Immigration

The government of New Zealand has set up a new sub-category under their Specific Purpose Work Visa following an increase in requests for seasonal workers. The process of applying for extra labor during peak seasonal periods will be made easier so that crucial industries run unobstructed. The Immigration Minister, Erica Stanford, repeated constantly how much the country really needs more workers for a myriad number of industries that have critical seasonal position requirements. Basically, the Specific Purpose Work Visa to New Zealand is really an effective and efficient category to help in the battle against labor shortages in the country. Making New Zealand’s immigration easier really means that labor needed by employers in the country will get much easier access, all while protecting opportunities available for local workers. This represents a praiseworthy, forward-looking step vis-à-vis the difficulties that industries encounter at a time of seasonal peaks. Stanford reports that the change is in parallel to the government’s broader endeavor toward setting up a more intelligent immigration system that weighs employer demand against New Zealand citizens’ rights to seek work and do well. Changes in Complement to the RSE Scheme In addition to the new SPWV sub-category, the New Zealand government also increased the cap for workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme. The cap is to increase by 1,250 workers to a total of 20,750 in the 2024-25 season. This increase reflects ongoing demand in horticulture, viticulture, and other farming and fishing industries. What is more, the pause on cost increases to accommodation and relaxation of wage requirements has been removed under the RSE. It would require the payment of 10 percent more than the minimum rate to only experienced workers, again making it more flexible for employers, but at the same time ensuring workers get a fair rate of pay. Key Details of the New Visa Sub-Category The new seasonal work visa category under the SPWV is an interim, time-limited pathway which has been tailored to the unique needs of seasonal roles in such a way that it offsets the RSE scheme. The category excludes roles in horticulture, viticulture, and fishing, and instead concentrates on other seasonal activities where labor shortages are most acute. To be eligible under this category, the applicants must meet the following criteriaExperience: at least four months in the jobRemuneration: not less than $29.66 per hour for the jobDuration and Hours: is for at least 30 hours of work per week, and not more than nine months in totalEmployer Accreditation: The employer is to be currently accredited undertheAccredited Employer Work Visa instructions. These stringent requirements are to ensure that the visa is used for the right purposes in meeting genuine labor needs, and the reasons behind them are always based on protecting the rights of both local and foreign workers. A Smarter Immigration System for New Zealand The new SPWV sub-category is thus an essential step in New Zealand’s efforts to build a more flexible and responsive immigration system. At the same time, making these solutions more seasonal practice-targeted, the government ensures the resilience of the country. This assures the availability of a fair labor market for all. As New Zealand refines its immigration policy, the focus is on opening opportunities for all those who want to contribute to the growth of the country while safeguarding the interests of New Zealanders. Also in New Zealand, the government announced a new sub-category for work visas to help seasonal workers, indicating that the country is serious about trying to help the sectors that matter most to it through the pressure period. It will allow the government to open up a more streamlined and flexible employer access pathway to the labor they need to ensure the continued economic vitality of New Zealand.

The United States of America has always been that shining city on the hill that people from every nook and cranny of the world strive to get into for a better life. However, problems mar the current immigration system of the U.S., making it difficult for most people to have an opportunity for the American dream legally. While debate rages on immigration, the dire need for reform must also be dealt with, providing fair and effective legal pathways. The Myth of the “Right Way” to Immigrate We all know the story that was trotted out more than once during last week’s Republican National Convention: the southern border-crossing asylum seekers who do it the “wrong way” versus those who do it the “right way” through other legal avenues. In doing so, this tale of two different groups of immigrants feeds a false narrative that there is a clear, “right” way to immigrate into the United States. For most who want to come to America, there just isn’t a clear or accessible “line” to get in. Instead, it is riddled with arbitrary caps, long bureaucratic delays, and archaic processes that bar many from legally immigrating. But if the U.S. is going to be serious about securing the border and stopping illegal immigration, then opening much more easily accessible legal avenues is the thing to do. The Difficulties of Legal Immigration The US immigration system in existence today is heavily biassed in favour of its citizens’ spouses, parents, and children and, to a much smaller extent, lawful permanent residents. Those not in the preceding categories can look only towards employment visas, which are capped at 140,000 per year—a number that includes family members of sponsored workers. That provides a major barrier to obtaining a visa for many other qualified workers, as their services are needed very much in the United States.The other classes, particularly the visa lottery and refugee admissions, are just too meager. For example, almost 12 million people applied for only 55,000 diversity visas in 2021. The refugee admissions program allows 125,000 slots but cannot handle the large and growing global need for resettlement.For those few who receive an offer to work in the United States, the wait times for visas can drag on for years or even decades. Even very highly educated immigrants are dealing with backlogs that stretch out to a hundred years, leaving them in limbo and hindering their potential contribution to the U.S. economy. The Consequences of Unduly Restrictive Policies Then there’s the green card application and visa processing backlog, made worse by a slew of restrictive policies left in place by the previous administration. During President Donald Trump’s tenure, visa denials broke records, with legal immigration coming to a halt for nearly every category. Those policies reverberate now, with millions of people left waiting for approval. The Biden administration, on the other hand, has reopened the legal pathways, reduced the backlogs, and restarted the refugee resettlement efforts. However, broad reform is required to address the systemic issues negatively affecting the US immigration system. Economic and Social Benefits of Reform Reforming the US immigration system to create fair legal pathways would accrue vital economic and social benefits. As supported by research, increased immigration raises wages and generates new job opportunities for workers born in the country. Immigrants also spur entrepreneurship in the U.S., and one out of five entrepreneurs in the U.S. is foreign-born. They help fill critical workforce gaps with needs in health: an expected shortage of 450,000 nurses by 2025 and 120,000 doctors by 2034. Expanding legal pathways would restore order at the border, for there are already examples of viable avenues of entry that reduce illegal immigration. Programs such as Uniting for Ukraine and humanitarian parole for Venezuelans, Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans already prove this point through their legal entry optionality, cutting down on illegal crossings. A Call to Comprehensive Reform Any genuinely fair and effective immigration system would need to have expanded legal pathways and processes to make entry easier for those seeking to contribute to society. This will create new programs in cooperation with state governments to meet local labour needs and examine all possible ways of modernising the current process. America is a country driven and built upon the rule of law, and a just, functional, and generous legal immigration system is absolutely consistent with that ideal. Comprehensive immigration reform is not only politically necessary but also a moral imperative that reflects fairness, opportunity, and justice. Conclusion The U.S. immigration system is in need of reform. It is only through the establishment of fair and effective legal pathways that the country can continue to be open to new people in pursuit of a better life while, at the same time, enriching itself economically and socially from the numerous contributions brought in by immigrants. It is high time we built an immigration system truly reflective of this nation’s values.

More citizenship applications are being lodged in the U.S. than at any time in recent history, with the process streamlined under the Biden administration. It could dramatically impact the 2024 election, particularly in the battleground states where newly naturalized citizens will become voters. A Record-Breaking Pace for Citizenship Applications The federal government has quickened the pace for U.S. citizenship applications, reducing the typical wait time to less than five months. This marks significant improvements from delays in the Trump era and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of new Americans are being ushered into the electorate as an expedited process cuts away at a yearslong backlog. The Political Implications Fast-rising numbers of citizenship applications are more than merely a story about bureaucratic success; they are a development with serious political overtones. It is not limited to the new citizens being sworn all over the country in the states pivotal to the 2024 presidential battlefields—Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania. Because this right comes as a spiky spur, most of these new Americans seem eager to take up their role in the democratic process. “Every citizenship application could be a vote that decides Senate seats or even the presidency,” said Xiao Wang, CEO of Boundless, a company that analyzes immigration trends. A Diverse and Growing Electorate They come from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The voting patterns of naturalized U.S. citizens have traditionally favored the Democratic Party, particularly among Latino, Asian, and African immigrants. If more green-card holders become citizens, that could tip the political scales in states with large immigrant populations.While the right to vote principally draws many, voter turnout among the naturalized has generally been lower than that of native-born Americans. Organizations like the NALEO Educational Fund work to bridge this gap by providing information and resources to encourage new citizens to register and vote. Impact on the 2024 Election The effect of this wave of new citizens cannot be underestimated as the 2024 election draws closer. With millions of green-card holders eligible to apply for citizenship, there is a high potential for reshaping the electorate. In fact, the 2024 election impact may very well depend on the participation of newly naturalized citizens bringing with them fresh perspectives and a wanting sentiment to be part of the democratic process. Conclusion This surge in applications for U.S. citizenship under the Biden administration is now expected to be central in the 2024 election. More immigrants, taking the oath of allegiance to join the ranks of those with a vote at their disposal, could prove pivotal in topping off razor-thin margins in some races.

International students have been, for long, a golden goose for universities and colleges in advanced economies and, by extension, the United States, serving to propel schools not just on paper but local economies as well. With the tables on immigration policy flipping on students as they have recently, the prized assets have little control over political agendas, making their experience fickle. Throughout the world, countries that once opened their doors to foreign students are now increasingly closing them, making it tougher to meet the required criteria. This has made the going very tough for foreign students, as most governments tend to use an easier pattern to control the surging rates of immigration. The evidence of this is clearly seen in key destinations such as the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, and Australia. UK: An Altered Political Terrain Probably the most significant change in this respect in one of the biggest destination countries, the United Kingdom, has been the weakening of its commitment. The Labour Party, during its time in opposition, also supported a ban on international students bringing dependents to Britain—a move that has been the largest source of migration since 2019. While the sector has received more welcoming signs than it did under the previous Labour government, it continues to face policy scrutiny, which could shape the future of international students and migration. For example, the Netherlands, which has been extremely open and receptive to developing foreign students, is facing a change in policy regarding the entry of foreign students into its universities. Indeed, a new far-right coalition is bringing in wide-ranging restrictions on entry by foreign students interested in joining the Netherlands’ universities, including fixing the number of admissions of non-Europeans and a reduction of programs in English. This is a case where one can see the real thrust of immigration policies upon education, with universities facing overcapacity and an acute shortage of accommodation for students. Canada: Cracking Down on ‘Puppy Mill’ Colleges Canada, home to the largest population of international students, is also clamping down. Its government has brought in new measures, including the complete freezing out of 35 percent, to shut down the lower-performing colleges it accuses of abusing the system. Student visas dropped, leaving prospective students and current workers in limbo. Australia: Stricter Standards and Higher Costs Australia, the next most significant player in the world market of international education, does not lag far behind in such crippling policies. It has suggested the imposition of enrolment caps in universities, stringent laws on the adequate use of the English language, and increased visa application fees. It is soon to become one of the most expensive study destinations in the world. Growing visa refusals and clampdowns on private college regulations have made the condition of foreign students there worse. The global international education sector is worth some $200 billion, and among the top actors are the UK, Canada, and Australia. The effects of immigration policies on education do not stop at universities but spill over to local economies, which gain from students’ expenditure on accommodation, subsistence, and even taxes. At the same time, the political motivations to support international education are fast outweighing the economic arguments. US: A Beneficiary of Global Crackdowns As much as other countries seem to be tightening their immigration policies, the United States is increasingly looking to make gains. This has already increased by 11.5% in the enrollment of international students in the academic year 2022/23, and these now prefer to come study in the United States as opposed to the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Ex-President Donald Trump thus proposed that, though strictly vetted—depending on the process, definitely—he offers green cards to non-citizen graduates of US colleges, and that made the US a place for international talent as well. Conclusion As countries debate immigration around the world, international students are potentially now falling within their crosshairs, making them political pawns. They have been perceived as assets for too long, contributing billions of pounds to the local economies of nations with liberal policies towards them. Today, their status both as students and as valuable contributors is looking pretty shaky, and the stakes are so high for both students and universities.

Just recently, Singapore set policies allowing students to apply for permanent residency. This is its effort towards transforming the country into a very competitive education hub for the global markets.  New International Students’ PR Criteria  In this respect, only national exams passed can allow international students the chance to apply for the PR status. This may be through the PSLE or even other Singapore-Cambridge GCE levels, either of the ‘N’, ‘O’, or ‘A’ levels. Whereas in the past, as it was stipulated, international students had to wait for a minimum period of two years before they could apply for PR. While applying for PR, in the case of integrated programs, the students could become eligible much earlier, which will make the complete process easier for so many. Through this, all students who are 15 years old and older can apply for PR online. Also, this service is convenient because applicants can access the service through either the ‘Singpass’ or ‘non-Singpass’ options. Greater Support for International Students  Besides making the PR application process easier, Singapore has also liberalised its policies relating to the guardians of foreign students. Not only does the enhancement allow male guardians to apply for long-term visit passes to accompany foreign students, but it is actually a step away from a policy previously mandating that applications had been limited to female guardians, such as a mother or grandmother. Of course, only one guardian is allowed to accompany each student. Foreign students enrolled in universities in Singapore are required to obtain a student pass, except for those who hold a valid dependent’s Pass or long-term visit pass (LTVP) or who have been issued a short-term visit pass. ICA has stated that the student pass is not a valid document for an individual taking up part-time courses or courses during evening times or weekends. It bestows numerous benefits on international students to acquire the status of PR in Singapore. Permanent residents can live and work in Singapore without any restriction over the issuing of visas, gain access to social security services, and even become citizens in the times to come.  The application process is not, however, based on academic criteria only. According to Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Second Minister of Home Affairs, the assessment for PR or citizenship also relates to the issue of integration with the local population and the potential contribution to the country.Teo pointed out that a very important consideration when considering an applicant’s eligibility for PR or citizenship of Singapore is if the person is able to integrate with the local community and contribute to society in the future. Singapore’s Evergreen Appeal as a Hub of International Learning By the end of January 2023, the Ministry of Education, together with ICA, reported more than 79,300 international student pass holders. This establishes Singapore as one of the global education hubs, appealing to many students from across borders due to its very best institutions and friendly immigration policies.  Recent changes in the application criteria for PR have made Singapore so much more attractive for international students who would wish to seek education and long-term residency in the city-state. Conclusion  On the basis of the policies taken by Singapore, international students will get the opportunity to secure permanent residency easily and hassle-free. This initiative is to benefit not only the student but will help Singapore realise its ambition of becoming a global education and talent hub.

The Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program has played an integral role in the national labour market by filling sectoral gaps due to a lack of workers. Recent criticism and a damning report by the United Nations have raised debate on whether or not it needs sweeping reforms. Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, acknowledged that while the program itself is not intrinsically flawed, it is “in need of reform” over a raft of issues, including exploitation of workers and suppression of wages.  Understanding the Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program  The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign non-Canadian workers in order to complement labour shortages in industry sectors. For many years, this program has grown dramatically, especially in its low-wage stream.The figure soared from 15,817 workers in 2016 to 83,654 in 2023. This huge growth raises concerns about the potential for abuse and lowering of wages for both foreign and domestic workers.  The UN Report and its Consequences  A recent report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery branded Canada’s TFWP as a “breeding ground for modern slavery.” Among the most startling problems raised in this report were wage theft, underpayment, and physical, emotional, and verbal abuse. Healthcare was also added to the long list of challenges that temporary foreign workers have difficulty accessing. The report stirs up debate on the ethical dimensions of TFWP, with some demanding a call for its total reforms. Labour Minister Randy Boissonnault is reportedly toying with stricter measures to address the misuse of the program in the low-wage stream. The Economic Impact of the Low-Wage Stream Many economists argue, and Mike Moffatt has strongly opined, that this low-wage TFWP stream is actually designed to hold down wages. Moffatt wants this stream to completely go, and this is damaging to the labour market because the program creates an artificial supply of low-cost labour, depressing wages for all workers.  It has further been criticised for establishing a class of workers who are so vulnerable to exploitation yet contribute to the economy. This stream was initially expanded to allow more employers to hire temporary foreign workers in low-wage occupations, even in areas with higher unemployment rates. However, this expansion has had unintended consequences, including increased worker exploitation.  Pathway to Permanent Residency: A Potential Solution  Probably the most important recommendation of the UN report was to provide temporary foreign workers with a clear process for permanent residency. It indicated that the offer of permanent residency can, to some extent, offset the structural precarity implicated in making temporary foreign workers vulnerable to exploitation. It justifies this recommendation with the wider purpose of integrating foreign workers into Canadian society and treating them with dignity and respect.  The Need for Balanced Reform In line with the obvious need for reform, there is a need for balance that will address the concerns of both workers and employers. Against the background of his sentiments, Minister Miller cautioned that all employers should not be painted from the same brush of modern-day slavery, as a majority do treat their workers fairly and with respect. He, however, conceded that there were abuses that had to be corrected within the program. This would further complicate Canada’s goal of reducing the growing number of its temporary residents as it is mired in a deepening housing crisis with rising anti-immigrant sentiments. The plan to reduce temporary immigration would do nothing to solve the issues indicated in the report from the UN. A comprehensive approach with tougher regulations, better oversight, and a clear path to permanent residency reforming the TFWP is greatly needed. Conclusion  Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program has been crucial in underpinning the country’s labour market; yet, it is a program that, with growing evidence, urgently needs reform. Going forward, therefore, this will need to be evidence that contemplation of the issues of worker exploitation, wage suppression, and access to permanent residency is done with balance—a view to the need for the protection of workers butted up against the need to support job creators. Fair treatment of and integration with temporary foreign workers could therefore be seen as strong reasons why both should be prime subjects as Canada progresses with immigration policies for the future.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) stands to be one of the most important interventions for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international students to transition smoothly to permanent residency in Canada. This information-packed guide will offer the reader content on the MPNP, from its crucial immigration streams right down to the application process, that can be a way to pave a smooth path to starting a new life in Manitoba. IntroductionThe Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program provides a well-structured pathway to permanent residency in the event of meeting some qualifications. When introduced to a stream of the MPNP, be it as a skilled worker, entrepreneur, or international student, the procedure and process of application can be somehow confusing and/or contain loopholes. This guide will guide you through the process so that you have the knowledge to carry out this process with assurance. Primary Immigration Streams in Manitoba Manitoba has some different immigration streams targeting varied types of applicants. Meanwhile, familiarisation with these streams is your starting point for making an MPNP application. i) Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream: Suitable for those foreign temporary workers and international student graduates working in Manitoba, it comprises two pathways:Manitoba Work Experience Pathway: This is designed for people working in Manitoba with valid work permits that entail having at least six continuous months of work experience with a current employer and possessing a permanent, full-time job offer.Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway: This category involves those candidates who have been interviewed by an MPNP official and also by a Manitoba employer outside Canada. They must first have an invitation to apply. ii) Skilled Worker Overseas Stream: This stream is for individuals from overseas who possess a certain skill, although they are not current residents of Canada. However, apart from the connection established by a family member, one can also possess previous work or education experience. These categories include:Manitoba Express Entry Pathway: For candidates already in the express entry pool with experience in any of the MPNP streams in demand in Manitoba.Human Capital Pathway: For the same skilled foreign worker with relevant experience either with a job offer in Manitoba or without, but in one of the in-demand occupations in Manitoba. iii) Manitoba Business Investor Stream: The stream is for people willing to either establish or buy and run a business in Manitoba.Farm Investor Pathway: Targets experienced farm business people with the intention of establishing and operating a farm in rural Manitoba.Entrepreneurial Pathway: For business owners or senior managers who intend to establish or purchase a business in Manitoba. Applicants must make a minimum investment and open opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents to work. iv) International Education Stream: This stream applies to international graduates from Manitoba institutions. This caters to the needs of the labour market in the province. This applies to the following pathways:Career Employment Pathway: A graduate holds a long-term job in the province of Manitoba under an in-demand occupation.Graduate Internship Pathway: This is valid for candidates at both the master’s and doctoral levels who underwent internships in Manitoba done through Mitacs, a partner with the province.International Student Entrepreneur Pathway: For those graduates interested in starting and operating a business in Manitoba. They are required to operate the same business for at least six months before being nominated for permanent residence. v) Morden Community-Driven Immigration InitiativeThere are constant efforts in the town of Morden in Manitoba to recruit some skilled workers who can avail themselves of the services in question and meet the respective demands in the labour market. The target occupations would be welders, carpenters, cooks, plumbers, and pipefitters; the pathway to permanent residence would also be provided. Step-by-Step MPNP Application Process The MPNP application process is simple, but careful detail is a necessary condition. Here’s how you can go through each step effectively: 1.Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI)First, one has to send an expression of interest to MPNP. This is not an application but rather an indication of the province with whom you would like to be considered. Create an online profile on the MPNP website, providing details regarding the education and work experience of an individual, language proficiency, and all contact with Manitoba.EOI Scoring System: Right after the profile submission, the candidates are further assessed by a comprehensive points-based system. Points are given according to the candidate’s age group, educational background, work experience, language skills, and adaptability.Ranking and Draws: The EOI submissions are ranked, and draws take place regularly to invite those ranking highly to submit their applications. 2. Application to MPNPAfter receiving the ITA, you need to submit a full application to MPNP.Document Submission: Your application should have proofs of identity, a copy of education certificates, a copy of work experiences, and official language proficiency, along with sufficient settlement funds and proof of connection to Manitoba. Application Fee: Apart from this, you are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee that varies based on the stream beneath which you are applying. 3. Assessment and InterviewThe MPNP will assess your application to see if you actually meet the eligibility criteria.Interview: Sometimes, an interview can be conducted for more details regarding your application.Verification: Background verification and validation of your work experience can be done for details. 4. Provincial NominationIf you pass the muster, you’ll be sent a provincial nomination certificate from Manitoba.600 CRS Points: This addition of nomination certificates or papers will go a long way in increasing, with much weight, your chances of receiving an ITA for entrants into permanent resident status under the Express Entry scheme’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).Nominating Certificate: Use this certificate to apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 5. Permanent Residence ApplicationApply for permanent residence with the federal government using your nomination.An application is then submitted to IRCC together with a nomination certificate and all the necessary documents.Processing time: Although processing times vary, a nomination at the province level gives faster speed in the process. 6. Settlement in Canada and landingYou can now land in Canada with your permanent residence visa and

Singapore has always been a leading destination country that stands for quality education in an exciting, multicultural environment. By its latest policy revision, the city-state has made studying abroad more attractive than ever before since the authorities now allow young students to bring their parents or grandparents along. This new policy will be a blessing because it will not only ease the transition of young students but will also provide them with comfort and support, as family members will be close by. Understanding of Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) to Family Members Before the introduction of the recent policy, male guardians, including fathers and grandfathers, could not apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for their wards who were studying in Singapore. The policy change allows male guardians, including fathers and grandfathers, to escort their children or grandchildren with a Long-Term Visit Pass. It squarely shows Singapore’s effort in making itself an ideal destination for international students. Such a policy affords parents and grandparents the opportunity to be with their children and grandchildren who are pursuing studies in the country. This policy change ensures improvement in the student experience but also identifies with the national goal of attracting more international students to Singapore based on the value of family support in education. A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass in Singapore If you are one of those parents or grandparents who plans to move to Singapore with a student, here is a detailed guide to help you through the procedure for applying for a Long-Term Visit Pass. 1. Required Documents Before lodging an application, first make sure you have the following documents: All documents have to be original, while non-English ones should be translated and accompanied by an official translation. A recent colour digital photo of the applicant (400 x 514 pixels).A valid travel document (passport). Student’s Birth Certificate.Student’s parents birth certificates. Household Register of the student’s parents. Marriage Certificate of the student’s parents.Divorce Certificates, Deeds of Separation, and approved court orders on the custody of children, if any. A letter issued by the student’s school indicating that the student is enrolled in the school. 2. Application Procedure Eligibility: Either of the student’s parents or grandparents may apply for one LTVP only. Local Sponsor: The sponsor must be a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident who is 21 and above. The sponsor can log in to the ICA e-Service using Singpass to submit the application. 3. Fees At Submission: It costs SGD 45 for every application. After formalities are completed: It costs SGD 60 for the issuance of the LTVP.In cases where a Multiple Journey Visa is necessary, an additional SGD 30 is required. Note that none of the application fees are refundable. All fees should be paid online with:A valid Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card.American Express AMEX credit card.Direct debit via the internet from your DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, and Standard Chartered Bank internet banking accounts in Singapore.PayNow. 4. Processing Time Under normal circumstances, the processing time is six weeks if all documents are in place and are valid. Processing may take a little longer in some cases. 5. Application Result The outcome of the LTVP application will be notified via email. The applicant may also check his application status online via MyICA or e-Service. Benefits of LTVP for International Students and Their Families The Long-Term Visit Pass is very useful, not only for the students but for the accompanying family members. To the student, with an available parent or grandparent around, the former feels the latter’s emotional support and security in adjusting to his new environment. On the part of the parents and grandparents, LTVP would mean that they are near their children or grandchildren and at the same time enjoying life in Singapore. On the other side of the coin, the LTVP is part of the Singapore plan’s bigger aim of pulling more and more surrenderees by making the nation more family-friendly. By trying not to lose out on family togetherness in education, it retains and enhances its growing reputability as a student international city. Conclusion The new policy by Singapore, to let international students bring in their parents or grandparents under the Long-Term Visit Pass, is a great step towards improving the student experience. The policy does not only encourage comfort and support among their students but, by extension, rather coincides with the city-state’s goal of attracting, retaining, and developing international talent. To a young man looking to study in Singapore, this new policy will make the already enriching learning experience available in the city-state even better with the idea that your loved ones can be with you.

Since its introduction, the H-1B visa has become one of the cornerstones of the U.S. It reformed the immigration system to allow highly qualified foreign workers to contribute to the economy of America. However, the method by which the available H-1B visas are awarded has more recently been adjudged to be deficient and easily manipulable, not serving the best interests of either employers or domestic workers. H-1B lottery reform is needed for the future to ensure that the visa continues to function as it was originally intended. Flaws of the Current H-1B Lottery System Since its establishment in 1990, the H-1B visa program has been one of the most prominent ways to fill gaps in occupations needing special talent that is not easily found within US borders. However, the process by which these visas have been awarded has always been via a lottery system, which has several flaws. H-1B lottery reform, therefore, aims to address these issues by replacing chance with merit-based intake.One of the glaring problems with the current system is that it is open to manipulation. For instance, IT staffing firms are known to flood the lottery with entries in an attempt to increase the chances of visas for their candidates. It is a clear deviation from the fundamental logic of allotment and pushes other deserving applicants out of the queue. The abuses of the H-1B visa have been so egregious that nearly half of the visas issued from 2020 through 2023 went to firms in this sector. The Case for a Merit-Based Visa System Only an overhauled and rethought allocation process can solve these problems. What is needed now is a system based on merit, as in Canada and Australia. Like these models, it will award points to factors such as education, work experience, skills, age, and proficiency in English to ensure that only the best candidates are given preference.Another approach could be to tilt more towards higher earners, who tend to be more highly skilled and so contribute more to an economy. A since-withdrawn Trump administration plan would have allocated visas based on wage levels, giving greater preference to higher earners than their peers for the same occupation and region. Such a change would serve to ensure that the H-1B program has the effect of bringing the best and brightest to the U.S. to fill roles genuinely requiring their expertise. Moving Forward with H-1B Lottery Reform While many of the recent moves by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to rein in H-1B visa abuse have been incremental steps in the right direction, they don’t go far enough. A system based on its basic construct, founded through a lottery, has no inherent assurance that the best candidates actually get the visas.Ahead lies a clear pathway: the United States must turn to a system of merit-based visas that return talent and qualifications against chance. By doing so, we can ensure that the H-1B visa remains an integral instrument of world-class talent capture for innovation, driving the growth of the country with continued competitiveness in the global economy. Conclusion This blog post gives a detailed overview of the need for H-1B lottery reform and the benefits of moving to a merit-based visa system. It has, in a way, showcased the flaws that exist at the moment in the process and proposed possible solutions to them. Thus, this publication becomes very instrumental in enabling people to understand immigration policy and its effects on the U.S. economy.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program serves as a crucial pathway for those aspiring to make Ontario their home. Since the program’s establishment in 2007, the OINP has grown from a small program with up to 1,000 annual nominations to one of Canada’s largest provincial nomination programs, supporting approximately 8,000 nominations per year. An effective strategy by the OINP for mitigating labour skills shortages, encouraging investments, and increasing the standing of immigrants has to have a wide, multi-sectoral set of immigration streams that addresses many different candidate profiles. Immigration Categories and Streams Different categories and streams of the OINP are geared towards attracting a certain type of candidate, be it a skilled worker, graduate, or entrepreneur. All of these streams fall into one of two general categories: “Base” and “Enhanced.” The latter category is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, and successful candidates can receive an additional 600 points on their CRS score, which goes a long way in receiving an ITA for permanent residence. 1. Human Capital Category Human Capital Priorities Stream: This category is for skilled workers with a minimum of one year of work experience in a high-demand occupation. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet a minimum language proficiency in either English or French that is equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). 7. Possessing an active Express Entry profile is essential. French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: This category is essentially the same as that of the Human Capital Priorities Stream but for those who possess fluent speaking skills in both French and English. This stream aids in targeting bilingual candidates; however, this category requires the same type of education and relevant work experience. Skilled Trades Stream: This category was specifically designed for workers working in Ontario, registered, and having specific work experience in skilled trades. The applicant must have a valid Express Entry profile and hold a work permit. Intended to address labour gaps in Ontario. 1. Human Capital Category Human Capital Priorities Stream: This category is for skilled workers with a minimum of one year of work experience in a high-demand occupation. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet a minimum language proficiency in either English or French that is equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). 7. Possessing an active Express Entry profile is essential. French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: This category is essentially the same as that of the Human Capital Priorities Stream but for those who possess fluent speaking skills in both French and English. This stream aids in targeting bilingual candidates; however, this category requires the same type of education and relevant work experience. Skilled Trades Stream: This category was specifically designed for workers working in Ontario, registered, and having specific work experience in skilled trades. The applicant must have a valid Express Entry profile and hold a work permit. Intended to address labour gaps in Ontario. 2. Masters and PhD Category The Masters Graduate Stream: This stream is created for individuals who have completed a master’s degree from an Ontario university. Applicants would be required to demonstrate they have lived in Ontario for at least one year in the two years leading up to their application date. The PhD Graduate Stream: This stream applies to individuals who have received a Ph.D. from an Ontario university, which, as in the case of the Masters Graduate Stream, share the same residency requirements. 3. Category: Employer Job Offer Foreign Workers Stream: This category is for skilled workers with a permanent job offer in Ontario. International Student Stream: This stream is designed to be an open route to remaining in Ontario to work after one’s study for recent graduates from a post-secondary institution in Ontario. In-Demand Skills Stream: This focusses on workers in sectors with labour shortages like agriculture, construction, and other in-demand occupations. 4.Entrepreneur Stream: This is to assist persons who intend to establish or buy a business in Ontario.It requires a high amount of financial investment and the creation of at least one job for Canadians or permanent residents. 5. Regional Immigration Pilot The Regional Immigration Pilot, part of the Employer Job Offer Category, is specifically crafted to attract immigrants to Ontario’s smaller communities. To be eligible, you must have an employer from one of the participating communities, such as Chatham-Kent, Belleville, Quinte West, or Cornwall. Application Process OINP applications take a number of steps, depending on the category and stream chosen. Account Creation: All applicants have to first register themselves on the ONe-Key portal. This provides access to Ontario’s secure online application system. Submitting through the OINP Portal You must apply for most streams through the OINP e-Filing Portal where you will fill in forms, upload the required documents, and pay the applicable fees. Express Entry-Aligned Streams: In the case of an Express Entry-aligned stream, if a candidate is successfully selected, then he or she will be awarded an additional 600 CRS points, which would bump up the rankings in his or her Express Entry profile. Non-Express Entry Streams: For the non-Express Entry streams, one can apply directly to IRCC once a nomination by Ontario is received. Entrepreneur Stream: In this case, applicants in the Business Category begin with an Expression of Interest. You will then be called upon to submit a full application with a comprehensive business plan. This category attracts higher fees and a longer processing time since the application is quite detailed. Why Choose Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program For many skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates eyeing a promising future, an Ontario nomination is always on their priority list. Whether it is the vibrant feel of Ontario’s cities, diverse job opportunities, or a quality life, the OINP offers multiple pathways tailored for your background and aspirations.