Immigration

Add Your Heading Text Here A Finnish authority has initiated the establishment of a post-decision automated monitoring mechanism for specialist residence permits to reinforce compliance and smooth procedures. That will help verify that holders of such permits continue to meet the requirements of their specialist residence permit, hence maintaining the integrity associated with the immigration regime of the country. It describes the key points of the new system, what it means for foreigners who work in Finland, and the broader background of automated monitoring in the context of Finnish immigration.  Salient Features of the Automated Monitoring System  It is further provided that permits issued on or after January 1, 2023, shall cover such important areas as an automated monitoring system of specialist residence permits.  It ensures that the salary of the holder is at a level commensurate with the required income threshold, which is an important criterion for continuing to be a specialist residence permit holder.  Work Duties and Education Requirements: The system verifies that permit holders continue to fulfil work duties and education requirements—important criteria of the specialist permit.  Application and Scope  A residence permit for special specialists is issued to aliens working on specialist tasks that require special know-how in Finland. Here are some key details:  Validity: In the case of a specialist, a permanent residence permit may be granted for a maximum of two years. Nevertheless, the permit is constantly valid throughout the entire employment relationship.  The requirements for a specialist residence permit include proof of specialised competence and the threshold income. The detailed requirements are available on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.  Broader context and BAL analysis  The Finnish Immigration Service has been monitoring the decisions made since 2017. Automated monitoring for specialist residence permits has been taken as a step in the continuation of the successful implementation that has been initiated with student and startup entrepreneur permits monitoring. This system is part of a broader government initiative to fight labour exploitation and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.  Future Expansion  The Finnish government is currently expanding automated monitoring to cover all work-based residence permits in a rather proactive drive towards the protection of labour rights and an increase in transparency and efficiency during the immigration process.  Conclusion  An automated monitoring system for specialist residence permits in Finland is one of the key steps in immigration management in the country. It will help ensure that holders of the permit continue to meet or attain the set criteria, raising standards of immigration compliance and protection from labour exploitation. Over time, it will come out to be more reliable and of high integrity for the Finnish immigration framework.

The Philippines has instituted a Cruise Visa Waiver Programme, a giant step toward the enlargement of its tourism sector, which will now facilitate visa-required foreign tourists who come for vacations on cruise ships. According to the Bureau of Immigration, this program is courtesy of the Philippine government, through a collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Justice, pushing forward the establishment of the Philippines as Asia’s premier cruise playground. This blog tackles information about the Philippine Cruise Visa Waiver Programme, the benefits that will be accorded to tourists, and what this could do to boost the tourism industry. The Cruise Visa Waiver Programme The Cruise Visa Waiver Program was formally launched with the expedition on July 16 in the same buildings of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Authority in Pasay City. Present were Secretary of Tourism Christina Garcia Frasco, TIEZA COO Mark Lapid, and BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco. Under the said program, foreign nationals who need visas shall have easy entry to appreciate the country’s picturesque sceneries and culture. Objectives and benefits “This cruise visa waiver program is a very important one in re-energizing the tourism industry post-pandemic,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, and he added more color: “This cruise visa waiver program will significantly enhance our thrust to position the Philippines as the premier cruise hub in Asia.” “It will ensure that every passenger on board cruise ships can easily reach out and enjoy the picturesque country,” and this is a great chance not only to tap more tourist traffic but also for the growing industry disposition toward tourism. Key Features of the Philippine Cruise Visa The Philippines Cruise Visa Waiver Programme allows visa-required foreign nationals to enter the country for a limited duration strictly for cruise tourism purposes. Key features of the programme include: Non-Convertible and Non-Extendable: The visa waiver is strictly for cruise tourism and cannot be converted to other types of visas or extended beyond the stipulated duration. Same liner for arrival and departure: The guests would arrive and depart by the same cruise vessel, which would make entry and exit easiest for them. How far this would help tourism and economic recovery 2023 proved quite strong in terms of cruise visits, with over 101,000 passengers and 123 port calls to the Philippines. For 2024, a total of 117 cruise calls and an estimated 118,000 passengers are targeted with the newly implemented Cruise Visa Waiver Programme, which is foreseen to greatly benefit the tourism sector, hence contributing to the country’s economic recovery. “The pandemic had a deep impact on our tourism sector, but with these initiatives, such as the Cruise Visa Waiver, we are optimistic that we could rebound stronger,” said Tansingco. “This program. says we really are doing things for the convenience of our tourists, we’re not going to do something which jeopardizes national security.” Conclusion The Philippines Cruise Visa Waiver Programme is a giant leap in the process of revitalization of the country’s tourism and being one of the premier cruise destinations in Asia. The program looks at easing entry arrangements for foreign nationals requiring a visa to attract more cruise tourists and help the economy bounce back. Enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage predispose the Philippines to be a leader in cruise tourism.

Thailand has introduced an exciting opportunity for digital nomads and remote workers—the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This five-year multiple-entry visa is designed to attract long-term visitors, providing an excellent alternative to standard tourist visas. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the DTV, including eligibility requirements, costs, and benefits. What is the Destination Thailand Visa? The DTV stands for a multiple-entry visa to the Kingdom of Thailand that includes stays of up to 180 days each calendar year, extendable for another 180 days. It’s a really perfect option for digital nomads who would like to go deep into the dynamic culture of Thailand but maintain their working duties. Cost of the Thailand DTV The DTV is offered at an affordable price of 10,000 THB compared to other similar visas covering the Southeast Asian region. Applicants are required to be at least 20 years old and be able to show proof they have enough money that covers the payment of this visa locally. To be eligible to apply for the DTV, one must satisfy the following requirements: Age: Applicants shall not be less than 20 years old.Financial Stability: Proof of at least 500,000 THB in the bank account to support the whole stay in Thailand.Employment: Proof of employment with a registered company is a must.Visa Fee: Applicants should have sufficient funds for the 10,000 THB visa fee. These requirements are subject to change; hence, an update on any changes in such has to be sought from relevant official sources. Why the DTV? The Destination Thailand Visa offers loads of benefits to digital nomads who move to Thailand.These include: Lower Income Requirements: Compared to other similar visas available in Southeast Asia, the DTV has a far more lenient income requirement coupled with the fees. Remote work for international clients is legal: The visa allows holders to do legal remote work for clients anywhere in the globe. Family-friendly: Holders of this visa can bring along their spouse and children below 20. Tax-free: There are no taxes charged on the income derived from foreign sources during the stay in Thailand. However, such DTV does not permit persons to be employed by Thai companies. Furthermore, any change of visa type shall render the DTV cancelled. Application Process Since the exact process of applying for the DTV has not been specified, the following are some preliminary steps which would be helpful:Verify Eligibility: Ensure that all eligibility criteria are met.Prepare Documents: Have ready all the documents such as proofs of employment and statements from banks, among other proofs.Continue to monitor announcements for any new updates, which are targeted to be issued in July, detailing procedures for application. Conclusion: The Destination Thailand Visa is a super opportunity for all those digital nomads who want to explore Thai culture without giving up productive work. With such an affordable price and relaxed income requirements, not to mention the family-friendliness—no wonder the DTV would remain Blaze’s best-selling product among remote workers. Stay tuned for further updates, and start preparing your application now to make the most of such a unique visa program.

The highly dynamic economy and the entrepreneurial spirit of the United States remain open to new opportunities and have offered unparalleled opportunities to immigrants. With skilled migrants dominating sectors such as IT and technology, entrepreneurs add to innovation and economic growth. This blog explores one pathway by which an entrepreneur can achieve permanent residency in the US by transitioning from an L-1A visa to an EB-5 visa.  Entrepreneurial Impact of Immigrants in the US Illegal immigrants thus don’t only bring about low-skilled labour but also help improve innovation. William Kerr of Harvard Business School estimates that foreign-born individuals represent around 25% of America’s current inventors and entrepreneurs, which is up from only 10% in the 1970s. High-skilled immigration has therefore been crucial to productivity growth in the United States, with its influence accounting for one-third or more of aggregate productivity growth from 1990 to 2010. Immigration also caused an innovation shift to technology centres such as Boston, Seattle, and San Francisco.  Opportunities for Indian Entrepreneurs in the United States It’s a great time for Indian entrepreneurs to start up in the US. The Indian American diaspora is doing well. 4.9 million Indians are now residing in the US, making it by far the most economically successful of all ethnic groups. The median income of an Indian household in the US is about $100.5K, a full two times higher than the median US household income. The thriving community is coupled with the good perception that exists towards Indians in America, hence providing an organic environment for new entrepreneurs.  The Pathway: L-1A Visa to EB-5 Visa Starting a business in the US and working towards permanent residency can be effectively done using an L-1A visa and then making a successful step to an EB-5 visa.  About the L-1A Visa  The L-1A visa is available to multinational companies as a type of US work visa. It helps them transfer their executives and managers to their US offices. Applicants must have been employed overseas with the foreign company for at least one year in the last three years at either a managerial or executive level. One of the major positives for the L-1A visa is the speed at which one can be granted, in as few as 15 days with premium processing. The L-1A visa is a dual-intent visa with a maximum period of seven years, after which holders of this visa can apply for permanent residency using the EB-5 programme without jeopardising their current visa status.  The EB-5 Programme  The EB-5 visa is a job creation programme that offers qualified immigrant investors an avenue to permanent residency, a Green Card, in the US. Indian holders of the L-1A visa will be able to transition to an EB-5 visa, putting them on the road towards permanent residency. Requirements for an EB-5 visa dictate that immigrant investors must have invested at least $1.05 million, providing job opportunities for at least 10 full-time US workers. In rural areas or areas of high unemployment, this investment drops to $800,000, a route many prefer.  Why Transitioning is a Smart Move  This makes the step-down from an L-1A to an EB-5 visa quite palatable for Indian entrepreneurs. It is far easier to sustain a small business under the EB-5 programme than under the L-1A visa, with its more cumbersome hiring mandate. A U.S. company on an L-1A visa has to hire a certain number of employees within a specified period, which a small business may find hard to cope with. Failure to comply may result in the denial of L-1A extensions. One such benefit is that an EB-5 visa expands operations with the minimum complication of having to hire or assign employees mandatorily.  Making It Easy: Using Regional Centres to Meet EB-5 Requirements  Regional centres offer the easiest route for an immigrant investor to fulfil the EB-5 visa requirements. These regional centres pool their money in projects providing for the required ten jobs so that there is no such burden on the foreign business investors and instead rely on economic modelling to meet the requirements of the EB-5 rogram.  Other Advantages of the EB-5 Visa  In fact, immigrant investors who apply for an EB-5 visa can take advantage of Advanced Parole and an Employment Authorization Document upon submitting the petition. Advanced Parole will permit the alien to travel for a short or medium period without affecting his or her visa status, while the EAD will give him or her unrestricted work rights to get a social security number and open a bank account. Such benefits will accrue to the investor, provided there are available visas after a successful adjustment of status application.  Steps to Transition to EB-5: Get an L-1A Visa: Establish your business in the US and meet the hiring requirements to hold on to L-1A status.Apply for an EB-5 visa. File for an EB-5 visa within the first few months of attaining L-1A status to get maximum benefits and to ensure a smooth transition.Use Regional Centres: Make use of regional centres to meet the requirements for an EB-5 visa and to pave a smooth way through the process.  Conclusion  Starting and running a business in the US that offers eventual permanent residency is quite a workable and highly rewarding avenue for Indian entrepreneurs. It enables quick entry into the country through the L-1A visa and subsequently the use of an EB-5 visa to tap into strong American financial infrastructure, combined with robust market opportunities. Though complex, the journey has real advantages when thoughtfully navigated.

The Government of Canada has announced strict regulations in a move to protect international students from misuse of study permits. According to the proposal, such new regulations will have an increased system whereby monitoring and tracking of the status of enrollment, as well as the conditions of study permits for international students, will take place to ensure that the procedure is more safe and secure. This blog explains what exactly these proposed regulations are and what they mean for international students coming to Canada. New Regulations Put Forth to Monitor Study Permits Where institutions or colleges cannot adequately verify the enrollment of international students attending college or university in that country, the Canadian government will stop processing study permits. This will mandate colleges and universities to report to the federal Immigration Department regarding a student’s attendance and compliance with study permits. Key Changes under New Regulations Mandatory Reporting by DLIs: State whether students are enrolled and adhering to regulations governing study permits by designated learning institutions. New Study Permits for Transfer of Schools: A student is required to obtain a new study permit for transfer of schools prior to the start of their new study programme. Verification of LOA: DLIs must verify the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) submitted with the application. Processing the Application: Applications for study permits shall not be processed when a DLI does not verify the student’s acceptance. The application, along with all supporting documents and fees, is returned to the student. Accompanying Family Members: The accompanying family members of the student would not be required to have LOA verification if their permit applications are approved to enter Canada before their application, but then while changing their status to study, to attend a post-secondary DLI, they would be required to have a verified LOA. Consequences for Foreign Students The new regulations Explicitly and only apply to post-secondary DLIs and foreign students attending the institutions. The critical points for such implications are Continuous Enrollment: A student who obtains a study permit is expected to be enrolled continuously at the learning institution indicated on the permit to complete a course of study. Off-Campus Work: The current 20-hour threshold for off-campus work during a regular academic session will be increased to 24 hours per week. Invalid Study Permits: When a holder is no longer enrolled at the DLI shown on the permit, then a study permit is automatically considered invalid. Measurement of Compliance and Transparency Responsibilities for the administration of the International Student Programme are shared by IRCC and the provinces and territories of Canada. One of the critically new features of the proposed regulation is that it would impose an obligation on DLIs to report on compliance regularly to the IRCC. The institutions shall respond to requests made to them within the prescribed time limit and in the form and manner set out in the regulation. The Effect on Indian Students Over the years, many students from Punjab who went to Australia seeking education based on admission letters provided by fraudulent middlemen were cheated. Only when these students sought to apply for permanent residency status did they come to know about the cheating. The new rules are aimed at preventing such scams and rehabilitating students from fraud. Current statistics and trends As of December 2023, international students have crossed the mark of ten lakh in Canada. In 2022 alone, Canada admitted 5.5 lakh new students from 184 countries. The contributions of 2.2 lakh new students came from India. There was a drastic fall in the number of Indian students in 2023, where the number of study permit applications processed between July and October dropped by 40 percent as compared to the corresponding time in 2022. Conclusion These new regulations on study permits within Canada are needed to protect the safety and welfare of international students in the country. The government, through its tightening of monitoring processes and stricter compliance with DLIs, has ushered in a much more secure and transparent atmosphere for international education. Keep yourself posted about these changes to gain clear thinking when studying in a country of opportunity like Canada.

The Canadian federal government has continued to escalate the crackdown on employers who breach the TFWP rules with $2. 1 million in AMPs in 2023. Thus, the role of the TFW Programme in Canada continues to be essential in meeting labour and skill demands where Canadians and permanent residents do not apply. The programme is implemented by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to make sure that temporary foreign workers are safeguarded during their stay in the country, as the government stated. In the previous financial year, ESDC facilitated 2,122 inspections in the TFW programme, and only 94% of employers were non-compliant. However, non-compliant employers had $2.1 million in AMPs, which represents an increase of 36% over the previous fiscal year. Also, there was an increase in the number of employers that were barred from the programme, from seven in the previous year to twelve this year. Those that fail to implement the changes are displayed on the IRCC website for the public to see. Notable violations included: A food service employer is to be given a $152,000 fine and is to serve a two-year ban for unjust hiring practices and an unfavourable working environment. An employer in the agriculture sector was penalised $46,000 and prohibited for five years from providing employment for violations of document submission and false job descriptions. A transport sector employer was ordered to pay a penalty of $135 000 and a disqualification for a period of 10 years for failure to provide and ensure an environment free from abuse and/or to provide necessary documents. To improve the employer compliance regime, the Canadian government has set aside $48 million for two years, beginning in 2023-2024. This funding is used to hire more inspectors, sustain a worker protection tip line, contact and educate employers and consulates, and put into action fast response programmes related to any emergent worker safety issues. The TFW Programme’s compliance inspections are intended to identify whether requirements of the programme are being met and whether consequences for non-compliance can affect worker safety, wages, and working conditions. AMPs and programme bans can be imposed for violations that fall under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). A confidential tip line with round-the-clock service and multilingual live agents during extended hours aids workers in reporting abuse or mistreatment. An online feature is also provided for reporting suspected abuse or programme misuse. This partnership remains active to enhance the programme and ensure temporary foreign workers in Canada are protected.