New Zealand offers 10-year visa for parents of migrants, to begin in September 2025
Starting 29 September 2025, New Zealand will introduce a new long-term visa designed to reunite skilled migrants with their parents — the Parent Boost Visa. This significant policy shift aims to strengthen family bonds by allowing eligible parents to stay in New Zealand for up to 10 years on a multiple-entry visitor visa. What is […]
South Africa to launch AI-driven digital visa system for tourists in September 2025
South Africa is set to transform the way international travellers access its borders. Beginning September 2025, the country will launch an AI-powered Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for short-term visitors from visa-required nations—ushering in a new era of digital, paperless travel clearance. The new system is not only expected to replace the current e-Visa for […]
France introduces new online visa appointment booking rules for travellers
Planning a trip to France in 2025? There’s a major update you need to know. France has fully digitized its visa appointment process for both Schengen short-stay and long-stay national visas, introducing a mandatory online procedure that every traveller must follow. This move is part of France’s ongoing efforts to modernize consular services and minimize […]
New Canada visa rules: Maintained status restrictions for temporary residents explained
Canada has long offered a lifeline to temporary residents whose visas or permits are about to expire: maintained status—previously called implied status. This provision allows individuals to legally stay in the country while waiting for a decision on their extension application, as long as the application is submitted before the expiry of their current permit. […]
Trump eyes premium $1,000 US visa interview slot for faster B1/B2 access
The Trump Administration is currently reviewing a proposal that could dramatically reshape how international travelers access interview appointments for the United States’ B1/B2 visitor visas. According to a May 17 memo obtained from Trump’s policy team, the plan suggests introducing a “premium appointment” system, allowing foreign nationals to pay an extra $1,000 to speed up […]
U.S. suspends student visa appointments globally, pushes for social media vetting
The United States has placed a temporary freeze on new student visa interview appointments at embassies and consulates worldwide. This move, directed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio through a diplomatic cable, applies to all F, M, and J visa categories — which include international students and exchange visitors — and will remain in effect […]
Indonesia suspends online visa renewal application for foreign nationals
In a significant shift to its immigration procedures, Indonesia has announced that all foreign nationals—regardless of their visa category—must now visit an immigration office in person to renew their stay permits. The new rule takes effect from May 29, 2025, and replaces the previously available fully online renewal system. This revised policy was outlined in […]
Comparing student visa proof of funds requirements across 20 study destinations
Comparing student visa proof of funds requirements across 20 study destinations In recent months, some major study abroad destinations have increased the amount of available, guaranteed funds that international students must have to be eligible for a study visa. Part of the motivation here is to ensure students do not have to take on too […]
Egypt Makes Airport Entry Easier: Digital e-Visa on Arrival Launches June 2025
In a transformative step towards modern, traveler-friendly tourism, Egypt is launching a new digital emergency visa-on-arrival system at Cairo International Airport starting mid-June 2025. The pilot, led by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities alongside civil aviation, finance, and digital transformation ministries, will simplify airport entry for eligible travelers and is part of the country’s […]
Japan Eases Student Visa Rules in 2025, Expands Post-Study Work Options!
Japan is making bold moves on the global education map with a new mission: to host 400,000 international students by 2033. The goal may sound far off, but with over 312,000 students already in Japan by May 2024, the country is well ahead of schedule. So, what’s fueling this rapid growth? 🎓 A Rise Driven […]