Immigration news update for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
Canada: New regulations for the International Student Program
The Canadian government introduced new regulations for the International Student Program. With immediate effect, new regulations improve working hours allowing eligible international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during their studies. Additionally, students must now obtain a new study permit before transferring to a different learning institution.
Furthermore, if the Designated Learning Institutions, which play an important role in ensuring compliance within the Program, do not submit compliance reports or verify acceptance letters, they will now face penalties.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Government of Canada
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 Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Finland: Work permit process temporarily paused
From January 1 to January 8, 2025, the decision-making process for certain residence permit applications will be temporarily paused. This specifically affects residence permits for employed individuals and those for seasonal work with a duration of at least six months, including both initial and extension applications.
For applicants whose current permit is nearing expiration with an extension required, it is important to submit the application as soon as possible.
However, the submission of residence permit applications will continue as usual through the Enter Finland online service, even during this pause.
This summary was prepared using the information 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 Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
United Kingdom: Visa requirement for Colombians
Colombia has been added to the list of countries that must apply for a visitor visa before travelling to the UK. This also means they now require direct airside transit visa (DATV) to transit through the UK and they will be removed from the list of countries that can use the Electronic Travel Authorisation.
This requirement is effective from 3PM GMT on November 27, 2024 but there is a transitional period to travel to the UK without a visa if a Colombian national holds a confirmed travel booking made prior to the introduction of this rule, lasting until December 24, 2024. Those Colombian nationals who hold confirmed bookings for travel to the UK ending on a date after the transition period ends will need to obtain a visa in advance of travel. Amending the date of travel on a confirmed booking to an earlier date that falls within the transition period would still require the person to have a visa. The statement from the UK Government reads that this transition period will prevent operational difficulties, general unfairness, and ensure that people who arranged travel before this announcement do not lose money. The length of the transitional period (28 days) has been set so that those affected have enough time to apply for and receive a visa. The current standard processing time for visitor visas is three weeks from the date of the appointment at the UK visa center.
This summary was prepared using the information from the GOV.UK
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 (Team Leader, UK) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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