Global Immigration Recap: June 2026

Our June global immigration recap includes the latest on Canada’s overhaul of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Vietnam’s Business VNeID requirement for employers, India’s adjustment to FRRO registration and Employment Visa sub-categories, France’s minimum wage increase, and more.

Canada – New OINP Framework, ETA for Business Travelers from Indonesia and Malaysia, and Alberta WEOI Updates

Ontario Introduces New OINP Framework

The Ontario government has officially implemented changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), replacing the previous Employer Job Offer streams with a new employer-driven system.

Key Updates:

• The previous OINP Employer Job Offer streams have officially closed, and no further invitations will be issued under the former program.
• Applications already submitted will continue to be processed under the eligibility criteria in effect at the time of filing.
• The OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system is expected to reopen later this summer.
• Existing EOIs and Job Offers currently in the pool (where no invitation has been issued) will be automatically withdrawn.

Employer Considerations

• Employers who previously completed an employer registration will not need to register again when the system reopens.
• A new Job Offer must be submitted for each candidate.
• Employees will need to submit a new Expression of Interest (EOI) once the Job Offer has been posted.

Ontario has also announced preliminary eligibility criteria for the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, including minimum work experience, language, education, and wage requirements based on the occupation’s TEER category. Final requirements will be confirmed once the supporting Regulations are released. We recommend employers avoid making assumptions regarding eligibility until the final Regulations are published, as the announced criteria remain subject to confirmation.

New ETA Option for Eligible Business Travelers from Indonesia and Malaysia

Eligible citizens from Indonesia and Malaysia may now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) when traveling to Canada by air. To qualify, travelers must have previously held a Canadian visitor visa within the last 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa.

For employers with regional operations in Southeast Asia, this change may significantly reduce lead times for certain business visitor travel to Canada.

Employer Considerations

• Review upcoming travel plans involving employees based in Indonesia and Malaysia.
• Assess whether affected employees may now qualify for streamlined travel authorization.
• Continue to confirm appropriate immigration classification, as eTA eligibility does not authorize work in Canada.

Alberta Streamlines Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) Process

Alberta has updated its Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) system to allow candidates to edit an existing submission without canceling and resubmitting their profile. Previously, candidates who needed to update information were required to withdraw and submit a new profile, resulting in additional fees and administrative burden.

This change should make Alberta’s provincial nomination process more flexible for foreign workers whose employment circumstances, credentials, or language scores change after submission.

Employer Considerations

• Employees pursuing Alberta nomination pathways can now update their profiles more efficiently.
• Employers supporting provincial nomination strategies should ensure employee information remains current and accurately reflects wages, job duties, and employment details.
• Alberta has also indicated that wage and hours-of-work information may play an increasing role in future selection decisions.

Vietnam – Business VNeID Now Required for All Sponsors

As of June 1, 2026, all sponsors in Vietnam must have a Business VNeID to log in to the National Public Service Portal and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) Portal. Without a valid Business VNeID, company representatives will be unable to access these portals and carry out administrative procedures, including visa applications, as previous login methods have since been discontinued. Sponsors who have not yet obtained this VNeID should do so immediately to avoid disruptions to immigration processes.

India – Amendments to FRRO Registration Timeline and Employment Visa Sub-Categories

In India, a revised timeline for registration at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and changes to Employment Visa sub-categories have been introduced.

Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Registration

Foreign nationals who enter India on a visa valid for 180 days or less and who wish to stay beyond this period must register at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) before their visa expires. There is no longer a 14-day grace period following visa expiration to complete this registration; it must be done in advance.

Employment Visa Sub-Categories

The sub-categories of the Employment Visa have been amended, consolidating the previous four categories into the following three:

• E-1 – All types of employment, including intra-company transferees, but excluding those that fall under categories E-2 or E-3;
• E-2 – Non-governmental organizations (NGOs); and
• E-3 – Missionaries, religious workers, and approved organizations.

France – Minimum Wage Increase and ANEF Overhaul

French Minimum Wage Increase

In light of the recent increase in the French minimum wage (SMIC), employers should review the salaries of foreign national employees whose work and residence permits are tied to the SMIC to ensure compliance with the revised salary thresholds.

Particular attention should be given to any pending, change of status, or renewal applications where the salary requirement is based on the SMIC rather than a fixed reference salary. Affected categories include the Salarié (Employee) and Talent – Mandataire social (Talent – Corporate Officer) designations.

Non-compliance with the applicable salary requirement may trigger the need for the employer to conduct a labor market test to prove that no qualified local candidate is available to fill the position.

ANEF Platform Overhaul

In other news, the French government has been ordered to take corrective action to address ongoing issues with the ANEF digital immigration platform within the next 6 to 12 months. Concrete measures are to be taken to reduce backlogs and ensure timely processing of residence permit applications moving forward.

Uruguay – New Visa Waiver for Chinese Nationals Announced

Uruguay will soon be implementing a visa waiver for Chinese nationals traveling to the country for business or tourism. This announcement comes shortly after neighboring Brazil introduced a 30-day visa waiver for Chinese nationals last month. Other South American nations may follow suit in response to China’s extension of its visa waiver to several countries in the region, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. The Uruguayan government is expected to release further details on this new visa waiver shortly.

Israel – Delays in Multi-Entry Work Visa Issuance

The Population and Immigration Authority has advised that the current processing time for multi-entry work visas is up to three weeks following arrival in Israel. Given this delay in visa issuance, employers should carefully evaluate travel plans and project schedules to avoid disruptions to employees’ immigration status.

Philippines – Processing of AEP Applications Shifted to DOLE Central Office

As of June 9, 2026, all new and renewal Alien Employment Permit (AEP) applications are being processed at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Office in Manila. Some delays are expected during this transition to centralized processing.

Australia – New Salary Thresholds and Government Fees for Sponsored Visas

Employers are reminded that the following annual salary thresholds for sponsored visas are in effect as of July 1, 2026:

• Core Skills – AUD 79,499
• Specialist Skills – AUD 146,717

All visa applications lodged on or after this date are subject to the above salary thresholds. The associated government fees have also increased by approximately 3%. A list of current fees is available on the Department of Home Affairs website here.