Immigration news updates for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
Canada: New initiatives support Francophone immigration
Canada has announced an investment of approximately CAD 1.2 million to support new projects under its Francophone Immigration Support Program, reinforcing efforts to address labour shortages and strengthen Francophone minority communities.
The first project will create a sustainable pathway to attract Francophone and bilingual workers from abroad, focusing on sectors such as education, healthcare, and early childhood education. The initiative aims to support population growth, meet workforce demands, and improve access to French-language services throughout the province.
The second project will boost Francophone immigration through a workforce-matching model connecting international talent with local employer needs. The project includes an interactive mapping platform, recruitment events, support for credential recognition, professional certification assistance, and cultural integration workshops, targeting industries such as agriculture, healthcare, mining, energy, technology, and hospitality.
This summary was prepared based on information published by the Government of Canada
Panama: Qualified Investor Program expanded
Panama approved significant changes to its Qualified Investor permanent residence program under Executive Decree No. 17 of September 8, 2026. The changes took effect on September 16, 2026.
The amendments introduce new investment pathways and revise eligibility criteria, including a distinction between first-sale and resale real estate investments. The minimum investment threshold remains PAB 300,000 for first-sale properties, while investments in secondary-market properties are subject to a higher minimum of PAB 500,000.
The changes also allow applicants to qualify through a fixed-term deposit of at least PAB 500,000 in a state-owned bank, while the minimum investment required for deposits with private banks remains PAB 750,000.
In addition, the amendments introduce changes affecting citizenship applications for qualified investors and their dependants, alongside stricter requirements for demonstrating the source of investment funds, ownership of legal entities, and evidence of qualifying investments.
This summary was prepared based on information provided by our Service Partner.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Luxembourg: New entry procedure for third-country nationals
Luxembourg authorities have introduced a new immigration procedure for third-country nationals planning to settle in Luxembourg for more than 90 days. The new rules took effect on October 1 and replaced the previous system of obtaining a temporary authorisation to stay. Under the revised process, applicants must complete a two-step procedure beginning abroad, with applications submitted through an embassy before entering the country.
One of the most significant changes is that all third-country nationals are now subject to the same pre-entry requirements, regardless of nationality. Previously, nationals of countries exempt from short-stay visa requirements, such as the United States, Canada, Japan and Brazil, could relocate to Luxembourg without completing these consular formalities. Under the new rules, third-country nationals undertaking a first stay of more than 90 days must obtain a Type D visa, valid for six months, before travelling. This requirement does not apply to residence permit renewals or changes of status for individuals who already hold a valid permit.
The new procedure also introduces two important requirements. First, residence applications must be submitted and approved before arrival in Luxembourg. Applications submitted after entry will be considered inadmissible. Second, applicants must provide Schengen travel medical insurance covering the full validity period of the visa, including hospital treatment, medical repatriation and death-related expenses.
Processing times may vary depending on the embassy handling the application. In principle, decisions may take up to four months for salaried worker applications and up to three months for EU Blue Card applications. Once issued, the Type D visa is valid for six months and permits travel within the Schengen Area while the residence permit process is completed. These timelines do not include the time required to secure an embassy appointment, so applicants should allow for longer lead times and plan their relocation accordingly.
For applications already in progress, temporary authorisations issued before October 1 remain valid until the end of their 90-day validity period. Where an application was submitted before the change but had not yet been decided, authorities will no longer issue a temporary authorisation. Instead, the decision will be issued as a visa decision. Consequently, the applicable procedure is determined by the date of the decision rather than the date on which the application was submitted.
This summary was prepared based on 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).
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