Policy Updates
Processing time changes, policy updates, and new pathways — summarised for applicants. Updated regularly by the Visa1st team.
All updates
IRCC has expanded category-based invitations to include more STEM and healthcare occupations. Candidates in eligible categories may receive invitations with CRS scores 15–25 points lower than all-program draws. Check whether your NOC code qualifies for the current category list.
Read the full Express Entry guideGermany's Federal Employment Agency has updated the positive list of shortage occupations for 2026. Several new engineering and healthcare sub-disciplines have been added. Workers in newly listed occupations now receive 2 points toward the Chancenkarte eligibility threshold.
Read the Germany Opportunity Card guideJapan expanded its Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 pathway from 2 to 12 designated industries in 2023, and further clarifications on qualifying roles were issued in early 2026. SSW Type 2 holders may now bring dependent family members and face no cumulative stay limit.
Read the Japan SSW visa explainerThe IND has updated the Highly Skilled Migrant salary thresholds for 2026. The standard threshold is now approximately €5,688/month gross (up from €5,331 in 2025). The reduced threshold for under-30 candidates is approximately €4,166/month. Employers sponsoring HSM applicants must ensure contracts meet the new thresholds before submitting applications.
Read the Netherlands HSM permit guidePortugal's original Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme closed to new applicants at the end of 2023. The replacement scheme — IFICI — now applies to qualifying research, technology, and highly skilled professional roles. Digital nomads considering Portugal should obtain independent tax advice before making residency decisions.
Read the Portugal D8 Visa guideSeveral UK Visas and Immigration Application Centres in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are reporting extended processing times of 8–12 weeks for Standard Visitor Visa applications, up from the standard 3 weeks. Applicants are advised to apply at least 10 weeks before their intended travel date.
Read the UK visitor visa guideIRCC has updated its online processing time estimates for Temporary Resident Visa applications. Times vary significantly by country of application — from 2 weeks for some countries to over 20 weeks for others. Always check the IRCC processing time calculator before planning your application timeline.
Read the Canada visitor visa guideStep-by-step guides cover every document, fee, and deadline — for the most popular routes.