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The United Kingdom's Home Office announced a general increase in most existing immigration fees. The government is downplaying the size of the increases but, in some cases, fees will go up as much as 33% or more. Most fees, however, will only increase slightly.

In the announcement, the government said that the new fee increases will take effect "in the near future." Some new fees will be introduced, as well. Among the changes, businesses hiring workers from outside the European Economic Area will now have to pay a one-time, "sponsorship license" fee.

The Chinese Lunar New Year began on February 7th, marking the Year of the Rat for 2008. Called the "Spring Festival" in China, it is considered the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month, and it is an important holiday throughout East Asia. This Year of the Rat will last until January 25th, 2009, and will be controlled under the elemental sign of Earth.

The United Kingdom will begin the phased introduction of the new Tier 1 rules for highly skilled immigrants over the next few weeks. Applying for an HSMP visa now has the benefit of coming under a slightly easier English language requirement. Another benefit is that you may take advantage of the MBA provision before it is removed under Tier 1.

For HSMP holders who don't score enough points to extend their leave to remain under Tier 1, transitional arrangements are in place to assist them in transferring to another Tier, such as Tier 2 for skilled workers.

From February 29th, the United Kingdom is replacing the rules for highly skilled migrants with existing HSMP visas who need to extend their leave to remain. Immigrants must now qualify under the new Tier 1 category for General Highly Skilled Migrants.

People will need to score enough points under the Tier 1 system without the MBA provision previously available under HSMP. However, the English language requirements are waived for extension applications.