DOS Pauses Immigrant Visa Issuance for 75 Countries Beginning January 21, 2026
Earlier yesterday, we shared initial media reporting on anticipated changes to US immigrant visa processing for nationals from certain countries. Building on those reports,
Read More »Malaysia Revises Minimum Salary for Employment Pass Applications Effective June 1, 2026
On January 11, 2026, the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs (Kementerian Dalam Negeri – KDN – MOHA) has announced significant changes to the minimum salary
Read More »DHS Issues Interim Final Rule Reducing Wait Times for Religious Workers Abroad
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published an interim final rule that removes the long‑standing requirement for certain R‑1 religious workers to remain
Read More »New Zealand to Close Ukraine Resident Visa Category in March 2026
The Ukraine Resident Visa category will close to new applications on March 16, 2026. Anyone holding a Special Ukraine Visa wanting to remain in New Zealand permanently, must
Read More »Austria Updates Minimum Income Requirements for Residence Permits
The Austrian authorities have published updated minimum income requirements for residence permits. Third-country nationals, i.e. persons who are neither EEA nor Swiss
Read More »Media Reports: State Dept. to Stop Visa Issuance for 75 Countries
On January 14, 2026, Fox News reported on a U.S. State Department memo that would indefinitely suspend visa processing for visitors from 75 countries, effective January 21,
Read More »DHS Terminates TPS for Somalia
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Somalia will end on March 17, 2026. This decision follows a
Read More »Sweden Speeds Up Residence Permit Processing for Returning Swedes’ Families
As of January 12, 2026, the Migration Agency is promising that fully completed digital applications by family members of Swedes living abroad who want to move back will be
Read More »February 2026 Visa Bulletin Released
In the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, Final Action Dates for Worldwide (All Other) remain unchanged for EB-1 and EB-2; while EB-3 advance. Final Action Dates for China and
Read More »UK Raises English Requirements for Key Visa Routes in 2026
Effective January 8, 2026, the Home Office has increased the English language level required for entry under the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up routes
Read More »South Korea Extends K‑ETA Exemption for 22 Countries Through 2026
The Ministry of Justice has decided to extend the temporary exemption period for another year, from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026. The 22 countries that are
Read More »Finland Tightens Permanent Residence Rules Effective 2026
Effective January 8, 2026, the requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit have been made stricter. New integration requirements for permanent residence permit
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