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Yesterday, Sunday November 23, 2025
IRCC application inventory surges past 2.2 million, reigniting backlog concerns
Newly leaked data show IRCC’s inventory has climbed to 2.2 million files, with nearly half breaching service standards. Study-permit and visitor-visa queues are driving the increase, raising the prospect of longer wait times for work-permit and permanent-residence applicants. Employers are urged to use LMIA-exempt categories and budget six to nine months for LMIA-based hires while Ottawa scrambles to hire more officers.
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Nov 23, 2025
Spain Cuts Arraigo Residency Requirement to Two Years
A decree effective 20 November reduces the continuous-stay requirement for Spain’s Arraigo Social and Arraigo Sociolaboral permits from three years to two. The change opens a faster path to legal residence and work for undocumented migrants and offers employers a new avenue to fill labour gaps without overseas hiring.
Nov 23, 2025
Czech Embassy in Cairo Opens Only Six-Hour Booking Window for November Seasonal-Work Visas
The Czech Embassy in Cairo opened its on-line calendar for seasonal-work visas for only six hours on 21 November, accepting just five applications—the full monthly quota for Egypt. The micro-window highlights ongoing capacity constraints and could leave Czech firms short-staffed for the winter season.
Nov 23, 2025
Prague Introduces Five-Year ‘Special Long-Term Residence’ for Displaced Ukrainians
Czechia has opened a new five-year residence pathway for Ukrainians under temporary protection, provided they meet strict income and housing criteria. The status offers work authorisation and a route to EU long-term residence, giving employers and assignees greater stability as the temporary-protection regime winds down.
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