Country Guides

Canada held an Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on 13 October 2026, reportedly issuing 752 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 772.  Why Is the CRS Cut-Off So High? Candidates who receive a qualifying provincial nomination through an enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream […]

The UK Home Office published several immigration-related updates on 13 October 2026, covering the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), licensed worker sponsors and the proposed Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026. 1. EU Settlement Scheme Guidance Updated The Home Office updated caseworker guidance on derivative rights to reside, including issues connected with the Chen and Ibrahim/Teixeira cases.

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower listed a new initiative on 11 October 2026 aimed at strengthening the mental wellbeing of the migrant community. The available information does not confirm the initiative’s specific measures, implementation timeline or effective date. Important Points What changed: A government initiative focused on migrant-community mental wellbeing was listed. Who may benefit: Migrant

Two U.S. immigration developments are drawing attention from international students and employment-based green-card applicants as of 12 October 2026. Based on the supplied update, no new final rule or policy reversal has been verified. 1. Proposed OPT Fees for International Students A proposed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fee framework reportedly includes amounts of $70,000

Immigration New Zealand has completed a previously announced transition of specified visitor visa application forms from its older online system to the enhanced Immigration Online platform. The affected legacy forms closed on 8 October 2026, and remaining draft applications in those forms were scheduled for deletion. The change affects applicants using specified categories, including the

The UK government announced a significant protection on 9 October 2026 for Skilled Worker visa holders formally recognised as victims of modern slavery. Under the announced measure, eligible workers can leave abusive sponsoring employers and undertake lawful work for other employers for the remainder of their existing visa, subject to the applicable conditions. The change

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational across the Schengen Area, introducing digital border registration and biometric checks for eligible non-EU travellers entering or leaving participating countries. The system records entry and exit details and collects facial images and fingerprints, subject to applicable exemptions. It is designed to modernise border management and help

The US immigration landscape remains uncertain for employment-based applicants as government shutdown concerns, ongoing H-1B fee litigation and new restrictions affecting employment-based green cards create challenges for employers and foreign workers. Government Shutdown and Immigration Processing The federal shutdown reportedly began on 1 October 2026. Shutdown-related disruptions may affect certain government services, including employment-based immigration

The UK Home Office has updated its Visit caseworker guidance and supporting-document guidance on 8 October 2026, introducing and clarifying requirements for people coming to the UK under the Erasmus+ programme. The updated guidance covers permitted activities, creative activities, work-related training and circumstances where visitors may be caring for relatives. Erasmus+ Visitors: What Has Changed?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced two important changes affecting international students and parents seeking New Zealand residence. From 7 October 2026, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) has joined the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS). Eligible international students from India, China, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam studying at New Zealand universities and polytechnics can