Canada is making changes to immigration rules, and many workers want to stay longer. One way is to apply for a Visitor Record (VR) before the work permit expires. This allows you to stay legally but not work. If your status ends, you have 90 days to apply for restoration.
British Columbia will raise its minimum wage from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour starting June 1, 2025. The 2.6% increase aims to help workers cope with inflation. The change also applies to gig workers and agricultural labourers. The government says annual wage hikes are now tied to inflation to support low-income workers.
Spain will stop its Golden Visa Program on April 3, 2025. This program lets rich non-EU citizens get residency by buying property worth €500,000 or more. The government made this decision to help with the country’s housing crisis. The official announcement was made on January 3, 2025.
Canada will issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, 10% less than last year. Graduate students now need special approval letters (provincial or territorial attestation.) Ontario gets the most permits, followed by Quebec and BC. The change aims to reduce pressure on housing and services while keeping education quality high. Reactions are mixed from students, schools, and communities.
The UK government is planning to increase immigration fees, including doubling the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) fee from £239 to £525. These changes, which still need approval, could impact Indians looking to work in the UK. From January 2025, students and skilled workers will also need to meet higher financial requirements. But Keeping opportunities open for global talent, including Indians.
The study permit limit may increase competition for international students and impact college enrolments and income. Students should apply early and carefully. Colleges need to adapt by helping students meet the new requirements and planning for fewer admissions.
Canada’s new study permit limit doesn’t apply to some groups, like students renewing permits, exchange students, and scholarship recipients. Other exceptions include Indigenous applicants and those in special situations. These rules ensure fairness while controlling application numbers
Starting January 22, Canada will only process 505,162 study permit applications in 2025. Applications over this limit will be returned with refunds. This step helps manage the growing number of international students and addresses challenges like housing and resources.
The Government of Canada is hiring for roles paying up to $74,000/year. These jobs need only a high school diploma, basic office skills, and one year of experience. Positions are open across Canada in departments like Parks Canada and Justice Canada. Deadlines start January 21, 2025. Apply now on GCJobs!
Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) has updated the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules. From December 17, 2024, programs like early childhood education and developmental service work are now included under a new "Education" category. This change helps fill job shortages and gives international students more chances to work in Canada after graduation.
Germany and Italy are boosting work visa quotas to tackle labour shortages. Germany will issue 200,000 skilled worker visas in 2024, up by 22,422, with an Opportunity Card easing language requirements. Italy increases work visas to 165,000 in 2025, including 93,550 seasonal visas for agriculture and hospitality. These efforts address workforce demands across key industries.
Canada’s updated rules for international students in 2025 include stricter PGWP eligibility, a 24-hour weekly limit on off-campus work, and the end of SDS and flag poling. Study permits must now be applied online, and spousal work permits are limited to specific degree programs. These changes aim to align education with labour needs and maintain fairness.
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.
