Against the backdrop of accelerated global population mobility and reshaping geopolitical landscape, immigration policies in various countries are undergoing a new round of profound adjustments. From European and American countries tightening residency requirements to emerging economies optimizing their talent attraction strategies, the shift in policy direction reflects both considerations of national security and economic interests, as well as structural contradictions in the process of globalization. In this policy game, factors such as language proficiency, economic contribution, and cultural integration are becoming key variables determining immigration pathways.
Immigration policies in European and American countries exhibit a clear characteristic of “upgraded screening.” France, implementing a “civic knowledge test” starting in 2026, requires applicants to master knowledge in five major areas, including republican values and social systems. A passing score of 80% on 40 multiple-choice questions is required, and the difficulty level varies depending on the type of residency permit and language proficiency. The UK’s immigration reforms have extended the waiting period for permanent residency for illegal immigrants and welfare dependents to 20-30 years, while low-wage workers will have to wait 15 years. The educational threshold for skilled worker visas has been raised from secondary school to bachelor’s degree, and the income requirements for spouse visas have also increased accordingly. While the Trump administration’s “Gold Card” program in the United States allows permanent residency for a $1 million purchase, it requires tracing the legal source of funds and faces legal challenges. Its “Platinum Card” sets an even higher barrier to entry with a $5 million price tag. Behind these policy adjustments lies the stringent quality control of immigrants by developed countries—after policy adjustments, the UK actually broadened the path to permanent residency for highly skilled workers, highlighting a selection logic based on “contribution.”
Immigration policies in emerging economies exhibit a dual characteristic of “openness and inclusiveness” and “precise attraction.” Malta’s permanent residency program, leveraging its “four-in-one” advantages of EU, Schengen, Commonwealth, and Eurozone membership, continues to attract high-net-worth families globally. Its policy stability, processing efficiency (approximately 4 months for approval in principle), and ease of family reunification (3-4 months processing time) are its core competitive advantages. Nigeria has reduced the processing time for 14 short-term visa categories to within 48 hours through its electronic visa system, while also creating fast-track channels for highly skilled workers (N4A visa) and qualified investors (N3 visa), coupled with mandatory comprehensive insurance requirements, achieving a balance between attracting foreign investment and protecting immigrant rights. South Korea’s “top-tier” visa system is specifically designed for talent in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology, offering streamlined entry, exit, and residency processes. It is projected to attract 100,000 professionals and technical personnel over the next five years.
Innovative application of policy tools is a significant trend in this round of adjustments. The National Immigration Administration’s 240-hour transit visa-free policy, implemented from December 17, 2025, extends the permitted stay from 72/144 hours to 10 days, expands the applicable ports of entry from 60 to 65, and covers 24 provinces, allowing inter-provincial travel. This policy, combined with digital services such as facial recognition immigration and online entry card submission, significantly improves the ease of entry for foreign nationals. While Canada has reduced the number of student visas and tightened work visas, its Provincial Nominee Program still maintains pathways for skilled workers, making its policy adjustments more structurally-oriented. New Zealand has restored the work rights of spouses of highly skilled immigrants, requiring certified employer work visa holders to earn 80% of the median wage, attracting core talent while preventing excessive concentration of low-skilled immigrants.
In this global restructuring of immigration policy, policy flexibility and systemic thinking have become crucial. Developed countries are raising the bar to screen high-value immigrants, while emerging economies are filling talent gaps with precise policies, and the application of digital tools is reshaping the immigration service ecosystem. For immigration applicants, understanding the national strategic direction behind policies and choosing an appropriate path based on their own skills and resources is essential to seizing opportunities in a dynamically changing policy environment. As national policies continue to optimize, a new immigration landscape that emphasizes quality, efficiency, and fairness is taking shape.
