Welcome to Envoy Global’s weekly immigration news update, covering the latest developments in immigration policy and global mobility from the Americas to the Asia-Pacific region. Stay informed on critical changes so your team can better manage immigration programs and support foreign talent worldwide.
Canada: Temporary Resident Visa Changes
Canada announced changes to its Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) policy, which allows certain visitors entry for tourism, business, study, or transit. Previously, most TRVs were issued as multiple-entry visas, often valid for up to 10 years.
Now, immigration officers can decide between single- and multiple-entry visas based on each applicant’s travel purpose, finances, health, and ties to their home country. For multiple-entry visas, the validity period may be set according to the reason for travel and other factors, like the applicant’s residence status or conditions in their home country.
According to the government, this update addresses housing shortages, high living costs and Canada’s plan to moderate immigration levels.
Canada: Closure of Select Student Visa Routes
Canada closed its Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs on 8 November 2024. The government will continue to process eligible applications submitted before 14:00 on 8 November 2024.
Canada will process all other applications submitted after this time under the regular study permit process. According to the announcement, this measure aims to create a more equal application process for international students.
Canada: New Border Entry Point
Canada announced that the new, modernized facilities at the Sainte-Aurélie border crossing are now open, following a $4 million investment through the Land Border Crossing Project. Officials shared that this initiative aims to upgrade multiple entry points nationwide and enhance travelers’ experiences.
Denmark, Brussels: New Minimum Salary Thresholds for 2025
Starting 1 January 2025, the minimum salary thresholds for foreign employees in the Brussels Region will increase. This adjustment will apply to both new and pending applications and existing valid permits.
The updated thresholds are as follows:
- Executives: €6,647.20 (140%)
- Highly Qualified Staff: €3,703.44 (78%)
- Stage Performers: €3,086.20 (65%)
- European Blue Card Holders: €4,748.00 (100%)
- ICT Managers: €5,460.20 (110%)
- ICT Specialists: €4,510.20 (95%)
- ICT Trainee-Employees: €2,611.40 (55%)
For additional insights on minimum salary requirements across the globe, check here.
Japan: Expansion of Electronic Visa
On 11 November 2024, Japan introduced a new list of travelers eligible to apply for visas online. Once issued, eligible applicants will receive an electronic visa (eVisa) through the Japan eVisa system. The list was expanded to include travelers from Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the UK and the U.S. for additional information on eligibility requirements, check here.
Panama: Expanded Visa Exempt Travel
Panama expanded visa-exempt entry to include travelers from certain visa-required countries so long as they hold a multiple-entry visa from Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the UK and the U.S. or a European Union member state.
Singapore: Shortage Occupation List Updates
Singapore introduced a revised Shortage Occupation List (SOL) on 8 November 2024, adding roles like semiconductor engineers, process engineers and instrumentation engineers. This updated list will apply to new and renewal Employment Pass applications starting 1 January 2025, while the current SOL from March 2023 remains valid for applications submitted through 31 December 2024. All previously listed occupations have been retained in the new SOL.
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.
