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Highlights: Alberta PNP Invites 1,376 Candidates in September 2025 Draws as CRS Scores Hit Record Lows

• Alberta invited 1,376 candidates across multiple immigration streams between September 2 and 10.
• The largest draw was held on September 4 under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, issuing 891 invitations with a CRS cut-off of 56.
• Healthcare remained a top priority, with over 260 professionals invited through Express Entry and non-Express Entry pathways, with CRS scores as low as 44.
• The construction sector draw on September 8 brought in 121 candidates at a CRS cut-off of 61, reflecting Alberta’s rising demand for trades and technical workers.
• Agriculture and aviation sectors were also targeted, inviting 71 candidates (CRS 48) and 30 candidates (CRS 50) respectively.

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From Healthcare to Aviation: Alberta PNP Issues 1,376 ITAs in Latest Draws

Alberta held a series of immigration draws between September 2 and 10, 2025, inviting candidates from healthcare, construction, agriculture, aviation, and the Alberta Opportunity Stream. With CRS cut-offs ranging from 44 to 64, these draws opened doors for a wide range of skilled workers. The largest draw targeted the Alberta Opportunity Stream, while sector-focused draws ensured that in-demand industries got the talent they need.

Draw Date	Stream / Pathway	Minimum CRS	Invitations Issued
Sep-10	Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Aviation)	50	30
Sep-09	Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Health Care)	64	70
Sep-08	Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Construction)	61	121
Sep-05	Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Agriculture)	48	71
Sep-04	Alberta Opportunity Stream	56	891
Sep-03	Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry	44	67
Sep-02	Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry	49	126

 

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Why Alberta’s latest Immigration Draws Are a Big Boost for PR Aspirants

Alberta’s September draws show why the province has become one of the most attractive options for skilled workers worldwide. With thousands of invitations issued and cut-off scores kept low, the draws open new doors for candidates who may otherwise struggle in federal pools.

Why Alberta’s Latest Draws Matter:

• Low CRS thresholds: Scores dropped as low as 44, making it easier for candidates with moderate CRS to secure invitations.
• Focus on high-demand sectors: Healthcare, construction, agriculture, and aviation professionals are in strong demand.
• Massive intake: The Alberta Opportunity Stream alone invited 891 candidates, proving Alberta’s readiness to welcome talent at scale.
• Pathway to PR: These draws offer a direct route to Canadian Permanent Residency for eligible candidates.
• Ideal for Indians: Alberta’s multicultural communities, job opportunities, and lower cost of living make it a top choice for Indian migrants.
   

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Highlights: Ireland Opens Path to Residency in Just 5 Years for Skilled Professionals

• Applicants become eligible after completing five years (60 months) of legal residence in Ireland with an application fee of EUR 500.
• The Long-Term Residency Program requires an application fee of EUR 500, making it relatively affordable.
• On approval, candidates are granted a Stamp 4 Visa, allowing them to live, work, and study without additional permits.
• To qualify, applicants must hold a valid employment permit or critical skills permit; self-employed individuals cannot apply.
• The application is processed within 6–8 months, offering one of the fastest settlement routes in the EU.
• Indian nationals are eligible to apply under this program, as it is open to all non-EU/EEA citizens who meet the criteria.

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Who Qualifies for Ireland’s Long-Term Residency?

Ireland’s Long-Term Residency Program has well-defined rules to ensure only genuine and skilled applicants benefit. The criteria focus on continuous residence, employment status, and good character.

• Must have completed 60 months (5 years) of legal residence in Ireland.
• Should hold a valid employment permit or critical skills permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
• Self-employed applicants are not eligible for this program.
• Must maintain employment at the time of application and after approval.
• Should have a clean criminal record, verified by An Garda Síochána (Irish Police).
• Must not have been an undue burden on the State and must comply with past immigration conditions.

*Want to work in Ireland? Let Y-Axis assist you with the procedure.
 

Steps to Apply for Ireland’s Long-Term Residency

You can follow the below steps to apply for Ireland’s long-term residency program:

Step 1: Complete 5 years of legal residence in Ireland.

Step 2: Hold a valid employment or critical skills permit.

Step 3: Apply online through the Immigration Service Delivery website.

Step 4: Pay the EUR 500 application fee within 28 days of approval.

Step 5: Wait for 6–8 months of processing time.

Step 6: Receive your Stamp 4 Visa, confirming residency.

 

Also, read…

Ireland granted 40,000 work permits in 2024

 

Can Indians Apply for Ireland’s Long-Term Residency?

Yes, Indian professionals and skilled workers are fully eligible to apply for Ireland’s Long-Term Residency Program, provided they meet the official requirements. With Ireland being home to a growing Indian community, this pathway offers a structured route to long-term settlement in Europe.

Key Points for Indian Applicants:

• Indians can qualify after completing five years (60 months) of legal residence in Ireland.
• A valid employment permit or critical skills employment permit is mandatory.
• Self-employed Indian nationals are not eligible under this scheme.
• Applicants must maintain employment during and after the application process.
• Must present a clean criminal record and proof of good character.
• Successful applicants receive a Stamp 4 Visa, granting the right to live, work, and study in Ireland without additional permits.

For many Indian migrants, Ireland’s program is especially attractive due to its shorter settlement timeline compared to other EU countries and the opportunity to eventually apply for Irish citizenship.
 

 

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Highlights: Over 13,600 Canada PR Invitations Issued in First Week of September 2025

• Canada issued 13,632 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the first week of September 2025.
• Express Entry draws invited 5,749 candidates across three rounds.
• Ontario PNP issued 4,536 invitations under Employer Job Offer streams.
• Manitoba PNP invited 3,347 candidates through Skilled Worker and International Education streams.
• Multiple federal and provincial pathways created fresh opportunities for Indian aspirants.

*Want to apply for Canada PR? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
 

Canada Immigration Draws – First Week of September 2025

Canada’s first week of September 2025 was marked by a surge in invitations across both federal and provincial pathways, underscoring the country’s commitment to meeting its ambitious immigration targets.

• According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), three Express Entry draws were conducted between September 2 and September 4, 2025, resulting in 5,749 invitations.
• At the provincial level, Ontario remained a leader, issuing 4,536 invitations through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) on September 2 and 3. These draws targeted candidates under the Employer Job Offer streams, including Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills categories.
• Meanwhile, Manitoba held one of its largest draws of the year on September 4, 2025, inviting 3,347 candidates across the Skilled Worker in Manitoba, Skilled Worker Overseas, and International Education streams via the Manitoba PNP Draw.

Date	Program	Category / Stream	Invitations	Cutoff / Score
Sep-02	Express Entry	PNP-only	249	CRS 772
Sep-03	Express Entry	Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	1,000	CRS 534
Sep-04	Express Entry	French-language proficiency	4,500	CRS 446
Sep-02	Ontario PNP (OINP)	Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker	1,305	EOI 41+
		Employer Job Offer – International Student	1,105	EOI 58+
		Employer Job Offer – In-Demand Skills	233	EOI 33+
Sep-03	Ontario PNP (OINP)	Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker	1,134	EOI 42+
		Employer Job Offer – International Student	759	EOI 63+
Sep-04	Manitoba PNP (MPNP)	International Education Stream	1,866	—
		Skilled Worker in Manitoba (Citizens of Ukraine)	1,466	—
		Skilled Worker Overseas (Strategic Recruitment)	15	Score 844

 

Together, these draws bring the total to 13,632 invitations in just one week, reflecting Canada’s strategy of combining national-level selection efficiency with provincial flexibility to attract the right talent.

*Click here to know more about the next Canada PR Draw!
 

Canada’s 13,600+ Invitations Mark a Promising Start for Indian Migrants

Canada’s September 2025 draws underline the country’s ongoing commitment to welcoming skilled professionals, international graduates, and families. For Indian applicants, the numbers carry encouraging signals:

• Canada issued 13,632 invitations in one week, signaling a strong start to September.
• Ontario led the provinces, granting over 4,500 invitations under its Employer Job Offer streams.
• Manitoba created graduate-friendly options, with 1,866 invitations for international students.
• Express Entry remained inclusive, covering PNP, Canadian Experience Class, and French-proficiency draws
• With Canada aiming for 1.1 million newcomers by 2027, Indian applicants have a timely window to apply.
   

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

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Highlights: U.S. Updates Visa Interview Rules for Non-immigrant Applicants

• All U.S. non-immigrant visa applicants are now required to schedule their interview in their country of citizenship or legal residence.
• The new rule applies across all major visa categories, including student visas (F-1), visitor visas (B1/B2), work visas (H-1B), specialty visas (O-1), and exchange visitor visas (J-1).
• The previous flexibility that allowed applicants to book interview slots in third countries has been officially withdrawn.
• Many Indian applicants had been using this option to reduce long waiting times in India by securing appointments in countries such as Thailand, Singapore, or Germany.
• With India already experiencing visa appointment wait times exceeding 500 days for visitor visas, the change is expected to add further pressure on local U.S. consulates.

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No More Shortcuts: U.S. Ends Third-Country Visa Interview Flexibility

• Indian applicants can no longer book U.S. visa interviews in third countries and must apply only in India or their country of residence.
• The change applies to all non-immigrant visa categories, including student, visitor, work, specialty, and exchange visas.
• Earlier, many Indians secured faster appointments in countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Germany to avoid long delays.
• With wait times in India already stretching beyond 500 days for visitor visas, the demand for slots is expected to increase sharply.
• Students, professionals, and business travelers will now need to plan much earlier to align their visa applications with academic or work deadlines.

Read more…

U.S. Department of State mandates in-person interviews for all US visas, with immediate effect.
 

Why Early Planning is Now Crucial for U.S. Visa Applicants from India

The new U.S. visa interview rule makes one thing very clear, Indian applicants must prepare smarter and earlier than ever before. With the option to book appointments in third countries now closed, the demand on U.S. consulates in India is expected to surge.

India is already one of the busiest countries for U.S. visa processing. In 2023 alone, more than 1.4 million U.S. visas were issued to Indians, including a record 140,000 student visas. This makes Indian nationals the largest group of international students in the United States

For students planning to join U.S. universities, professionals applying for work visas, and families preparing for visits, this change means careful planning is essential. Applicants should keep track of appointment availability, gather their documents early, and allow extra time for processing.

With visitor visa wait times already exceeding 500 days in India, the competition for slots is only expected to grow. The key takeaway for Indian applicants is to stay informed, act quickly, and plan well in advance to avoid disruptions to their study, work, or travel plans.
 

*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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Highlights: Australia Sets 185,000 PR Places for 2025–26

• The Australian Government has announced the 2025–26 Migration Program planning levels at 185,000 places, maintaining the same intake as 2024–25.
• The Skill stream accounts for 132,200 places (71%), supporting employer-sponsored, regional, state-nominated, and independent skilled visas.
• The Family stream includes 52,500 places (28%), primarily Partner visas, alongside Parent, Child, and Other Family categories.
• A new National Innovation Visa with 4,300 places has been introduced, replacing the Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas.
• Additionally, 300 Special Eligibility visas are reserved for unique cases, such as returning permanent residents.

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Australia’s Immigration Plan Revealed: Who Gets the PR Spots?

The Australian Government has confirmed the 2025–26 Migration Program planning levels at 185,000 places, maintaining the same as 2024–25. The program continues to strike a balance between addressing skill shortages in the labour market and enabling family reunification.

Visa Stream / Category	2023–24 Planning Levels	2024–25 Planning Levels	2025–26 Planning Levels
Skill
Employer Sponsored	36,825	44,000	44,000
Skilled Independent	30,375	16,900	16,900
Regional	32,300	33,000	33,000
State/Territory Nominated	30,400	33,000	33,000
Business Innovation & Investment	1,900	1,000	1,000
Talent and Innovation	–	–	4,300
Global Talent (Independent)	5,000	4,000	–
Distinguished Talent	300	300	–
Skill Total	1,37,100	1,32,200	1,32,200
Family
Partner	40,500	40,500	40,500
Parent	8,500	8,500	8,500
Child	3,000	3,000	3,000
Other Family	500	500	500
Family Total	52,500	52,500	52,500
Special Eligibility	400	300	300
Total Migration Program	1,90,000	1,85,000	1,85,000

 

Also, read…

Australia raises Student Visa Cap to 295,000 for 2025. Apply now!
 

Australia Keeps Migration Program Levels at 185,000: What This Means for You

Australia’s 2025–26 Migration Program is more than an announcement—it’s a roadmap for those looking to build their future Down Under. For Indians, it means higher chances of securing permanent residency through skill-based routes, while still ensuring family reunification stays a priority.

Given below are some ways that can help you with the Australia PR process:

• Check your eligibility early: Ensure your occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation List and get your skills assessed.
• Boost your points: Higher English scores, work experience, and state nominations can improve your chances.
• Explore regional options: With 33,000 regional places, moving beyond big cities can speed up your PR journey.
• Stay updated on new visas: The National Innovation Visa opens doors for innovators and entrepreneurs.
• Plan with family in mind: Family pathways remain open, making migration smoother for your loved ones.
   

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

For more updates on Australia, check out Y-Axis Australia Immigration Updates!