Posted on February 26 2018
Japan is planning to revise visa rules by 2018 summer as it needs more skilled overseas workers to plug critical labour shortages. Its government says it is considering increasing visa categories and relaxation of rules.
Although it will primarily target the IT sector, other sectors facing severe workforce shortages such as construction, care, agriculture and transport will also be given due importance. This is an indicator of how ageing population of Japan, which urgently requires workers, is forcing the country to give up its traditional ideas.
Shinzo Abe, Japanese prime minister, is, however, willing to accept mostly temporary workers and not people who would settle down permanently. On the other hand, the number of international workers in Japan has increased during the past five years owing to it robust economic recovery has produced demand for workers. Now, the unemployment rate of Japan has fallen to 2.8 percent and there are 1.59 applicants for each open job, which is one of its highest figures since the early part of the 1970s.
The number of foreign workers in Japan in 2012 was 682,450 as against 1,278,670 in 2017, which is almost double. About 20 percent of the workforce of Japan under Mr Abe is foreigners.
Meanwhile, business groups, which are facing increasing pressure to increase wages to lure native workers, are trying to prevail over the Japanese government to offer increasing number of work visas.
Toshimitsu Motegi, minister of state for economic and fiscal policy, was quoted by The Financial Times as saying that they were looking to review the system for talented workers. He said that they would look at each sector for the minimum essential skill levels.
Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, has been finding it tough to encourage skilled international workers because of its conservative language and cultural traditions in addition to its tough policy of granting citizenship or permanent residency.
If you are looking to work in Japan, talk to Y-Axis, the world’s no.1 immigration and visa company, to for a work visa.
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Indian Student Wins Prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship in Nuclear Science—Find Out How You Can Too!
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According to recent news, Hemangi Shrivastava, a Master’s degree student of Electronics and Nano Electronics, has received the Marie Curie Fellowship in Nuclear Science. Shrivastava is pursuing her Master’s degree from Moscow Power Engineering Institute, which is one of the flagship institutions under Rosatom’s core.
The Marie Curie Fellowship in Nuclear Science has been awarded to 12 students from flagship institutions in countries like Ethiopia, Armenia, Rwanda, Turkey, Zimbabwe, and India. The fellowship was launched in March 2020, and since then, 2200 applications have been proved, and 560 students from across 121 countries have been awarded the same.
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You would be eligible for the Marie Curie Fellowship if you:
The fellowship covers tuition fees, internships, a monthly stipend, and additional financial assistance from Rosatom.
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Returning to the U.S. on a Green Card, H-1B, or F-1 Visa? Don’t Miss This Essential Checklist!
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The USCIS along with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated the immigration policies for Green Card, H-1B and F-1 visa holders. The department has increased scrutiny on the residence requirements of these visa holders who need to travel in and out of the US frequently.
Immigration experts have suggested that Green Card and H-1B, F-1 visa holders maintaining strong ties to the US and refraining from criminal activities have no reason to panic. However, immigrants having a US Green Card, F-1, or H-1B must refrain from staying away from the US for longer periods of time.
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The following are the documents required while re-entering the US on a Green Card:
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UK Announces Visa Fee Hikes starting April 9, 2025
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The UK Government has recently announced a fee hike for certain UK visas including student visa, transit visa, and dependent visa and visit visas. Sponsorship visas and naturalisation application will also charge a higher fee from April 09, 2025.
The visa fee increase in the UK also extends to skilled worker visas and electronic travel authorizations (ETA). However, the visa has been kept the same for premium sponsorships and fast-track visas.
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The table below provides a detailed overview of the UK visa fee for applications made outside the UK:
Fees category | Current fee | Fee from 9 April 2025 |
Visit visa – short up to 6 months | £115 | £127 |
Visit visa – long up to 2 years | £432 | £475 |
Visit visa – long up to 5 years | £771 | £848 |
Visit visa – long up to 10 years | £963 | £1059 |
Visiting academic – more than 6 months but no more than 12 months | £200 | £220 |
Private medical treatment visa – more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | £200 | £220 |
Transit visa (direct airside transit) | £35 | £39 |
Transit visit visa (landside transit) | £64 | £70 |
Visa for the purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of the crew of that ship or aircraft | £64 | £70 |
Single-entry visa to replace a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | £154 | Same as before |
Route to Settlement | £1,846 | £1,938 |
Route to Settlement – other dependant relative | £3,250 | £3,413 |
Route to Settlement – refugee dependant relative | £2,885 | £424 |
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | £10 | £3,029 |
Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) | £2,885 | £16 |
Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependants | £1,191 | £1,274 |
Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route | £1,000 | £1,000 |
Start-up – main applicant and dependants | £435 | £465 |
Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent | £524 | £561 |
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required | £192 | £205 |
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required | £716 | £766 |
Global Talent – dependants only | £716 | £766 |
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependants only | £716 | £766 |
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – dependants only | £1,191 | £1,274 |
Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependants | £1,884 | £2,000 |
Skilled worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 3 years or less – main applicant and dependants | £719 | £769 |
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £1,420 | £1,519 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 3 years or less - main applicant and dependants | £551 | £590 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 3 years - main applicant and dependants | £1,084 | £1,160 |
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued | £284 | £304 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List | £284 | £304 |
T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependants | £719 | £769 |
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 12 months or less - main applicant and dependants | £298 | £319 |
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 12 months - main applicant and dependants | £719 | £769 |
Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement, Government Authorised Exchange and Youth Mobility Scheme – main applicant and dependants | £298 | £319 |
Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependants | £719 | £769 |
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £719 | £769 |
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years – main applicant and dependants | £1,420 | £1,519 |
Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants | £298 | £319 |
Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants | £298 | £319 |
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants | £298 | £319 |
Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants | £298 | £319 |
Scale-up – main applicant and dependants | £822 | £880 |
High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependants | £822 | £880 |
Student – main applicant and dependants | £490 | £524 |
Child Student | £490 | £524 |
Short term student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | £200 | £214 |
The table below provides a detailed overview of the UK visa fee for applications made inside the UK:
Fees category |
Current fee |
Fee from 9 April 2025 |
Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependants |
£1,486 |
£1,590 |
Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT |
£1,000 |
£1,000 |
Contact point meeting with endorsing body under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT |
£500 |
£500 |
Start-up – main applicant and dependants |
£584 |
£625 |
Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent |
£524 |
£561 |
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required |
£192 |
£205 |
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required |
£716 |
£766 |
Global Talent – dependants only |
£716 |
£766 |
Graduate Route – main applicant and dependants |
£822 |
£880 |
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependants only |
£716 |
£766 |
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – main applicant and dependants |
£1,486 |
£1,590 |
Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependants |
£1,884 |
£2,000 |
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 3 years or less - main applicant and dependants |
£827 |
£885 |
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 3 years - main applicant and dependants |
£1,636 |
£1,751 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 3 years or less - main applicant and dependants |
£551 |
£590 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 3 years - main applicant and dependants |
£1,084 |
£1,160 |
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 3 years or less– main applicant and dependants |
£284 |
£304 |
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 3 years – main applicant and dependants |
£551 |
£590 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List- Health and Care Visa - where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 3 years or less - main applicant and dependants |
£284 |
£304 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List - Health and Care Visa - where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 3 years - main applicant and dependants |
£551 |
£590 |
T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependants |
£827 |
£885 |
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 12 months or less - main applicant and dependants |
£298 |
£319 |
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor founder Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 12 months - main applicant and dependants |
£827 |
£885 |
Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement Worker, Government Authorised Exchange Worker and Youth Mobility Scheme – main applicant and dependants |
£298 |
£319 |
Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependants |
£827 |
£885 |
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependants |
£827 |
£885 |
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years – main applicant and dependants |
£1,636 |
£1,751 |
Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependants |
£298 |
£319 |
Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependants |
£298 |
£319 |
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependants |
£298 |
£319 |
Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependants |
£298 |
£319 |
Scale-up – main applicant and dependants |
£822 |
£880 |
High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependants |
£822 |
£880 |
Student – main applicant and dependants |
£490 |
£524 |
Child student |
£490 |
£524 |
Visitor Extension – main applicant and dependants |
£1,000 |
£1,100 |
Leave to enter for persons in the UK who are liable to immigration detention |
£1,258 |
£1,321 |
Leave to remain– Other |
£1,258 |
£1,321 |
Hong Kong British National (In-country) for 30 months – main applicant and dependants |
£180 |
£193 |
Hong Kong British National (In-country) for 5 years – main applicant and dependants |
£250 |
£268 |
Processing an application which is subsequently rejected as invalid |
£25 |
£28 |
Indefinite leave to remain – main applicants and dependants |
£2,885 |
£3,029 |
Replacement Biometric Residence Card (issued under the EU Settlement Scheme) which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed |
£19 |
£19 |
Replacement Biometric Residence Permit which has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed |
£19 |
£19 |
Travel Document – Certificate of travel – adult (effective from 10 April 2025) |
£280 |
£300 |
Travel Document – Certificate of travel – child (effective from 10 April 2025) |
£141 |
£151 |
Travel Document – Convention travel document – adult (effective from 10 April 2025) |
£82 |
£94.50 |
Travel Document – Convention travel document – child (effective from 10 April 2025) |
£53 |
£61.50 |
Administrative Review |
£80 |
£80 |
Life in the UK test |
£50 |
£50 |
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with UK Immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy!
For recent immigration updates on the UK, check out Y-Axis UK Immigration News Page!
Schengen Visa Demand Soars! Apply Early to Avoid Summer Delays
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According to recent reports by a visa processing platform named Atlys, Indians have reported an increasing demand for Schengen visas. Huge numbers of visa applicants from India are willing to visit the Schengen countries before summer.
Schengen countries receive the highest number of tourists and immigrants during the summer months. Visa applications are more for countries that offer faster processing times. Schengen member states are likely to receive the maximum number of visa applications from India.
The following are the countries which offer the fastest visa processing time for Schengen visit visas:
Country |
Processing Time |
Iceland |
15-30 days |
Switzerland |
5-15 days |
Latvia |
15-45 days |
Italy |
15-20 days |
Luxembourg |
15-20 days |
Lithuania |
15-30 days |
Slovakia |
15-45 days |
Germany |
15-45 days |
Austria |
15-60 days |
Greece |
15-45 days |
The steps to apply for the Schengen visa are as follows:
Step 1: Choose the type of visa you want
Step 2: Determine the time to apply
Step 3: Arrange the documents required
Step 4: Schedule an appointment with the visa embassy
Step 5: Complete the fee payment
Step 6: Wait for the visa to be approved
Step 7: Fly to your destination country
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For more updates on Schengen news, follow the Y-Axis Schengen news page!
Canada updates visa processing times, grants travel visas for Indians in just 83 days
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According to the latest updates by IRCC on March 18, 2025, the processing times for certain visas and grants have been updated. The new change is expected to set realistic expectations for candidates applying for these visas.
The table below provides the updated processing time for certain Canada visas:
Type of Visa |
Updated Processing Time |
Citizenship Grant |
9 months |
Citizenship certificate |
4 months |
Permanent resident (PR) Card |
16 days |
PR card Renewal |
14 days |
Tourist Visa (for Indians applying from outside Canada) |
83 days |
Tourist Visa (for candidates applying from inside Canada) |
15 days |
Tourist Visa (from the US) |
20 days |
Tourist Visa (from Nigeria) |
132 days |
Tourist Visa (from Pakistan) |
17 days |
Tourist Visa (from the Philippines) |
14 days |
Tourist Visa Extension |
119 days |
Super Visa (for Indians) |
133 days |
Super Visa (from the US) |
241 days |
Super Visa (from Nigeria) |
40 days |
Super Visa (from Pakistan) |
118 days |
Super Visa (from Philippines) |
119 days |
Student Visa (for Indians) |
15 weeks |
Student Visa (from the US) |
5 weeks |
Student Visa (from Nigeria) |
7 weeks |
Student Visa (from Pakistan) |
8 weeks |
Student Visa (from the Philippines) |
5 weeks |
Student Visa Extension |
114 days |
Work Permits (For Indians applying from outside Canada) |
20 weeks |
Work Permits (from the US) |
81 weeks |
Work Permits (from Nigeria) |
15 weeks |
Work Permits (from Pakistan) |
8 weeks |
Work Permits (from the Philippines) |
5 weeks |
Work Permits (from inside Canada) |
111 days |
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme |
12 days |
2 weeks |
|
Electronic Travel Authorisation |
5 minutes |
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For recent immigration updates on Canada, check out Y-Axis Canada Immigration News!
Also read…
Canada offers Study Permit exemption for apprentices in 20+ Occupations. Check if you qualify!
British Columbia and Prince Edward Island invite candidates to apply for provincial nomination
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The Canadian province of British Columbia recently held PNP draws on March 18, 2025, and invited eight entrepreneurs to apply for Canada PR. Candidates were invited under the Base stream and regional stream of the Entrepreneur Immigration category.
The table below lists the details of the recent draw:
Draw Category |
Number of invitations issued |
Cut-off score |
Base stream |
8 |
115 |
Regional stream |
<5 |
123 |
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On March 20, 2025, the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island held a PNP draw and invited candidates via the Express Entry and Labour Impact and Express Entry pathway. The draw targeted to invite candidates who have been living and working in the province for a minimum of one year.
The latest PEI PNP draw issued 124 invitations to professionals associated with the healthcare, trades, and manufacturing sectors. The draw targeted to invite professionals in this sector as the PEI Office of Immigration is currently prioritizing these high-demand sectors.
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This Indian IT firm leads in H-1B Visas approvals
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According to recent updates, the top IT companies approving H-1B visas include Amazon, Tesla, Infosys, and TCS. Amazon leads the list of Indian tech companies with around 9265 H-1B visa approvals.
The USCIS has listed Cognizant, Google, Meta, and Microsoft as the top five IT companies that have sponsored the maximum number of H-1B visas. Other IT companies that heavily depend on the H-1B visa to recruit Indian talent in the US include HCL America, IBM, Deloitte, and Apple.
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The table below lists the number of H-1B visa approvals by top 20 IT companies:
Name of the company |
No. of H-1B Visa approvals |
Amazon |
9265 |
Cognizant |
6321 |
|
5364 |
Meta Platforms |
4844 |
Microsoft |
4275 |
Apple |
3873 |
HCL America |
2953 |
IBM |
2906 |
Walmart |
2904 |
Capgemini |
2795 |
Intel |
2520 |
Deloitte |
2494 |
Accenture |
2157 |
Amazon web services |
2216 |
Oracle |
2070 |
EY US |
2335 |
JPMC |
1719 |
Salesforce |
1525 |
Tesla |
1767 |
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with US immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No.1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!
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Australia announces the new Designated Area Migration from March 2025 to 2030
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On March 19, 2025, the Australian Government announced the new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for the Northern Territory. This is the third DAMA to be released for the Northern Territory. The latest NT DAMA III will be effective from March 19, 2 025 to June 30, 2030, with an annual quota of 1,500. As per the new update, Australian employers with workforce shortages can sponsor an additional 1,500 overseas workers to work in different occupations. A DAMA or Designated Area Migration Agreement is an official agreement between a designated area representative (DAR) and the Commonwealth of Australia.
*Want to work in Australia? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.
The NT DAMA III will be valid from March 19, 2025, to June 30, 2030.
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For more updates on Australia, check out Y-Axis Australia Immigration Updates!
Rachel Bendayan: What Canada’s New Immigration Minister Means for PR, Work Permits & Students
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Following the 2025 federal elections in Canada, the newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney has nominated Rachel Bendayan as the new immigration minister. The new immigration minister will head the immigration department of Canada, taking over from the former immigration minister Marc Miller.
The new shift in the Canadian cabinet is likely to impact immigration policies of the country, including policy changes for Canada PR, work permit, and study permit applications. As a part of the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027, the new Prime Minister and the new immigration minister will prioritize providing Canada PR to the temporary residents already living in Canada.
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Canada’s immigration policy is now to be decided by the new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and the new Immigration Minister, Rachel Bendayan. Among other policies, Carney had previously advocated for:
Under Mark Carney and Rachel Bendayan's ministerial rule, major policy shifts and cap counts are to be expected, which might impact foreign nationals willing to migrate, study, or work in Canada.
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For more updates on Canada Immigration news, follow the Y-Axis Canada Immigration News!
Luxembourg increases EU Blue Card salaries to €63,408
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Luxembourg is another EU country that recently announced a salary hike to the EU Blue Card. As per the recent changes, EU Blue Card applicants must now meet the minimum salary requirement of €63,408 instead of the previous €58,968. The salary changes to Luxembourg’s EU Blue Card represented a 7.53% hike, with an increase of €4,440. The new EU Blue Card salary requirement was effective from March 18, 2025. Candidates applying for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card must now meet the minimum salary level of €63,408 to qualify. Around 825 EU Blue Cards were issued by Luxembourg last year, in 2024.
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To be eligible for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card, you must meet the following criteria:
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For more updates on Schengen news, follow the Y-Axis Schengen news page!