Global Immigration Round-up

January Immigration Updates

Canada

Policy changes continue in Canada as the country seeks to limit immigration and tighten its borders.

A key recent change is to the Open Work Permit (OWP) eligibility, with a new limit on family members permitted to accompany certain international students and foreign workers.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed only spouses of students studying master’s programs which are over 16 months or enrolled in doctoral programs, or on an eligible professional program will be permitted.

For foreign workers to bring spouses, they must be employed in a qualifying role ie in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation or in qualifying TEER 2 or 3 occupations. They must also have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit.

This month also saw the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and with the country heading to the polls later in the year, it is expected there will be further significant policy changes over the next 12 months.

Ireland

The Irish government has confirmed the registration of Irish immigration residence permissions has been transferred from the Garda National Immigration Bureau to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) as the country continues to modernise its immigration processes.

All nationals from outside the EU, EEA, UK, or Switzerland who are staying in Ireland for over 90 days must register for a residence permit in Ireland, which allows them to live, work, study, or join family members.

Under the changes, all first-time in-person registration of residence permissions for applicants must be done at the Registration Office in Dublin.

However, any renewals of Irish Immigration Residence Permission must be done online rather than in-person, with applicants advised to apply up to 12 weeks before their existing permission ends to allow for processing time.

Thailand

Thailand has confirmed plans to update its Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa route.

LTR is a popular visa for those looking to live in the country for up to 10 years. It attracts skilled workers, wealthy retirees, and investors, playing a key role in expanding Thailand’s workforce.

The updates include expanding the number of roles that qualify for the Highly Skilled Professionals category as well as the removal of the minimum five years’ experience criteria.

Those applying via the Wealthy Global Citizens pathway will also no longer need to meet a minimum annual income although there will still be other financial criteria including holding assets and investing in approved channels such as Thai government bonds.

All categories of the LTR will also benefit from the removal of the existing cap on the number of dependents allowed to accompany the visa holder. There will be no longer a limit of four and will now include any legal dependents and parents.

United Kingdom

The UK started 2025 with a focus on how to attract workers with highly desirable Artificial Intelligence skills.

A recent plan suggested as part of the UK’s government focus on AI, the government should do more to position the UK at the forefront of new technology.

Therefore, this could see the Home Office reduce visa criteria for suitably qualified overseas workers in particular opening up the Global Talent Visa, Skilled Worker Visa and the Innovator Founder Visa pathways to target those who could play a key role in driving forward AI advances.

Another key change in the UK this month is a planned increase in immigration and nationality fees in 2025, with the following coming into effect:

• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee rising from £10 to £16.
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee increasing from £239 to £525 for workers, and £25 to £55 for temporary workers
• Naturalisation as a British Citizen cost rising from £1,500 to £1,605.
• Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen increasing from £1,000 to £1,070.

United States

It has been a significant start to the year for the US immigration landscape since Donald Trump took office. He has introduced several changes that are set to have a major impact on applications for visas as well as existing foreign nationals already living in the country.

One of his first executive orders was to suspend the entry of undocumented migrants and halt asylum hearings at the border. He has also reinstated the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, which means non-Mexican asylum seekers must wait in Mexico until their case is heard.

Expanded powers for ICE means it is likely there will be further increases in the number of undocumented people being deported on top of expanding the scope of expedited deportations, allowing them to occur anywhere in the US for undocumented migrants who fail to show they have been in the country for more than two years.

It is expected in the coming months we will see further changes to US immigration that could affect global migration.

How IAS Can Help With Global Immigration Changes

The team at IAS can ensure sure you stay up-to-date with the latest immigration policies to understand how it could impact you, family members or your business.

Get in touch with one of our immigration experts to stay informed and ensure your ongoing compliance with international immigration policies or find out more about new immigration routes.

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.