Here are today’s key immigration updates for students, workers and families planning to go abroad, compiled by Best Immigration Consultant (BIC), Jalandhar & Ludhiana.

1. Canada: Express Entry changes for high-wage occupations start today

From 3 November 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) gives extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to Express Entry candidates in high-wage occupations. A high-wage occupation is one whose median wage is at least 1.3 times the median wage of the overall Canadian workforce, such as engineering, technology, health care, skilled trades and education.

• Qualifying job offer: 100 points (2× median wage), 70 points (1.5×) or 50 points (1.3×).
• Canadian work experience: 70, 40 or 20 extra points for at least 12 months in high-wage occupations at 2×, 1.5× or 1.3× the median wage.
• No LMIA needed: a qualifying job offer no longer requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to earn the new points or to meet job-offer requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs.
• Existing profiles: scores in the pool are recalculated automatically. Invitation rounds may pause for up to two weeks.
• Extra points do not guarantee an invitation. The CRS cut-off for each draw still applies.

2. Canada: new online asylum claim process

IRCC has moved to a new online process for asylum claims from 3 November 2026. Claims started in the IRCC Portal but not yet submitted must answer new questions before submission. Claims already submitted are not affected.

3. UK: longer wait for settlement (ILR) announced

On 2 November 2026, the UK government announced that many work-visa holders will have to wait longer for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the changes will be introduced during 2027.

• Standard work-visa holders: 10 years (up from 5).
• Earning at least £50,000, or public-sector workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers: 5 years.
• Salaries above £125,000: 3 years.
• Care workers earning at least £25,000: 5 years.

Separately, UK Immigration Rules changes (Statement of Changes HC 584) are coming into force in stages, with further dates on 30 November and 9 December 2026. Check the latest rules before you apply.

4. Australia: student visa financial requirements under review

On 30 October 2026, the Australian government said it will “recalibrate” its student visa crackdown. It is reviewing financial requirements for students from South Asia after high refusal rates. More than 40% of Indian applicants were refused last financial year.

• A replacement for Ministerial Direction 106 is being developed.
• Universities and education agents will be consulted in November 2026.
• Financial thresholds for students may be raised.

BIC tip: Australian student visa applicants should prepare strong, genuine and well-documented financial evidence now.

Need help with your visa?

Best Immigration Consultant is a Punjab Government-licensed, ISO-certified consultancy specialising in Canada, Australia, UK, USA, New Zealand and Schengen visas, including refusal cases.

📞 96-96-631-631 | 🌐 bestimmigration.in
Offices: Jalandhar (Opp. Bus Stand) & Ludhiana (Ferozepur Road, Opp. PAU Gate No. 2)

Sources: IRCC (canada.ca), Associated Press, ABC News Australia. Information is current as of 3 November 2026 and may change. Always check official government websites before applying.