April’s Global Immigration Roundup highlights significant changes in Canada’s Express Entry system, updates on Brazil’s business e-visas for Chinese and Indian nationals, Poland’s new online residence permit framework, and UAE’s police clearance certificate requirements for specific visa applicants, among other developments.
Canada Streamlines Express Entry Process
Cooperative work permits eliminated
On April 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that eligible post-secondary students will no longer need a cooperative work permit to fulfill mandatory work placements as part of their academic programs. Consequently, all pending co-op work permit applications will be retracted, allowing students to utilize their study permits instead for job searches and placements.
To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI), and the placement must constitute a required component of their program, accounting for no more than 50% of the curriculum. Students should obtain a confirmation letter from their institution outlining the placement requirements, which employers must retain for record-keeping purposes.
It is important to note that placements not essential to the program will still be governed by standard off-campus work restrictions.
Potential changes to Express Entry
The Canadian government has initiated a public consultation aimed at potential reforms to the Express Entry permanent residence system. Proposed alterations include the consolidation of existing economic immigration programs into a single stream and adjustments to the points allocation system. This could involve removing points for siblings and spouses living in Canada, reducing general bonus points for French proficiency in favor of targeted selections, and placing increased importance on specific types of Canadian work experience or trade qualifications.
We will provide updates as further developments arise.
Brazil Adjusts E-Visa Options for Foreign Nationals
Restricted e-visa options for Chinese nationals
Chinese nationals intending to travel to Brazil for business purposes should be aware that the available e-visa options differ significantly compared to those for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia. Contrary to initial expectations, the e-visa for Chinese nationals has a limited scope, allowing travel to Brazil only for attending events and trade fairs.
This includes trade fairs and business events, but does not extend to academic conferences, seminars, scientific cooperation, or artistic and sports activities unless remuneration is not received from Brazilian organizations (including support staff). Additional categories may become available in the future, but for now, those engaged in business activities beyond events and trade fairs must secure an appropriate short-term work permit for Brazil.
New business e-visa for Indian citizens
A dedicated business e-visa category has been introduced for Indian nationals, allowing them to travel to Brazil. Although this visa can be obtained entirely online, applicants must submit their applications to the consulate via the eConsular system, rather than using the official e-visa portal. Approval is contingent upon consular review and is not guaranteed.
To apply using the eConsular system, Indian applicants must electronically sign PDF documents via DigiLocker (Aadhaar). The business e-visa permits travel to Brazil for up to 90 days for specific business activities, including attending conferences, trade shows, signing contracts, and conducting audits. However, those involved in technical assistance or technology transfer activities may encounter increased scrutiny and should consider obtaining the appropriate residence permits traditionally needed for such undertakings to avoid complications at entry points.
Poland Implements New Online Residence Permit System
Starting April 27, 2026, all applications for foreign residence permits in Poland must be submitted through the new MOS 2.0 system. Applicants are still required to apply while in Poland, attend an in-person interview at a county office, have their fingerprints taken, and provide physical copies of all required documents following the submission.
Foreign nationals must initiate the application process, with employers required to sign Appendix No. 1 before processing the application. Once the foreign national begins the application in MOS 2.0, employers will be asked to sign electronically.
It is important to note that these changes will only impact new applications, while those submitted before April 27, 2026, will continue to be processed under existing regulations.
UAE Implements New Police Clearance Certificate Requirements
The United Arab Emirates has rolled out updated visa application requirements affecting nationals from various countries. Effective immediately, applicants from a designated list of countries must submit a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also known as a Good Conduct Certificate, when applying for visas.
Nations affected by this new requirement include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cuba, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Uganda. Applicants applying from outside the UAE or those currently in the UAE on a tourist visa must have their PCC certified by the UAE Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Those with prior residence in the UAE will need to obtain a locally issued PCC.
Employers are encouraged to anticipate these changes and allocate sufficient time for obtaining and presenting the required PCC for affected applicants.
Romania Prepares for Immigration Reforms for Non-EU Workers
Romania is in the process of revamping its immigration system for non-EU workers. A central aspect of this reform is the upcoming digital platform, WorkinRomania.gov.ro, set to launch in August 2026. This platform aims to streamline the current work permit and visa processes into a single application. Additionally, two new visa categories will be introduced: D/AM1 for highly qualified workers and D/AM2 for general labor, with the latter subject to the Shortage Occupations List and annual quotas.
Other notable changes include stricter regulations for expatriates, enhanced tracking capabilities through visa and residence data, and new employer obligations concerning bilingual contracts and reporting requirements. Further guidance is anticipated in the coming months, with a potential transition period as the new system is implemented.
