Immigration Outlook — Upcoming Global Immigration changes for February 2025
Global Immigration updates effective February 2025 unless otherwise stated, offering an early look at key changes to help you prepare in advance.
🇦🇺 Australia: Australia will participate in the U.S. Global Entry program, allowing 1,000 Australian travellers to expedite U.S. immigration and customs procedures.
🇮🇹 Italy: Italy will open applications for up to 10,000 additional work permits outside the quota for employment in family and social assistance for the elderly or disabled, on an experimental basis for one year. Key dates: 5 February 2025 (non-seasonal subordinate employment), 7 February 2025 (employment in family and social assistance), and 12 February 2025 (agriculture and hospitality sectors).
🇪🇸 Spain: Spain will end its Golden Visa programme, which granted residency through significant investments. Non-EU nationals can instead apply for the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, requiring proof of sufficient financial resources and prohibiting employment in Spain. Effective April 2025.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: The UK will launch the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, allowing Ukrainian nationals and their families with existing UK permissions to extend their stay for an additional 18 months. Additionally, the UK will require Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for all European visitors, valid for two years and costing £16 (an increase from the previous £10 fee). Key dates: 4 February 2025 (UPE scheme) and 2 April 2025 (ETA requirement).
🇺🇸 United States: The U.S. administration plans to implement stricter immigration policies, including measures targeting specific visa categories and an increase in deportations. These changes aim to address illegal immigration and shift domestic and foreign policy priorities.
At Santa Fe Relocation, we are committed to providing timely updates and strategic advice through our Immigration Outlook series. By sharing these updates in advance, we aim to help your teams prepare effectively and stay ahead of changes.
For personalised assistance, please contact your local Santa Fe Immigration consultant.
Stay connected by subscribing to our mailing list for insights, reports, and the latest trends:
Global Mobility made easy — Assignment Management, Compensation & Expenses, Corporate Immigration, Corporate Moving, Destination Services for corporate clients, and International Moving for personal customers.
