PERMANENT RESIDENTS IN CANADA
Canada launches free CRS calculator to help Express Entry candidates check new high-wage points
CanadaVisa has released a free online calculator for Express Entry candidates to determine their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores following the implementation of Canada's high-wage occupation changes, effective November 3, 2026. The updated calculator factors in points for qualifying high-wage Canadian work experience or job offers, alongside other CRS factors such as age, education, language skills and employment history.
Canada plans to welcome up to 622,000 new permanent residents by 2027 under the new immigration plan
Canada plans to grant permanent residence to up to 622,000 people by the end of 2027 through a combination of new admissions and measures to transition temporary residents to permanent status. The government has earmarked up to 200,000 places for temporary residents already in Canada, while its latest Immigration Levels Plan sets a target of up to 422,000 new permanent resident admissions in 2027.
US Green Card lottery 2027: Court blocks reopening of Diversity Visa programme; what applicants should know
The US Diversity Visa lottery programme for 2027 is currently suspended due to ongoing legal disputes. A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked earlier orders to reopen registrations. The US State Department had previously announced intentions to change the programme, leading to uncertainty for applicants. As of now, the registration window cannot proceed as planned. Prospective applicants must await further developments regarding the lottery and any government announcements.
Australia's new biometric rule for Indian visa applicants: Who will have to comply? High Commission clarifies
Australian High Commission in India has exclusively mentioned that Australia’s expanded biometric requirements will cover most temporary and permanent visa applicants in India, including visitor, student, skilled-worker and permanent-migration applicants, while the requirement will be determined by individual circumstances; Indian officials travelling on official business are exempt.
Canada changes limit on work permit applications during LMIA decision waits for foreign workers
Canada has lifted the 90-day limit on certain work permit applications while employers wait for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). This change offers eligible foreign workers increased processing flexibility, allowing them to remain in Canada while awaiting decisions. However, stringent LMIA restrictions still exist in high-unemployment regions, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the labor market.
Canada’s Ontario reopens regional immigration initiative for skilled workers seeking permanent residence
Ontario province has launched an exciting new phase of its Regional Economic Development through Immigration initiative. This program is designed to attract skilled foreign workers who are eager to settle in six carefully selected communities, including Greater Sudbury, Kenora District, and Thunder Bay. Candidates must fulfill specific criteria before applying via the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
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Microsoft buyout offer: Will taking the exit package mean H-1B visa workers may have to leave the country?
Microsoft’s voluntary buyout gives eligible employees financial support to leave but this may also bring trouble in their living status. For some H-1B workers, accepting the exit package could affect their ability to remain in the United States.
Microsoft offers voluntary exits to 60,000 employees: What's in it, who qualifies and will India’s 23,000-strong workforce be impacted?
Microsoft has introduced a voluntary exit offer for eligible employees in India, the US, the UK and Canada, covering around 60,000 workers globally. The programme offers financial support and career transition services, but India's share remains unclear. The announcement comes amid US scrutiny of Microsoft's foreign-worker visa practices.
Naman Dhir nearly quit cricket in 2022 to move to Canada, but father urged him to stay and try for one more year
Naman Dhir's unbeaten 42 off 15 balls helped India complete their highest successful T20 chase against New Zealand, earning praise from captain Shreyas Iyer for his composure and all-round options. Dhir's breakthrough comes after he nearly quit cricket in 2022 to move to Canada, before his father's encouragement led him to continue, make his Ranji Trophy debut and earn an IPL opportunity.
Canada study permit wait rises to 7 weeks for Indians; work permits remain at 11 weeks
Current processing times for study permits for Indian students have surged to about seven weeks in Canada. Work permits, however, maintain a steady pace at 11 weeks. Visitor visa processing has seen a minor improvement, now taking 29 days, while super visa processing has extended to 77 days. Applicants must remain mindful of these timelines, as they can fluctuate depending on the intricacies of applications and the number of submissions.
Canada drops LMIA requirement for eligible Express Entry job offers
Canada is set to introduce changes to the Express Entry system on November 3, 2026. Eligible candidates can use qualifying job offers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment for immigration purposes. The new rules will facilitate the process for Indian professionals seeking permanent residence in Canada. Applicants must follow specific guidelines when updating their profiles to meet the new requirements.
Canada plans to cut student and temporary worker arrivals, fast-tracks PR for 33,000 workers
Canada plans to decrease new temporary resident arrivals over the next three years while maintaining permanent residency targets. The targeted intake for international students will fall to 155,000 in 2026 and further decline in subsequent years. Temporary worker admissions are also set to decrease, with higher priority given to needed skills. Permanent residency admissions will remain steady, focusing on economic and family reunification categories.
US legal immigration falls by half as visa restrictions reshape entry routes: Explained
Legal immigration to United States fell sharply in February 2026, with immigrant visa issuances dropping dramatically. The Trump administration implemented stricter entry rules affecting applicants from numerous countries and regions. Specific declines were noted in Central Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe, resulting in a slower overall process. Student and work visa issuances also decreased significantly, impacting the immigration landscape.
Canada revives Express Entry job offer points; Indian workers in high-wage jobs could gain an edge
In a significant move, Canada is modifying its approach to ranking skilled immigrants applying for permanent residency, set to be implemented by November 2026. The revised system will favour candidates with Canadian work experience in high-paying sectors and valid job offers. This policy aims to draw in skilled workers capable of contributing positively to the economy.
Canada may raise immigration levels as population growth hits lowest since WWII
Canada's Immigration Minister Lena Diab has signalled a possible increase in immigration levels as population growth hits its lowest rate since the Second World War. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is expected to unveil an updated immigration plan in November, balancing economic growth and labour needs against housing affordability and pressure on public services.
World's strongest passports: UAE leads, US ranks 10th; where does India stand?
The United Arab Emirates leads the 2026 Passport Index with a Mobility Score of 182 and access to 182 destinations. India stands at the 72nd position with a Mobility Score of 70, highlighting limited travel access. The rankings reflect significant disparities in international mobility for different nationalities.
This country allows US, UK, Canada and New Zealand residents join its military without citizenship. Check eligibility, age limit and more
In 2024, Australia allowed eligible permanent residents from the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand to apply to join its military without obtaining Australian citizenship first. The expanded recruitment policy aims to address personnel shortages and widen the pool of potential recruits. Here are the eligibility criteria, residency requirements and minimum age limit for joining the Australian Defence Force.
US green card delays: What options do Indian tech workers have if PERM is suspended
With the US labour certification process now suspended, Indian technology workers face an uncertain future in their pursuit of permanent residency. They are encouraged to consider changing employers or looking into green card options that do not rely on the PERM process. Additionally, pursuing international transfers within their companies could offer viable pathways.
PERM ban is not just an H-1B problem: Who else could lose their green card path?
The US Labor Department’s PERM suspension could affect foreign workers beyond H-1B holders, including some L-1, O-1, TN, E-3 and F-1 OPT workers whose employer-sponsored green card cases depend on labour certification. Their current visas are not automatically cancelled, but PERM delays could slow permanent residency and create greater uncertainty for workers nearing the limits of their temporary status.
Australia’s NSW proposes new migration pathway for regional workers; Indians may benefit
New South Wales is consulting on a proposed state-led Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) that could expand employer-sponsored migration opportunities in regional Australia. The proposal covers occupations including nursing, aged care, hospitality, construction and skilled trades, with potential age and salary concessions and a pathway to permanent residency for eligible workers.
Beyond America: Top nations where Indian tech professionals can find overseas job prospects and career growth
Indian technology professionals are exploring new global opportunities as US immigration policies change. Countries like Australia, Canada, and Germany offer various pathways for skilled workers. These professionals need to understand specific immigration routes and requirements in each destination. Securing job offers does not guarantee visa eligibility, as requirements can vary significantly.
Susan Dell philanthropy goes beyond Trump Accounts: How The Dell foundation used $78 million to rebuild 3,740 Texas homes and fight homelessness in Austin
Susan Dell’s along with her husband, Michael Dell, she has supported major housing and disaster-recovery efforts in Texas. From contributing $42 million to the Rebuild Texas Fund after Hurricane Harvey, which helped repair or rebuild 3,740 homes, to pledging $36.6 million to expand Community First! Village in Austin, the Dell family has invested millions in helping families recover from disasters and people experiencing homelessness find permanent housing.
Ontario immigration update: C$80,000 earners get 10 points under new Canada PR pathway
In a significant update to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, Ontario has increased the points available for candidates with higher salaries. Those earning C$80,000 and above will receive a bonus of 10 points, elevating their odds of being nominated. This initiative seeks to entice skilled workers, particularly from India, by highlighting the value of their annual earnings.
Separatist Parti Quebecois wins Quebec election, puts independence back on agenda
The Parti Quebecois has regained power in Quebec's provincial election, ending eight years of Coalition Avenir Quebec rule. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's victory raises questions about Quebec's future in Canada and includes plans for another independence referendum. Despite this win, support for separation remains low, around 30%, reflecting a divided political system. Prime Minister Mark Carney's popularity in Quebec suggests that the separatist sentiment is not widespread.
Canada updates and personalise work permit processing time, what does it mean for Indians?
The Canadian government has launched a new feature that provides exact estimates for processing times related to work permit extensions and post-graduation work permits. Indian applicants can now view their estimated wait times directly linked to their submission dates. This update enhances clarity around the number of applications awaiting review, departing from the previous system that considered only inquiry dates.
The H-1B midterm test: Why Indian tech workers could matter in the US elections
The 2026 US midterms could make H-1B policy a political test among Indian-American voters, with Trump-era fees and tighter scrutiny affecting a community closely tied to skilled migration. But immigration is only part of the equation, with inflation and jobs ranking higher among voter concerns and the wider debate increasingly tied to economic growth, talent and the US technology workforce.
US expands visa social media checks to three more categories from October 1
From October 1, the US will expand social media screening to I, TN and TD visa applicants, requiring foreign journalists, USMCA professionals and their dependants to make all social media profiles public or open. The move adds these categories to an online vetting regime that already covers H-1B workers, students, exchange visitors and several other visa classes.
Canada visa processing times: Super Visa wait rises for Indians, visitor visa improves
Canada's visa processing times for Indian applicants have seen slight adjustments. Work and study permit wait times remain unchanged for Indian citizens. Visitor visa processing has improved slightly, while Super Visa wait times have increased. These processing times are estimates and not guaranteed deadlines. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada updates these estimates weekly.
Canada invites 2,000 skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in latest Express Entry draw, CRS cut-off falls to 519
Canada invited 2,000 skilled workers to apply for permanent residency. This latest Express Entry draw had a CRS cut-off score of 519. The selection specifically targeted Canadian Experience Class candidates for immigration. This draw brings the total invitations issued by IRCC to 128,732 this year. Many candidates in the Express Entry pool now possess higher CRS scores.
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