Recently, the New Zealand government has rolled out two new retirement visas. Here is a little detail of the visas:

• Parent Retirement Visa: This visa category enables the New Zealand Immigration to prioritize high net worth people, who are already contemplating to migrate to the country under the Family Category. As per the this category, the visa holders must invest at least an amount of $1 million after migrating to New Zealand over four years.
• Temporary Retirement Visa: This visa category is for those retired people who intend to spend some time in New Zealand. However, this too requires them to meet the condition that they invest there, as well as repay the government for the health and welfare costs. A temporary retiree will be required to invest $750,000 over two years. Retirees under this category can be able to renew their permits up to the time when they could meet different criteria, including the investment funds and health insurance.

According to the spokesperson for Labor’s Immigration, Pete Hodgson, the idea of a retirement visa plan was in fact considered a decade ago, but dismissed considering the scheme would not work and fearing high costs involved in it. But, the country’s current Immigration Minister had decided to give the scheme a green signal.

Now, if some people out there are contemplating a plan to immigrate to New Zealand after retirement, here are two more options! However, these visa categories are meant for rich retirees, and this is what for which the plan already drawing criticism from all around! Let’s see New Zealand immigration’s new retirement visa plan brings what changes to the country’s immigration scenario.

Reports say that the Indian government is planning to make amendments in the guidelines on Conference and Tourist Visa. Union Home Secretary G K Pillai has confirmed that the Home Ministry has received a lot of complaints against the present regulations. Therefore, the Centre is working on easing out the guidelines to make it easier for the overseas academicians to visit the country.

The criticism is against all those guidelines that specify that overseas participants from 8 countries need to go through the security clearance from the Ministry in order to get the Visa.

Pillai confirmed that the Ministry, in consultation with other agencies, is reworking on these guidelines and making it simpler for the foreign nations to come and visit the country. In addition, he committed that Government do make rules which may be not correct and it is a democratic society and we have the right to correct our mistakes too.

He went on to say that the ministry is deeply concerned for overseas nationals who come for a conference in the country. Therefore, it is mandatory to know their backgrounds and other essential details. The essence behind the regulations is to ensure the country’s security.

Pillai also mentioned that scholars having genuine backgrounds would no difficulties, especially if they are qualified from registered Universities.

Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal confirmed that it is essential to check the credentials of overseas applicants.

The Denmark Green Card program is based on the Point Based System. This immigration program is meant for senior executives and professionals. The program offers a permit for residence for a period of three years to the applicant and his dependent family members. The eligibility criteria that an applicant is judged is based on the points based system which includes academic qualifications, age, total work experience, academic qualifications obtained in Europe and so on. The Government of Denmark has brought out an occupation list which is the ground for applicants to apply.

However, while applying for the program, it is but obvious that the applicant has to be extremely careful and should take all the necessary precautions. Some such aspects to be considered include:

• Details regarding the points based system should be looked into very carefully prior to applying. The applicant should only apply if he scores the minimum pass mark. In order to score the bare minimum, the applicant must carefully look into all the aspects of the points based system.
• The applicant has to be sure whether or not his profession features in the Positive List of Occupations. This list is based on the assessment conducted by the government. This list consists of those professions where in there is a shortage of skills in the country. These are the jobs that could likely be taken over by immigrants.
• The applicant should get a complete overview of the educational qualifications that are mandatory for him to qualify for the visa. It is best that the applicant consults a specialist for the same who can advise him on the same.
• Just by having the relevant qualifications will not make an applicant automatically eligible for the program. The applicant has to provide with the relevant reference letters from his employers which enlist his job responsibilities.
• Right amount of fee has to be deposited along with the application form. The form should contain the right information with the relevant supporting documents.
• To prove his English proficiency, he must submit his English test reports or a statement in English language.
• All the documents which are not in English language should be translated in English.
• The application procedure involves certifications for various documents from the various Indian authorities. So, the applicant must know of all the authorities that need to be contacted for the same.
• The most important of the eligibility criteria is to have the relevant amount of money to cater to the settlement expenditure in Denmark. This has to be for the first year after obtaining a permit. Thus, proof of funds should be attached with the application form. For this, it is important to seek advice of an expert regarding the various forms of savings and so on.

All in all, the applicant must know that the application must be submitted at the nearest Danish Embassy in the applicant’s country of origin. In order to go through a hassle free immigration process, it is best recommended to contact an Immigration and Visa Specialist.

Recently, the Australian Immigration Minister, Chris Evans stated and made it public that the employers would use the temporary skilled visa program, that is 457 Subclass only if they do not able to find skilled workers within Australia.

The government made it clear that Australian employers are now required to look for the local workers to fill the vacancies first. Further they will be able to use the 457 Subclass visa scheme and recruit overseas skilled workers only when they do not find Australians who could fit the bill. With this, the Oz government wants to deliver that the local skilled workers should be given the priority and provided with the job opportunities created in the country.

The government is trying to make sure that the hiring of overseas employees does not affect the local skills. It is true that Australia needs skilled overseas workers, but at the same time it is also important to ensure that the temporary skilled visa holders do not replace the local workers. As a matter of fact, Australian workers have always been concerned about the possibility of bringing in foreign skilled workers at cheaper rates, thereby making local skills out of work.

However, the Worker Protection Laws are there to protect the rights of the Australian workers. According to February statistics, the average salary of a temporary visa holder in Australia is near about $100,000, up $10,000 from a year ago. The stats clearly show that the 457 Subclass visa holders are highly skilled workers and working for the same pay rates as local residents, which further indicates that the worker protection policies have been effective so far and are working!

Visa frauds are getting common these days. Recently a man from California has been accused for operating a racket of undocumented and fake test takers who assisted many overseas applicants in attaining US Student Visas, confirmed Federal Authorities.

The gang used to assist the applicants in passing English Proficiency Examinations and in obtaining Student Visas at the later stages.

Eamonn Daniel Higgins, 46, the brain behind the ring appeared in the US District Court. In addition, 16 of clients (under doubts) are arrested for committing visa frauds. Amongst these suspects, a lady working for Higgins was illegally granted to take exam by using illegal documents and fake identity proofs.

Nothing has been confirmed as far as the backgrounds of these clients are concerned, nor has anything being said about their linkage with any sort of criminal or terrorist activities.

Debra Parker from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that the investigations have astonished the US immigration authorities. She went on to say that illegal Visas are surely one of the biggest concerns for the country and the motives of visa frauds would be further scrutinized in the upcoming weeks.

Another official from ICE confirmed that six of the arrested clients would face criminal charges while the rest of them would be deported. Remaining suspects would face further investigations.

It has been reported that the culprit has managed to grab a heavy amount of more than tens of thousands of dollars from the overseas applicants and helped them get Student Visas.

When you intend to go and study in a foreign country, it is necessary to indulge in little research and keep up with the things that may come handy once you are landed in that country. Especially, when you are going to study in that country, you are bound to do your homework properly and that may include a lot of work.

Foremostly, if you have made your mind to study in New Zealand, be little proactive! To start with, you must start the application procedure a few months, say eight to twelve months before the set date of admission. You can get the application for the university or institution that you are contemplating to join by requesting an application form the University websites. Since, today most education institutions have their online presence, you will not find it difficult to get an application form over the Internet.

One of the most important things you should ensure when applying for any course and institute/university is that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) accredits the both. You can perform assessment of you qualifications by three different ways, namely Pre-assessment Results (PAR); International Qualification Result (IQA); and Overseas Study Assessment (OSA). The NZQA lets you enter your qualifications and determine if they are listed on its database or not.

The academic calendar for majority of institutions in New Zealand begins in February, which ends in the month of November. If you are all set to apply for any institution in New Zealand, start contacting an Immigration and Visa Consultant for the immigration part!

Students studying under the F-1 Visa under Optical Practical Training will now enjoy an extended work period of 29 months. The advantage holds for students of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Students who have not enrolled themselves in any of the STEM subjects have the freedom to work for only one year.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a tenure in which overseas students who have enrolled themselves in their courses for nine months or beyond that can gain work experience related to their work field. These students are not required to get work H-1B visa in order to fulfill their work requirements.

According to James W Herman, a renowned counselor, the OPT facility provides ample opportunities to students to gain ample experience in their fields. The option has assisted thousands of Indian students, especially when it comes to gaining experience in the US. It also provides additional skills linked with the field of students, which further helps them in enhancing their career perspectives.

All overseas FI-Visa holders in the US have the freedom to enroll themselves in Optional Practical Training, as it provides them with perfect opportunity to gain quality work experience, a step closer towards their brilliant career

Stats say that more than 10% of the overseas students in the US enrolled themselves in Optional Practical Training during 2008-2009 and in turn grabbed plenty of benefits out of it.

Overall, it is good news for all those students studying in the US who are planning to study in the US along with gaining work experience!

The Indian government, from time to time, has demanded appropriate answers from their Australian counterparts over the issue of racial attacks happening in the land of Kangaroos. Now, Indian High Commissioner to Australia Sujatha Singh has expressed her concerns for the parents who send their children to study in Australia.

Sujatha has warned that the attacks would have long-term consequences until and unless some strict measures are not taken! On her visit to the Oz land, she said that the recent spate of attacks, especially the ones happening around Melbourne are alarming and it is vital for everyone to know that Indians are filled with rage and anger over the whole issue of what is going on in Australia.

She said that the main issue is the increase in the number of attacks that are disproportionately influencing Indians in a major way. She went on ask various questions whether Indians are really safe in Australia and also, why Indians always end up being the victims if these attacks? Are the culprits given appropriate punishment?

India now demands stern action against whatever has happening with Indians in Oz, in recent times. Sujatha Singh also cross-examined the Aussie Government whether the situation would better out or worsen further!

In her quest of finding answers, she met Victorian premier John Brumby and talked about the measures taken by the Oz government to improve the law and order for overseas students.

Earlier, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith confirmed that some attacks might have a hint of racism cuddled in them!

The American Bar System has finally knocked the Congress to revamp the present system for immigration. The alternative should have new and independent courts for the cases pertaining to immigration. This move came about after much pleas and requests from the immigration attorneys and judges. According to the immigration lawyers, the courts in the United States is stumbling upon the weights of the pending cases which tends to rise in its numbers at all times.

During a semiannual meeting in Florida, the lawyers’ organization agreed as part of the vote on a recommendation for a completely independent system of court which is similar to the tax deciding federal courts. The main reason behind such a vote is the constant rise in the number of cases dealing with illegal immigration. The condition of the courts was discussed extensively in a report which was brought out recently.

It has to be noted here that the immigration courts in questions are not at all similar to what it is presumed to be. These courts are not under the federal judiciary and instead are a subsidy of the Department of Justice. The judges conducting are not the actual judges here. They are the employees of the attorney general.

Since 2006, the issue of legalizing all the illegal immigrants has been much talked about. In the meanwhile, the issue of courts has been out of focus. These courts have now become clogged with the entire backlog to such an extent that only an explosion would give it some space to breathe.

According to the 2008 Bar Association Report, around 378,582 immigrants were detained by the officials of the Homeland Security. Off these, more than 358,000 were deported back to their home country. The case was similar last year as well with a total of two hundred and thirty one judges conducted more than 300,000 cases which is thrice the usual load of work for a federal district judge. It is but obvious that these judges are being tested beyond their patience which would simply leave them frustrated and overworked.

Additionally, the asylum cases have made the situation even more complex. The main reason is the fear of violence in the minds of the immigrants after they go back. To this respect, the report stated that there is an increase in the number of immigrants waiting for their turn to come about for a hearing. This has led to the increase in the number of appeals for the decisions made.

All in all, actual immigration reforms are yet to be seen being executed by the Obama administration.

Amends have been brought about in the Australian Immigration policies. The main endeavor behind this is to cater to those jobs which are comparatively higher skilled than others. These occupations include technical professionals such as engineers, doctors and nurses.

According to the Australian Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, those jobs that are currently in need of skills and recruits that are not available in the country would be catered to first. Others such as cooks and hairdressers are in abundant as of now. He said that when this government was formed newly, the hairdressers were being given priority compared to doctors and nurses. This does not hold any significance today.

Mr. Evans also elaborated that around twenty thousand applications have been rejected by the ministry. These applications are those that were filed before September2007. The application fee charged by these applicants would be refunded.

The applications filed after 1st September’2007 and pending for decision as on 8th February’2010 will continue to be processed as per the MODL and CSL lists applicable to such application on the date of filing.

He stressed that the country is not interested in building its unemployed force which is already in good numbers. Instead, those who have the relevant skills to fill in the gap in the shortage areas would be preferred.

Additionally, those students who were studying in Australia had the opportunity to apply for permanent residency may not have the privilege from now on if they do not have the relevant skills on the job list.

The minister also said that students under certain specific categories of visas may be permitted to stay for another eighteen months after they finish their studies. During this period, they would have to find a job for themselves as well as a sponsor. If they find such an employer/sponsor, they may apply for PR or otherwise leave the country.

These changes have brought in mixed responses from the private education industry in Australia which is expected to suffer due to these amends. With these, the attacks on the Indian students are another issue for concern. Keeping these in light, only time can tell what impact these amends would have on the current Australian economy.