Canada, USA, UK & Ireland Make Major Immigration Changes in Sept 2024

September 2024 Immigration Updates

Canada

Canada is continuing to introduce new immigration measures to curb the number of temporary overseas workers.

The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) programme will see employers face limits on the number of temporary overseas workers they can hire. In most industries, businesses must ensure they recruit no more than 10 per cent of their total workforce via the TFW scheme. However, there will be exceptions for those operating in the food processing, construction and healthcare sectors.

In addition, Canadian immigration services will no longer process Labour Market Assessments in the Low-Wage stream from geographical areas that have a current rate of unemployment of 6 per cent or more. The changes also mean the length of employment for workers hired via this stream will be reduced from two years to one year.

Ireland

The major change in September in Ireland was the new Employment Permits Act in an attempt to simplify the current system and better meet the needs of the Irish labour market.

Key benefits of the new approach include the introduction of a new Seasonal Employment Permit and the ability for employment permit holders to switch to a new employer after nine months, as well as allowing overseas workers to be promoted without having to apply for a new permit.

United Kingdom

As the UK continues to switch to digital pre-travel checks at the border, the government has announced plans to end Diplomatic Visa Waivers (DWA). From next year, they will be replaced with Diplomatic Visa Arrangements (DVA) visitor visas.

The change is designed to encourage easier diplomatic travel and allow holders to partake in standard visitor visa activities without paying a fee or submitting comprehensive biometric data. September also saw the launch of the new VIP Delegate Visa, which is suitable for delegations accompanying overseas Heads of State and government ministers on official visits to the UK.

The number of visas issued will be limited to 20 for Head of State trips and 10 for ministerial visits, and the visa will come into effect on October 10th 2024.

United States

The US has continued to expand its US Visa Wavier Program and Qatar is the 42nd country to be added to the scheme.

Travellers from the first Arab state to be part of the program will benefit from easier border processes from December 1st 2024. They will be able to access the ESTA system to apply to travel to the US for tourism or business purposes without applying for a US visa, as long as they do not plan to remain in the country for more than 90 days.

How IAS Can Help With Global Immigration Changes

The changing nature of global immigration and migration means it can be difficult to keep up-to-date with the latest requirements or understand how it could impact your plans or business. Get in touch with one of our immigration experts to stay informed and ensure compliance with international immigration law.

For the latest information on global immigration and the range of visas available to those seeking to live, work or study overseas call the IAS team on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or use our live chat service.