Global immigration systems underwent significant transformation in 2025, with governments tightening controls in some regions while modernizing and expanding legal pathways in others. From stricter enforcement and compliance measures to faster visa processing for skilled workers, the year reflected a global shift toward controlled mobility, digitization, and talent-driven migration.
Clark Hill’s Global Immigration practice continues to support corporations and individuals navigating this evolving landscape, providing strategic guidance across short-term assignments, long-term relocations, consular processing, business visas, document legalization, and compliance solutions in over 100 countries worldwide.
Below is a regional overview of the most impactful immigration developments of 2025.
Brazil: Expanded Activities Under Visitor Visas
In October 2025, Brazil updated its visitor visa regulations to explicitly allow technical assistance and technology transfer activities. This change simplifies short-term assignments that previously required a VITEM V work visa, reducing administrative burdens for employers and foreign professionals.
Canada: 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan
Canada released its new Immigration Levels Plan, signaling a major strategic shift:
- Permanent residents: 380,000 annually through 2028
- Temporary residents: Reduced to curb population growth
- International students: Intake cut by nearly 50% from 2025 levels
The plan underscores Canada’s growing focus on sustainability, housing capacity, and program integrity.
Ontario: Skilled Trades Stream Suspended
Ontario temporarily suspended its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream due to compliance and misrepresentation concerns. All pending applications are being returned with refunds, highlighting Canada’s increasing scrutiny of nomination programs.
EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa)
Europe: Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EU launched its long-anticipated Entry/Exit System in October 2025, introducing biometric tracking at external borders. Full implementation is expected by April 2026, significantly impacting business travelers and frequent visitors.
United Kingdom: Major Work Visa Reforms
The UK announced further immigration reforms aimed at reducing net migration while attracting high-skilled talent. Changes include:
- Higher employer fees and student financial requirements
- Shorter Graduate Visa durations
- Expanded High Potential Individual routes
- Increased English language thresholds
- Continued shift toward a fully digital system
Ireland: Family Reunification and Citizenship Reforms
Ireland streamlined its Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, adjusting income thresholds, expanding work rights for dependents aged 16–18, and allowing earlier transition to independent residence permits.
Spain: Golden Visa Ends, Immigration Law Overhauled
Spain abolished its real estate Golden Visa program and implemented sweeping immigration reforms under the new RELOEX framework. The changes expanded legal pathways, reduced residency requirements for settlement permits, enhanced protections for vulnerable groups, and modernized student and work visa rules.
Poland: New Foreign Worker Legislation
Poland introduced a fully digital system for hiring non-EU workers, removed labor market tests, and imposed stricter employer compliance obligations. Additionally, a 1991 visa-waiver agreement allowing extended stays for U.S. citizens was terminated following the rollout of the EU EES.
Germany: Fast-Track for Skilled Workers
Germany launched a temporary fast-track immigration process for skilled professionals in shortage sectors, prioritizing recognition of qualifications and speeding up visa issuance.
Slovenia: Digital Nomad Residence Permit
Slovenia introduced a one-year, non-renewable digital nomad permit for non-EU nationals working remotely for foreign employers.
Bulgaria: Digital Nomad Residence Options
Bulgaria amended its Foreigners Act to align with EU directives, including the introduction of short-term residence permits for digital nomads.
Kenya: Expanded Visa Exemptions
Kenya exempted most African nationals and select global citizens from requiring an electronic travel authorization (eTA), reinforcing regional mobility and tourism.
South Africa: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
South Africa launched its ETA system for tourists from select countries, with plans to expand globally once fully operational.
Saudi Arabia: Skill-Based Work Permit System
Saudi Arabia introduced a new classification system for foreign workers, aligning visas with skill levels and labor market needs under Vision 2030.
Kuwait: New e-Visa Platform
Kuwait launched a centralized e-Visa system for tourist, business, and family visits, replacing paper-based applications.
Nigeria: Mandatory e-Visa Introduced
Nigeria replaced Visa on Arrival with a mandatory e-Visa system, modernizing its immigration processes for short-term visitors.
China: Expanded Visa-Free Access
China extended visa-free entry to Swedish nationals and prolonged visa-free access for citizens of 45 other countries through 2026. It also introduced the K-Visa, targeting young STEM talent.
South Korea: Updated D-8 and New K-Star Visa
South Korea tightened eligibility for D-8 business visas in certain jurisdictions and introduced the K-Star Visa to retain top international graduates.
Thailand: Fully Digital Work Permit System
Thailand replaced its paper work permit system with a nationwide digital platform, significantly reducing processing times.
Malaysia: Immigration Digitization and Enforcement
Malaysia launched new online platforms for Employment Pass applications, strengthened exit clearance enforcement, and introduced overstay management measures.
India: Expanded e-Visa Categories
India introduced new e-Visa options including transit, film, mountaineering, and entry visas, while retaining existing tourist and business categories.
Australia: Skilled Migration Updates
Australia raised income thresholds for skilled visas, expanded accepted English tests, and reinforced permanent residency pathways through the Skills in Demand visa.
New Zealand: AEWV Changes
New Zealand reduced experience requirements, extended visa durations for lower-skilled roles, and mandated police clearance certificates at submission.
Singapore: Re-Entry Permit Rule Changes
Singapore granted permanent residents abroad a 180-day grace period to renew expired Re-Entry Permits before losing PR status.
Key Global Immigration Trends in 2025
- Increased digitization and automation of visa systems
- Stronger focus on program integrity and compliance
- Expansion of talent-driven and skills-based pathways
- Reduced reliance on passive investment and in-country regularization routes
- Greater scrutiny of temporary migration programs
Disclaimer:
This publication is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and readers should seek professional legal counsel before taking action.
