Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

All travelers to New Zealand could soon be subjected to American-style requirements to supply biometric data upon their arrival under changes to New Zealand's immigration laws.

The Federal Government will pump AUD $1.5 million into projects designed to help refugees and immigrants adjust to life in Australia.

In a slight twist on an old theme, significant wage gains now mean less.

After a 45% surge in skilled workers coming to Australia in 2004-05, the rate of growth in the first three months of this financial year has dropped to just 17%, according to Immigration department data. It is the first time that growth in the Australian federal Government's skilled migration program has slowed.

Australia has raised the Work and Holiday Visa annual quota for Chilean nationals from 100 to 500 to help meet demand.

The federal MP behind a proposal for a citizenship test for people seeking to become Australians says the idea is getting widespread support.

Speaking after a citizenship ceremony in Melbourne recently, Parliamentary Secretary to the Immigration Minister Andrew Robb said that he was encouraged by the responses he's received.

Australia reunites families all over the world with the Parent Migration Program. Citizens and permanent residents can now sponsor their parents to migrate and live with them in Australia so they may spend the rest of their lives together.