Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
Canada: Quebec Experience Program
The Quebec Experience Program (QEP) will be reinstated from July 2, 2026, to July 2, 2028, with applications accepted in staged intake periods to align with Quebec’s immigration capacity. The first intake period will run from July 2 to October 31, 2026, and will be limited to individuals who had already obtained a qualifying Quebec diploma or eligible work experience as of November 19, 2025, when the program was abolished.
Eligible Quebec graduates must have completed a recognized diploma in Quebec (e.g. bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, technical diploma, or a vocational diploma of at least 1,800 hours) by that date. Temporary foreign workers must have accumulated at least two years of work experience in Quebec in TEER categories 0 to 3.
Applicants under the graduates stream must be residing in Quebec at the time of application, have primarily studied in Quebec for at least half of their program, have obtained their diploma within the previous three years, meet French language requirements (level 5 written and level 7 oral), and not be subject to a return-home scholarship obligation. Temporary foreign workers must hold an eligible position and meet a minimum oral French level of 7.
All applicants must intend to settle and work in Quebec, demonstrate knowledge of Quebec values, and show financial self-sufficiency for themselves and any accompanying family members.
No cap will apply to applications during the July–October 2026 intake period. During this time, invitations under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) will be reduced and focused on candidates not eligible for the QEP, such as those in lower TEER occupations or with less work experience. From November 2026, PSTQ invitations are expected to resume based on QEP application volumes. The reopening of the QEP is temporary, and PSTQ is expected to remain the primary long-term pathway for skilled worker selection in Quebec.
This summary was prepared using information provided by our Service Partner.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Joanna Sogeke (European Client Services Manager – Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand: Updates to Skilled Migrant and Work to Residence Visas
The Government of New Zealand has announced significant updates to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and related Work to Residence pathways, effective August 24, 2026. Immigration New Zealand has now confirmed further details, aimed at increasing certainty for employers and applicants, expanding residence options, and clarifying how key eligibility requirements will be assessed.
The SMC remains New Zealand’s primary residence pathway for skilled migrants. The upcoming changes introduce two new residence pathways and update requirements across the points-based system and Work to Residence routes.
Key updates include the introduction of a Trades and Technician pathway and a Skilled Work Experience pathway, enhanced recognition of New Zealand qualifications, reduced skilled work experience requirements under the points-based pathway, and revised wage threshold and qualification evidence rules. The changes also strengthen requirements to ensure employment is genuine and skilled.
Two new residence pathways will be introduced. The Trades and Technician pathway will apply to applicants holding a relevant Level 4 or higher trade or technical qualification, along with at least four years of directly relevant post-qualification work experience. The Skilled Work Experience pathway will be available to applicants who can demonstrate at least five years of directly relevant skilled work experience meeting the pathway criteria.
For the Trades and Technician pathway, applicants must hold a qualification recognized on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). For New Zealand qualifications, a minimum of 120 credits is required, which may be combined across qualifications where relevant. For overseas qualifications, the 120-credit requirement has been removed, although applicants must obtain an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) confirming equivalency to at least a Level 4 New Zealand qualification. This change introduces greater flexibility for internationally qualified applicants.
Further clarifications have been provided for the points-based SMC pathway. Applicants claiming points for Level 8 or Level 9 qualifications must also hold a supporting bachelor’s degree or equivalent, supported by a qualification certificate and academic transcript. For overseas qualifications, an IQA is generally required unless the qualification is listed on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). However, an IQA is not required for the supporting bachelor’s degree. Applicants claiming points for a New Zealand master’s degree are not required to provide evidence of a bachelor’s degree. In addition, recognized bachelor’s degrees and Washington or Sydney Accord-accredited qualifications will now attract four points instead of three.
Immigration New Zealand has also clarified work experience requirements. Applicants must provide robust and independently verifiable evidence of directly relevant experience, and self-employment will not be considered.
Changes to wage settings represent a significant update. Applicants will generally be assessed against the wage threshold in place when they began accumulating their qualifying work experience, rather than any higher threshold introduced at the time of residence application. A five-month grace period will also apply, allowing applicants who commence employment within five months of their work visa approval to rely on the earlier threshold. This approach will extend to several Work to Residence pathways. Applicants must still meet minimum employment duration requirements, including 24 months of qualifying work where applicable.
Finally, the definition of genuine employment has been strengthened across skilled residence pathways. Employment offers must be ongoing, reflect a genuine business need, and require the role to be based in New Zealand. These requirements align more closely with the standards applied under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the New Zealand Immigration
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon (Director of Immigration Services, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Finland: Citizenship requirements from 2027
The Finnish Parliament has approved amendments to the Citizenship Act, introducing stricter requirements for obtaining Finnish citizenship. The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to applications submitted from March 1, 2027.
Under the revised framework, applicants will be required to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Finnish society and a strong level of integration. This requirement will primarily be met by passing a new citizenship test. Alternatively, applicants may qualify by completing the Finnish or Swedish matriculation examination or by obtaining a higher education degree in Finland in Finnish or Swedish.
The knowledge requirement will apply to applicants aged 18 to 64, although exemptions may be granted in cases involving health conditions, disabilities, or other serious circumstances.
The Finnish Immigration Service will be responsible for administering the citizenship test and publishing official study materials in advance. The test will be based on standardized content to ensure consistency and transparency and will assess knowledge of Finnish laws, fundamental and human rights, history and culture, and principles of equality, including gender equality. The test may be taken in either Finnish or Swedish.
A transition period from January 1 to February 28, 2027, will allow applicants time to prepare for the new requirements. Applications submitted on or before February 28, 2027, will be processed under the current legislation, while those submitted from March 1, 2027, onward will be assessed under the updated rules.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Finnish Immigration Service
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Joanna Sogeke (European Client Services Manager – Immigration).
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