Argentina: Entry of Venezuelan Nationals
As of 5 September 2024, Argentina will allow Venezuelan nationals living outside of the country to enter the country without a valid passport or Venezuelan ID. Venezuelan nationals can now apply for temporary Mercosur residence without needing an apostille on essential documents, such as police clearance or birth certificates.
Canada: Immigration Levels Plan 2025 Through 2027
On 24 October 2024, Canada introduced the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. Notably, the plan will reduce the number of temporary residents entering the country by 5% by the end of 2026. The chart below shows the new estimated numbers of arrivals for work visa categories and student visas.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | |
| Overall Arrivals | 673,650 (604,900 – 742,400) | 516,600 (435,250 – 597,950) | 543,600 (472,900 – 614,250) |
| Workers (Total) | 367,750 | 210,700 | 237,700 |
| International Mobility Program | 285,750 | 128,700 | 155,700 |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program | 82,000 | 82,000 | 82,000 |
| Students | 305,900 | 305,900 | 305,900 |
For a complete breakdown based on specific immigrant categories, check here.
According to the government, this reduction reflects a need to abandon post-pandemic measures and better align temporary and permanent residence immigration levels with the community’s capacity.
Canada: Humanitarian Measures for Ukrainian Family Members of Flight PS752
Canada announced a new pathway to permanent residency for the family members of victims of flight PS752. Family members of victims of Flight PS752 who were Canadian Citizens, permanent residents, or individuals who were approved to work or study in Canada to apply for permanent residency.
This new pathway will include most family members identified by the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims who were not eligible to apply for permanent residence under the two previous public policies. The IRCC website has more information, including how to apply.
Finland: Citizenship Update
As of 1 October 2024, the residence requirement for acquiring Finnish citizenship will increase to eight years, emphasizing the importance of integration as a path to citizenship. The requirement will be five years for those meeting specific criteria, such as language skills.
Under the new rules, only time spent in Finland with a residence permit will count toward the residency period. This excludes periods without permits, such as the time awaiting asylum application decisions. For those with international protection, the residency count starts with the issuing of a continuous residence permit.
Changes also apply to time spent abroad during the residency period. 365 days abroad, up to 90 days from the year preceding the citizenship decision, will be allowed. These adjustments make it easier for applicants to assess their eligibility and simplify the application process for fair treatment.
These changes apply to all citizenship applications submitted on or after 1 October 2024, with earlier applications decided under the old rules. The amendments do not impact citizenship declarations for Nordic and former Finnish citizens.
Currently, Finland faces a backlog of approximately 28,000 pending citizenship applications, with wait times ranging from nine to 31 months. Processing delays are partly due to a high volume of applications that do not meet requirements. The Finnish Immigration Service aims to clear the backlog by 2027.
Ireland: New Digital Contact Centre
Effective 24 October 2024, Ireland launched the Digital Contact Centre, a new online immigration self-service portal. This platform enables applicants to book and modify first-time registration appointments online, eliminating the need to call a contact centre. Through the portal, users can also track the status of their immigration applications.
Eventually, the system will expand to handle queries related to visas, registrations, residence permissions, travel documents, EU Treaty rights, and citizenship applications. Previously, applicants had to navigate multiple channels to book, amend, and track application statuses.
Italy: Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Work Quotas
Italy published new information regarding the entry of seasonal and non-seasonal workers into the country in 2025. As a result, the government plans to grant 165,000 work-related visas for 2025. For a specific breakdown by visa category, check here.
Thailand: Electronic Travel Authorization
Thailand will launch an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt travelers from 93 countries in December 2024. Once the system is launched, applications will be available via the existing e-visa platform.
Approved, visa-exempt travelers must apply before traveling to Thailand. The system permits single entry for a maximum of 60 days, Travelers can also extend their stay for 30 days.
According to the government, the system aims to allow faster travel and more security.
Thailand: Documents Required for eVisa Application to be Submitted Online
Thailand also announced that e-visa applicants will no longer be required to submit a passport and supporting documents in person at a Thai Embassy. Instead, this documentation must be submitted online via the e-visa portal.
A confirmation email will be sent to applicants once their e-visa is approved. Applicants should print the confirmation to use as part of the travel process.
The United Kingdom: Visa Center for Nationals of Ghana
On 22 October 2024, the United Kingdom introduced a new visa application centre (VAC) in Ghana. Ghanaian nationals will now be required to complete and submit their applications to a VFSGlobal office. This will apply to nationals who have previously begun applying with TLScontact. Impacted applicants will be contacted by email.
According to the announcement, this change will improve visa services for Ghanaian nationals by reducing biometric processing and submission time.
Third-party suppliers manage the UK’s global network of VACs on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Qatar: Nationalization Levels in the Private Sector
Qatar recently mandated job nationalization in the private sector to boost employment and training for Qatari citizens, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. This law focuses on developing a skilled Qatari workforce while attracting highly qualified foreign professionals.
The law applies to commercial companies, private institutions and associations in Qatar. The Ministry of Labour will implement a nationalization plan by classifying companies based on size and job types and implementing policies for training and scholarships.
Key provisions include:
- Financial incentives for Qataris and children of Qatari women.
- Special benefits for companies supporting nationalization.
- Standardized employment contracts for job security.
New Zealand: Partner Visa Update
Starting December 2, 2024, the New Zealand government will grant open work rights to partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders in ANZSCO Level 1-3 roles, provided they meet certain wage thresholds. This will allow them to work for any employer. Partners of Essential Skills visa holders and AEWV holders in lower-skilled Level 4-5 roles may also qualify if they meet specific wage and sector criteria.
Current partner visa holders with restricted work conditions can apply to modify their visas to open work rights if their partner now meets these eligibility requirements.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., or another qualified professional of your choosing. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult your Envoy representative, or another qualified representative of your choosing.
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