1. Dominica

• Economic Diversification Fund (EDF):

  • Single applicant: $200,000

  • Main applicant with up to three dependents: $250,000

  • Additional dependent under 18: $25,000

  • Additional dependent over 18: $40,000

• Real Estate Investment:

  • Minimum investment: $200,000

  • Government fees:

    • $75,000 for the main applicant

    • $100,000 for a family of four

2. Grenada

• National Transformation Fund (NTF):

  • Minimum donation: $235,000

• Real Estate Investment:

  • Minimum investment: $270,000

3. Antigua & Barbuda

• National Development Fund (NDF):

  • Minimum donation: $230,000

• Real Estate Investment:

  • Minimum investment: $235,000

4. Saint Lucia

• National Economic Fund (NEF):

  • Minimum donation: $240,000

• Real Estate Investment:

  • Minimum investment: $300,000

5. Saint Kitts & Nevis

• Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC):

  • Minimum donation: $250,000

• Real Estate Investment:

  • Minimum investment: $400,000

These programs offer varying donation and real estate options, with Grenada and Antigua providing the lowest real estate investment amounts, while Saint Kitts & Nevis offers the most expensive real estate investment option.

Standardized Rise in Minimum Investment for Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs

In our continuous effort to provide updates on the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CIP) landscape, we bring you a significant announcement concerning investment thresholds. Recently, the Prime Ministers of Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Kitts & Nevis came together to sign a comprehensive and groundbreaking Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). This agreement underscores a collaborative endeavor to elevate and standardize the CIPs across these nations by implementing a unified investment threshold and integrating regulatory measures. Here are the key points for prospective investors:

A Commitment to Uniformity and Integrity

The MoA signifies a unanimous decision to establish a minimum investment amount of US$200,000 for the CIPs of each country, effective by June 30th, 2024. This represents a strategic partnership among these nations to harmonize their CIPs with the standard set by Saint Kitts & Nevis earlier this year. The introduction of this new investment threshold underscores the Caribbean's commitment to maintaining secure, competitive, and high-quality CIPs.

Essential Elements of the MoA:

Pricing Consensus: Ensuring a consistent investment threshold across all signatory countries (US$200,000).

Enhanced Information Sharing: Pledging to share data between CIPs to enhance program transparency.

Regulatory and Marketing Standards: Establishing common standards for agent regulation and CIP marketing (excluding the use of passport photos and “visa-free access”).

Security and Screening: Strengthening post-approval screening of CIP citizens and the retrieval of canceled passports.

Implications for Potential Investors

This collaborative initiative aims to eradicate the practice of underselling citizenship options and preserve CIPs as a valuable opportunity for genuine investors. For individuals contemplating Caribbean citizenship, these forthcoming changes serve as a catalyst for action.

As a trusted advisor and facilitator in citizenship and investment services, Citizens International is poised to assist clients through these transitions. We encourage those interested in pursuing Caribbean citizenship to reach out to us promptly. With these changes slated to take effect by the end of June 2024, we encourage clients to explore the advantages of the current investment climate. For detailed guidance, personalized advice, or to initiate your application process, contact Citizens International for a complimentary consultation.

FOR MORE ACCURATE AND OFFICIAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK TO REVIEW THE PDF HERE >>>>

Today's publication in the Government Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus highlights significant amendments made by the House of Representatives to the criteria governing Citizenship by Years of Residence applications. These changes aim to enhance the efficiency of the process and offer clear directives for potential applicants.

Key Aspects for Highly Skilled Professionals:

Eligibility Criteria: Highly Skilled Professionals employed by companies designated by the Council of Ministers, as part of the initiative to attract and expand operations in the Republic, are now eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship. The prerequisites include:

- Holding an A2 Certificate in the Greek language.

- Completing a physical presence of 5 years in Cyprus within an 11-year period, which involves continuous residence in Cyprus for the 12 months leading up to the application submission, with an allowance of up to 90 days of absence.

Reduced Physical Presence Requirement: This requirement is reduced to 4 years for applicants possessing a B1 Certificate in the Greek language.

Fast-Track Review Process: Applications from Highly Skilled Professionals will undergo a fast-track review, with a maximum processing period of 8 months. The fee for this process will be announced later.

Amended Requirements for Other Applicants:

Residency: Applicants are now required to fulfill 11 years of legal residence in Cyprus, with 8 years of physical presence. Similar to the aforementioned criteria, the last 12 months before application submission must demonstrate continuous residence, allowing for up to 90 days of absence.

Financial Stability: Applicants must showcase sufficient and stable income to support themselves and their dependents.

Language Proficiency: A mandatory B1 Certificate in the Greek language.

Character: Applicants must exhibit good character.

Intention to Reside: A genuine intention to reside in the Republic of Cyprus is required.

Retrospective Effect: Applications pending review by the Civil Registry and Migration Department, based on the previous legislation, will be evaluated in accordance with the new Law.

November 13, 2023

This article provides general guidance on the subject matter and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended to seek specialist advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

07 December 2023 

The Home Secretary made important changes to UK Immigration Rules yesterday, bringing significant modifications for sponsored skilled workers, as well as for British citizens and UK residents with partners from overseas.

For Partners of British Citizens:

There's a substantial increase in the income requirement for British citizens and permanent UK residents bringing their foreign partners and children to the UK. 

The previous gross annual salary threshold of £18,600 will now match the sponsored workers' level at £38,700. While the income figure has remained unchanged since 2012, the rationale behind such a considerable rise is unclear. 

This adjustment might face legal challenges on human rights grounds, given its potential impact on a significant portion of the population.

Sponsored Worker Salary Threshold:

The baseline salary threshold for most sponsored workers, currently at £26,200, will see a nearly 50% increase to £38,700 in April 2024. This change, coupled with the significant rise in the Immigration Health Surcharge from January 2024, may lead employers to reconsider sponsoring overseas workers. 

Additionally, the Immigration Rules will replace the shortage occupation list with an Immigration Salary List (ISL), introducing a general threshold discount for certain roles.

No Salary Increase for Key Workers:

Health and Social Care visa applicants, as well as workers on national pay scales like teachers, will not be subject to the salary threshold increase. However, sponsored healthcare workers will no longer be able to bring family members with them to the UK, influencing decisions of overseas staff considering relocation.

Dependants Restriction for Health and Care Workers:

Health and care visas will now be limited to sponsors subject to inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a move criticized for penalizing workers in this category. This restriction, combined with the dependants' limitation, sends a message that health and care workers are considered differently in the UK's visa system.

Review of Graduate Route:

The government has tasked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) with reviewing the Graduate scheme, a popular route for students completing courses at UK universities to enter the workforce. Any potential changes to this scheme may impact the number of students enrolling in UK universities.

*It's important to note that the information provided in this article is a general guide, and individuals are advised to seek specialist advice tailored to their specific circumstances.

In a recent immigration development, the Government of Canada has extended its support to over 45,000 Afghan refugees since August 2021. This comprehensive effort encompasses various programs, showcasing Canada’s dedication to aiding those who have assisted the government, addressing humanitarian needs, and facilitating family reunification.

Canada’s Support Programs for Afghan Refugees

As of the latest update on February 1, 2024, Canada has welcomed an additional 1,190 Afghan refugees, bringing the total to an impressive 47,010. These individuals include beneficiaries of the Special Immigration Measures Program, the Humanitarian Program, and pathways for extended family members.

The Special Immigration Measures Program

Canada introduced the Special Immigration Measures Program specifically for Afghan nationals who played a crucial role in supporting the Government of Canada. The response was overwhelming, with 20,530 applications received, demonstrating the strong collaboration between the Afghan community and Canada.

Following assessments, 14,325 applications were approved, resulting in 13,655 Afghan refugees finding a new home in Canada under the government-assisted refugee program.

Based on the most recent update, Afghan citizens are presently not eligible to participate in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). While the program welcomes applicants from non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nations, individuals from countries under sanctions or closely associated with sanctioned nations, as determined by the Residency Malta Agency, are excluded. Afghanistan is among the countries on this list.

 For the latest updates and any potential revisions to this policy, it is recommended to seek guidance from official sources or immigration law specialists for accurate information.