Immigration news & guidance — page 2
Practical explainers and updates on the immigration systems Visa Ray covers.
Points-based immigration systems explained: how Canada, Australia, Japan and others score you
Points systems reward age, education, language and experience. Understand how they work, why a high score is not a guarantee, and how to improve yours.
2026-09-16 · 2 min read
Ten common reasons visa applications are refused (and how to avoid them)
Most refusals are avoidable. Understand the most common causes, from incomplete documents to weak ties, and how to prepare a stronger application.
2026-09-15 · 2 min read
How to prove funds for a visa: bank statements, sponsors and common mistakes
Proof of funds is a requirement for many visa types. Learn what counts as evidence, how long money must be held, and mistakes that cause refusals.
2026-09-14 · 2 min read
Skilled worker salary thresholds in 2026: Australia, Denmark, Hong Kong and New Zealand
A quick comparison of major salary and quota settings in 2026 across Australia, Denmark, Hong Kong and New Zealand, with notes on what changed.
2026-09-13 · 2 min read
Malta's Permanent Residence Programme: why sources disagree and how to check the real numbers
Online guides to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme quote very different fees. Here is why, and a checklist for verifying the figures yourself.
2026-09-12 · 2 min read
UAE Golden Visa in 2026: what changed for property investors and professionals
The UAE updated its Golden Visa in early 2026, including the 50% payment rule for property, new categories and longer sponsorship of children. A plain summary.
2026-09-11 · 2 min read
UK earned settlement: how the new route to indefinite leave to remain may work
The UK has proposed changing settlement from a fixed five-year route to an earned model. Here is what is known, what is not, and how to prepare.
2026-09-10 · 2 min read
Singapore Employment Pass in 2026: minimum salary, COMPASS and what to expect
Singapore's Employment Pass minimum qualifying salary rose to SGD 5,800 in 2026. Learn how COMPASS scoring works and what employers and applicants should prepare.
2026-09-09 · 1 min read
Germany EU Blue Card 2026: salary thresholds, shortage occupations and how it compares
The German EU Blue Card requires a minimum salary that is lower for shortage occupations and new entrants. Learn the 2026 figures and how to apply.
2026-09-08 · 2 min read
Netherlands highly skilled migrant visa 2026: salary thresholds and sponsor rules
The Dutch highly skilled migrant route sets age-based salary thresholds. See the 2026 amounts for under-30s, 30+, graduates and EU Blue Card applicants.
2026-09-07 · 2 min read
France raised residence permit and naturalisation fees on 1 May 2026
French residence permit tax doubled in some categories and the naturalisation stamp duty rose to EUR 255. A summary of the new amounts and who is exempt.
2026-09-06 · 2 min read
Portugal's citizenship rules: 10 years of residence and what to check before you rely on it
Portugal's reformed nationality law raises the standard residence period from 5 to 10 years. Understand the 7-year routes, when the clock starts, and what remains uncertain.
2026-09-05 · 2 min read
Greece Golden Visa in 2026: investment thresholds by zone and the real costs
Greece's Golden Visa minimum depends on where the property is. See the EUR 800,000, EUR 400,000 and EUR 250,000 tiers, the other investment routes, and the fees involved.
2026-09-04 · 2 min read
Canada permanent residence fees in 2026: what you actually pay
Canada raised permanent residence fees on 30 April 2026. A plain breakdown of the processing fee, right of permanent residence fee, family members and other costs.
2026-09-03 · 2 min read
Thailand cut its visa-free stay to 30 days: what travellers and remote workers should do
From 15 September 2026 Thailand's visa-exempt stay was reported cut from 60 to 30 days. Here is what it means for tourists, digital nomads and long-stay visitors.
2026-09-02 · 2 min read
Japan's Business Manager visa now needs JPY 30 million: what changed and who is affected
Japan raised the Business Manager visa capital requirement from JPY 5 million to JPY 30 million in October 2025. See the new rules and alternatives.
2026-09-01 · 3 min read
New Zealand just restructured its Skilled Migrant Category — here's what changed
On 24 August 2026, New Zealand moved its main skilled residence pathway away from a single points system toward pathways built around work experience and trade qualifications.
2026-08-26 · 1 min read
The US H-1B $100,000 fee requirement was vacated in court — what it actually means
A federal court vacated the guidance implementing a disputed $100,000 H-1B payment requirement on 8 June 2026. Here's what's confirmed and what to verify before you act.
2026-08-01 · 1 min read