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Highlights: UAE Expands Golden Visa Eligibility for Top Graduates in Key Fields

• The UAE has broadened its Golden Visa programme, now offering 10-year renewable residency to high-achieving university graduates.
• To qualify, applicants must hold a degree in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, software, electrical, or molecular engineering.
• Degrees must be obtained from either a top-100 global university or a UAE-accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• The same academic benchmarks apply to PhD holders, doctors, and specialised engineers in high-priority sectors.
• While final-year students can prepare their documentation in advance, a conferred degree is mandatory at the time of application.
   

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Who Qualifies in the Education Category for the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE's Golden Visa for graduates is designed to attract top global talent by awarding long-term residency to high-performing students in essential disciplines.
 

To qualify in the education category for the UAE Golden visa, you must meet the following criteria:
 

• Targeted Fields Only: Eligibility is limited to degrees in nine strategic subjects, including artificial intelligence, big data, epidemiology, virology, computer, electrical, software, and biotechnology, as well as molecular and genetic engineering
• Academic Excellence Required: Applicants must hold at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale from their degree programme.
• Top-Ranked Institutions: Graduates must be from top-100 global universities, verified as per recognised rankings.
   

*Also, read…

UAE launches digital work permit system for faster hiring of overseas talent
 

Recognised Excellence: Top 10 Global Universities for UAE Golden Visa Eligibility

To maintain the highest standards for long-term residency, the UAE Golden Visa education category accepts degrees only from institutions ranked among the world’s top universities. These rankings are based on established metrics like academic reputation, global research impact, and graduate employability. Graduating from a globally recognised institution not only enhances your career prospects but also directly qualifies you for a 10-year Golden Visa, provided your GPA and field of study meet the criteria.
 

Below is a list of 10 world-renowned universities frequently ranked in the global top 100 and considered eligible under the UAE’s Golden Visa framework:

Rank	University Name	Country
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	United States
2	Stanford University	United States
3	Harvard University	United States
4	University of Cambridge	United Kingdom
5	University of Oxford	United Kingdom
6	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	United States
7	ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology	Switzerland
8	National University of Singapore (NUS)	Singapore
9	Imperial College London	United Kingdom
10	University of Chicago	United States

 

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Highlights: Germany Grants Citizenship to Nearly 292,000 in 2024 — Driven by 46% Year-on-Year Growth

• Germany naturalised 291,955 individuals in 2024, marking a 46% increase over 2023 and the highest on record.
• Syrians topped the list with 83,150 new citizens, followed by nationals from Turkey, Iraq, Russia, and Afghanistan.
• New reforms reduced residency requirements from 8 to 5 years, with a 3-year fast-track for highly integrated applicants.
• Dual citizenship is now allowed, enabling many to retain their original nationality.
• Average naturalisation time decreased, with Syrians averaging 7.4 years, well below the national average of 11.8 years.
   

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Faster Pathways and Dual Citizenship: Germany’s Reforms Open New Doors

Germany’s recent citizenship reforms mark a significant shift in the country’s immigration landscape. Effective from June 27, 2024, the revised rules have reduced the standard residency requirement from eight to five years, with an even faster three-year pathway available for individuals who demonstrate exceptional integration, such as language proficiency or civic participation.
 

One of the most impactful changes is the introduction of dual citizenship, now permitted for the first time on a broader scale. This move allows many long-term residents, especially from countries like Turkey and potentially India to retain their original nationality while gaining full rights in Germany.
 

Also, read…

Germany Grants Citizenship to 291,000+ in 2024
 

Who Gained German Citizenship in 2024? A Look at the Top 5 Nationalities

Germany’s record-breaking naturalisation figures in 2024 highlight how recent policy reforms have widened access to citizenship for long-term residents. The country granted citizenship to nearly 292,000 individuals, with significant increases seen among nationals from Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Russia, and Afghanistan.
 

The table below has details of the top nationalities that gained German citizenship last year, in 2024:

Nationality	Number of Naturalisations	% of Naturalisations
Syrian	83,150	28%
Turkish	22,525	8%
Iraqi	13,545	5%
Russian	12,980	4%
Afghan	10,085	3%

 

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Highlights: New Zealand Adds India to Fast-Track Qualification List — Major Relief for Skilled Visa Applicants

• Immigration New Zealand has announced that the revised List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) will come into effect from June 23, 2025.
• Under the update, qualifications from India and eight other countries, including France, Germany, and Singapore will be added to the LQEA.
• Updates will also be made to qualifications from Australia, Japan, South Africa, the UK, and the USA to improve clarity and consistency.
• With these changes, eligible applicants will no longer be required to undergo the International Qualification Assessment (IQA).
• The exemption applies to major visa categories such as the Skilled Migrant Category, Accredited Employer Work Visa, and Green List pathways.
   

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New Zealand Simplifies Skill-Based Migration with Updated Qualification List

With the upcoming revision to New Zealand’s List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), the country is broadening its recognition of overseas qualifications to reduce processing barriers and attract skilled talent more efficiently. This change eliminates the need for an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) for eligible applicants from a growing list of countries, making key visa pathways like the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List roles more accessible. The updated list will take effect from June 23, 2025, and reflects New Zealand’s intent to align with trusted international education systems.
 

The list of countries that are newly added to the LQEA are as follows:
 

• India
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Sweden
• Switzerland

The list of countries with updated qualification recognition are as follows:

• Australia
• Japan
• Malaysia
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
   

Also, read…

New Zealand eases visa rules allowing to work remotely
 

What Indian Applicants Should Do Next to Make the Most of This Opportunity

With India now added to New Zealand’s updated qualification list, Indian professionals have a smoother path ahead—but preparation is still key.
 

Here’s how you can make the most of this change:
 

• Check if your qualification is covered: Not all degrees may be included, review the updated LQEA list carefully once published.
• Plan your visa route early: Whether it’s the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List roles, or the Accredited Employer Work Visa, identify which pathway best suits your profile.
• Save time and money: If your qualification is exempt from IQA, you will avoid delays and assessment costs.
• Get your documents in order: Prepare transcripts, degree certificates, and work experience letters ahead of time for a faster application.
• Seek expert help: Connect with Y-Axis advisors to get a clear understanding of your eligibility, documentation, and visa strategy.
   

Note: This change takes effect from June 23, 2025, so early preparation can put you ahead in the queue.
 

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Highlights: New USCIS Medical Rule for Green Card Applicants Takes Immediate Effect

• Effective June 11, 2025, Form I-693 will be valid only if the associated Form I-485 has not been rejected or withdrawn. 
• If an I-485 application is withdrawn or denied, the submitted medical form becomes invalid, regardless of its date.
• The revised policy applies to all new and pending adjustment of status applications filed on or after the implementation date.
• USCIS states the change is intended to ensure timely and accurate health screenings during the immigration process.
• Applicants may face additional costs of $100–$500 for repeated medical exams if resubmission is required.
   

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USCIS Revises Medical Exam Validity for Green Card Applicants

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy regarding Form I-693, which records medical examinations for green card applicants. As of June 11, 2025, this form will only be valid while the applicant’s Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) is actively under review.
 

This change reflects USCIS's commitment to ensuring that medical records submitted for immigration purposes are both current and accurate. The revised policy now applies to all new and pending I-485 applications from the effective date onward.
 

For many applicants, including those from India, this may mean incurring additional costs if re-examinations become necessary, civil surgeon fees typically range from $100 to $500. Applicants are therefore encouraged to plan carefully and seek professional advice to avoid delays, added expenses, or unintentional lapses in compliance.
 

Also, read…

Trump-Linked Website Selling Golden Visas? Here’s What You NEED to Know Before You Buy In!
 

New Medical Rule in Effect: 5 Things Every Green Card Applicant Should Do

To avoid delays or extra costs under the new USCIS rule, here’s what applicants should keep in mind:

• Time Your Medical Exam Right: Schedule your Form I-693 medical exam close to your I-485 filing to avoid it expiring prematurely.
• Be Aware of Extra Costs: If your green card application is denied or withdrawn, you may need to redo your medical, costing $100 to $500 each time.
• Track USCIS Timelines: Follow updates to ensure your documents remain valid through your green card processing period.
• Keep Copies of Everything: Retain copies of your medical exam and receipt from the civil surgeon for your records.
• Consult Trusted Experts: Talk to Y-Axis advisors for guidance on aligning your exam with your filing and avoiding costly re-exams.|
   

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Highlights: U.S. Launches $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa — New Gateway to American Citizenship?

• The U.S. has introduced the Trump Card visa, a new initiative offering permanent residency to high-value foreign investors.
• Foreign nationals must invest $5 million in the American economy to qualify for this new visa.
• The Trump Card aims to replace the current EB-5 visa program, which requires a lower investment threshold.
• Interested applicants can register their intent to apply through the official portal, trumpcard.gov.
• The program is expected to generate up to $1 trillion in revenue from an estimated 200,000 investors.
   

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What Is the Trump Card Visa?

The Trump Card visa is a new U.S. residency program that offers Green Cards to wealthy individuals who invest $5 million in the U.S. economy. It's designed to attract high-value investors from around the world and is expected to replace the current EB-5 visa, which requires a much lower investment.
 

The U.S. government has launched a dedicated portal, called the trumpcard.gov, where interested applicants can register. The card features a gold design with Donald Trump’s image, giving it a bold and premium branding.
 

While the basic details are available, many specifics like who can apply, how the process will work, and when it will officially begin are still being finalized. However, officials say the program could generate $1 trillion in revenue if 200,000 visas are granted.
 

This initiative signals a shift in U.S. immigration strategy, focusing more on economic contribution through investment rather than employment or family ties.
 

Also, read…

No social media, No Visa – New U.S. Rule
 

What Indian Investors Should Know About the Trump Card Visa

The Trump Card visa offers a new pathway to U.S. permanent residency for those willing to invest $5 million. While the program has garnered significant attention, it's essential for Indian investors to understand the current status and considerations:
 

• High Investment Threshold: The required investment is substantially higher than the EB-5 visa, which starts at $800,000.
• Application Process Pending: As of now, only a waitlist is available at trumpcard.gov; full application procedures are yet to be released.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: The program's implementation details, including tax implications and eligibility criteria, are still under discussion.
• Potential Replacement of EB-5: The Trump Card is intended to replace the EB-5 visa, but this change may require congressional approval.
• Expert Consultation Advised: Given the program's evolving nature, consulting with immigration experts is recommended before making investment decisions.

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with US immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No.1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!
 

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