Immigration Digest 🌏
August 2026 saw important immigration developments across several key relocation destinations. Canada closed a PR pathway for Hong Kong applicants and reviewed future Express Entry priorities, while New Zealand introduced major changes to skilled migration, parent residence, and investor immigration.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom:
Global Talent Visa major update for researchers: The UK Government has expanded the Global Talent Visa - UKRI Endorsed Funder pathway, making it easier for commercial R&D companies to recruit international researchers. The expansion was announced on 6 August 2026.
💡UK Research and Innovation endorsement:
The UKRI Endorsed Funder pathway is a fast-track endorsement route under the UK Global Talent Visa for researchers whose work is supported by qualifying research funding.
Historically, this pathway has been used by international scientists and researchers conducting research at UK-based institutions approved by UKRI. To qualify, the researcher’s grant must come from a funder included on UKRI’s list of endorsed funders, while the employing or hosting organisation must be separately approved by UKRI and based in the UK. The research must be supported by a grant worth at least £30,000 and covering a period of at least 2 years. The researcher must also have at least one year remaining on their employment contract or hosting agreement, spend at least 50% of their working time on the funded project, and play an essential role in delivering the grant.
💡Why it matters:
This expansion brings the UKRI Endorsed Funder pathway beyond its traditional academic setting and makes it more accessible to researchers working in commercial R&D, while supporting key UK industries in attracting the best international research talent through a flexible visa and residence pathway. The change reflects the UK Government’s broader aim to strengthen links between research, innovation and industry.
Global Talent Visa major update for researchers: The UK Government has expanded the Global Talent Visa - UKRI Endorsed Funder pathway, making it easier for commercial R&D companies to recruit international researchers. The expansion was announced on 6 August 2026.
- Previously, the approved host organisations were primarily universities, research institutes and other research bodies.
- Now: more than 100 commercial R&D companies have been added to the list of organisations that can host researchers under this pathway, including AstraZeneca, Jaguar Land Rover, GSK, IBM, Arm, Quantinuum and others.
💡UK Research and Innovation endorsement:
The UKRI Endorsed Funder pathway is a fast-track endorsement route under the UK Global Talent Visa for researchers whose work is supported by qualifying research funding.
Historically, this pathway has been used by international scientists and researchers conducting research at UK-based institutions approved by UKRI. To qualify, the researcher’s grant must come from a funder included on UKRI’s list of endorsed funders, while the employing or hosting organisation must be separately approved by UKRI and based in the UK. The research must be supported by a grant worth at least £30,000 and covering a period of at least 2 years. The researcher must also have at least one year remaining on their employment contract or hosting agreement, spend at least 50% of their working time on the funded project, and play an essential role in delivering the grant.
💡Why it matters:
This expansion brings the UKRI Endorsed Funder pathway beyond its traditional academic setting and makes it more accessible to researchers working in commercial R&D, while supporting key UK industries in attracting the best international research talent through a flexible visa and residence pathway. The change reflects the UK Government’s broader aim to strengthen links between research, innovation and industry.
🇨🇦 Canada:
Two major changes to Canadian immigration policy require highlighting: the closure of a temporary pathway to permanent residence for Hong Kong applicants, and a review of future Express Entry priorities.
1. The Hong Kong permanent residence pathways closed to new applications on 31 August 2026.
In 2021, Canada introduced permanent residence pathways to provide eligible Hong Kong nationals in Canada who have recently studied or worked in Canada with an additional opportunity to become permanent residents. The temporary pathways included two streams: In-Canada Graduates and Canadian Work Experience.
It was previously announced that these temporary pathways would stop accepting new applications on 31 August 2026. Applications submitted by the deadline will continue to be processed.
As of 30 June, IRCC had received around 30,315 applications, representing 48,560 people, and more than 13,370 people had already obtained permanent residence.
2. Express Entry priorities for 2027 are under review.
From 4 August to 1 September, IRCC conducted consultations on the economic priorities and categories that could shape category-based selection in Express Entry in 2027. The government is considering continued focus on long-term labour shortages, attracting and retaining highly skilled workers, and supporting Francophone immigration outside Quebec. It is also considering narrowing some labour-shortage categories to make selection more targeted.
💡 Why it matters:
The developments are particularly relevant for Hong Kong nationals currently in Canada, skilled workers planning to use Express Entry, and candidates whose occupations may fall under future category-based selection. The Express Entry review could affect which skills and occupations receive priority in 2027, while the closure of the Hong Kong pathways means eligible applicants who missed the deadline will need to consider alternative routes.
Two major changes to Canadian immigration policy require highlighting: the closure of a temporary pathway to permanent residence for Hong Kong applicants, and a review of future Express Entry priorities.
1. The Hong Kong permanent residence pathways closed to new applications on 31 August 2026.
In 2021, Canada introduced permanent residence pathways to provide eligible Hong Kong nationals in Canada who have recently studied or worked in Canada with an additional opportunity to become permanent residents. The temporary pathways included two streams: In-Canada Graduates and Canadian Work Experience.
It was previously announced that these temporary pathways would stop accepting new applications on 31 August 2026. Applications submitted by the deadline will continue to be processed.
As of 30 June, IRCC had received around 30,315 applications, representing 48,560 people, and more than 13,370 people had already obtained permanent residence.
2. Express Entry priorities for 2027 are under review.
From 4 August to 1 September, IRCC conducted consultations on the economic priorities and categories that could shape category-based selection in Express Entry in 2027. The government is considering continued focus on long-term labour shortages, attracting and retaining highly skilled workers, and supporting Francophone immigration outside Quebec. It is also considering narrowing some labour-shortage categories to make selection more targeted.
💡 Why it matters:
The developments are particularly relevant for Hong Kong nationals currently in Canada, skilled workers planning to use Express Entry, and candidates whose occupations may fall under future category-based selection. The Express Entry review could affect which skills and occupations receive priority in 2027, while the closure of the Hong Kong pathways means eligible applicants who missed the deadline will need to consider alternative routes.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand immigration saw three major changes affecting skilled migrants, parents seeking residence and high-net-worth investors.
1. Major Skilled Migrant Category changes took effect on 24 August.
The reforms introduced two new residence pathways for trades and technicians and skilled workers, while simplifying wage, qualification, and work-experience requirements.
2. New selection rules for the Parent Resident Visa were announced in August.
From 5 October 2026, New Zealand will introduce a hybrid selection model for Parent Resident Visa applications:
3. New Zealand introduced changes to Active Investor Plus Visa requirements.
Changes announced on 13 August aim to provide greater clarity around investment-source and supporting-evidence requirements. Investors must now demonstrate that funds were lawfully acquired and transferred through appropriate banking channels, while additional rules apply to borrowed and gifted funds. The changes also remove the requirement for managed-fund investments to be supported by a non-revocable agreement.
💡 Why it matters:
These changes are particularly relevant for skilled professionals, tradespeople, families planning parent migration, and high-net-worth investors. The updated Skilled Migrant Category creates additional residence options for certain skilled workers, while the new Parent Resident Visa selection model should make the process more predictable for families. For investors, clearer evidence requirements may make the application process more transparent, but also place greater emphasis on demonstrating the lawful source and transfer of funds.
New Zealand immigration saw three major changes affecting skilled migrants, parents seeking residence and high-net-worth investors.
1. Major Skilled Migrant Category changes took effect on 24 August.
The reforms introduced two new residence pathways for trades and technicians and skilled workers, while simplifying wage, qualification, and work-experience requirements.
- Wage thresholds: Applicants now generally only need to meet the wage threshold that applied when they started gaining their skilled work experience, rather than meeting different thresholds throughout the process. Similar changes apply to several Work to Residence pathways.
- Qualification requirements: The rules for certain Level 8–9 qualifications under the NZQCF (The New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework) have changed, while the 120-credit requirement for overseas trade qualifications has been removed.
- New pathways & work experience: The reforms introduced two new residence pathways: the Trades and Technician pathway and the Skilled Work Experience pathway. Their eligibility criteria are aligned with the occupations and employment requirements used for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Importantly, self-employment can no longer count as directly relevant skilled work experience. Employment must also be available and ongoing, with a genuine need for the role to be based in New Zealand.
2. New selection rules for the Parent Resident Visa were announced in August.
From 5 October 2026, New Zealand will introduce a hybrid selection model for Parent Resident Visa applications:
- around 90% of places will be allocated based on the date the Expression of Interest (EOI) was submitted;
- 10% will continue to be selected through a ballot;
- The annual cap will remain at 2,500 visas.
3. New Zealand introduced changes to Active Investor Plus Visa requirements.
Changes announced on 13 August aim to provide greater clarity around investment-source and supporting-evidence requirements. Investors must now demonstrate that funds were lawfully acquired and transferred through appropriate banking channels, while additional rules apply to borrowed and gifted funds. The changes also remove the requirement for managed-fund investments to be supported by a non-revocable agreement.
💡 Why it matters:
These changes are particularly relevant for skilled professionals, tradespeople, families planning parent migration, and high-net-worth investors. The updated Skilled Migrant Category creates additional residence options for certain skilled workers, while the new Parent Resident Visa selection model should make the process more predictable for families. For investors, clearer evidence requirements may make the application process more transparent, but also place greater emphasis on demonstrating the lawful source and transfer of funds.
🇵🇹 Portugal
AIMA Launches Residence Permit Tracker
In July 2026, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) launched a new online tool that allows applicants to track the status of their residence permit applications and renewals.
💡Why it matters:
The new tracker addresses one of the most common issues applicants have faced with AIMA: limited visibility over the progress of their applications. Instead of relying on calls, emails or in-person visits for updates, applicants can now check their case status online and see whether any action or additional documents are required.
AIMA Launches Residence Permit Tracker
In July 2026, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) launched a new online tool that allows applicants to track the status of their residence permit applications and renewals.
- The tracker shows whether an application is under review or approved, whether additional documents are required, and the status of residence card issuance.
- To access the tool, applicants should visit the AIMA website
- The tool can also provide a tracking code for dispatched residence permits, allowing applicants to check the delivery status and delivery address.
💡Why it matters:
The new tracker addresses one of the most common issues applicants have faced with AIMA: limited visibility over the progress of their applications. Instead of relying on calls, emails or in-person visits for updates, applicants can now check their case status online and see whether any action or additional documents are required.
This immigration digest is for informational purposes only. If you have any specific questions regarding relocation or a particular country program, please reach out to us at beyondborders.relocation@gmail.com or book a free consultation with us