Immigration news for the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.https://studyimmigration.com/https://studyimmigration.com/news/canada-levels-plan-2027-2029-due-november-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/canada-levels-plan-2027-2029-due-november-2026/The law requires IRCC to table its annual immigration report, with next year's PR projections, by November 1. As of October 11, 2026, no new plan is out. Who it affects: Anyone planning to immigrate to Canada in 2027 or later, including Express Entry and PNP candidates, students, workers and family sponsors.Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTCanadapolicy-updatesannouncedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-skillselect-189-invitation-round-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-skillselect-189-invitation-round-october-2026/Home Affairs will hold a SkillSelect invitation round for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa on 15 October 2026, the first since June 2026. Who it affects: Skilled workers with a SkillSelect Expression of Interest for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa.Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTAustraliapermanent-residenceannouncedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/low-wage-lmia-refusal-list-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/low-wage-lmia-refusal-list-october-2026/ESDC's quarterly update means low-wage LMIAs in 30 metro areas, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montréal, won't be processed until January 7, 2027. Who it affects: Employers hiring foreign workers in low-wage jobs, and workers who need a low-wage LMIA to get or renew an employer-specific work permit.Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTCanadawork-visasin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-modern-slavery-victims-skilled-worker-change-employer-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-modern-slavery-victims-skilled-worker-change-employer-october-2026/From October 2026, Skilled Worker visa holders formally recognised as modern slavery victims can leave an abusive sponsor and work for any employer. Who it affects: Skilled Worker visa holders, including care workers, whom the Home Office has formally recognised as victims of modern slavery.Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Kingdomwork-visasin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/opt-fee-proposal-70000-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/opt-fee-proposal-70000-2026/A DHS proposed rule would make schools pay $70,000 for a student's first OPT and $30,000 for each later OPT, including STEM OPT. Comments close November 9, 2026. Who it affects: F-1 students planning to work on OPT or STEM OPT, and the US colleges and universities that recommend them.Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Statesstudyproposedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-immigration-and-asylum-bill-factsheets-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-immigration-and-asylum-bill-factsheets-october-2026/The Home Office published factsheets on 8 October 2026 for the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which would change Article 8 family claims, asylum and appeals. Who it affects: Asylum seekers, people relying on family or private life (Article 8) claims, and anyone who may appeal a Home Office refusal.Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Kingdompolicy-updatesproposedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/oinp-earnings-points-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/oinp-earnings-points-october-2026/From October 5, 2026, Ontario Workforce Priority registrants who earned $80,000+ in one year in the past 5 get 10 EOI points, applied automatically. Who it affects: People registered or planning to register in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program's Ontario Workforce Priority stream.Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTCanadapermanent-residencein-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-student-provider-transfer-restriction-12-months-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-student-provider-transfer-restriction-12-months-october-2026/From 2 October 2026 international students must stay with their main course for 12 months before transferring. A new transfer visa starts 1 July 2027. Who it affects: International students in Australia (other than school students) who want to change education provider, and anyone planning to switch course after arriving.Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTAustraliastudyin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-student-visa-family-members-restricted-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-student-visa-family-members-restricted-october-2026/From 2 October 2026 most Student visa (subclass 500) applicants cannot include a partner or children, and no student can add family after grant. Who it affects: People planning to study in Australia on a Student visa (subclass 500) who want a partner or children to come with them or join them later.Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTAustraliastudyin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-student-visa-onshore-applications-restricted-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-student-visa-onshore-applications-restricted-october-2026/From 2 October 2026 most temporary visa holders, including working holiday makers and many current students, cannot apply for a Student visa inside Australia. Who it affects: People in Australia on a temporary visa, including current students, who planned to apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) without leaving the country.Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTAustraliastudyin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/express-entry-draws-august-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/express-entry-draws-august-october-2026/IRCC held 13 Express Entry rounds between August 17 and October 1, 2026. CEC cutoffs reached a 2026 high of 523, and French cutoffs fell to 382. Who it affects: Express Entry candidates in the pool, especially Canadian Experience Class, French-speaking, healthcare, trades and provincial nominee candidates.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTCanadapermanent-residencein-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/visa-bulletin-october-2026-eb-retrogression/https://studyimmigration.com/news/visa-bulletin-october-2026-eb-retrogression/The FY2027 opening Visa Bulletin moves worldwide EB-2 back to January 1, 2025 and EB-3 to May 15, 2024. USCIS accepts I-485s under Dates for Filing. Who it affects: Family and employment-based green card applicants waiting on a priority date, especially worldwide EB-2 and EB-3 applicants.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Statespermanent-residencein-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/h1b-100000-fee-blocked-court-september-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/h1b-100000-fee-blocked-court-september-2026/A federal court in California vacated the $100,000 H-1B payment policies on September 30, 2026, including the extension to September 2027. The fee is not collected. Who it affects: Employers filing new H-1B petitions and workers abroad being sponsored for H-1B status.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Stateswork-visasblockedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/uscis-hr1-fee-increase-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/uscis-hr1-fee-increase-october-2026/DHS raises H.R. 1 fees for FY2027: asylum fee $105, parole fee $1,050, initial EAD fee $570, TPS fee $520 and ESTA $40.62, all from October 16, 2026. Who it affects: Asylum seekers, parolees, TPS applicants, people filing initial asylum, parole or TPS work permits, and Visa Waiver Program and EVUS travelers.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Statespolicy-updatesannouncedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/eb5-fee-increase-november-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/eb5-fee-increase-november-2026/A final rule sets new EB-5 fees from November 30, 2026: I-526E $7,850, I-526 $7,615, I-829 $5,000, and a $1,100 Integrity Fund fee per regional center investor. Who it affects: EB-5 investors, their families, regional centers and new commercial enterprises filing EB-5 forms on or after November 30, 2026.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Statespermanent-residenceannouncedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-resettlement-scheme-reopens-september-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-resettlement-scheme-reopens-september-2026/The Home Office reopened the UK Resettlement Scheme on 28 September 2026 and set dates for new community, student and work sponsorship routes for refugees. Who it affects: Refugees overseas referred by UNHCR or IRAP, and UK charities, universities and employers that want to sponsor refugees.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Kingdompolicy-updatesin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-skilled-visa-processing-priorities-md-121-122-september-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-skilled-visa-processing-priorities-md-121-122-september-2026/From 19 September 2026, Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 replace Direction 119 and set new processing priorities for 482, 186, 189, 190 and 491 visas. Who it affects: Applicants for Skills in Demand (482), Employer Nomination (186), points-tested (189, 190, 491) and other skilled visas waiting for a decision.Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAustraliawork-visasin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/public-charge-rule-in-effect-september-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/public-charge-rule-in-effect-september-2026/DHS rescinded the 2022 public charge rule. From September 18, 2026, officers weigh all facts with broader discretion, and any means-tested benefit use may count. Who it affects: Green card applicants inside the US and people seeking admission, especially family-sponsored immigrants and anyone who has used public benefits.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Statespermanent-residencein-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-points-test-redesign-housing-trades-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-points-test-redesign-housing-trades-2026/Australia will redesign its skilled points test, and housing trades will score the same as a university degree, the Home Affairs Minister said on 17 September 2026. Who it affects: Skilled migrants planning to apply for points-tested visas (subclasses 189, 190 and 491), especially people qualified in construction and housing trades.Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAustraliapermanent-residenceannouncedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-working-holiday-second-third-year-ballot-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-working-holiday-second-third-year-ballot-2026/Second-year Working Holiday visas will be capped at 45,000 and third-year visas at 5,000 through a ballot, the government announced on 17 September 2026. Who it affects: Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa holders who plan to do regional work to qualify for a second or third year in Australia.Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAustraliawork-visasannouncedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-visitor-visa-no-further-stay-condition-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/australia-visitor-visa-no-further-stay-condition-2026/Future Australian visitor visas will carry a No Further Stay condition, ending most onshore visa applications by visitors, the government announced on 17 September 2026. Who it affects: People who will travel to Australia on a visitor visa in future, especially partners of Australians who planned to apply for a partner visa after arriving.Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAustraliavisitorannouncedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/nonimmigrant-60-day-grace-period-proposal-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/nonimmigrant-60-day-grace-period-proposal-2026/A DHS proposed rule would remove the up-to-60-day grace period after a job ends for H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E and H-1B1 workers. Comments close November 10, 2026. Who it affects: Workers in E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 and TN status, and their dependents, if their job ends before their stay expires.Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Stateswork-visasproposedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/work-permit-holders-study-without-study-permit-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/work-permit-holders-study-without-study-permit-2026/From September 9, 2026 to December 31, 2027, eligible work permit holders in Canada can take up to 6 months of training without a study permit. Who it affects: Eligible temporary workers already in Canada, such as tradespeople, nurses and lab technicians, who need short-term training or licensing courses.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCanadawork-visasin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-erasmus-plus-student-visitor-rules-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-erasmus-plus-student-visitor-rules-october-2026/From 8 October 2026, Erasmus+ courses can be sponsored on the Student route and Erasmus+ visitors can train, job shadow or take traineeships of up to 30 days. Who it affects: Erasmus+ students, trainees, staff and youth workers coming to the UK, and the UK universities, schools and organisations that host them.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Kingdomstudyin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-euss-bno-settlement-changes-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-euss-bno-settlement-changes-october-2026/From 8 October 2026, EUSS joining family face a three-month deadline and BN(O) children can settle sooner; BRPs stop counting as EUSS ID on 9 December. Who it affects: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens' family members, pre-settled status holders, and Hong Kong BN(O) visa families with children.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Kingdomsettlementin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-statement-of-changes-hc-584-september-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-statement-of-changes-hc-584-september-2026/HC 584, laid on 3 September 2026, changes Erasmus+, visitor, Skilled Worker, EUSS, BN(O), religious worker and student maintenance rules in four stages. Who it affects: Students, visitors, Skilled Workers, EU Settlement Scheme applicants, BN(O) families, religious workers and anyone holding Start-up or legacy Tier 1 permission.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Kingdompolicy-updatesin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-student-visa-maintenance-funds-rise-november-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-student-visa-maintenance-funds-rise-november-2026/Student visa applicants must show £1,570 a month in London or £1,203 a month elsewhere from 30 November 2026, under Statement of Changes HC 584. Who it affects: Anyone applying for a UK Student visa on or after 30 November 2026 who must show maintenance funds.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Kingdomstudyannouncedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-visitor-permitted-activities-changes-october-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/uk-visitor-permitted-activities-changes-october-2026/From 8 October 2026, UK visitors can join workshops, debates, skills competitions and rehearsals, and training no longer has to be unavailable at home. Who it affects: Business, training and creative visitors to the UK, including people travelling on an ETA or a Standard Visitor visa.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Kingdomvisitorin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/hong-kong-pr-pathways-close-august-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/hong-kong-pr-pathways-close-august-2026/IRCC's Hong Kong PR pathways stopped taking new applications on August 31, 2026. Applications received by then will still be processed. Who it affects: Hong Kong nationals in Canada with recent Canadian education or work experience who had planned to apply under the 2021 pathways.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTCanadapermanent-residencein-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/study-permit-proof-of-funds-23448-september-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/study-permit-proof-of-funds-23448-september-2026/From September 1, 2026, single study permit applicants outside Quebec must show $23,448 for living costs, up from $22,895, plus tuition and travel. Who it affects: International students applying for a Canadian study permit outside Quebec on or after September 1, 2026, and their family members.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTCanadastudyin-effecthttps://studyimmigration.com/news/h1b-103265-fee-proposal-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/h1b-103265-fee-proposal-2026/A DHS proposed rule would add a $103,265 fee to every H-1B cap-subject petition, including master's cap cases. Cap-exempt employers would not pay it. Who it affects: Employers filing H-1B cap-subject petitions and foreign workers, including F-1 graduates, hoping to enter the H-1B lottery.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTUnited Stateswork-visasproposedhttps://studyimmigration.com/news/bc-alberta-pnp-allocation-increase-august-2026/https://studyimmigration.com/news/bc-alberta-pnp-allocation-increase-august-2026/IRCC added 1,000 nominations to the BC PNP (now 6,254) and 200 to Alberta's AAIP (now 6,603) for 2026, announced in August 2026. Who it affects: Workers and graduates hoping for a provincial nomination from British Columbia or Alberta in 2026.Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTCanadapermanent-residencein-effect