migration to an annual average of 180,000. Immigration recently peaked at 300,000.
According to the briefing, even by limiting net migration to 60,000 people per year Australia would reach 29 million people by 2050.
"Given the powerful global forces driving the Australian economy, net immigration figures well in excess of that low number are probably inescapable," the briefing said.
"Strong population growth is not necessarily unsustainable," the briefing continued. "It need not adversely affect the environment, the livability of cities, infrastructure and service delivery, provided the right plans and policies are put in place now in anticipation of it."
According to a senior Labor source, the government has accepted that they cannot cut migration to such an extent that population growth is reduced.
The Treasury has also predicted that unemployment will fall to 4.9 percent in the future, resulting in more skills shortages and so making the case for reducing levels of immigration that much more difficult to justify.
Future immigration changes will favour people with degree level education and good English. If you are a tradesperson or do not have good enough English to meet the new requirements you may wish to consider applying for immigration before the changes take place.
Canadian immigration to accept Immigrant Investor applications again
Starting on 1 December 2010, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will again start accepting applications under the federal Immigration Investor Program.
Applicants under the Immigration Investor Program will need to have a personal net worth of $1.6 million CAD, which doubles the previous net worth requirement of $800,000. Moreover, applicants will be required to make an investment of $800,000. Under the previous rules, only a $400,000 investment was needed.
According to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, changes to the criteria for the immigration investor program were overdue.
"These changes were necessary," said Kenney. "The requirements had not been increased in more than a decade and we need to keep pace with the changing economy."
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) said that Canada had the lowest requirements for their investor immigration schemes compared to other countries with similar programs. To reduce the backlog of applications and to avoid a rush of applications before the changes take place Canada suspended the Immigration Investor Program in June 2010.
"The new criteria now align it more closely with other immigrant-receiving countries," CIC said in a statement.
CIC said that the previous requirements were leading to a backlog of applications. By raising the net worth and investment requirements, Canada hopes to reduce the number of applicants and only let in those who can make a substantial investment in the Canadian economy.
"Higher investment amounts mean provinces and territories will receive more investment capital to put toward job creation and economic development projects," Kenney said.
Canada's Immigration Investor Program grants applicants a permanent residence visa and a guaranteed repayment of their investment. The immigrant investor program was already an expensive way of gaining permanent residence in Canada. Doubling the investment requirements is bound to put off some people. It remains to be seen if the changes will in reality result in increased investment into Canada. There are already a number of ways in which you can emigrate to Canada and a number of other Countries around the World without having to invest any money.
Applicants under the Immigration Investor Program will need to have a personal net worth of $1.6 million CAD, which doubles the previous net worth requirement of $800,000. Moreover, applicants will be required to make an investment of $800,000. Under the previous rules, only a $400,000 investment was needed.
According to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, changes to the criteria for the immigration investor program were overdue.
"These changes were necessary," said Kenney. "The requirements had not been increased in more than a decade and we need to keep pace with the changing economy."
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) said that Canada had the lowest requirements for their investor immigration schemes compared to other countries with similar programs. To reduce the backlog of applications and to avoid a rush of applications before the changes take place Canada suspended the Immigration Investor Program in June 2010.
"The new criteria now align it more closely with other immigrant-receiving countries," CIC said in a statement.
CIC said that the previous requirements were leading to a backlog of applications. By raising the net worth and investment requirements, Canada hopes to reduce the number of applicants and only let in those who can make a substantial investment in the Canadian economy.
"Higher investment amounts mean provinces and territories will receive more investment capital to put toward job creation and economic development projects," Kenney said.
Canada's Immigration Investor Program grants applicants a permanent residence visa and a guaranteed repayment of their investment. The immigrant investor program was already an expensive way of gaining permanent residence in Canada. Doubling the investment requirements is bound to put off some people. It remains to be seen if the changes will in reality result in increased investment into Canada. There are already a number of ways in which you can emigrate to Canada and a number of other Countries around the World without having to invest any money.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
New Zealand: Study - Work - Migrate!
WE are now offering a new programme for nurses in New Zealand: Study - Work - Migrate. The full details of this programme are here: http://bit.ly/dgbhLI
This programme is good for nurses with 6 months experience at least, with almost any IELTS result (starting from 5.0). Tell your friends!
This programme is good for nurses with 6 months experience at least, with almost any IELTS result (starting from 5.0). Tell your friends!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Australia expected to make tradespeople immigration more difficult - Apply now!
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen is expected to announce a change in Australia's points based system to encourage immigration of highly skilled professionals with good qualifications.
It is hoped that changes to the points based system will encourage foreign students with high level Australian qualifications to seek permanent residence. It seems likely that immigration will become more difficult for those with trade qualifications and experience in lower-skilled occupations.
"The current weighting of points test factors leads to perverse outcomes such as the situation where a Harvard qualified environmental scientist with three years' relevant work experience would fail the points test, while an overseas student who completes a 92-week course in a 60-point occupation...would, with one year's experience, pass," said the Deparment of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
"Australia can, and should, select the best and brightest migrants for independent migration," DIAC added.
Possible changes to the system include more points for higher levels of English language ability and higher degree qualifications. In future it may also be more difficult for older people to gain enough points to qualify under the points based immigration system.
Moreover, bonus points for having relatives in the country or for having Australian qualifications may be axed. If you are a tradesperson and are interested in immigration to Australia you should seriously consider applying now. It is possible that you will not qualify for immigration in future.
It is hoped that changes to the points based system will encourage foreign students with high level Australian qualifications to seek permanent residence. It seems likely that immigration will become more difficult for those with trade qualifications and experience in lower-skilled occupations.
"The current weighting of points test factors leads to perverse outcomes such as the situation where a Harvard qualified environmental scientist with three years' relevant work experience would fail the points test, while an overseas student who completes a 92-week course in a 60-point occupation...would, with one year's experience, pass," said the Deparment of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
"Australia can, and should, select the best and brightest migrants for independent migration," DIAC added.
Possible changes to the system include more points for higher levels of English language ability and higher degree qualifications. In future it may also be more difficult for older people to gain enough points to qualify under the points based immigration system.
Moreover, bonus points for having relatives in the country or for having Australian qualifications may be axed. If you are a tradesperson and are interested in immigration to Australia you should seriously consider applying now. It is possible that you will not qualify for immigration in future.
UK will not implement 'earned citizenship'
The UK Government has decided to abandon its plans to implement an 'earned citizenship' policy which was due to go into effect in July of 2011.
Earned citizenship would require immigrants to apply for 'probationary citizenship' instead of permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain).
Currently, an immigrant living in the UK can apply for permanent residence after about five years, after which they can live in the UK indefinitely.
"We will not implement Labour's policy of earned citizenship, which was too complicated, bureaucratic and, in the end, ineffective," said Home Secretary Theresa May in a recent statement.
However, the Government still appears to be on track for tightening the requirements for permanent residence in Britain.
"If people enter this country saying that they will only stay here temporarily, then it is obvious that they should only stay here temporarily," May continued. "Working in Britain for a short period should not give someone the right to settle in Britain. Studying a course in Britain should not give someone the right to settle in Britain."
While the UK dropping earned citizenship is good for many people who wish to live and work in the UK on a permanent basis, it looks like the Government still plans to make UK immigration more difficult for migrants in the future. If you qualify for indefinite leave to remain it may be best to apply sooner rather than later.
Earned citizenship would require immigrants to apply for 'probationary citizenship' instead of permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain).
Currently, an immigrant living in the UK can apply for permanent residence after about five years, after which they can live in the UK indefinitely.
"We will not implement Labour's policy of earned citizenship, which was too complicated, bureaucratic and, in the end, ineffective," said Home Secretary Theresa May in a recent statement.
However, the Government still appears to be on track for tightening the requirements for permanent residence in Britain.
"If people enter this country saying that they will only stay here temporarily, then it is obvious that they should only stay here temporarily," May continued. "Working in Britain for a short period should not give someone the right to settle in Britain. Studying a course in Britain should not give someone the right to settle in Britain."
While the UK dropping earned citizenship is good for many people who wish to live and work in the UK on a permanent basis, it looks like the Government still plans to make UK immigration more difficult for migrants in the future. If you qualify for indefinite leave to remain it may be best to apply sooner rather than later.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
UK Tier 1 visas issued again from 1 November
The UK Border Agency has started issuing Tier 1 (General) Visas again from 1 November 2010.
On 19 July 2010, the UK Government introduced an interim limit on the number of initial Tier 1 (General) Visa applications that can be issued each month; On 20 October 2010 the monthly limit had been reached and the UK Government stopped issuing Tier 1 (General) Visas.
As of 01 November, the Government is again issuing Tier 1 General Visas. Applicants who were put on hold due to the limit will now be processed in the order in which their visa application was received.
Tier 1 (General) is part of the UK's points-based immigration system. Applicants are scored on criteria such as age, past earnings, and qualifications. If you are a highly skilled individual, you may be eligible to receive a visa which will allow you to work for any employer in the UK or be self-employed. A job-offer from a UK employer is not required under the Tier 1 (General) visa.
Due to the new interim limit on Tier 1 (General) Visa applications, Tier 1 General Visa processing times are likely to go up in future. If you wish to avoid future delays in the processing of your visa application it would advisable to apply sooner rather than later.
On 19 July 2010, the UK Government introduced an interim limit on the number of initial Tier 1 (General) Visa applications that can be issued each month; On 20 October 2010 the monthly limit had been reached and the UK Government stopped issuing Tier 1 (General) Visas.
As of 01 November, the Government is again issuing Tier 1 General Visas. Applicants who were put on hold due to the limit will now be processed in the order in which their visa application was received.
Tier 1 (General) is part of the UK's points-based immigration system. Applicants are scored on criteria such as age, past earnings, and qualifications. If you are a highly skilled individual, you may be eligible to receive a visa which will allow you to work for any employer in the UK or be self-employed. A job-offer from a UK employer is not required under the Tier 1 (General) visa.
Due to the new interim limit on Tier 1 (General) Visa applications, Tier 1 General Visa processing times are likely to go up in future. If you wish to avoid future delays in the processing of your visa application it would advisable to apply sooner rather than later.
Australia: Survey finds employers dependent on skilled migration
KPMG, a global business consultancy firm, says that the ongoing boom in Australia has resulted in low unemployment and a demand for overseas skilled workers to fill gaps in the labor market -- a trend that is likely to increase in the future.
According to their report entitled Skilled Migration Survey 2010, employers are being forced to increase their skilled migration intake to meet the demand for skilled workers.
The report found that some Australian States such as Queensland and South Australia are experiencing skills shortages; It has been said that to overcome this problem they should apply to employ skilled workers under Australia's 457 temporary employer-sponsored visa scheme. Western Australia uses these immigration programs more and has already benefited by bringing in skilled workers under Australian skilled migration programs.
The survey found that 85 percent of employers polled said that the global financial crisis has had no impact on their business, and that 50 percent of businesses are suffering from skills shortages.
In addition, 60 percent of employers surveyed said that they have maintained their skilled migration intake with only 14 percent polled saying that they have reduced their intake of skilled migrants in the work force.
The survey also found that 80 percent of employers are concerned about Australia's aging work force and that they expect the problem to affect their business in the next five years. 66 percent feel that the
Australian government should improve its skilled immigration program and so help boost the working age population.
Australia is becoming a more popular destination for skilled migrants from all over the world. In addition to employer-sponsored visas such as the 457 visa, Australia also has a points-based immigration scheme which allows people with skills Australia needs to apply for a permanent residence visa without the need for an employer.
To find out more about skilled immigration to Australia, please see our Australian immigration section.
According to their report entitled Skilled Migration Survey 2010, employers are being forced to increase their skilled migration intake to meet the demand for skilled workers.
The report found that some Australian States such as Queensland and South Australia are experiencing skills shortages; It has been said that to overcome this problem they should apply to employ skilled workers under Australia's 457 temporary employer-sponsored visa scheme. Western Australia uses these immigration programs more and has already benefited by bringing in skilled workers under Australian skilled migration programs.
The survey found that 85 percent of employers polled said that the global financial crisis has had no impact on their business, and that 50 percent of businesses are suffering from skills shortages.
In addition, 60 percent of employers surveyed said that they have maintained their skilled migration intake with only 14 percent polled saying that they have reduced their intake of skilled migrants in the work force.
The survey also found that 80 percent of employers are concerned about Australia's aging work force and that they expect the problem to affect their business in the next five years. 66 percent feel that the
Australian government should improve its skilled immigration program and so help boost the working age population.
Australia is becoming a more popular destination for skilled migrants from all over the world. In addition to employer-sponsored visas such as the 457 visa, Australia also has a points-based immigration scheme which allows people with skills Australia needs to apply for a permanent residence visa without the need for an employer.
To find out more about skilled immigration to Australia, please see our Australian immigration section.
UK Car manufacturers warn against immigration cap
Executives from Honda, Toyota, and Nissan have attacked the UK Government's immigration cap on skilled and highly skilled Immigrants. They say that the measure has negative consequences for their industry.
The temporary immigration cap, is due to become a permanent immigration cap in April 2011. Each month, the Government only allows a certain number of skilled immigrants into the UK.
The cap would be particularly problematic for the UK car industry, which is almost entirely owned by large international car manufacturers.
The UK Government has so far stayed firm on their plans for the immigration cap.
"This government believes that Britain can benefit from migration but not uncontrolled migration," said the Home Office in a recent statement.
"Britain remains open for business and we will continue to attract and retain the brightest and the best people who can make a real difference to our economic growth, but unlimited migration places unacceptable pressure on public services," they added.
However, carmakers say that the immigration quota would make it difficult for them to develop and manufacture new models; They typically bring in small research and development teams from overseas.
The temporary immigration cap, is due to become a permanent immigration cap in April 2011. Each month, the Government only allows a certain number of skilled immigrants into the UK.
The cap would be particularly problematic for the UK car industry, which is almost entirely owned by large international car manufacturers.
The UK Government has so far stayed firm on their plans for the immigration cap.
"This government believes that Britain can benefit from migration but not uncontrolled migration," said the Home Office in a recent statement.
"Britain remains open for business and we will continue to attract and retain the brightest and the best people who can make a real difference to our economic growth, but unlimited migration places unacceptable pressure on public services," they added.
However, carmakers say that the immigration quota would make it difficult for them to develop and manufacture new models; They typically bring in small research and development teams from overseas.
UK Immigration fee increase postponed
A planned increase to UK immigration fees on 01 November 2010 has been delayed. The reason for the delay is unknown but it is expected that the fees will increase some time soon.
The fee increase will affect many in-country immigration applications, including Tier 1 for General Highly Skilled Migrants, Tier 2 for Skilled Workers, UK settlement visas, and naturalisaion.
You should hurry if you wish to immigrate to the UK and avoid the UK Government fee increases. You will see further details in our UK immigration section on applying to live and work in the UK.
If you are interested in using workpermit.com's services, fill out one of our free immigration forms for an evaluation of your immigration prospects from a workpermit.com consultant.
The fee increase will affect many in-country immigration applications, including Tier 1 for General Highly Skilled Migrants, Tier 2 for Skilled Workers, UK settlement visas, and naturalisaion.
You should hurry if you wish to immigrate to the UK and avoid the UK Government fee increases. You will see further details in our UK immigration section on applying to live and work in the UK.
If you are interested in using workpermit.com's services, fill out one of our free immigration forms for an evaluation of your immigration prospects from a workpermit.com consultant.
Canada's biggest bank says immigration is vital for nation
Gordon Nixon, president of the Royal Bank of Canada, said that immigrants are one of Canada's greatest "competitive advantages" at a conference on innovation in Toronto.
"This is a country that to a large degree has been built by newcomers willing to take risks," Nixon said.
Nixon wasn't the only speaker who said that immigration leads to more innovation which benefits the Canadian economy. Louden Owen, managing partner for venture capital firm Mclean Watson Capital, said that immigration is key to making Canada competitive on the world stage.
"I absolutely believe that ongoing immigration is going to turbo-charge this economy going forward," Owen stated.
Owen also said that immigrants bring fresh ideas from their home countries and are more inclined to work hard to succeed.
Canada has historically benefited from immigration, much like its neighbor to the south, the United States.
The Canada skilled immigration program grants permanent residence to those who gain enough points under the skilled worker programe. You gain points based on your skills, qualifications, work experience, etc. In comparison it is normally a lot more difficult for highly skilled workers to gain a green card for the US.
Because of this vital difference Canada has easier access to new immigrants who are an important source of new ideas which leads to greater innovation in Canada.
"This is a country that to a large degree has been built by newcomers willing to take risks," Nixon stated.
"This is a country that to a large degree has been built by newcomers willing to take risks," Nixon said.
Nixon wasn't the only speaker who said that immigration leads to more innovation which benefits the Canadian economy. Louden Owen, managing partner for venture capital firm Mclean Watson Capital, said that immigration is key to making Canada competitive on the world stage.
"I absolutely believe that ongoing immigration is going to turbo-charge this economy going forward," Owen stated.
Owen also said that immigrants bring fresh ideas from their home countries and are more inclined to work hard to succeed.
Canada has historically benefited from immigration, much like its neighbor to the south, the United States.
The Canada skilled immigration program grants permanent residence to those who gain enough points under the skilled worker programe. You gain points based on your skills, qualifications, work experience, etc. In comparison it is normally a lot more difficult for highly skilled workers to gain a green card for the US.
Because of this vital difference Canada has easier access to new immigrants who are an important source of new ideas which leads to greater innovation in Canada.
"This is a country that to a large degree has been built by newcomers willing to take risks," Nixon stated.
Australian skilled immigration attracts skilled workers in the IT, Accountancy and Nurses sectors
The top three skilled worker occupations who came under all the permanent skilled immigration visa programs in 2009-10 are Accountants, IT workers, and nurses.
According to the Report on Migration Program 2009-10, over 60 percent of skilled immigrants were applicants in categories targeted by the government as experiencing skills shortages, a 12 percent increase on the previous year.
Skilled immigrants made up 107,868 of the 168,623 people who were granted Australian residency, 64 percent of the total under the migration program.
Across all permanent skilled visa categories, accountants topped the list of occupations at 6,734. Computing professionals followed close behind at 5,370, followed by nurses at 3,960.
The top three countries of citizenship for all permanent skilled visa categories were the United Kingdom (18,487), India (18,042), and China (14,505).
Due to the economic slowdown a few year ago the government took steps to reduce the level of skilled immigration into Australia; However, the country still relies heavily on foreign-born labor to deal with shortages in its labor markets.
In fact, the proportion of overseas workers sponsored by Australian employers continued to rise, making up 38 percent of the 2009-10 skilled immigration intake.
"This outcome is consistent with the government's focus on high-demand, employer-sponsored professionals in areas where Australia has critical skill shortages," said Immigration Minister Chris Bowen.
"The program met the government's objective of sharpening the focus on skilled migration and targeting the needs of Australian industries and employers," Bowen added.
According to the Report on Migration Program 2009-10, over 60 percent of skilled immigrants were applicants in categories targeted by the government as experiencing skills shortages, a 12 percent increase on the previous year.
Skilled immigrants made up 107,868 of the 168,623 people who were granted Australian residency, 64 percent of the total under the migration program.
Across all permanent skilled visa categories, accountants topped the list of occupations at 6,734. Computing professionals followed close behind at 5,370, followed by nurses at 3,960.
The top three countries of citizenship for all permanent skilled visa categories were the United Kingdom (18,487), India (18,042), and China (14,505).
Due to the economic slowdown a few year ago the government took steps to reduce the level of skilled immigration into Australia; However, the country still relies heavily on foreign-born labor to deal with shortages in its labor markets.
In fact, the proportion of overseas workers sponsored by Australian employers continued to rise, making up 38 percent of the 2009-10 skilled immigration intake.
"This outcome is consistent with the government's focus on high-demand, employer-sponsored professionals in areas where Australia has critical skill shortages," said Immigration Minister Chris Bowen.
"The program met the government's objective of sharpening the focus on skilled migration and targeting the needs of Australian industries and employers," Bowen added.
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