US Proposed
DHS Proposes $70,000 Fee for F-1 Students' OPT, Paid by Schools
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.
Immigration briefing: Oct 5 – Oct 11, 2026
7 news reports and 7 tracked rule changes across US, Canada, UK, Australia.
United States
- Proposed
DHS proposes $70,000 and $30,000 fees for OPT
A proposed rule would charge $70,000 for initial Optional Practical Training and $30,000 for a second year of practical training. It is not in effect; comments close November 9, 2026.
Canada
CA Announced
Canada's 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan Is Due by November 1, 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.
CA In effect
Low-Wage LMIA Refusal List Updated: 30 Metro Areas Paused From October 9, 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.
CA In effect
Ontario PNP Adds 10 EOI Points for Earning $80,000 or More in One Year
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.
- Announced
2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan due by November 1
The law requires IRCC to table its annual report, including next year's permanent resident projections, by November 1, 2026. As of October 11, 2026, only the 2026-2028 plan is published.
- In effect
New quarterly list of areas where low-wage LMIAs are refused
Employment and Social Development Canada updated the list of metro areas with unemployment of 6% or more, where low-wage LMIA applications are not processed. The list applies until January 7, 2027; exempt sectors such as agriculture, construction and health care are unaffected.
- In effect
Ontario PNP adds 10 points for earning $80,000 or more
From October 5, 2026, Ontario Workforce Priority registrants who earned $80,000 or more in a single year within the past 5 years get 10 EOI points. The points are applied automatically to existing expressions of interest.
United Kingdom
UK In effect
UK Lets Modern Slavery Victims on Skilled Worker Visas Work for Any Employer
From October 2026, Skilled Worker visa holders formally recognised as modern slavery victims can leave an abusive sponsor and work for any employer.
UK Proposed
Immigration and Asylum Bill: Home Office Publishes Factsheets as Committee Stage Continues
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.
- In effect
Student and Visitor rules opened to Erasmus+ participants
Visitor and Student rules now accommodate Erasmus+ participants, ahead of the UK rejoining the programme.
- In effect
Modern slavery victims on Skilled Worker visas can change employer
Skilled Workers confirmed as victims of modern slavery can now work for any employer for the rest of their permission.
Australia
AU Announced
Australia Schedules First 2026-27 Skilled Independent Invitation Round for 15 October
Home Affairs will hold a SkillSelect invitation round for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa on 15 October 2026, the first since June 2026.
- Announced
Skilled Independent (189) invitation round set for 15 October
Home Affairs will hold the next subclass 189 invitation round on 15 October 2026, the first since 4 June 2026. The 2026-27 Migration Program has 21,090 Skilled Independent places.
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