Editors Pick

Highlights: Canada implements Tax changes for Start-Up visa applicants in 2025

• Canada has a plan to introduce new changes to the Canadian Tax system in 2025
• Canada’s Tax system changes will affect start-up entrepreneurs immigrating through the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program in 2025.
• Canada will make online mailing a default for most business agreements starting in spring 2025.
• In 2025, the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) will be $71,300.00, and the Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YAMPE) will be $81,200.
   

*Want to apply for Canada Start-up visa? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.
 

Changes in Canada’s Tax System in 2025

Below are the changes in Canada’ Tax system in 2025:
 

Changes to Online Mail for Business Correspondence

From the beginning of spring 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency ((CRA) will make online mail a default for most business correspondence. The key update will be sent via the My Business Account portal instead of paper mail. This change will affect:
 

• New Business number and program account registrations.
• Existing businesses registered in the My Business Account portal
• Businesses represented through the Represent a client service
   

Note: Ensure that the mail is up to date in My Business Account to receive timely notification about new mail
 

Changes in Capital Gain Tax

The CRA has introduced new inclusive rates for capital gains pending parliamentary approval. The changes are:
 

• The higher inclusion rate for capital gains realized on or after June 25, 2024, primarily impacts the start-up founders selling shares.
• All the updated application forms for individuals, corporations, and trusts will be available by January 31, 2025
• Relief for arrears interest and penalties applies to filing due on or before March 3, 2025
   

Requirements for Trust Reporting

The CRA has extended the bare trust filing of T3 Income Tax and Information Return for the 2024 tax year. Other trusts will adjust with the updated requirements, which include:
 

• Filing the T3 return with Schedule 15
• Having compliance with specific CRA requests for trust information
   

Note: Proper documentation and trust management is essential to meet these requirements and to avoid penalty
 

Enhancements for the Canada Pension Plan

Canada has increased the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) to $71,300, whereas the Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings stand at $81,200. These changes complete the enhanced Canada Pension Plan (CPP) legislative updates. Key changes are:
 

• Contributions on earning between $71,300 and $81,200
• Everyone, including employers and employees, should have updated payroll systems to reflect the new threshold
• Hiring staff must ensure that they adhere to the policy to avoid fines
   

Short-Term Rental Compliance

The new rule also applies to short-term rental operators to comply with municipal and provincial regulations to claim tax deductions. This applies to:
 

• Licensing and Registration
• Permits and operating requirements
   

Note: Operators must meet local compliance standards by December 31, 2024, to remain eligible for deduction. 
 

Changes in Digital Services

The digital platform has also been improved for business usability. The key changes are:
 

• To represent a client portal in My Business Account and Representation new enhanced navigation and layout
• New email notification options for tasks such as payments and account changes
• Tools for Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Self-Assessment Tool to simplify the Tool credit claims
   

Transition to Filing Information Returns

The Electronic submissions of Tax returns will follow updated guidelines from January 2025:
 

• Submission will be limited to a single return type
• Before filing new validation, they will be notified for business of discrepancies
   

Administrative Relief for T4/T4A report

Employers who do not offer dental coverage under the Canadian Dental Plan (CDCP) for the 2024 Tax year can skip the relevant box blank for T4 and T4A slips. However, non-compliant Entrepreneurs employing staff should ensure their payroll system is updated.
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance for Canada immigration? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading Overseas Immigration Company in Australia.
 

For recent Immigration updates do check out: Y-Axis Canada Immigration news

Highlights: France plans to introduce top 5 Schengen visa changes in 2025

• France has declared the introduction of new Schengen visa changes in 2025.
• France introduces this new reform to attract skilled workers from certain countries.
• France plans to implement strict rules for checks and visa-issuing for certain countries.
• This new change is expected to be effective in 2025.
   

*Want to work overseas? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.
 

France's reason to introduce new reforms

In 2025, the French authorities have declared plans to major Schengen visa reform with the new measure expanding to tighten some rules while facilitating others. France is considering implementing the Hermelin report to address irregular migration and applying measures to specific categories of foreign nationals to encourage economic, academic, and cultural exchanges.  This visa will be implemented gradually this year, and several points will be included.
 

*Want to apply for Schengen visa? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.
 

France introduced the top 5 new reforms in 2025

As soon as the new reforms are made, here are the top five changes that would apply to France visa application:
 

• France will increase the security checks for applicants, which will be strengthened.
• France will increase cooperation with the member states to share visa applicants' data and expand the use of the Schengen Information System.
• France might impose tighter rules for certain country nationals.
• France is also planning to facilitate the digitalization of the visa application process by reducing processing time and simplifying it, which will benefit students, professionals, and researchers.
• As a part of the reform, France will also expand the talent visas.
   

With these new reforms, France aims to attract more foreign workers, especially those who can take up jobs in sectors dealing with labor shortages. France could also introduce new changes. The reform has yet to be announced officially, and the changes will also be effective. 
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to France Immigration? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Australia.
 

For recent immigration updates, check out Y-Axis Immigration News!

Highlights: Germany raises salary requirements to obtain EU Blue Card applicants in 2025

• Germany increased the salary requirements for foreign nationals who want to obtain an EU Blue Card in 2025.
• The new salary requirement is effective from the beginning of this year, 2025.
• Foreign nationals with a job offer must earn at least €48,300 to obtain an EU Blue Card.
• The salary requirement also increased for bottleneck professions such as STEM, which must be at least €43,759.80.
   

*Want to work in Germany? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance
 

Germany increases salary requirement for EU Blue Card

Germany has increased the salary requirement for foreign nationals who want to obtain an EU Blue Card. The new salary requirement will be practical for foreign nationals applying for a German EU Blue Card.
 

Foreign nationals with specific job offers must earn at least €48,300 to qualify for EU Blue Card. The salary requirement for each group has increased by 6.6 percent compared to 2024. So the minimum salary requirement stands at €45,300.
 

* Want to know more about EU Blue Card? Sign up with Y-Axis for step by step guidance.
 

Salary Requirement increased for foreign nationals in a Bottleneck Profession

Germany has also increased the salary requirement for bottleneck professionals, which includes professionals in IT, STEM, construction, and the education sector who want to obtain an EU Blue Card.
 

Applicants who are employed in the Bottleneck profession must earn at least €43,759.80 in 2025 to obtain an EU Blue Card. The recent salary requirement is € 41,041.80 higher than in 2024, which was €41,041.80.The salary requirement for young professionals new to the German labor market, remains the same as in 2024 – €41,041.80.Germany issued 69,353 EU Blue Cards in 2023, leading the list of EU countries.
 

Benefits of obtaining an EU Blue Card

Here are some benefits of obtaining an EU Blue Card:
 

• An EU Blue Card allows an applicant to live and work in an EU country
• Holder of EU Blue Cards can change their employer without any extended procedures
• Non-EU residents can become a permanent member of the EU Country
• Allowed to bring their family with them
• Right to work in other EU countries without any work permit for a specific time
   

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to Germany Immigration? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Australia.
 

For recent immigration updates, check out Y-Axis Immigration News!

Highlights: Ten in-demand jobs in Canada Express Entry Applicants in 2025

• Canada Express Entry system is one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers to immigrate in 2025.
• Foreign nationals applying for jobs in demand in Canada can have a better chance of receiving an ITA for Canada PR.
• Healthcare, Technology, and trades are some of the popular jobs in 2025.
• The Express Entry in-demand jobs include Software Developer, Registered Nurse, Financial Analyst, Electrician, etc.
   

 *Want to apply for Canada Express Entry? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.
 

Top 10 jobs for Canada Express Entry Immigration for 2025

There are the top 10 jobs in Canada for Express Entry Immigration in 2025:

• Software Developer/Engineer (NOC 21232)
• Registered Nurse (NOC 31301)
• Financial Analyst (NOC 11101)
• Electrician (NOC 72410)
• Mechanical Engineer (NOC 21301)
• Data Analyst (NOC 21223)
• Human Resources Manager (NOC 10011)
• Marketing Specialist (NOC 11202)
• Welder (NOC 72106)
• Early Childhood Educator (NOC 42202)
   

Below are the descriptions of each job sectors:

All these roles are aligned with the Canada NOC system, ensuring they fall under the Express Entry. Skilled professionals in these occupations can be befitted from higher CRS scores, which increase their chances of receiving an ITA for Canada PR.

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to migrate to Canada? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Australia.
 

For recent immigration updates, check out Y-Axis Canada Immigration News!

Highlights: UK Government introduce new changes for visa applications in 2025

• The UK government introduced a new visa requirement on January 2, 2025.
• This new visa rule will apply to those wanting to pursue education or employment.
• Students and skilled workers must provide at least 11 percent more sufficient funds than the current guideline.
• The UK government also plans to hike visa fees across multiple categories, including family tourist, spouse, and child visas.

*Want to work in the UK? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

New Transitions in the UK visa policy

The new rule, effective January 2, 2025, will apply to students and foreign nationals who want to work in the country. The policy changes are part of the government's plan to address recent immigration's impact on housing sectors and the country's economy. According to the new policy, foreign nationals who want to study or work in the UK must demonstrate at least 11 per cent more financial reserves than the current guideline.

New rules to apply for the UK student visa

Students must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses, as per the guidelines below:

• GBP is 1,483/ (HKD 14,435) per month for courses in London, whereas GBP is 1,136/ (HKD 11,058) per month for courses outside London.
• Students must show proof of covering nine months of expenses of GBP 13,347 (HKD 12,9,922) for London and GBP 10,224 (HKD 99,522) for another region for one one-year master’s program.
• All funds must be in the Student account for at least 28 continuous days before submitting the visa application.

*Note: These rules are not mandatory for students from certain countries and those who are residing in the UK

*Want to study in the UK? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

New rules applicable for skilled workers

The updated rules for skilled workers who are applying for a UK visa are as follows:

• Applicants applying for the first time must show an income of GBP 38,700 (HKD 3,76,712) to cover accommodation and other daily expenses.
• An approved sponsorship from the UK employer is required.
• The required funds must be held in the account for at least 28 days before applying for the visa if the applicant cannot procure sponsorship.

The UK authorities are also hiking visa fees across multiple categories, including family, tourist, spouse, child, and student visas. However, exceptions will continue for applicants who are disabled, carers, and in the healthcare sector, armed forces, or specific talent-based roles.

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to migrate to the UK? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Australia.

For recent immigration updates, check out Y-Axis Immigration News!