New Zealand Immigration advises students to apply for visas at least three months in advance to avoid delays during the peak season from October to February. While student visa processing is prioritized, the surge in applications causes delays.

University visa processing can take up to five weeks, with other educational institutions varying between four to seven weeks. Some visas may take longer than the estimated times.

Authorities recommend early application to ensure timely decisions, especially for students starting in 2025. Meanwhile, the Parent Resident Visa has the longest processing time, taking up to nine months.

A large number of international students in the UK, particularly from India and Nigeria, have historically extended their stay by switching to work visas. However, this trend is expected to reverse.

Changes, such as a ban on dependents for master's students and higher salary thresholds for skilled worker visas, are contributing to the decline. Students, especially from Nigeria and India, are facing greater challenges in transitioning to work visas.

This has already resulted in a drop in net immigration, and it is predicted to continue declining as fewer international students remain in the UK post-graduation.

Sweden's government announced plans to significantly increase financial grants for immigrants who choose to return to their home countries. Starting in 2026, immigrants who voluntarily leave will be eligible for up to 350,000 Swedish kronor (around $34,000), a sharp rise from the current 10,000 kronor.

The initiative, introduced by the right-wing government supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, aims to encourage more migrants to return home.

This move aligns with the government's broader efforts to reduce immigration and encourage voluntary repatriation among those who have settled in Sweden.