Immigration news updates for AMER and APAC regions
Americas
Canada: New immigration policy
Quebec’s Immigration Minister has announced a one-year limit on the number of foreign nationals from any single country who can be invited to apply for permanent residence through the Regular Skilled Worker Program. This policy is effective from October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025, and the percentage of invitations allocated to foreign nationals from any one country is capped at 25%.
This summary was prepared using information from the Immigration
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).
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand: Work authorization for partners of migrant workers
The New Zealand Government is implementing changes to expand open work rights for more partners of migrant workers, enabling them to work for any employer. The updates are set to be implemented from December 2, 2024. Open work rights will be granted to:
- All partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders employed in roles classified under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Levels 1-3, earning at least NZD $25.29 per hour (80% of the standard median wage).
- Partners of AEWV holders earning at least $25.29 per hour, provided they were already supporting a partner for a work visa as of June 26, 2024.
- All partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earning at least $25.29 per hour.
Additionally, partners of AEWV holders in ANZSCO Levels 4-5 roles will also qualify for open work rights if they meet one of the following criteria:
- Earning at least $47.41 per hour (150% of the standard median wage).
- Earning at least $31.61 per hour in a role listed on the Green List and fulfilling the relevant requirements.
- Earning at least $25.29 per hour (80% of the standard median wage) while meeting the criteria for roles in the Transport or Care Sector Agreements, or the wage specified in the sector agreement, whichever is higher.
The summary was prepared using information from the Immigration New Zealand
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 Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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