Global Immigration Changes in November 2024

November Immigration Updates

Australia

Australia has confirmed that graduates from India’s leading universities can register in the pre-application ballot for a Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) (subclass 403) visa from next month.

A total of 3,000 annual temporary visa places are assigned via the ballot. If successful via the ballot, applicants will need to meet additional criteria to be issued a visa but will be able to bring dependent family members with them.

Applicants must be aged 18 to 30 and have studied in a relevant field such as mining, financial technology, engineering or information communication.

Canada

Canada continues to introduce changes that could impact overseas nationals studying, living and working in the country. 

Following the pause in the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream at the end of 2023, it has been confirmed the pathway will be closed completely, 

Any current applications will be subject to the new regulations, but if applicants can demonstrate the commitments they have already made to establish a business in the region, they could qualify for permanent residence. 

Another change applies to anyone wishing to move to Quebec via the Experience Program. Updated rules mean applicants must have successfully completed an eligible program of study that was 75 per cent taught in French. 

This does not apply to any theses, masters, internships or research labs, but the rest of the study program credits should still meet the 75 per cent French language element. 

Courses taken abroad can still count as long as they were taught in French. Anyone unable to meet the new criteria must show they have completed three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies in French in Québec or overseas to be approved or the program.

At the start of November, Canada confirmed the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) initiatives have now ended.

The SDS and NSE were launched in 2018 to ensure faster processing times for eligible students coming from Nigeria and a number of countries including Brazil, China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

Students from these countries must now apply via the standard study permit stream.

China

It has been confirmed that visiting nationals from Andorra, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Slovakia and South Korea will no longer need a visa to travel to China. 

China continues to expand its visa-free routes after including visitors from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and New Zealand earlier in the year. 

However, this visa-free option is only for those planning to visit China for the purpose of tourism, family or business for up to 15 days. Anyone wanting to stay in China longer must apply for the appropriate immigration permissions.

Ireland

Ireland is continuing to update its immigration processes with the launch of a new Digital Contact Centre. The new platform will aim to tackle some of the ongoing backlogs and provide a better customer experience for new applicants. 

Users can access the self-service portal to book, change and follow their applications online. This means they do not have to use a call centre to book or amend immigration appointments or ask questions about their application. 

The Irish government believes that the ability to track current applications will significantly reduce pressure on other areas of the immigration service.

New Zealand

New Zealand has updated immigration rules to ensure that international students who complete a master’s degree after gaining a postgraduate diploma are still eligible for a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV).

It is hoped the change will give students greater choices and the chance to be able to work in New Zealand after their course finishes.

The PSWV allows holders to live and work in the country for a further three years after completing their studies.

Spain

The long-awaited change in Spain’s Golden Visa programme will take effect at the beginning of 2025. 

Spain’s congress has approved a law that will include the cessation of residence permits based on investment. The bill will now go before the Senate but this is expected to be a formality given the growing concern over the impact on the country’s housing market. 

However, those who have already applied or submitted a successful application before the route closes will still be issued with a Golden Visa. 

There are a number of other Spanish visas and permits available to those looking to relocate to the country, which offer an alternative to the Golden Visa route.

United Kingdom

The UK will switch from Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards, passport stamps, and stickers to eVisas at the end of the year as it continues to digitalise the country’s immigration system.

An eVisa will replace the physical BRP card and is designed to speed up Right to Work checks and increase border security. 

Most BRPs are set to expire on December 31st and holders will need to ensure they have applied for an eVisa account via the Gov.uk website.

Another major update in UK immigration policy this month is a new visa requirement for those travelling from Colombia. 

Following an increase in Colombian travellers entering the UK as visitors and then remaining to live, work, or claim asylum, the country has been removed from the list of countries eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.

There will be a period of transition for those Colombian nationals who have already booked travel as long as they plan to travel before December 24th. Anyone travelling after this date or who has yet to book travel must apply for a UK Visitor Visa.

United States

November has been a busy month for the US, with the re-election of Donald Trump. Ahead of him taking office there has been a limited change to any immigration policies.

However, it is expected that he will implement a number of reforms that could have a major impact on the US as a destination for overseas workers and studies.

The election result has also resulted in growing interest from American citizens to emigrate to a number of other countries such as Canada and the UK.

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.