The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) lets Canadian employers hire foreign workers with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Recent changes include suspending LMIAs for low-wage jobs and raising the pay for high-wage jobs to 20% above the median. These changes are part of Canada's 2025 immigration target to reduce fraud and strengthen the system.
Canada uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score Express Entry candidates based on age, education, language skills, and work experience. The score, up to 1,200, determines eligibility for permanent residency. Recently, Canada decided to stop awarding extra points (50–200) for job offers. Eligible candidates must work in skilled jobs under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Canada will no longer give extra points in the Express Entry system for job offers supported by an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the change on December -17, but the date it will start is not yet known. Currently, LMIA-based job offers give candidates 50 to 200 extra points, helping them get permanent residency. This change could affect people who depend on these points.
Canada has raised fees for temporary resident applications starting December 1, 2024. Increases range from 2.80% to 4.69% and apply to restoring visitor, student, or worker status, and permits like criminal rehabilitation. For example, restoring visitor status now costs $239.75, up from $229.00. Immigration officials say these updates cover rising costs and improve services.
From January 2025, people from outside Europe must get a £10 Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the UK. Applications are now open. Europeans can apply from March 2025. An ETA lasts two years and allows six-month visits. The UK Government says ETAs will make travel safer and smoother. Apply using the UK ETA app or website.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller is considering removing points for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) under Express Entry. Currently, LMIAs add 50-200 points, boosting applicants' chances for permanent residency. Miller raised concerns about misuse and high black-market prices, calling the system flawed. This change could significantly impact Canada’s immigration landscape.
Finland saw a 5% drop in work-based residence permit applications from January to September 2024, totalling 12,498. This decrease reflects fewer applications from sectors like construction and healthcare, as well as a 24% decline in specialist applications. Meanwhile, student permit applications rose 9%, with most applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal, and India. Finland now processes student permits in just nine days.
Italy plans to welcome 50,000 foreign nurses by 2025 to fill its 65,000 nursing vacancies, with 10,000 expected from India. Most foreign nurses in Italy currently come from Romania, Albania, Poland, and Peru. To support Indian nurses, Italy will ease regulations and open Italian language centers in India, making it easier for qualified candidates to meet local requirements.
To improve visa approval chances under Canada’s new guidelines, applicants should prepare strong documentation. This includes proof of visit purpose, finances, and home ties. Those visiting for medical reasons should have health insurance. Processing times differ by country; currently, Indian applications average 113 days, U.S. 26 days, and Nigeria 175 days.
Starting November 8, 2024, Canada’s updated visitor visa rules give immigration officers more flexibility in deciding between single-entry and multiple-entry visas based on each applicant’s personal circumstances. Officers will consider factors like purpose of visit, financial stability, and home-country ties. This change could mean shorter visa validity and more personalized assessments for international travelers.
BREAKING: As of November 8, 2024, IRCC has closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE). These programs had expedited study permits for certain countries. Now, all applications will follow the standard process, which may mean longer waits. SDS applicants previously needed a language test and a $20,635 CAD Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
Starting in 2025, Germany, France, and Portugal will offer new visas to attract skilled professionals, especially in tourism and hospitality. Germany’s Opportunity Card, France’s Talent Passport Visa, and Portugal’s seasonal and long-term visas aim to meet labour demands and simplify immigration. These visas provide new pathways for qualified foreign workers looking to work in Europe.
Canada’s 2025 list of 25 high-paying diploma programs offers quick, affordable career options in popular fields. Programs like Cybersecurity and Paralegal Studies last 1-2 years and teach job-ready skills with salaries from CAD $40,000–$90,000. These programs are good for new graduates and professionals upgrading their skills. Visit Canada’s education resources for details on programs and job opportunities.
Keeping Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) is crucial, as it can be cancelled for reasons like not meeting residency rules, giving false information, or criminal activity. Other causes include fake marriages, security concerns, and misuse of benefits. Losing PR can stop you from returning to Canada or becoming a citizen. Appeals are possible if your PR is cancelled.
New Zealand will raise visa fees and charges from October 1, 2024. Student visa fees will increase to NZD 485, while post-study work visa fees will drop to NZD 320, with levies rising significantly. The Accredited Employer Work Visa fee will decrease, but its charge will rise. New skill and English language requirements for low-skilled workers will also be introduced. 2024
