Skilled Visas
Immigration pathways for in-demand occupations — healthcare workers, IT professionals, engineers, scientists, and academics. Covers shortage occupation lists, credential evaluation, and fast-track options.
Top questions about Skilled Visas
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat specific changes are coming to the Skilled Worker Visas in 2025?
Skilled Worker Visas (for up to three years) will now cost £769, up from £719.
Read: UK government warned high visa costs are driving away US talentWhat are the major changes in employment-based visa processing in 2024?
In August 2024, the Biden administration plans to expand employment-based visa processing for U.S.-educated professionals and DACA recipients, helping them secure work visas more quickly.
Read: White House Employment Immigration Plans For Rest of the Year 2024What changes are happening to the Skilled Worker Visa starting January 8, 2026?
Starting from January 8, 2026, Skilled Worker applicants must meet a new B2 English requirement.
Read: UK Graduate Route vs Skilled Worker Visa: Which Path Fits You?What are the key changes in Canada's Federal High-Skilled program for 2025?
Starting in 2025, the Federal High-Skilled (FHS) allocation will be replaced by two distinct categories: 'In-Canada Focus' and 'Federal Economic Priorities', reducing reliance on provincial pathways.
Read: Canada's Express Entry 2025: Key Changes to Process and EligibilityWhat changes will employment-based applicants face starting October 2025?
Starting October 2025, employment-based applicants will also use the Dates for Filing chart to submit their Adjustment of Status applications.
Read: USCIS Clarifies Use of Dates for Filing vs Final Action Dates by Visa Category
Meta Files H-1B Visa for AI Research Scientist Paid Up to $650,000 Base
Meta's 2025 H-1B filings reveal AI salaries up to $650k, with half of 5,800+ petitions for software engineers and typical base pay at $150k-$250k in 2026.
Work-Permit English Tests See Lower Pass Rates for CGFNS, Pearson PTE Academic, Visascreen
CGFNS lowered the PTE Academic speaking score from 63 to 50 for VisaScreen applicants in 2026, easing U.S.…
100,000 F-1 Visa Students Work in Michigan, Fuel STEM Fields Through Optional Practical Training
Michigan international graduates filled 97,000 jobs via OPT from 2013-2022, highlighting the state's reliance on STEM talent and…
Canada Extends Work Permits for Ukrainians Under CUAET as UCC Urges Path to Permanent Residence
Canada extends Ukrainian open work permits until 2027, while advocates renew calls for a permanent residency pathway for…
Canada Invites 3,000 Trade Workers in First 2026 Express Entry Draw
Canada invites 3,000 skilled trades workers in the first 2026 Express Entry trades draw with a CRS cutoff…
Tech Giants Use Wage-Weighted Lottery System as Seattle-Bellevue-Redmond Faces New Supplemental Fees
USCIS completes FY 2027 H-1B cap selection on March 31, 2026, debuting a wage-weighted lottery that favors high-salary…
San Jose Leads California H-1B Visa Sponsorships in 2026 as Tech Jobs Concentrate
USCIS concludes FY 2027 H-1B lottery selections by March 31, 2026. California leads hiring as employers prepare for…
10 Best States for H-1B Visa Holders in 2026 as $100,000 Consular Fee Looms
USCIS ends the random H-1B lottery for FY 2027, replacing it with a wage-based selection system. Higher salaries…
British Columbia PNP Draws Invite Skilled Workers and Entrepreneurs
BC PNP 2026 shifts to a high-impact model with fewer spots, higher fees, and a focus on high-wage…
Canada Immigration Backlog Falls Under One Million as Work Permits Clear, Study Visas Stall
Canada's immigration backlog ended 2025 at 1,014,700 applications, driven by permanent residence growth despite improvements in study and…