Non-EU Migrants Cap Agreed On

I don't like this news at all.  I posted it here so I could see what everyone's thoughts were.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11816979

It recommended that the number of migrant workers coming to the UK from outside the EU should be cut by between 13% and 25% next year.

However, it added that even this would contribute only 20% to the government's target of reducing UK immigration from hundreds of thousands to "tens of thousands".

The other 80% cut would have to come from student and family migration, it added.

From what I gathered reading the same story on AOL UK this morning is that most of the cuts will be to non-degree Student Visas.

I'm thinking this is just a wrap up of the MAC report that was issued on the 18th. I wouldn't read too much into it until we hear more from official sources as Theresa May is supposed to appear in Parliament to outline the specifics. I will refrain from speculating as it's a sensitive & emotional subject until we know exactly what she says.

Immigrants from Western countries aren't exactly the problem..

In your opinion, which, in view of this...

link to migrationwatch

...is clearly biased and is part of a political agenda. This is a well dodgy post. Migrationwatch is a rabidly racist far right organisation.

Sorry, I removed it. I didn't realize it was an offensive site, as I paid attention to the "who we are" thing, not to mention the fact that they have cited sources..

I was merely trying to openly discuss an important issue that all of Europe and even the US are facing- not trying to offend anyone.. :\

[I'm an American here in the UK, by the way.]

If I have a Tier 1 expiring in 2012 can I extend under the rules from when i first got my Tier 1, or will I need to find another category to qualify under

If I have a Tier 1 expiring in 2012 can I extend under the rules from when i first got my Tier 1, or will I need to find another category to qualify under

Someone else asked the same question: http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=66364.msg931452#new

In the meantime on the 13-14 December, the EP will be voting on COD/2007/0229, which among other things will harmonize (along with Blue Card Legislation) the Union's skilled immigrant stance. It won't, of course, apply to the UK as we opted out of that portion of Lisbon. It is interesting that Blair used as a basis for this opt out that the UK had in place already a highly skilled migrant programme (Tier 1).

It has been, and will no doubt continue to be, a muddled affair, but it is telling that even the EU (the EU!!) sees the need to attract, retain and foster the integration of skilled immigrants.

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/file.jsp?id=5553632&language=en&mailer=true 

Frobert...

Based on WebyJ's feedback and some additional info, it does seem like the Tier 1 (General) as it stands today is no longer going to be supported - but its too early to tell what the status of existing Tier 1s will be when they re-apply. 

**Don's commentary** .......I have to assume, though, that applying for an extension will require a different category because they will not want to propagate the old rules very long.  I suspect that if you are gainfully employed and the company wants you, they will support a Tier 2 conversion, if they have the resources to do so.....

In a lot of ways....the UK system is being changed more towards the US system...you will not be able to find a job without a sponsor, period.......Things are pretty brutal here....if you get laid off and are on an H1-B, they give you 10 days to find something new before you need to leave the country.  Most companies, though, will keep the H1-B's on payroll through their severance period which gives them more time to find a job with an employer that has visa available (which are getting hard to come by lately)....but the bottom line is you cannot stay without a sponsor......

Good luck with the process, I'll be right there with you!

Don