UK Immigration rules for overstayers to change in October

In June 2012 the UK Border Agency announced that from 1st October 2012 applications for further leave will be refused if you have overstayed your leave by more than 28 days at the point you made your application.

The new rules already apply to applications made under the family migration route and, from 1st October 2012, will apply to applications under the remaining routes which were made on or after 9th July 2012.

If you have limited leave to remain you must ensure you apply to extend your leave in good time if you are applying for further leave under: the points-based system; all working and student routes; visiting routes; long residency routes; discharged HM Forces; or UK ancestry routes.

If you have limited leave to remain you must ensure you apply to extend your leave, if needed, in time. If you wish to remain in the UK after the 28 day period you should leave the UK and reapply for a visa.

If you are applying to extend your Tier 4 (Student) leave the gap between the end of your current leave and the start of your studies must be no more than 28 days. This change will affect all Tier 4 applications for further leave to remain that are made on or after 1st October 2012.

700 TB Data Packed In One Gram Of DNA!

 It's a new world record! Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, George Church and bioengineer Sri Kosuri have successfully managed to store 5.5 petabits of data, which is around 700 terabytes, in just one gram of DNA. The breakthrough science considers DNA like a digital storage device, where strands of DNA that store 96 bits are synthesised, with each of the bases (TGAC) representing a binary value (T and G = 1, A and C = 0), similar to the hard drive storing process where binary data is encoded as magnetic regions. 

The DNA data can be read by sequencing it. Each strand of DNA has a 19-bit address block at the start that can be converted back in to binary. According to an Extreme Tech report, “One gram of DNA can store 700 terabytes of data equivalent to 14,000 50-gigabyte Blu-ray discs! To store the same kind of data on hard drives, the densest storage medium in use today, you’d need 233 3TB drives, weighing a total of 151 kilos.”

The report further revealed that how DNA can be a great storing medium. “Firstly, the dense nature is of advantage as each bit of a storage medium holds space only for a few atoms large. Secondly, DNA is volumetric unlike its planar disk counterparts. Lastly, it seals the deal with its stability and longevity, as DNA can last hundreds and thousands of years.” 

The Top richest countries in the world, immigrats think about these countries for good life

Qatar has been ranked as the world's richest country per capita in a new list compiled by US-based Forbes magazine. Blessed with the third-largest natural gas reserves in the world, the Arab Gulf emirate of 1.7 million people is benefitting from a rebound in oil prices. Adjusted for purchasing power (PPP), Qatar has an estimated gross domestic product per capita of $88,222.

 

In second place on the list is Luxembourg, with a per capita GDP on a purchasing-power parity (PPP) basis of $81,466.

 

Technology, manufacturing and finance hub Singapore is ranked third on the list. The country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $56,694 (estimated from 2009).

 

o rank the world’s wealthiest countries, Forbes looked at GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power for 182 nations.

At No.4, with a GDP (PPP) per capita of $51,959 (estimated from 2009) is Norway.

Oil-rich Brunei (ranked at No.5) has a GDP (PPP) per capita of $48,333.
Forbes used International Monetary Fund data from 2010, the most recent available, while GDP figures for some countries were projections.

UAE oil reserves are ranked as the world's sixth-largest[ and it possesses one of the most developed economies in West Asia. The country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $47,439 (estimated from 2009).

 

With a GDP (PPP) per capita of $46,860, US is ranked at No.7 on the Forbes list.
According to Forbes, the PPP-adjusted GDP—preferred by economists when making international comparisons—takes into account the relative cost of living and inflation rates, rather than just exchange rates, which may distort real differences in worth.

Hong Kong is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. As one of the world's leading international financial centres, Hong Kong has a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation and free trade, and the currency, Hong Kong dollar, is the eighth most traded currency in the world. Hong Kong has a GDP (PPP) per capita of $45,944.

 

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product [GDP (PPP) per capita: $41,950]. It also has one of the world's largest account balances as a percentage of GDP.

 

The Netherlands was one of the world’s first countries to have an elected parliament. And the benefits of democracy seem to be reaching its citizens. Its GDP (PPP) per capita is $40,973.

 

A highly developed country, Australia is one of the world's largest economies. Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights. [GDP (PPP) per capita: $39,764]

 

Also known for its high standard of living, Austria is ranked at No 12 with GDP (PPP) per capita of $39,761.

 

Ireland: GDP (PPP) per capita: $39,492

 

Canada has a diversified economy that is reliant upon its abundant natural resources and upon trade. The country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $39,171.

 

Kuwait (No.15) has the world's fifth largest oil reserves and its petroleum products now account for around 95% of export revenues, and approximately 80% of government income. Ranked at No.15, the country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $38,775 (estimated from 2009).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK to introduce interview system for foreign students from 30 July 2012

UK Border Agency officers will be given new powers to interview international students and refuse visas if they are not satisfied the applicant is genuine, Immigration Minister Damian Green has said.

The targeted interview system will be introduced on 30th July 2012, ahead of the summer surge in student applications. Officers will concentrate on uncovering abuse in countries where it has been most prevalent, UK Border Agency said.

Across the globe high-risk applicants will be identified and asked a number of questions about their immigration and education history, study and post-study plans, and financial circumstances.

The agency is expected to carry out up to 14,000 student applicant interviews next year.

“With more interviews and greater powers to refuse bogus students we will weed out abuse and protect the UK from those looking to play the system,” Immigration Minister Damian Green said.

He noted that the current system doesn’t allow UK Border Agency officers to refuse some applications even if they doubt the credibility of the student. “We are toughening up the system to keep out the fraudulent and unqualified while ensuring genuine students benefit from our country’s excellent education sector,” Mr. Green said. “Britain is open for business to the brightest and the best migrants but the message is clear – if you try to hide your true motivation for coming to the UK then you will be found out and refused a visa.”

Last year the UK Border Agency carried out an interviewing pilot to tackle concerns about the legitimacy of some applicants. More than 2,300 student visa applicants were interviewed in 13 overseas posts with the aim of testing how effective face-to-face interviews and new refusal powers would be – in addition to existing strict application processes that consider fraud and other factors.

Under the pilot around a fifth of applicants were refused entry to the UK following their interview. One of the main issues was the inability of interviewees to display the required level of English. Some were unable to answer basic questions in English without the aid of an interpreter - despite stating on their application forms that they had the necessary language qualifications to study at higher and further education institutions in the UK.

Agency officials indicated that they were concerned about the legitimacy of 32 per cent of the rest of those interviewed and could have turned down the visa if the power to refuse on genuineness was available. Around 60 per cent of these applicants were coming to study at a private higher or further education college, and 14 per cent at a university.

Other government measures to tighten up the immigration system have driven up the quality of the institutions wishing to bring in international students. Over 450 colleges are no longer able to bring in students from overseas.

The number of student visas issued has fallen by 21 per cent over the last year, UK Border Agency said.
 

UK Family migration rules tightened from 9th july 2012.For those who already settled in UK its a nightmare to bring their families.

Home Office has changed Immigration Rules for non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK on the family migration route.

From July 2012, only those earning at least £18,600 will be able to bring in a non-EEA spouse or partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner.

Those with children will need to earn £22,400 for one child and an additional £2,400 for each additional child.

The Home Office has also extended the minimum probationary period for settlement for non-EEA spouses and partners from two years to five years. This is being done, according to the Home Office, to test the genuineness of the relationship and to deter sham marriages.

Immediate settlement for migrant spouses and partners where a couple have been living together overseas for at least four years has also been abolished.

From October 2013, all applicants for settlement will be required to pass the Life in the UK Test and present an English language speaking and listening qualification at B1 level or above of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages unless they are exempt.

Under the new rules, adult and elderly dependants will be allowed to settle in the UK only where they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability, they require a level of long-term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK. They’ll also be required to apply from overseas rather than switch in the UK from another category, for example as a visitor.

The Home Secretary Theresa May said: “To play a full part in British life, family migrants must be able to integrate – that means they must speak our language and pay their way. This is fair to applicants, but also fair to the public.”

Family visit visa appeals have been restricted, initially by narrowing the current definitions of family and sponsor for appeal purposes. Should the Parliament approve the Crime and Courts Bill which was published on 11th May 2012, the full right of appeal against refusal of a family visit visa will be removed.

The Home Secretary has also announced what the Home Office described as “decisive action to protect the public from foreign offenders who try to abuse human rights legislation to prevent their removal from the UK.”

“It is unacceptable that foreign nationals whose criminal behaviour undermines our way of life can use weak human rights claims to dodge deportation,” Ms. May said. “We want these new rules to make it clear when the rights of the law abiding majority will outweigh a foreign criminal's right to family and private life. By voting on this in the House of Commons, Parliament will define for the first time where the balance should lie.”




The government has laid in Parliament the regulations that will remove the full right of appeal for those applying to enter the UK as a family visitor.

The Immigration Appeals (Family Visitor) Regulations 2012 was laid in Parliament on 18th June 2012.


These regulations will come into effect from 9th July 2012.

They will change the appeal rights of family visit visa applicants, with those applying to visit their uncle, aunt, nephew niece or first cousin, or a relative who does not have settled, refugee or humanitarian protection status in the UK.

These relatives will no longer have a full right of appeal if their visa applications are refused. A limited right of appeal will remain for these people on human rights and race discrimination grounds.

The Crime and Courts Bill which was published on 10th May 2012, will, subject to Parliamentary approval, remove the full right of appeal against all family visit visa refusals. It is expected to come into force by 2014.

With new iPhone 5 to Get Infinite Battery Life?

If your iPhone battery has you seeing red more often than green, you’ll love what may be coming in the iPhone 5. The US Patent Office granted Apple a new patentyesterday for a technology that could potentially extend the life of the next iPhone battery for months, if not longer.

How does it work? If you’ve see one of those flashlights you can charge by shaking, you get the concept. In the flashlight, a movable magnet passes through a wire coil and generates electricity, which is used to recharge the batteries. The technique is called “induction charging”.

The problem with using the technology in mobile devices has been bulk. As Apple says in the patent,

“To achieve meaningful output power, a traditional system typically includes thick coils of wire that add to the system’s overall size. Moreover, the wire coils and magnet of a traditional system are often housed in an inefficient manner that further adds to the system’s overall size.”

Apple solved the problem by creating an ultra-thin “printed” version of the usual wire coil. Small magnets will slide past the coil when a user moves the device or walks, creating a current, and recharging the phone. While it’s unknown what the impact will be on battery life, it’s likely to be significant.

The patent is important for a few reasons:

1. Users are engaging with their phones more than ever, and battery life will become even more important than it is already. It’s possible the iPhone 5 will use the technology to get a huge jump on phones like the Razr Maxx, which currently boasts use time that far exceeds the iPhone 4s. But whenever it is released, the technology will dramatically bolster Apple’s market position.

2. When the technology is released, it will have dramatic impacts on mobile hardware and software development. Phones will able to use powerful (but power-hungry) components that have previously been off-limits. Developers will be able to take advantage of that new power, and can develop apps with less concern about battery life issues that may have constrained them before.

Developers who start thinking about how to take advantage of this new technology now will be in the best position to take advantage of it when it reaches the market.

A new two-wheeled, self-balancing car is going to release in 2014

Described as a "motorbike-car" hybrid, the Lit C-1 two wheeler uses a set of futuristic electronic gyroscopes to ensure it remains upright and balanced, similar to the technology used by Segway scooters and the recent Honda UNI-CUB.

A group of scientists have announced that within a few years it may be possible to sell a two-wheeled vehicle that can't tip over.

 The technology allows drivers to sit and use a steering wheel, as in a car, but allows the C-1 to stay perfectly balanced, even at slow speeds or a standstill.

 The secret to the balance are the gyroscopes under the floor, which spin rapidly in response to electronic sensors to keep the vehicle balanced at all times -- even, says Lit, if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

 Gyroscopes, which harness the unique propensity of a spinning flywheel to stay upright, have been used for some time for stabilization, including on aircraft and on cruise ships to reduce roll caused by waves.

 However, this will be one of the most unique applications to date, potentially enabling drivers to switch to smaller vehicles which offer the benefits of a bike with the comparative safety of a car.

 The model can even cope with some luggage and an extra passenger, says Lit, although it's likely to involve some considerable acrobatics from the rear passenger given the small size of the device.

1. A group of scientists have announced that within a few years it may be possible to sell a two-wheeled vehicle that can't tip over.

2. Described as a "motorbike-car" hybrid, the Lit C-1 two wheeler uses a set of futuristic electronic gyroscopes to ensure it remains upright and balanced, similar to the technology used by Segway scooters and the recent Honda UNI-CUB.

3. The technology allows drivers to sit and use a steering wheel, as in a car, but allows the C-1 to stay perfectly balanced, even at slow speeds or a standstill.

4. The secret to the balance are the gyroscopes under the floor, which spin rapidly in response to electronic sensors to keep the vehicle balanced at all times -- even, says Lit, if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

5. Gyroscopes, which harness the unique propensity of a spinning flywheel to stay upright, have been used for some time for stabilization, including on aircraft and on cruise ships to reduce roll caused by waves.

6. However, this will be one of the most unique applications to date, potentially enabling drivers to switch to smaller vehicles which offer the benefits of a bike with the comparative safety of a car.

 The C-1 uses electric drive and offers a battery pack capable of 200 miles (321 km/h) from a single charge, as well as reaching a top speed of over 120 mph (193 km/h) -- far faster than most electric cars available on the market today.

 The manufacturer says that it could be available in showrooms by the end of 2014 -- it's already offering preorders on the website from $250, although the final price of the vehicle is unclear.

UK Skilled workers: changes to the new Tier 2 rules from May 2012

London 28 May 2012. If you are a non-EEA citizen and have been offered a skilled job in the UK and your prospective employer is willing to sponsor you, you can apply to come or remain here under Tier 2 of the points-based system.

Tier 2 is the immigration route currently available to skilled workers with a skilled job offer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a British or EEA worker.

Prospective applicants will need to have an offer for a graduate level job, speak an intermediate level of English and meet specific salary and employment requirements before they are able to work here.

You must have a licensed sponsor, who will assign you with a certificate of sponsorship before you can apply to come to the UK to work. A certificate of sponsorship is not an actual certificate or paper document, but is a unique reference number, which holds information about the job and your personal details.

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TIER 2 CATEGORIES

There are 4 categories of skilled workers you can apply for under the points-based system:

1. Tier 2 (General): if you are a skilled worker with a job offer from a licensed sponsor coming to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker;
2. Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer): for employees of multi-national companies who are being transferred by an overseas employer to a skilled job in a United Kingdom based branch of the organisation under 4 routes:

• Long-term staff
• Short-term staff
• Graduate trainees
• Skills transfer;

3. Tier 2 (Minister of Religion): for people who have been offered employment or posts or roles within their faith communities in the UK as:

• ministers of religion undertaking preaching and pastoral work;
• missionaries; or
• members of religious orders;

4. Tier 2 (Sportsperson): for elite sports people and coaches who are internationally established at the highest level and would make a significant contribution to the development of their sport.

You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor and a valid certificate of sponsorshipwhen you apply to enter or stay in the UK in these categories, and you will need to pass thepoints-based assessment.

All sub-tiers have different Attributes you need to score a minimum numbers of points for. The maintenance requirements, however, are the same across all four Tier 2 categories.

You should use the Points-based calculator made available on the UKBA website to calculate whether you have the numbers to successfully apply under Tier 2.

 

THE CHANGES

Significant changes are being or have been made to Tier 2 which restrict the ability of lesser skilled workers to enter the country,  with the aim of cutting back competition with British workers.

Let's go through the changes.

Annual limit on Tier 2 (General) workers applying from abroad

Since 06 April 2011, a maximum of 20,700 skilled workers are allowed to the UK each year under Tier 2 (General) to do jobs with an annual salary below £150,000. The UKBA has confirmed that the annual limit will remain at 20,700 for the next 2 years until April 2014.

The limit of 20,700 workers has been extended to cover the dependants of Tier 4 (General) migrants who are switching into Tier 2 (General).

There is no limit on the number of workers coming to the UK to do jobs with an annual salary of £150,000 or above.

If you are under the £150,000 annual salary threshold and currently outside of the UK, your sponsor will normally need to apply for a "Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship" (or "Re CoS").

The Annual Limit of 20,700 is divided up into a monthly limit of 1,500 Re CoS. The UKBA will award Re CoS to those sponsor applications that score the highest number of points.

Sponsors do not have a limit and thus can apply for an "Unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship" (or "Un CoS") where they are sponsoring:

• other Tier 2 category applicants (intra-Company transfer, Minister of religion, Sportsperson);
• Tier 2 migrants or Work Permit holders with valid leave who are extending their stay or changing employer;
• Those in another category of stay applying to switch into the Tier 2 (General) category (where switching rules allow this). This includes those currently holding Student, Tier 4, or Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visas;
• Those seeking admission to fill a vacancy attracting a salary of £150,000 or more.

The limit of 20,700 workers, however, will be extended to cover the dependants of Tier 4 (General) migrants whom are switching into Tier 2 (General).

Where employers wish to sponsor migrant workers in situations that only require Unrestricted CoS, they will be need to make a one off request for an annual quota of certificates at the start of each year.

Increase in Tier 2 Skill level

Since 06 April 2011, Tier 2 has been restricted to Graduate level jobs. The skill level required by migrants who wish to work in the UK will increase from 14 June 2012.

The minimum skills level for occupations in Tier 2 will be raised from the current threshold of National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 4 to NQF level 6. Please note that Scotland has its own qualifications framework.

Resident Labour Market Test

All sponsors who want to recruit a migrant from outside the settled workforce for a skilled job that is not on the list of shortage occupations may now only do this if they complete a resident labour market test and can show that there is no suitable settled worker who can do the job.

All vacancies must be advertised to settled workers for 28 calendar days.

If no suitable settled workers are identified, the resident labour market test has been completed and you can appoint a Tier 2 migrant.

To issue a certificate of sponsorship on the sponsorship management system under Tier 2 (General), the sponsor must confirm that:

• they have completed a resident labour market test as set out in the relevant code of practice and cannot fill the post with a settled worker; or
• the test is not required for the job (see below).

Sponsors do not need to complete a resident labour market test, if the prospective migrant will be doing a job on the shortage occupation list or currently has permission to stay in the UK under:

• Tier 1 (Post-study work);
• the International Graduates Scheme;
• the Fresh Talent Working in Scotland Scheme; or
• the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme.

The new rules in regards to highly paid and PhD jobs will be relaxed: sponsors will not need to complete a resident labour market test also if:

• the gross annual salary package for the job will be £150,000 or above;
• the prospective migrant will be sponsored as a doctor in speciality training and their salary and the costs of their training are being met by the government of another country under an agreement with that country and the UK government; or
  • received final results confirming that they have passed and have been or will be awarded a bachelor or postgraduate degree recognised in the UK or a UK postgraduate certificate in education; or
  • completed a minimum of 12 months study in the UK towards a UK PhD.

Companies will now be able to select the best candidate for PhD level occupations, even if they require Tier 2 Sponsorship.  Also, employers can begin recruitment up to 12 months before the start date of the job, rather than the current 6 month timeline.

If these roles are filled by a migrant worker and the employee is with them for 5/6 years, at this stage if they are unable to offer them a salary of £35000 then that employee will no longer be able to remain in the UK.  It can be appreciated that few jobs, especially in the current economic climate can meet a salary of £35000. In fact this would cripple many small businesses.

However losing such employees will also have an effect on the business as they will have to advertise the position again and go through the recruitment and training processes. And the employee who will have established a life in the UK over that period of time will have to face returning.

Increased maintenance funds requirements

From 14 June 2012, the personal savings you must have to support your application will increase.

• For applications received before 14 June 2012: you will need to have £800 in available funds for yourself, which have been in your bank account for 3 months before the date when you apply and £533 each for any dependent accompanying you
• For applications received on or after 14 June 2012: you will need to have £900 in available funds for yourself, which have been in your bank account for 3 months before the date when you apply and £600 each for any dependent accompanying you

If you plan to make a Tier 2 application on or after 14 June 2012, you must ensure the correct funds are held in your account as soon as possible as the funds will need to have been held in your account for a consecutive 3 month period.

Settlement

Those who entered on a Tier 2 visa after 06 April 2011 can only be granted a maximum of 6 years on this type of visa. Therefore Tier 2 visa holders will have to apply for settlement prior to reaching the 6 years.

However, applying for settlement is going to be difficult for many of those on a Tier 2 visa, with the introduction of the new minimum pay requirement of £35,000.

Those whom are working vacancies which are considered as part of the shortage occupations will be exempt from this requirement for permanent residence.

This means that if the applicant is not earning a minimum of £35,000 when they are looking to settle in the UK starting from April 2016 they could be faced with leaving the UK and having to wait 12 months before they can apply to come to the UK under Tier 2.

This “cooling off period” will apply across most of the Tier 2 route.

New visitor category under Tier 2

A new visitor visa category will be created for professionals coming to the UK for short periods of up to one month.

No formal sponsorship is required, but the proposed work in the UK must be in keeping with the individual's expertise and/or qualifications and main occupation overseas.

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The changes do not feel as though they have been a thought out process by the government at a time when it should be helping small businesses to grow and expand. Most businesses will end up losing valuable employees who make a difference to their business.