World Immigration News

Global immigration news from around the world

Release Date: 2025-07-16
Media: Smith Stone Walters
Summary: This week, Smith Stone Walters highlights key immigration updates from New Zealand, Peru, the United States, Poland, and Canada:

In New Zealand, changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) form for Green List roles took effect on 7 July 2025. The form now features more general questions and displays role-specific requirements directly, allowing faster updates. From 18 August 2025, wage thresholds will increase to reflect the new median wage of NZD 33.56 per hour, impacting eligibility for AEWV benefits such as labor market test exemptions and extended stay periods.

Peru has introduced visa exemptions: from 1 July 2025, Japanese nationals can enter for business without a visa; from 4 July 2025, Qatari nationals with valid passports can enter for tourism purposes. Both are allowed up to 183 days of stay per year.

In the United States, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras and Nicaragua will end 60 days after official notice, as conditions are deemed safe for return. DHS encourages eligible individuals to use support programs for voluntary departure, including financial assistance. TPS for Haiti and Afghanistan was also recently terminated.

Poland implemented multiple migration law reforms effective 1 June 2025. These include aligning with the updated EU Blue Card Directive, digitizing procedures, removing the labor market test, imposing new work permit restrictions, and increasing penalties for illegal employment. Applicants on certain visa types are now barred from switching to single permits within Poland and must apply from abroad.

In Canada (Quebec), new selection criteria for the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) took effect on 2 July 2025. The program prioritizes French speakers, those with Quebec work or study experience, and those living in regional areas. A new self-assessment tool will be available soon. Additionally, Quebec has reached its cap on family reunification applications for spouses and adult dependent children and will not accept new ones until 25 June 2026.
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