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Highlights of the 2025 UK Family Visa Changes

Extended Settlement Period:
Most migrants will now need to live in the UK for 10 years before being eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This applies to most work and skilled visa categories and reflects a government shift toward long-term settlement policies.

Exceptions for Family Members:
Family members of British citizens or settled persons—particularly spouses and dependent children—will continue to benefit from shorter settlement pathways, generally allowing ILR eligibility after 5 years, provided they meet all visa conditions.

Tighter English Language Requirements:
The English language standards for family visa applicants are expected to become more stringent. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate higher levels of proficiency, potentially through new testing frameworks or updated score thresholds.

Specific Updates to UK Spouse Visas

In 2025, the United Kingdom is implementing wide-reaching changes to its immigration rules, with a particular focus on settlement pathways and financial requirements. While most migrants will now need to wait longer before securing permanent residency, family reunification routes such as spouse and child visas retain some of the more favourable pathways. The UK Home Office has made it clear that the intention is to promote integration while ensuring that families can still join their loved ones under revised but viable conditions.

 

Higher Minimum Income Requirement:
Effective April 11, 2024, the minimum income threshold for sponsoring a spouse under the UK Spouse Visa increased to £29,000. This figure applies when there are no children being sponsored and is subject to increase if dependents are included.

Stricter Application Conditions:
To qualify, applicants must:

• Be legally married to or in a civil partnership with their UK-based sponsor.
• Have met in person prior to application.
• Show a genuine intention to live together permanently in the UK.

Updated Financial Documentation Rules:
Applicants must provide financial documents—such as salary slips or bank statements—dated within 28 days of the application. These must be submitted within 31 days of the application date, with failure to comply resulting in application delays or rejection.

Additional UK Family Visa Guidelines

Visa Categories Covered:
The family visa program covers:

• Spouses or civil partners
• Unmarried partners
• Dependent children
• Parents of UK-settled children
• Adults requiring long-term care from relatives

Processing Time and Separate Applications:
Standard processing time for out-of-country applications is approximately 12 weeks. Each family member must submit an individual application and pay the corresponding fee, which is non-refundable in case of rejection.

Check Eligibility Before Applying:
Given the strict documentation and financial requirements, it is essential to verify eligibility criteria carefully before submitting an application.

Stay Compliant and Prepared with Expert Guidance

Understanding the UK’s immigration framework can be complex, especially with recent changes. Ensuring your documents, income thresholds, and relationship criteria meet Home Office standards is crucial for a successful visa outcome.

Y-Axis Can Help You Navigate These Changes

As India’s No.1 immigration and visa consultancy, Y-Axis provides expert support for UK family and spouse visa applications.

Here’s how Y-Axis can assist you:

• Personalized visa eligibility assessments
• Expert document preparation and financial planning
• Faster application filing with guidance on new Home Office rules
• Ongoing support until you receive your visa decision

Contact Y-Axis today for a free consultation or visit our UK Dependant Visa Services to get started.

 

Highlights: Canada to Open 15,000 Slots for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship in 2025

• Canada will begin sending invitations for sponsorship under the Parents and Grandparents Program on July 28, 2025.
• The program allows 15,000 sponsorships for parents and grandparents, aimed at family reunification.
• Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including proof of income and financial support for the family members being sponsored.
• Invitations will be issued through a random lottery system, making the process fairer for all applicants.
• The program focuses on keeping families together, with a significant number of Indian families expected to benefit from these sponsorship opportunities.
   

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

Family Reunification Made Easy: Canada Parents and Grandparents Program Opens for 15,000 Sponsorships

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025 is set to offer 15,000 sponsorship opportunities for family reunification, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to live in Canada. Starting July 28, 2025, the program will open up applications, offering a simplified and streamlined process for sponsors. The random lottery system ensures that all applicants have an equal chance of being selected.
 

To be eligible to sponsor under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), applicants must meet specific requirements set by the Canadian government, such as:

• Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their parents or grandparents.
• The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and prove their income meets the minimum requirements.
• Sponsors must demonstrate the ability to provide financial support for their relatives without relying on social assistance.
• Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship to the parents or grandparents being sponsored.
   

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The Super Visa: A Flexible Alternative to the Parents and Grandparents Program

The Super Visa offers a great alternative for Indian families who want to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada. Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a time without needing to renew their visa.
 

The Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple visits to Canada. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of financial support from their Canadian family member, along with medical insurance covering their stay.
 

This visa provides a flexible and long-term solution for family reunification, offering more opportunities for parents and grandparents to stay in Canada.
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance for 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 page!

 

Highlights: UK Announces New Rules for Visit Visa in 2025

• The UK visit visa rules for 2025 include simplified documentation for common categories, streamlining the application process.
• Indian travelers can apply for tourist, business, or family visit visas, depending on the purpose of their trip.
• The visa validity ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the visa type and applicant’s travel history.
• The standard visitor visa fee has been updated to £100 as part of the new changes for 2025.
• Visit visa applications typically take 15 days to process, though applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance to avoid delays.
   

*Want to apply for a UK tourist visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
 

Traveling to the UK in 2025? Here’s What’s Changed in Visit Visa Rules

The UK has announced a series of updates to its visit visa rules for 2025, aimed at simplifying the process and making travel to the UK more accessible. These changes come as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline immigration procedures while ensuring that travelers can visit for tourism, business, or family purposes without unnecessary delays or documentation burdens. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates:

• Biometrics Enhancement: Improved biometric collection to increase accuracy and reduce identity fraud risks.
• Proof of Return: Stronger evidence required to show intentions to leave the UK, with better documentation of ties to your home country.
• Financial Transparency: Focus on consistent income patterns and scrutiny of unexplained deposits instead of just current account balances.
• Online Application Improvements: Upgraded digital platform for easier document uploads and improved translation support.
• ETA System Integration: Coordination between ETA and visa assessments for smoother entry and consistent security screening.
   

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Eligibility to apply for a UK Visit visa

You must meet the below criteria to apply for a UK visit visa:
 

• Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport or travel document with a minimum of one blank page for the visa to be placed.
• Financial Support: You must show that you can support yourself financially during your stay in the UK, which can be through bank statements, sponsorships, or other financial documents.
• Clear Purpose of Visit: Applicants must provide documents that clearly state the purpose of visit, such as tourism, business, or family visits.
• Intention to Return: You must demonstrate your intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit by showing ties to your home country, such as employment, property, or family commitments.
• No Immigration Violations: You should not have a history of overstaying or violating UK immigration laws in the past.
   

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

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Highlights: Saudi Arabia Announces New Work Permit System Focused on Skills and Innovation

• Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system focuses on attracting skilled professionals in fields such as IT, engineering, and finance.
• The update aims to boost innovation and support the kingdom’s economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030.
• The system targets high-demand sectors, helping Saudi Arabia build a knowledge-based economy.
• Simplified application processes make it easier for skilled workers, including Indian professionals, to secure work permits in Saudi Arabia.
• The changes create new opportunities for Indian professionals in key sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare.
   

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

Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System: Opening New Doors for Global Talent

Saudi Arabia has launched a skill-based work permit system aimed at attracting global talent to support its Vision 2030 goals. This new initiative focuses on skilled workers in IT, engineering, and healthcare, making it easier for professionals to work in the country.
 

The system simplifies the application process, focusing more on qualifications and work experience, and reduces bureaucratic barriers. This change is expected to attract global professionals, including Indian workers with expertise in high-demand sectors.
 

With faster processing times and streamlined procedures, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as an attractive destination for skilled professionals looking to grow their careers in the Middle East.
 

*Looking to work in Saudi Arabia? Sign up with Y-Axis to help you with the process.
 

Who Qualifies for Saudi Arabia’s New Skill-Based Work Permit System?

Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system aims to attract highly skilled professionals to drive its economic growth. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
 

• Educational qualifications: A relevant degree or certification in the applicant’s field of expertise.
• Work experience: Significant experience in sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare is prioritized.
• Skills matching demand: Skills should align with Saudi Arabia’s economic needs, particularly in vital sectors.
• Language proficiency: English or Arabic proficiency may be required, depending on the job.
• Job offer: Applicants must have a job offer from a Saudi employer in a relevant field.
   

Note: These criteria ensure that Saudi Arabia attracts skilled professionals who can contribute to its ambitious Vision 2030 goals.

Also read…
 

Saudi Arabia changes work visa rules for Indian workers from Jan 2025
 

How Saudi Arabia’s New Work Permit System Supports Vision 2030

The new skill-based work permit system is designed to achieve several key objectives in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. These objectives aim to boost the country's economic growth, attract global talent, and address critical skill shortages. The goals of this new policy include:
 

• Attracting global talent: To bring in skilled professionals from around the world to meet the country’s workforce demands.
• Economic diversification: To support the kingdom’s efforts to reduce its reliance on oil by fostering knowledge-based industries.
• Filling critical skills gaps: To ensure that key sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering are well-supported by qualified professionals.
• Enhancing innovation: By welcoming talent that can drive technological advancements and industry innovation.
• Supporting long-term growth: To create a sustainable workforce that will contribute to Saudi Arabia's future development and global competitiveness.
   

Note: These objectives will help ensure that Saudi Arabia continues to grow as a dynamic, competitive economy in the coming decades.
 

*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: New Zealand Introduces New Work Rights for Students in 2025

• From November 2025, international students in New Zealand can work full-time during university breaks and part-time during semesters.
• Degree students will no longer have hourly work limits, offering more flexibility in balancing work and study.
• The update aims to address New Zealand’s skills shortage, allowing students to work in high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering.
• The government encourages students to gain work experience in high-skill sectors, contributing to both their career development and the economy.
• Students completing level 7 or above qualifications will find it easier to apply for post-study work visas, facilitating long-term work opportunities in New Zealand.
   

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Upcoming Changes to New Zealand’s Student Visa Work Rights: What’s New in 2025?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced the International Education Going for Growth Plan on July 14, 2025. The country is set to introduce important changes to its student visa work rights starting in 2025. These updates aim to provide international students with more flexibility and opportunities to work while studying in the country. The changes also focus on addressing New Zealand’s ongoing skills shortage by allowing students to gain relevant work experience in key industries.
 

Here are the key updates for students planning to study in New Zealand:
 

• Full-time work during breaks: Starting 2025, international students can work full-time during university holidays, in addition to their part-time work during the academic year.
• No work limits for degree students: Students enrolled in degree-level programs will no longer face restrictions on working hours, allowing them to gain more practical experience.
• Work in high-demand sectors: Students will have greater flexibility to work in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering, which are facing labor shortages.
• Post-study work opportunities: Students who complete level 7 or higher qualifications will find it easier to apply for post-study work visas, enabling them to gain work experience in New Zealand after graduation.
• Support for skills development: The changes are designed to help students gain the skills needed by New Zealand's economy, ensuring they can contribute effectively to high-skill industries.
   

Note: These changes are set to make studying and working in New Zealand more attractive, offering Indian students’ greater flexibility and opportunities to build their careers in a competitive global market.
 

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How New Zealand’s New Student Visa Changes Open Up Opportunities for Indian Students

The recent changes to New Zealand’s student visa work rights present a significant opportunity for Indian students seeking quality education and international career prospects. With the increased flexibility in working hours, extended post-study work options, and focus on high-demand sectors, these updates enhance New Zealand’s appeal as a study destination.
 

As the global demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, these changes ensure that students not only receive top-notch education but also have the chance to gain valuable work experience that will benefit their careers in the long term. New Zealand remains committed to fostering global talent, making it an excellent choice for Indian students aiming to build a successful future abroad.
 

For Indian students planning to study in New Zealand, these changes make the process more accessible and provide greater opportunities to succeed both academically and professionally.
 

*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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