Global Visa Policy & Updates

In a strategic policy shift announced by IRCC, Canada is prioritizing high-skilled international students. The most critical change is the exemption of Master's and PhD students from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement.

Key Benefits for Our Clients:

• Guaranteed Spot: Your application is removed from the high-risk pool of provincial caps.
• Fast Track: PhD students benefit from an accelerated processing target of just 14 days.

Official guidance published by IRCC.

Effective November 25, 2025, Student visa holders who have completed their course can apply to switch directly to the Innovator Founder visa from within the UK. This eliminates the need to return home to apply.

Client Benefit:

• Business Continuity: Transition research into a commercial reality without leaving the UK.
• Settlement Path: Leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in as little as three years.

Replaces MD111. Links visa processing priority directly to an education provider’s compliance with government planning levels. Tier 1 Providers get the fastest processing.

Action Required:

Choosing a Tier 1 (Priority) education provider is now the most effective way to secure a rapid visa outcome. Consult with us to ensure your provider is ranked highly.

The Home Office has introduced 'Part Suitability', a consolidated set of rules tightening requirements for good character. Past breaches (overstaying, deception) are now centrally located grounds for refusal.

Warning: Clients with any history of immigration breaches must be fully transparent with SNS Visa Consultants.

The minimum monthly maintenance funds required have increased to align with the cost of living:

• London: £1,529 per month.
• Outside London: £1,171 per month.

Funds must be held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days.

The registration start date has been postponed to implement system upgrades and the new $1 electronic entry fee. Status is currently closed.

Warning: Avoid scams advertising fake registration dates. Wait for the official DOS announcement.

Officers now have explicit authority to cancel existing permits if the holder fails to maintain compliance (e.g., stops attending classes, works unauthorized hours). This shifts focus from initial approval to ongoing adherence.

Refusal rates have surged as IRCC combats fraud and manages capacity. Scrutiny on "Genuine Student" and "Genuine Temporary Resident" intent is at an all-time high.

Strategy: Flawless submissions are necessary. Every document must be verifiable, and Study Plans must be logically watertight.

Eligibility expanded to graduates from any university ranked in the global top 100. An annual global cap of 8,000 applications has been introduced.

Benefit: Allows graduates to work in the UK for 2 years (3 for PhD) without employer sponsorship.

Eligible tertiary students can now work up to 25 hours per week during term time (up from 20). Full-time work during scheduled breaks remains permitted.

The automated IT system replacing manual stamping has launched. It digitally records entry/exit data (biometrics) to track the 90/180-day rule automatically. Expect slight delays during the initial registration phase on first entry.

The UAE has standardized single-entry visas into 30, 60, and 90-day tiers. The 90-day option is typically reserved for visiting friends/relatives or business purposes, reducing the need for costly in-country extensions.

MD111 prioritizes applications based on the institution's risk rating. Choosing a Priority 1 institution places your application in the fast lane for quicker decision-making.

Sri Lanka has been upgraded to Evidence Level 1. This means streamlined documentation (fewer upfront financial/English checks) but requires strictly passing the new Genuine Student (GS) test.

Parents of NZ citizens/residents can now apply for a visitor visa allowing a stay of up to 5 years (renewable to 10). Requires sponsorship and mandatory health insurance.

IRCC continues to expand eligible programs for PGWP, focusing on high-demand sectors like STEM, Healthcare, and Skilled Trades. Choosing an aligned program maximizes career prospects.

German visa processing has transitioned to VFS Global Colombo. All biometric data and documents must now be submitted at the centralized VAC, streamlining appointments and tracking.

A mandatory, non-refundable $1 USD fee applies to all DV-2027 entries to combat fraud and fund security upgrades. A valid electronic payment method is now required to enter.

Minimum funds required for living expenses (excluding tuition) have increased to CA$22,895 for a single applicant. Budgets must be adjusted immediately for new applications.