Global Immigration Round-up November 2025

November Immigration Updates

Canada

New targets has been announced by the Canadian government as it continues to focus on more “sustainable levels” of immigration.

The latest immigration levels plan for the years 2026 to 2028 show revised targets for permanent resident and temporary resident admissions as well as a reduction in the share of economic migrants.

The government is committed to reducing both Canada’s temporary population to below five per cent and permanent resident arrivals to less than one per cent of the total population within the next two years.

However, there has been a rise in some of the plan’s targets, with an goal of raising the number of Francophone admissions destined for outside Quebec, from 10.5 per cent by 2028 to 12 per cent by 2029.

Portugal

It has been confirmed that Portugal consular offices and visa application centres will no longer accept job seeking visa applications and all outstanding appointments have been cancelled.

The move is part of the government’s approach to tightening the current immigration system. Other recent changes include:

• Increasing the period of residency required for citizenship from five to ten years (increased to seven years for EU citizens).
• Stricter criteria for income and proof of residence evidence
• Discontinuation of fast-track investor pathways
• Removal of residence permits being granted via real estate purchases

It is expected more changes will be introduced over the coming months and into 2026, with the popular Golden Visa route potentially being reviewed or even closed.

New Zealand

Next month will see New Zealand introduce two new seasonal visas – the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV).

The move is to help ensure employers can recruit much-needed workers to vacant seasonal posts but at the same time ensure staff are not being exploited.

GWSV applicants must have at least three seasons of relevant experience over the past six years. The visa will be granted for up to three years, although holders are required to spend three months outside of New Zealand each year.

Employers of GSWV workers are not required to advertise the role in New Zealand or complete a labour market test.

The PSV does require companies to advertise the role domestically and demonstrate they have tried to recruit settled workers before employing staff from overseas.

Holders of the PSV can stay in New Zealand for up to seven months and must have relevant experience. They must also have health insurance if the job role contract lasts more than three months.

United Kingdom

Immigration to the UK is currently undergoing major reforms and it can be hard to keep up with the updates. The past month has seen new criteria that will impact students and seasonal workers.

Workers coming to the UK for seasonal jobs will benefit from a new rule that will permit them to work for six months in the country within a ten-month period rather than six months per year.

It has also been confirmed the seasonal worker visa scheme has been extended until at least the end of 2029 in a move that will please the agricultural industry.

For students, the new regulations mean they will need to provide comprehensive evidence they can meet the higher maintenance requirements. Students coming to the UK to study in London must show they have access to at least £1,529 per month, while those studying elsewhere in the country must show minimum monthly funds of £1,171.

See our more detailed insights into the changes recently introduced by the UK government.

United States

The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the end of the automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs) for many work visas.

US immigration services recommends all applicants should submit a review of their EAD up to three months before their current expiry, otherwise they could risk their authorization being temporarily removed. The change in policy is likely to lead to increased vetting of workers from overseas and rise the change of renewals being rejected.

Another recent change introduced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services is that they will now only accept electronic methods of payments by bank transfer, debit or credit card for all paper forms submitted.

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, use our live chat service or reach out via social media.