A Comprehensive Overview of Global Visa Trends in 2024

Global Visa Trends 2024

CountryKey Visa CategoriesTrends & ChangesFocus
United StatesNonimmigrant and Immigrant VisasOver 10.4M nonimmigrant visas; High issuance for H-category visasTourism, Education, Employment
United KingdomWork, Study, and Family Visas3.38M visas issued; Decline in study visasHealthcare, Family Reunification
CanadaPR Visas, Work Permits485K new PRs planned; Focus on skilled worker programsEconomic Growth, Labor Market
AustraliaMigration Program, Temporary Visas2.3M applications processed; Student visa challengesRegional Development, Skill Shortages
FranceSchengen, Long-Stay VisasIncrease due to Olympics; Digital visa processOlympics, Streamlining Process
GermanyWork and Schengen Visas80K work visas; New 'Opportunity Card'Skilled Labor, Immigration Reform
ChinaTourist, Business, Work, Student VisasTravel at 70% of pre-pandemic levels; Visa-free agreementsTourism, Digitalization
UAETourist, Golden, Business VisasMultiple-entry tourist visa; New residence visa rulesAttracting Professionals, Investors
ItalyWork Visas, Schengen Visas600K work visa applications; Digital Nomad VisaLabor Shortage, Remote Work
SpainTourist, Golden, Digital Nomad VisasGolden Visa phasing out; Immigration reformsModernization, Skilled Professionals

Visa Types by Country

CountryNonimmigrant VisasImmigrant VisasWork VisasStudy VisasFamily VisasHumanitarian VisasTourist VisasBusiness VisasDigital Nomad VisaGolden VisaSchengen VisaVisa-Free Entry
United StatesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoNoNoNo
United KingdomYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
CanadaNoYesYesYesYesNoYesNoNoNoNoNo
AustraliaNoNoYesYesNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
FranceNoNoYesYesYesNoYesNoNoNoYesNo
GermanyNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNo
ChinaNoNoYesYesNoNoYesYesNoNoNoYes
UAENoNoYesYesYesNoYesNoNoYesNoNo
ItalyNoNoYesNoNoNoYesNoYesNoYesNo
SpainNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNoYesYesYesNo

Conclusion

Both the U.S. and the UK remain attractive destinations for international migrants. The U.S. continues to lead in issuing nonimmigrant visas for tourism, education, and employment. The UK, while adjusting its policies to address current events, shows growth in work visas but a decline in study and humanitarian visas. Understanding these trends helps prospective applicants navigate their options more effectively.