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Highlights: Canada Reveals Express Entry Draw Focus for 2025 with Priority Sectors and ITA Schedule

• IRCC will conduct more category-based draws in 2025, aligning with the Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027.
• Education, healthcare, and trades will be top priority categories in upcoming Express Entry rounds.
• A total of 8,000 ITAs were allocated to healthcare professionals, with 7,500 already issued.
• Over 18,500 ITAs were issued in French-proficiency draws held between February and March 2025.
• A three-month ITA schedule will be shared with provinces and territories to support better PNP planning. 
   

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

Canada’s Immigration Focus Shifts to Key Sectors with Targeted ITAs

In a move to attract talent where it’s needed most, Canada is ramping up its focus on category-based Express Entry draws for the rest of 2025. According to an official report, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has laid out a clear roadmap prioritising occupations in healthcare, education, and skilled trades.
 

This targeted approach is part of Canada’s broader effort to align immigration with labour market needs and support long-term growth. For skilled Indian professionals in these fields, this opens up more opportunities to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. 

 

Here’s a look at the ITA allocation for these categories in 2025:

Category	Total ITAs in 2025	ITAs Issued So Far	Remaining ITAs for 2025
Healthcare	8,000	7,500	500
Education	3,000	1,000	2,000
Trades	3,300	0	3,300

 

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Canada Issues 55,820 PR Invitations So Far in 2025 as More Express Entry Draws Expected

Canada has issued a total of 55,820 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Express Entry system as of August 2025, and there’s still more to come. With category-based draws continuing throughout the year, applicants in priority sectors like education, healthcare, and skilled trades still have plenty of opportunities.

The IRCC’s structured invitation calendar, shared with provinces and territories, is expected to bring more predictability to the process. This approach supports Canada's 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan and helps applicants align their submissions with upcoming draws.

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, now is the time to get your profile ready. Focus on:

• Enhancing your CRS score
• Securing relevant work experience
• Gathering documentation in advance
• Following category-specific trends

With Canada’s Express Entry system continuing to issue invitations throughout the rest of 2025, Indian professionals still have a great chance 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: Professionals Can Now Visit New Zealand on a Streamlined Business Visa

• New Zealand has introduced a Business Visitor Visa for short-term business visits.
• The visa allows a stay of up to three months within a twelve-month period.
• The visa costs NZ $341, and 80% of applications are processed within 4 days, making it ideal for quick trips.
• Applicants must meet health and character requirements and show proof of sufficient funds worth NZ $1,000/month.
• The visa also permits limited study, includes family members under 19, and supports a range of professional visits.

*Want to know more about the New Zealand Business visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for end-to-end assistance.

Who Can Apply for New Zealand’s Business Visitor Visa and What You Need?

If you are planning a short-term business trip to New Zealand, the Business Visitor Visa is your gateway. This visa is designed for professionals and entrepreneurs who wish to visit the country for business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations — without applying for a work visa.

To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be visiting exclusively for business purposes (not for paid employment).
• Must be in good health (medical tests usually not required for visits under 6 months).
• Must be of good character (police certificates required if spending 24 months or more over multiple visits).
• Must show genuine intent to leave New Zealand at the end of the visit.
• Must provide a letter from the employer or the New Zealand business partner confirming the purpose of visit.
• Must demonstrate financial capacity to support the stay:
• NZ $1,000 per month, or
• NZ $400 per month if accommodation is pre-paid.
• Accepted financial proof includes:
• Recent bank or credit card statements
• Prepaid hotel bookings
• Traveller’s cheques or bank drafts
• If sponsored, a Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry must be completed with relevant financial documents.

Also, read…

New Zealand to introduce Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa to fill workforce shortages    

 

How to Apply for New Zealand’s Business Visitor Visa and What to Expect on Arrival?

Applying for New Zealand’s Business Visitor Visa is a quick and straightforward process, designed to facilitate smooth entry for professionals. Here’s how to get started and what to know once you arrive:

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Gather essential documents – passport, financial proof, employer letter, identity documents.

Step 2: Choose your application method – online (recommended) or paper-based.

Step 3: Upload or attach documents and submit the visa application.

Step 4: Pay the visa fee – NZ $341.

Step 5: Wait for processing – 80% of applications are completed within four days.

Step 6: Receive your eVisa if approved, including all visa conditions.

Arrival and Stay Conditions in New Zealand

• Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arrival.
• Be prepared for border checks – health status, character, and proof of onward travel may be reviewed.
• Proof of return travel or funds to buy a ticket must be provided, unless sponsored.
• Visa holders must only carry out business activities as stated in their application.
• You may study for up to 3 months if needed.
• Re-entry is allowed only if the visa includes multiple entry permissions.
• Paid employment is not permitted under this visa category. 

 

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

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Highlights: Saudi Arabia Opens Pension Savings Plan to Foreign Workers for the First Time

• Saudi Arabia will include foreign workers in its upcoming voluntary pension and savings programme for the first time.
• The aim is to boost domestic savings and curb rising remittance outflows, which reached SR144.2 billion ($38.4 billion) in 2024.
• Foreign workers make up 77% of the country's 12.8 million social insurance subscribers (Q1 2025).
• The scheme follows reforms that raised the retirement age, contribution periods, and contribution rates.
• The IMF supports the programme and has called for greater financial transparency in Saudi’s social insurance assets.

*Want to work in Saudi Arabia? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you with the steps.
 

Big Reform Ahead: Saudi Expands Pension Scheme to Expats

Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Public Pension and Savings Programme is set to be a game-changer for foreign workers, including the large Indian expat community. For the first time, expats will have the option to participate in a structured savings system within the Kingdom—aimed at encouraging long-term financial planning and reducing reliance on outward remittances. In 2024 alone, foreign workers remitted over SR144.2 billion ($38.4 billion), highlighting the scale of funds leaving the country each year.

The initiative is part of broader pension reforms passed in July 2024, which included raising the retirement age, extending contribution periods, and increasing rates. As of the first quarter of 2025, foreign nationals accounted for 77% of the 12.8 million social insurance subscribers in Saudi Arabia.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised the move, stating it could significantly strengthen household savings and enhance the sustainability of the pension system. However, it also urged Saudi authorities to maintain financial transparency, especially in managing the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI)—whose assets make up about 32% of the Kingdom’s GDP.

*Want to work abroad? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.
 

What Indian Workers Should Know about Saudi Arabia’s New Pension Scheme

Here are the key takeaways Indian expats in Saudi Arabia should keep in mind:

• Voluntary Participation: The scheme will be optional, allowing foreign workers to contribute if they choose to start saving within Saudi Arabia.
• Encourages Local Savings: Designed to reduce remittances, the programme aims to help expats retain and grow their income locally through structured savings.
• Target Audience: Indian professionals and workers, who form a major share of Saudi’s expat population, stand to benefit from long-term financial planning tools.
• Social Insurance Context: As of Q1 2025, 77% of 12.8 million social insurance subscribers in Saudi Arabia were foreign nationals—highlighting the importance of including them in savings reforms.
• Further Details Awaited: Exact contribution rates, withdrawal conditions, employer roles, and return on investment details are yet to be officially announced.
• Advice for Expats: Keep track of updates from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Indian missions for official guidelines and enrolment information.
   

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Highlights: Canada to Accept TOEFL Essentials for PR Applications under Economic Programs

• IRCC will soon accept TOEFL Essentials as proof of English proficiency for permanent residence applications.
• The test covers listening, reading, writing, and speaking through real-life, task-based assessments.
• Eligible for use in Express Entry, FSWP, FSTP, CEC, PNPs, and the Atlantic Immigration Program.
• Lasts approximately 1.5 hours, offering instant unofficial scores for reading and listening.
• Official scores are released within six days and can be sent to unlimited institutions free of charge.

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

What Is TOEFL Essentials and Who Can Take It?

Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), TOEFL Essentials is a globally recognized English language test designed to evaluate real-world communication skills. On August 21, 2025, ETS was officially added as a designated language testing agency by IRCC. While the test is not yet accepted, IRCC and ETS are working together to finalise timelines and test centre availability.

Once implemented, TOEFL Essentials will be available to candidates applying under the following economic immigration programs:

• Express Entry-managed programs:
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) (subject to provincial discretion)

The test itself includes four timed sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—and features a short, unscored Personal Video Statement. It is designed to simulate practical, real-world interactions, making it relevant for both academic and everyday use.

*Want to improve your English language test scores? Avail the Y-Axis Coaching services to ace your scores!
 

How TOEFL Essentials Compares with Canada’s Approved Language Tests

Currently, IRCC accepts three English language tests:

• IELTS (General Training)
• CELPIP (General)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Core)

TOEFL Essentials will soon join this list, offering a more flexible and fast-paced option. While CELPIP and IELTS are well known among Indian candidates, the inclusion of TOEFL Essentials gives applicants another globally respected option—particularly useful for those who have already taken TOEFL for academic purposes.

The test also allows free score reporting to an unlimited number of institutions, which can be a cost-effective benefit for applicants exploring multiple immigration or study options.
 

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

 For recent immigration updates on Canada, check out Y-Axis Canada Immigration News!
 

Highlights: Canada to Accept TOEFL Essentials for PR Applications under Economic Programs

• IRCC will soon accept TOEFL Essentials as proof of English proficiency for permanent residence applications.
• The test covers listening, reading, writing, and speaking through real-life, task-based assessments.
• Eligible for use in Express Entry, FSWP, FSTP, CEC, PNPs, and the Atlantic Immigration Program.
• Lasts approximately 1.5 hours, offering instant unofficial scores for reading and listening.
• Official scores are released within six days and can be sent to unlimited institutions free of charge.

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

What Is TOEFL Essentials and Who Can Take It?

Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), TOEFL Essentials is a globally recognized English language test designed to evaluate real-world communication skills. On August 21, 2025, ETS was officially added as a designated language testing agency by IRCC. While the test is not yet accepted, IRCC and ETS are working together to finalise timelines and test centre availability.

Once implemented, TOEFL Essentials will be available to candidates applying under the following economic immigration programs:

• Express Entry-managed programs:
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) (subject to provincial discretion)

The test itself includes four timed sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—and features a short, unscored Personal Video Statement. It is designed to simulate practical, real-world interactions, making it relevant for both academic and everyday use.

*Want to improve your English language test scores? Avail the Y-Axis Coaching services to ace your scores!
 

How TOEFL Essentials Compares with Canada’s Approved Language Tests

Currently, IRCC accepts three English language tests:

• IELTS (General Training)
• CELPIP (General)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Core)

TOEFL Essentials will soon join this list, offering a more flexible and fast-paced option. While CELPIP and IELTS are well known among Indian candidates, the inclusion of TOEFL Essentials gives applicants another globally respected option—particularly useful for those who have already taken TOEFL for academic purposes.

The test also allows free score reporting to an unlimited number of institutions, which can be a cost-effective benefit for applicants exploring multiple immigration or study options.
 

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

 For recent immigration updates on Canada, check out Y-Axis Canada Immigration News!

Highlights: Navigating UAE Employment: Overview of 13 Official Work Permit Types

• The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) now offers 13 types of work permits for diverse employment categories.
• The Work Bundle, a new digital platform, reduces hiring steps from 15 to 5 and cuts processing time from 30 to just 5 working days.
• Permits cover options for full-time, freelance, part-time, student, and project-based employment.
• Employers must meet conditions like valid trade licences, age criteria, and activity alignment to obtain permits.
• Violations such as false documentation or non-compliance can lead to permit suspension or cancellation.

*Want to work in the UAE? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.
 

Working in the UAE Made Simple: Explore These 13 Work Permit Types

Whether you're a full-time employee, freelancer, or trainee, the UAE has a dedicated work permit tailored to your employment type. These permits are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and regulate legal employment across the private sector and free zones.
 

Here’s a breakdown of the 13 official work permits, who they’re for, and how long they are typically valid:
 

Permit Type	Who It’s For / Purpose	Validity
Recruitment from Outside UAE	Hiring workers from overseas	2 years
Transfer Permit	For employees shifting to another UAE-based employer	2 years
Family Sponsorship Permit	Allows residents on family sponsorship to take up employment	2 years
Temporary Work Permit	Short-term assignment with another company	Short-term
Mission Work Permit	Project-based work for foreign nationals	Project duration
Part-Time Work Permit	For those working limited hours or for multiple employers	As per contract
Juvenile Work Permit	For youth aged 15–18 under regulated conditions	1 year
Student Training & Employment Permit	For students aged 15+ in internships or training roles	3 months
UAE/GCC National Work Permit	For hiring UAE or GCC nationals in private sector roles	2 years
Golden Visa Holder Work Permit	For Golden Visa residents working for UAE companies	2 years
National Trainee Work Permit	For training UAE citizens in line with qualifications	12 months, renewable
Freelance Work Permit	For self-employed professionals without employer sponsorship	Varies
Private Teacher Work Permit	For qualified private tutors	2 years (free of charge)

*Looking for jobs in the UAE? Avail the Y-Axis Job search services to find the right one.
 

UAE Work Permits: Conditions, Renewals, and Compliance Guidelines

To ensure regulatory compliance and uphold labour standards, the UAE has established specific conditions for the issuance, renewal, and cancellation of work permits under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
 

Issuance Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old, except for student or juvenile permits.
• The job role must align with the employer’s licensed business activity.
• Employers must hold a valid trade licence and comply with UAE labour laws.
• Regulated professions require the necessary qualifications.
• An authorised company representative must submit the application.
• Permits may be denied or revoked in cases involving false documentation, inactivity, or violations of systems such as the Wages Protection System.

Renewals and Cancellations:

• Work permits can be renewed under the same conditions as initial issuance.
• Fees range from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the employer’s compliance classification (Category A, B, or C).
• Cancellations require formal employer requests, complete documentation, and confirmation that all dues have been paid to the employee.
   

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

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