Canada has become one of the world’s most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and investors. With its stable economy, supportive business environment, and welcoming immigration policies, it’s no surprise that global business leaders are increasingly choosing Canada to launch or expand their ventures. But beyond its strong economy, what makes Canada such a compelling place to…
In September 2025, Saint Kitts & Nevis made a bold and forward-looking update to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. The government has extended eligibility for dependent children up to age 30 and removed the requirement for full-time education, allowing any financially dependent child under 30 to be included in the family application. What Changed—and…
For many international investors, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is the clearest route to permanent residency in the United States. By investing $800,000 or more in a qualifying U.S. business or regional center project, applicants can gain the right to live, work, study, and build their futures in the world’s largest economy. But what many…
Australia confirms the Permanent Migration Program for 2025–2026 will stay at 185,000 places, the same as the previous year. This shows a commitment to stability for investors, skilled workers, and families navigating the immigration system. Program Structure: What Does 185,000 Spots Mean? The migration slots are distributed across three core streams: 1. Skilled Migration (approx.…
Investing through the EB-5 visa program is a major financial and personal decision. Besides the required $800,000–$1,050,000 investment, success depends on selecting a project that meets U.S. immigration rules. A often-overlooked warning sign? Pending Requests for Evidence (RFEs) at the project level. What Is a Project-Level RFE? According to EB5 Affiliate Network, aside from…
In 2025, “golden visas” are evolving from mere investment opportunities to strategic assets for wealthy Americans. Programs in Malta, Portugal, and the UAE are leading the way, offering more than just residency or citizenship—they provide freedom, flexibility, and security in an uncertain world. Here’s a detailed look at the appeal of each—and how to navigate…
In a historic move set to reshape global investor migration, five Eastern Caribbean nations are nearing the creation of a unified regional regulator for their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. The Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) will start operating in September 2025, after parliamentary approval in Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint…
Over the past few years, Portugal’s Golden Visa program has changed a lot, and so have investors’ strategies. While real estate used to be the main choice, more applicants are now opting for investment funds as their way to get Portuguese residency. This shift isn’t just a fad — it’s a smart move influenced by…
Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS), created to attract top talent to the Canadian innovation economy, has long been known for its 7–10 business day processing time. However, starting in 2025, the program is undergoing major reforms—testing both employer preparedness and worker flexibility. What’s Driving Change? Immigration Rebalancing: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s 2025 mandate focuses on…
Effective January 1, 2025, Malta implemented significant reforms to its Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) through Legal Notice 146/2025—simplifying procedures, reducing initial hurdles, and enhancing family friendliness while maintaining the program’s financial stability and compliance standards. Here’s an in-depth look at what has changed—and why Malta remains an attractive European residency choice in 2025. Highlights of…
The EB‑5 Reform & Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) greatly overhauled the U.S. EB‑5 Investor Program—adding much-needed oversight and transparency. While most focus has been on reforms for Regional Center projects, the law also strengthened standards for direct EB‑5 investments, where applicants fund their own business. The bottom line: direct filings now involve increased risk,…
Turkey remains one of the fastest and most accessible citizenship-by-investment (CBI) destinations, with a transparent application process and flexible investment options. However, recent legal and economic updates make 2025 a critical year for anyone considering this path. 1. What Makes Turkey’s CBI Program Stand Out? Since its 2017 launch, Turkey’s CBI program has stood out…
In a historic change, Malta recently abolished its Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) program following a European Court of Justice ruling that condemns citizenship as a purely transactional process. Now, Malta is broadening its merit-based citizenship framework—emphasizing innovation, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and job creation instead of just monetary investment. With Malta’s investment-driven citizenship program ended, many investors…
The EB‑3 visa remains one of the most accessible U.S. immigration paths for skilled workers, professionals, and some unskilled labor. With ongoing labor shortages across different sectors, this visa provides a pathway to permanent residency—though success depends on choosing the right occupations and meeting strict requirements. Here are the top five EB‑3 categories in 2025…
Canada has long been a top destination for entrepreneurs seeking a stable, business-friendly environment and a high quality of life. The Start-up Visa Program (SUV) is one of the few immigration routes in the world that allows early-stage entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence directly—even before their businesses achieve commercial success. With Canada’s innovation economy expanding…
For high-net-worth individuals looking for a secure and efficient way to obtain U.S. permanent residency, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains a top choice—especially now, as recent updates have opened up unprecedented opportunities to speed up the Green Card process. What’s New for EB-5 Investors? Recent policy updates and increased focus on regional center projects…
In today’s rapidly evolving global identity landscape, choosing a secure, efficient, and highly mobile “second citizenship” has become a strategic consideration for many high-net-worth families. The Nauru Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, with its unique advantages, is quickly becoming a focal point in the market. We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for John…
European real estate has become one of the most strategic asset classes for globally mobile families, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and international investors seeking both returns and lifestyle benefits. Unlike purely financial products, European property can provide multiple layers of ROI: rental income, capital appreciation, currency diversification, inflation hedging, legacy wealth storage, and—crucially—immigration advantages through residency…
The Hong Kong SAR Government relaunched the “New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme” (CIES) earlier this year, aiming to actively attract global capital and high-net-worth investors. This move was seen as a crucial strategy for Hong Kong to consolidate its position as an international financial center and stimulate economic development in the post-pandemic era. The market’s…
Recent developments in the Saint Kitts & Nevis and Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs highlight a key trend: Caribbean nations are tightening regulations and increasing oversight to protect their national interests and preserve privileges like U.S. travel. These changes emphasize the importance of choosing trusted, compliant CBI intermediaries for investors. What’s Changing in Saint…
A wave of citywide protests in Lisbon and across Southern Europe indicates growing concern about the negative effects of short-term rentals and Golden Visa investors on local housing markets. In Lisbon, activists are calling for a referendum to ban tourist rentals in residential buildings, responding to rising housing costs and pressure on long-term rentals. This…
Grenada recently suspended a local Citizenship by Investment (CBI) agent and sub-agents over alleged illegal financing and unauthorized discounting. This firm move, including revoked citizenships and rejected applications, underscores a critical global trend: governments are demanding higher transparency and taking decisive action against misconduct in CBI programs. This incident is a stark reminder for all…
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is experiencing a remarkable 72% surge in new applications in early 2025 compared to the same period last year – a clear and compelling signal of renewed investor confidence following significant, well-publicized reforms. Concurrently, the Portuguese government is finalizing a new, highly attractive tax-incentive model strategically aimed at attracting high-potential investors…
The U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a powerful pathway to U.S. permanent residency. However, this seemingly straightforward path can be fraught with challenges. Recent data reveals that denial rates remain alarmingly high due to issues that are often entirely avoidable. So, what exactly goes wrong in typical EB-5 applications? And more importantly, how can…
Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) program has long been a beacon for global entrepreneurs looking to establish innovative businesses in North America. However, recent policy shifts signal significant changes ahead, making 2025 a crucial window for prospective applicants aiming to secure their future in Canada. Anticipated Changes to the Start-Up Visa Program and Upcoming Challenges In…
Since 2014, the Republic of Cyprus has approved over 28,000 Golden Visas, unequivocally cementing the country’s robust reputation as one of Europe’s most stable and attractive investment-based residency programs. Investors from around the globe – particularly from Asia and the Middle East – are increasingly drawn to Cyprus, not only for its appealing lifestyle and…
For high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and global investors seeking stable, developed countries for residency and long-term returns, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP) is rapidly becoming one of the most strategic options for 2025. This unique program combines attractive government bond yields, diversified investment flexibility, and crucial access to Australia through reciprocal arrangements. Many are…
Recent policy shifts in the U.S. have cast a shadow of uncertainty over international students aspiring to study in America. From pauses in student visa interviews and expanded social media screening to top universities like Harvard facing certification issues, the traditional F-1 visa pathway is increasingly disrupted. These developments lead to delays and heightened scrutiny,…
Hong Kong has once again solidified its standing as a top global destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). As of May 25, 2025, the city’s revamped Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) has received an astounding 1,257 applications, with a total declared investment of HK$37 billion (approximately US$4.7 billion). This significant surge of interest is not just…
Australia continues to solidify its position as a global magnet for innovation, talent, and economic opportunity. To attract the world’s brightest minds, the Australian Government introduced the National Innovation Visa (NIV), a forward-thinking evolution designed to build upon the legacy of the now-closed Global Talent Independent (GTI) program. At the core of this elite visa…
In today’s interconnected world, property investment transcends mere rental yields or asset appreciation. It’s about securing freedom, access, and unparalleled opportunities. Europe has emerged as a premier region for real estate investors, not only for its robust potential returns but also for its strong legal frameworks and the invaluable added benefit: pathways to residency or…
The 2025 Australian federal election marked a pivotal moment for the nation’s immigration policy. With the Australian Labor Party (ALP) securing a decisive re-election, Australia’s immigration landscape is set for transformation — and for prospective migrants, the news is largely positive. A New Era in Migration Under Labor The re-election of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese…
The United Kingdom is reportedly set to launch a new investor visa program, signalling a significant shift in its high-net-worth immigration strategy. This follows the abrupt closure of the Tier 1 Investor Visa in 2022, which faced scrutiny over transparency and misuse of funds in high-risk sectors. The anticipated new UK investor visa aims…
Attention global talent! The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its guidance for the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) in January 2022 and again in 2024-2025. This new guidance offers clearer criteria for how applicants can demonstrate their work benefits the United States, justifying a waiver of the standard labor certification and job…
In a world where families seek better living and long-term strategic advantages, the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a compelling route to obtaining a U.S. Green Card for the whole family. What is the EB-5 Program? The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, administered by USCIS, allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency (Green Card) in…
In today’s global economy, immigration is about more than just relocation; it’s about building a future, pursuing innovation, and making a difference. Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program offers a compelling opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs, granting permanent residency to founders and their families based on a crucial element: a strong, innovative, and scalable business idea. However,…
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published detailed data on I-526 and I-526E petitions filed between April 1, 2022, and January 31, 2025. This release follows a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit by the American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA), aimed at increasing transparency within the EB-5 program regarding processing and demand trends.…
Australia consistently ranks among the world’s most sought-after countries for immigration, and for compelling reasons. Beyond offering a new place to reside, Australia provides immigrants with a unique combination of opportunity, security, and an exceptional quality of life, set within one of the planet’s most livable nations. In an era of increasing global mobility and…
In a significant ruling, the European Union’s highest court has declared Malta’s “golden passport” scheme illegal, citing its conflict with EU law by treating EU citizenship as a commodity and eroding mutual trust among member states. Malta is now mandated to discontinue its investor citizenship program, which has faced considerable scrutiny over concerns of money…
Proving the lawful source of funds is one of the most critical—and often the most challenging—steps in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a real estate investor, or the inheritor of family wealth, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) require meticulously documented trails tracing every dollar of your EB-5 investment to…
In recent years, the pursuit of a second residency or passport has emerged as a defining trend among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). No longer just a luxury, holding multiple legal statuses has become a strategic asset—offering unparalleled global mobility, security, and lifestyle diversification. As global markets shift and geopolitical landscapes evolve, savvy investors recognize that a…
Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) program is revolutionizing business immigration by offering global entrepreneurs a direct route to permanent residency through innovative ventures. As we head into 2025, the program is experiencing unprecedented demand, coupled with critical updates that make strategic planning essential for applicants. This SEO-optimized guide explores the SUV program, key changes for 2025,…
A major update to the U.S. visa process in 2025 has applicants on edge. As of April 24, 2025, USCIS now requires a color-printed Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) at visa interviews, impacting programs like the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Failing to comply could lead to interview cancellations or visa denials. John Hu Migration Consulting explains…
Looking to relocate abroad in 2025? The Remitly Immigration Index 2025 reveals the most desirable countries for immigrants, based on global search trends for phrases like “how to move to [country].” From economic opportunities to quality of life, these destinations offer diverse pathways for professionals, families, and entrepreneurs. John Hu Migration Consulting breaks down the…
Dreaming of a U.S. Green Card through investment? The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a golden opportunity for high-net-worth individuals to secure permanent residency by investing $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 elsewhere. However, selecting the right EB-5 project is key to ensuring both immigration approval and investment security. With over 15…
The global landscape of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs has undergone significant changes in recent years. As nations adapt to evolving economic strategies and immigration policies, Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) program has emerged as a key player, setting itself apart from traditional investor programs by focusing on entrepreneurship and long-term economic growth. Unlike many other…
In April 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a staggering 50% tariff on Chinese imports, escalating the U.S.-China trade war to new heights. This move, a response to China’s 34% tariff increase on U.S. goods, has sent shockwaves through global markets, with the Dow Jones plummeting 2,231 points. For international investors and entrepreneurs, Trump’s tariff…
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made notable strides in reducing its immigration backlog, offering hope to thousands of prospective immigrants. As of February 28, 2025, the backlog stood at 821,200 applications—a 7.95% decrease from the previous month’s 892,100. This marks the third consecutive month the backlog has remained below the 1 million mark,…
The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program in Canada has emerged as a pivotal opportunity for international entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovative enterprises within the country. As we approach the year 2025, this program is poised for further evolution, continually presenting new trends, challenges, and opportunities for prospective applicants. Trends Shaping the Start-Up Visa Program in 2025…
New South Wales (NSW) is now closed to applications for nomination under the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). As NSW has exhausted all quotas for the BIIP nomination, she’s unable to accept other applications until the next program year (July 2020). Queensland and South Australia’s nomination quota under the BIIP has been closed as well.…
There were a total of over 32,000 skilled migration visas granted in the period of 2017/18 including subclass 189 skilled independent, 190 skilled nominated and 489 skilled regional (provisional) visas, out of which about 300 were from Hong Kong applicants. The majority of Hong Kong applicants were in the age group of 25 to 29. …
There’s a proposal to change the terms of the Portuguese Golden Visa program. It has been discussed in sub-committees within parliament. If the proposal passes, it will be sent for publication within this year. The proposal suggests to stop investment into City Centre’s and Major Towns property investment and only approve applications that are in…
Australia Department of Home Affairs has announced that they are undertaking a consultation process to seek views on whether: The program should be streamlined to maximise the value Increased investment thresholds and different investment types has brought better economic benefits to Australia The consultation will be closed by 14 Feb, 2020. Implying there might be…
Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) is open to non-EEA nationals who commit to an approved investment. The Application Windows for 2019 have been closed in mid November. Yet, windows for 2020 have been announced! The Immigrant Investor Programme will open for applications in 2020 as follows: 17 February 2020 – 21 February 2020 20 April…
Victoria has taken the lead in adjusting the Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188) and will implement it on July 22, 2019. The relevant adjustments are as follows: Business Innovation Stream (188A): Score at least 80 on the SkillSelect Points Test; Employ at least one full-time employee; Demonstrate the business export 100% Victorian manufactured products…
The Department of Homeland Security finalize a regulation that raises minimum investment amounts in the EB-5 visa program. The program currently allows foreigners who invest $1 million in a U.S. commercial project that will create or preserve at least 10 jobs to apply for a green card. A final rule will raise those investment amounts. For standard…
There is a high demand for nurses to work in Australia. Nurses will have excellent career opportunities . Most nurses consider skilled migration program to migrate to Australia. Most visa applications for nurses receive priority processing. To make the application successful, nurses need to register in ANMAC. In Australia, to work as a nurse you need…
In order to provide their children with better education and look for better living environment, many of the Honghongers decide to immigrate overseas. One of the most efficient ways to migrate is applying for investment migration. There are many investment programs, of those, Australia and Canada investment migration are the top priority. Australia 188B visa Australia…
Although there are many methods to immigrate to Australia such as investment, entrepreneur as well as skilled migration, some of the people cannot achieve the dream of immigration because of insufficient assets or fail to meet certain qualifications. Actually, you can consider Australian 457 visa which is a self-employed visa because the criteria of this…
The Australian government has released a draft investment framework for an enhanced Significant Investor Visa Scheme (SIV) and design options for a new Premium Investor Visa (PIV).As part of a broader competitiveness agenda, the reforms are aimed at better directing investment through the visa schemes into more dynamic areas of the economy, including venture capital…
Over the next few weeks, you will see and hear many media reports on the upcoming proposed legislation which may affect the EB-5 (immigration through investment) program. It is important to put this and any other EB-5 topic in context.While the EB-5 “Pilot Program” is scheduled to sunset on September 30, 2015, the statute related to…
The Productivity Commission’s suggestion of selling Australian visas which some estimate will be in the order of $50,000 per visa rubs against the Australian ethos of a fair-go. Australia already has the SIV which is a pathway for the wealthy. Perhaps that scheme needs to investigated and improved. Instead what we have are proposed changes…
Today the Government announced the new complying investment framework for the Significant Investor Visa (SIV) and Premium Investor Visa (PIV) programme (media release). The Government intends that the new framework will be implemented from 1 July 2015 and will encourage investment into innovative Australian ideas and emerging companies. From 1 July 2015, Austrade will also…
USA – EB5 Program Regulations are in process to change the EB-5 program on Sept. 30, 2016. After that time, the following changes are expected to occur: (1) Investment levels are expected to change from $500,000 to $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), and from $1M to $1.2M in non-TEAs.(2) The definition of TEAs may…
Australia New Skilled Regional Visas New subclasses 491, 494 and 191 to replace existing 489 and 187 in November 2019 and November 2022 respectively. The Migration Amendment (New Skilled Regional Visas) Regulations 2019 amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to introduce three new visas to assist regional Australia (designated regional areas) and make related amendments. At the commencement…
The Cyprus Investment Programme is viewed as the quickest way to obtain the EU passport by taking around 6 months. The methods of obtaining Cyprus Visa mainly divided into “Cyprus Citizenship Program” and “Cyprus Permanent Residence Program”. The amendments for the programme will be effective on 15th May 2019 which mainly focus on Cyprus Citizenship…
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently announced that the migration ceiling of skill and family streams will be reduced from 190,000 to 160,000 places in the next four years. In addition, South Australia and Western Australia’s Goldfields region with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder signed the five-years Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). Under the DAMA program, South Australia can…
At the “Global Immigration Summit” held earlier this month, many participants began to be interested in immigrating to Europe. In the past, we encountered many applicants who originally planned to immigrate to Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. However, they were not capable of applying for the visa because of personal reasons such…
The “Global Immigration Summit 2019” hosted by John Hu Migration Consulting was held last Saturday (March 2) and ended successfully. Nearly 300 people attended the event on the same day. It is a great honour to invite professional consultants from Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union to share the…
The South Australian Minister for Education, the Hon John Garner MP, has just announced that the school contribution fee for dependents of Subclasses 457 and 482 visa holders*, are to be waived to encourage more foreign workers to settle or work in regional South Australia. Waiving the school fee would be a great temptation and…
Low Investment Program of British Columbia – BCPNP Regional Pilot The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot, was launched in mid-March and was piloted for 2 years. This program allows applicants to start or run a new business in smaller communities of British Columbia with a lower investment amount. The communities must…
According to the latest news from the Canadian government, Quebec investor visa will be extended to August 31, 2019! You should not miss this rare chance! The maximum number of Quebec investor visa applications remains the same 1,900, while a maximum of 1,235applications from China, Hong Kong and Macau will be accepted. You can submit your applications…
Australian government announced the original 457 visa, with a new 482 visa instead, but the details of what changes? According to the Ministry of Immigration announced that the new measures from now on stage implementation, until March 2018 with full implementation. The 457 short-term labor visa, which was implemented by the Government in 1965, was able to…
A telephone survey was conducted in December last year by the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, CUHK, to gauge public views on emigration from Hong Kong. However, it was found that 34% of the respondents intended to emigrate and 16.2% indicated that they have recently prepared for immigration; especially the younger generation (18-30 years old) has…
