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Highlights: Latest Express Entry Draw invites 225 PNP candidates

• IRCC conducted the first Express Entry draw of August on August 6, 2025.
• A total of 225 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream.
• The minimum CRS score required in this round was 739.
• This was a category-specific draw, targeting only candidates with a provincial nomination.
• Canada continues to prioritize skilled workers through PNP and category-based draws under its 2025 immigration levels plan.
   

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Express Entry Draw on August 6, 2025 issues 225 ITAs

On August 6, 2025, IRCC conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only Express Entry draw, inviting 225 candidates to apply for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 739, reflecting the additional 600 points awarded to PNP nominees. This draw was the first for August and part of Canada’s ongoing strategy to address regional labour shortages. The focus on PNP candidates reinforces the government's commitment to targeted immigration through provincial selection.
 

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How to Submit Your Express Entry Profile?

You can follow the below steps to submit your Express Entry profile:

Step 1: Check your eligibility for an Express Entry program (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC).

Step 2: Get your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and complete a language test (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF).

Step 3: Create an account and fill out your Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.

Step 4: Enter the pool to receive your CRS score and wait for a draw.

Step 5: If invited, submit your permanent residence application within 60 days.
 

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Highlights: Australia Increases Foreign Student Cap to 295,000

• Australia has increased its foreign student intake cap to 295,000 for the year.
• The move aims to revive the international education sector after the pandemic.
• India continues to be a leading source of international students in Australia.
• Focus has expanded to include stronger engagement with Southeast Asia, including countries like Vietnam and Indonesia.
• The initiative is part of the ‘Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040’.
   

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Australia Raises Foreign Student Cap to 295,000 under New Regional Strategy

Australia has increased its annual foreign student cap to 295,000 as part of a broader shift in international education policy. This move is aligned with the ‘Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040’, which aims to deepen ties with Southeast Asian nations including Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. While India remains one of the top source countries, the revised approach signals a more regionally diversified focus.
 

The government has recognised that education and migration are key economic drivers, and the expanded cap supports both economic growth and strategic regional engagement. The increase also reflects Australia’s goal to revitalise its post-pandemic education sector and enhance long-term talent pipelines.
 

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How Australia’s Regional Education Strategy Impacts Indian Students in 2025

Australia’s decision to lift the foreign student cap to 295,000 is part of a broader strategy to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia. While this regional shift introduces new priorities, India continues to hold a strong position in Australia’s education and migration policy. Here's what Indian students should know:
 

• Australia’s new strategy focuses on stronger education ties with Southeast Asia under its 2040 economic plan.
• India remains a top three source country for international students in Australia.
• The strategy promotes diversified student intake, reducing pressure on popular sectors.
• International education is seen as key to filling future workforce gaps in Australia.
• Indian students will find more opportunities in high-demand fields like IT, healthcare, and engineering.
   

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Highlights: New English Curriculum in Finland Targets International Skilled Workers

• Starting August 2026, Finland will introduce upper secondary education in English to attract skilled foreign professionals with school-aged children.
• The reform follows a law passed in December 2024, aimed at making the country more welcoming for international families.
• English-language matriculation exams will be available from autumn 2028, offering the full range of subjects beyond the current IB curriculum.
• The new exam option is designed for students without strong Finnish or Swedish skills, increasing accessibility in the national system.
• By removing language barriers in education, Finland aims to support long-term relocation and integration of global skilled workers.

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Finland Removes Language Barrier with English High School Curriculum

In a major step to welcome skilled foreign professionals, Finland will begin offering upper secondary education in English from August 2026. The reform, backed by legislation passed in December 2024, aims to make relocation easier for international workers with school-aged children. In addition, matriculation exams will be available in English from autumn 2028, expanding beyond Finnish and Swedish. Unlike the existing IB curriculum, this will cover the full range of upper secondary subjects. The initiative is designed to reduce language barriers and promote smoother integration for globally mobile families.

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What Finland’s English-Language Schooling Policy Means for International Families

Finland’s decision to expand its national education system to include English-language instruction is part of a broader strategy to attract skilled foreign professionals. The following are key points of the reform:

• English-medium upper secondary education will begin from August 2026, following curriculum approval by the Ministry of Education.
• Matriculation exams in English will be introduced from autumn 2028, offering the full range of national subjects.
• The new option extends beyond the current International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes offered in select schools.
• The policy is designed to assist international families, particularly those without proficiency in Finnish or Swedish.
• The measure is part of Finland’s efforts to create a more accessible and globally competitive environment for skilled migrants.
   

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Highlights: Comfortable Living in Europe Possible on $2,000/Month, Says Report

• Living in Europe on a monthly budget of $2,000 (₹1.74 lakh) is realistic in many regions beyond major cities.
• Countries like Hungary, Greece, and Cyprus offer a balanced lifestyle with lower costs and essential amenities.
• Budapest stands out for its affordability and quality urban living, with monthly costs between $1,200 and $1,800.
• In Greece, sea-view homes can be rented for as low as $400/month, especially outside tourist areas.
• Cyprus offers coastal living, low taxes, and English-speaking communities—all within a budget of $1,800/month.
   

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From Hungary to Cyprus: Affordable European Destinations for Indians

If you have ever dreamed of open-air cafés, seaside sunsets, or strolls through historic European towns but worried about the cost, there’s good news. According to Forbes, a monthly budget of $2,000 (around ₹1.74 lakh) can go a long way in destinations like Hungary, Greece, and Cyprus. In Budapest, you can enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle with excellent healthcare, culture, and transport while keeping expenses between $1,200 and $1,800/month.
 

Greece offers seaside living for as low as $400/month outside the tourist hubs, and Cyprus delivers a relaxed, sun-soaked lifestyle with modern infrastructure and low taxes, all within a modest budget. These countries don’t just offer affordability, they promise community, quality of life, and accessible visa pathways, making the European dream possible for more Indians than ever before.
 

Also, read…

Top 10 countries with best work life balance in 2025
 

Top Three Budget-Friendly European Countries for Indian Citizens in 2025

For Indians seeking a slower pace of life, scenic surroundings, and affordability abroad, a handful of European countries make it possible to live comfortably on a modest monthly income. With the right location, you can enjoy a quality lifestyle, healthcare access, and community warmth, all for around ₹1.74 lakh per month.
 

The top 3 countries that are budget-friendly for Indians is as follows:
 

Hungary

• City Highlight: Budapest
• Monthly Cost: $1,200–$1,800
• Why It Stands Out: Budget-friendly city life, efficient public transport, accessible healthcare, and rich cultural heritage.
   

Greece

• City Highlight: Coastal towns beyond tourist hubs
• Monthly Cost: $1,000–$1,700 (rent as low as $400)
• Why It Stands Out: Warm climate, affordable coastal living, tax perks for expats, and a strong sense of community.
   

Cyprus

• City Highlight: Beachside towns across the island
• Monthly Cost: $1,200–$1,800 (rents between $500–$800)
• Why It Stands Out: Low taxes, English-speaking population, modern infrastructure, and a relaxed, sunny lifestyle.
   

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

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Highlights: Big Changes Coming to US Visas in 2025 for Indian Applicants

• From June 23, 2025, student and exchange visa applicants (F, M, J categories) must make their social media accounts public as part of enhanced digital screening.
• A new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will apply to most non-immigrant visa categories, including student, visitor, and work visas, starting October 1, 2025.
• The total visa cost for Indian applicants could now range from $425 to $473, depending on the category and existing fees.
• From September 2, 2025, the US will tighten interview waiver eligibility, requiring most applicants to attend in-person interviews—even for renewals.
• Only limited categories such as diplomats and certain officials may continue to qualify for automatic interview waivers under the revised rules.
   

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Planning a US Trip? Here’s What Will Be Different in the 2025 Visa Process

Starting in 2025, the US is introducing a series of visa reforms aimed at increasing transparency, security, and enforcement. These include mandatory public social media for student visa applicants, a new $250 visa integrity fee for most non-immigrant categories, and stricter eligibility for interview waivers.
 

While these steps reflect broader immigration tightening, they also mean Indian applicants will need to prepare earlier, review their online presence, and budget for higher costs. For students, professionals, and tourists alike, understanding these changes will be critical to a smooth visa experience.
 

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Top 3 US Visa Changes Indians Must Prepare for in 2025

In 2025, Indian applicants will see key policy changes in the US visa process aimed at increasing screening and compliance.
 

• Mandatory Public Social Media for Student Visas (Effective June 23, 2025)

Applicants for F, M, and J visas must make their social media profiles public at the time of application. US consular officers may review usernames, posts, and affiliations as part of digital security screening.
 

• $250 Visa Integrity Fee for Non-immigrant Visas (Effective October 1, 2025)

Most non-immigrant visa applicants, including students, workers, and tourists—will be required to pay an additional $250 fee on top of existing visa charges.
 

• Stricter Interview Waiver Rules (Effective September 2, 2025)

In-person interviews will become mandatory for most applicants. Renewals will only qualify for a waiver under limited conditions and at the discretion of consular officers.
 

These updates reflect a shift toward greater scrutiny, and Indian applicants are encouraged to plan ahead, ensure profile transparency, and budget for the added costs.
 

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