Posted on November 02 2016
Tags:
Hajj
Saudi Arabia
Umrah
visas
Share
Get it on your Mobile
Get News Alerts
Contact Y-Axis
Belgium Approves 45,500+ Citizenship Applications in 2024. Apply now!
*Willing to work in Belgium? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
A recent report by De Tijd revealed that the Government of Belgium approved around 45,538 citizenship applications from January to September 2024, reaching record-high levels. Such a high number was last recorded in the first nine months of 2001, following the implementation of fast-track Belgian law.
The report shows that the majority of citizenships were granted to Moroccans, Syrians, Romanians, Afghans, Turks, and Palestinians. A significant number of Belgian citizenships were also issued to nationals from Turkey, Iraq, Poland, the Netherlands, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
*Willing to migrate to Belgium? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete immigration assistance!
Under the amended Belgian Nationality Code, foreign spouses of Belgian diplomats can now acquire Belgian citizenship without having to wait for five years. This places foreign spouses in an equal place with Belgian nationals.
The foreign spouse applying for Belgian citizenship must be in Belgium when submitting the application and adhere to all other eligibility requirements.
*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 support!
For recent immigration updates on Belgium, check out Y-Axis Schengen Immigration Updates!
IRCC Implements New Rules for International Students Changing Schools from 2025
*Willing to study in Canada? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
The IRCC has introduced new rules for international students willing to change their Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) for spring or winter 2025 intake. Under the new rules, a student will be allowed to start studying at their new school even before they receive their new study permit.
An international student will be eligible for this new rule if they meet the following criteria before switching schools:
Canada study permit applications submitted before November 01, 2024 are not required to meet revised requirements for Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Candidates who have applied after November 01, 2024 have to meet the following requirements for PGWP:
Level of study |
Field of study requirements |
College program or other non-university program |
Must graduate from an eligible field of study |
University bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs |
NA |
University programs not listed above |
Must graduate from an eligible field of study |
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Canada Immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!
For recent immigration updates on Canada, check out Y-Axis Canada Immigration Updates!
US H1B & Green Card made easy for Indians on J-1 visa, two year residency not required from 9th Dec, 2024
*Willing to work in the US? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
The US Exchange Visitor Skills List provides details about the fields of expertise critical to the national development of the US. The Department of State has recently announced changes, including the removal of the two-year residency requirement for J-1 visa holders.
The following are the major changes made to the US Exchange Visitor Skills List:
*Willing to apply for a US J-1 visa? Y-Axis is here for complete immigration assistance!
J-1 visa holders can apply for other US visas, such as H-1B visas or US Green Cards, without securing a return or waiver to their home countries. This change is highly beneficial for researchers, physicians, and trainees seeking long-term opportunities in the US.
Employers in America will have wider access to skilled professionals in healthcare, STEM, and engineering fields. US Universities and research institutions can now sponsor J-1 visa holders for non-cap H-1B visas, which are no longer subject to an annual lottery.
*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!
For recent immigration updates on the US, check out Y-Axis US Immigration News!
Portugal to issue work visas within 30 days. Apply now!
*Willing to work in Portugal? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
The Government of Portugal is aiming to issue foreign work permits within 30 days or less to facilitate easy access of Portugal Work Permits. Longer processing time for Portugal Work Permit has been delaying the immigration process for foreign workers in Portugal.
According to recent report, Portugal needs 100,000 skilled workers every year due to workforce shortage. The construction sector in Portugal has around 80,000 vacancies on an average. Reducing waiting times for Portugal Work Permits will attract more foreign workers to join the workforce in Portugal.
*Looking for jobs in Portugal? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to find the right one!
The Portugal Consular Services is yet to decide if the processing time for Portugal Work Permit can be further brought down to 20 days. The Consular Services will issue a statement announcing its decision on the same.
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers has added 50 more employees to the Portugal consular posts so as to accelerate the response capacity of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Portuguese immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No.1 overseas immigration consultancy!
For recent immigration updates on Europe, check out Y-Axis Schengen Immigration Updates!
Canada to Introduce 4 New PR Pathways in 2025
*Want to apply for Canada PR? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada is set to introduce four new pilot programs in 2025, which would lead to Canada PR. Each pathway targets a specific community of foreign workers required in a specific province or in Canada as a whole.
The table below provides details of the new PR pathways in Canada:
Pathway |
Who can apply |
Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Programs (2) |
Home childcare workers and home support workers |
Rural Community Immigration Pilot |
Professionals with relevant skills required to work in specific rural communities in Canada |
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot |
French Speaking professionals with relevant skills required to work in small communities outside of Quebec |
Manitoba’s West Central Immigration Initiative Pilot |
Skilled professionals willing to live and work in Manitoba’s West Central region |
*Willing to migrate to Canada? Sign up with Y-Axis for complete immigration assistance!
The two pilot programs launched in June 2024, the Home Support Worker Pilot and the Home Childcare Provider Pilot, are to be replaced by the Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Program.
Canada has a growing demand for caregivers, and the new program aims to attract more caregivers by providing them with Canada PR upon arrival. Homecare workers in Canada can work for organizations that provide temporary care to people recovering from an injury or illness.
You would be eligible to apply for this program if you:
The IRCC will release further information regarding this program in the upcoming months.
The IRCC will launch a new Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RNIP) following the recent success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). Through this program, immigrants willing to work and live in small rural communities in Canada can obtain Canada PR.
You would be eligible to apply for this program if you:
The new program will come into effect in 2025.
Manitoba’s West Central Immigration Initiative Pilot was launched on November 15, 2024. According to a recent study, Manitoba needs around 240-300 skilled professionals annually to meet its labor market needs. This three-year pilot program aims to address the province's current labor market demands and would lead to Canada PR.
*Want to apply for Manitoba PNP? Y-Axis is here to guide you with the steps!
This program, part of the Francophone Immigration Policy of Canada, is designed to invite French-speaking professionals. It aims to attract professionals willing to settle outside Quebec who would contribute to the economic development of Francophone minority communities.
French-speaking professionals with relevant skills required to work in small communities outside Quebec are eligible to apply for this program and get Canada PR upon meeting the other requirements.
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Canada Immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end support!
For recent immigration updates on Canada, check out Y-Axis Canada Immigration News!
Portugal needs 100,000 skilled workers every year due to workforce shortage. Apply Now!
*Willing to work in Portugal? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
As per the reports of a study conducted by Migrations and Human Rights in Portugal, the country will need around 50,000-100,000 skilled foreign workers annually to maintain the economic growth.
The construction sector in Portugal alone has a requirement of 80,000 skilled workers. The government is planning to implement strategies to facilitate the immigration process for foreign workers.
*Willing to migrate to Portugal? Sign Up with Y-Axis for complete immigration assistance!
EU countries like Germany, France and Portugal offer new visas for skilled professionals from 2025. In an effort to address the labor force requirements in Portugal, the country has recently launched seasonal, short-term, and long-term visa options for foreign workers.
Seasonal visas mainly aim to bring foreign workers into the tourism industry, allowing them to stay and work for up to nine months. Long-term visas in Portugal are valid for one to two years, depending upon the type and requirements of the job.
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Portuguese immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No.1 overseas immigration consultancy!
For recent immigration updates on Europe, check out Y-Axis Schengen Immigration Updates!
Italy announces new student visa rules from 2025
*Want to study in Italy? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
The Government of Italy has introduced updates to the student visa rules for international students willing to migrate and study in Italy. As per the new rules, international students must schedule an appointment at the Italian consulate and submit their biometrics, such as fingerprints, to complete their Italy Student Visa application.
The updated visa rules will take effect on January 10, 2025, and will apply to all long-term visas (D-visas), which allow migrants to stay in Italy for more than 90 days. The changes might increase the overall cost of obtaining a student visa in Italy.
*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 support!
For recent immigration updates in Italy, check out Y-Axis Schengen Immigration News!
US Extends Employment Document Renewals to 540 Days
*Want to work in the US? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a permanent extension for Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) renewal candidates. The Automatic Extension Period for renewal applicants is set at 540 days instead of the current 180 days, effective from January 13, 2025.
This move aims to promote economic growth and facilitate access to Employment Authorisation Documents (EAD) for eligible foreign workers in the US. The extended renewal period will be applicable for EAD renewal applications filed on or after May 04, 2022. The announcement addresses the issues raised by the US business community in a recently shared feedback.
*Looking for jobs in the US? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to find the right one!
The USCIS has implemented the following steps to reduce the processing time for Employment Authorisation Documents:
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance for US Immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world's No.1 Overseas Immigration Consultancy.
For recent immigration updates on the US, check out Y-Axis US Immigration News!
Start-Up Revolution: German Companies urge Govt. to cut down visa processing times
*Want to work in Germany? Y-Axis is here to provide expert guidance!
According to Schengen News Reports, the German Government has received requests from the German Start-Up Association to ease visa policies and reduce processing times. The Association has also requested that the Government lift visa restrictions on German work and Residence Permits.
Germany Seeks 288,000 Foreign Workers Annually Until 2040 to strengthen its economy. Recent data shows that only 17% of German companies are satisfied with the rules for recruiting international workers. Eased visa rules will allow the country to attract more foreign workers and help retain existing foreign professionals in Germany.
*Want to migrate to Germany? Sign Up with Y-Axis for complete immigration assistance!
The coalition government of Germany has recently introduced several measures to attract foreign workers to Germany. One of the significant policies was the introduction of the Germany Opportunity Card, which allows candidates to migrate and look for jobs in Germany.
The requirements for the Germany Opportunity Card have been kept at a minimum, which includes:
The country also entered into agreements to bring skilled foreign workers, especially from India, which is likely to benefit both the Indian and German Job markets.
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Germany Immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end support!
For recent immigration updates on Germany, check out Y-Axis Schengen News Updates!
Ireland Issues 3,400 Work Permits for Agriculture Sector in 2024. Apply now!
*Want to work in Ireland? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!
The Department of Trade and Employment (DETE) in Ireland has granted over 30,000 employment permits in 2024. Around 3,400 permits were issued to agriculture workers between January and November 2024, the maximum work permits being issued in February.
The DETE granted around 11,694 permits was issued to health and care workers. About 9.4% of the total employment permits were issued to foreign workers in agriculture, fishing, and forestry, while 32% of work permits were granted to health and care workers in Ireland. The average annual salary for meat processing and horticulture workers is likely to increase to €32,000 from €30,000 in January 2025.
*Looking for jobs in Ireland? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to find the right one!
According to recent data by DETE, Indians and Brazilians topped the list of nationalities who received Irish Work permits in 2024. The top ten nationalities that were granted the maximum number of Irish Work Permits in 2024 are listed in the table below:
Nationality |
No. Work Permits issued |
Indians |
12,498 |
Brazilians |
4,320 |
Filipinos |
3,760 |
Chinese |
1,760 |
Pakistanis |
1,600 |
South Africans |
1,509 |
Americans |
1,031 |
Zimbabweans |
908 |
Nigerians |
909 |
Malaysians |
620 |
*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 support!
For recent immigration updates on Croatia, check out Y-Axis Schengen Immigration Updates!
Also read…