Immigration changes tracker
The rule changes that matter most, newest first. Each entry links to the official announcement. Statuses change as rules take effect or courts intervene, so check the source before you act. Follow along with the changes RSS feed or get email alerts below. For the full story behind each change, see immigration news .
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.
- In effect
October 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-2 and EB-3 retrogress
The first bulletin of FY2027 moves worldwide EB-2 Final Action Dates back to January 1, 2025 and EB-3 to May 15, 2024. USCIS says to use the Dates for Filing chart for family and employment-based I-485s in October 2026.
- Announced
FY2027 inflation increase to H.R. 1 immigration fees
From October 16, 2026, the annual asylum fee rises to $105 and the initial EAD fee for asylum seekers, parolees and TPS applicants rises to $570. Filings postmarked on or after that date without the new fee will be rejected.
- Announced
EB-5 investor fees rise from November 30, 2026
A final rule sets Form I-526E at $7,850, Form I-526 at $7,615 and Form I-829 at $5,000 for filings postmarked on or after November 30, 2026. The EB-5 Integrity Fund fee for each I-526E investor rises from $1,000 to $1,100.
- In effect
New public charge rule takes effect
The 2022 public charge regulation is replaced with a case-by-case "totality of circumstances" test for green card applications filed on or after September 18, 2026. A new edition of Form I-485 is now mandatory.
- Blocked in court
H-1B $100,000 payment extended to 2027, then blocked
A new proclamation extended the $100,000 payment on certain new H-1B petitions through September 21, 2027. Federal courts have vacated the implementing policies, and USCIS is not collecting the payment while appeals continue.
- Blocked in court
Court blocks end of "duration of status" for F-1 and J-1
A final rule would have replaced open-ended "duration of status" with fixed admission periods of up to 4 years. A federal court blocked it the day before it took effect, so current rules continue for now.
- Proposed
DHS proposes ending the 60-day grace period for workers
A proposed rule would remove the grace period of up to 60 days after a job ends for E, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 and TN workers and their dependents. Comments close November 10, 2026, and the current grace period still applies.
- Proposed
DHS proposes $103,265 fee on cap-subject H-1B petitions
A separate proposed rule would charge a fee of about $103,265 on cap-subject H-1B petitions, independent of the blocked proclamation. The comment period closed September 24, 2026.
- In effect
USCIS can now require online filing for some forms
An interim final rule lets USCIS make online filing mandatory for forms that have been available online for at least 180 days, with 60 days' notice. No form had been designated as of early October 2026.
- In effect
Diversity Visa entrants must provide a valid passport
From the DV-2027 cycle, lottery entrants must give valid passport details when they register, not after selection. DV-2027 registration has not yet opened.
- In effect
H-1B lottery becomes wage-weighted
A final rule gives each registration 1 to 4 lottery entries based on the wage level of the job offer. It was first used for the FY2027 lottery in March 2026.
- In effect
Travel ban expanded to 39 countries
Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, fully or partly restricts entry for nationals of 39 countries. It also removed earlier exceptions for immediate relatives of US citizens and for adoptions.
- In effect
Automatic 540-day EAD extensions end
Work permit renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025 no longer get an automatic extension while pending. The 180-day extension for STEM OPT applicants continues.
- In effect
2025 naturalization civics test rolls out
N-400s filed on or after October 20, 2025 use the new civics test: up to 20 questions from a 128-question bank, with 12 correct answers needed to pass. Applications filed earlier still use the 2008 test.
- In effect
Gold Card program created by executive order
Executive Order 14351 created a "Gold Card" route to a green card that requires a $1 million gift plus a $15,000 USCIS fee on Form I-140G. The program is live but faces a legal challenge.
- Blocked in court
$100,000 payment imposed on new H-1B petitions
A proclamation required a $100,000 payment for certain new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025 for workers outside the US. Courts vacated the implementing guidance in 2026.
- In effect
Stricter good moral character review for citizenship
A USCIS memo directs officers to weigh good moral character holistically, counting both positive contributions and lawful conduct seen as inconsistent with civic responsibility.
- In effect
H.R. 1 adds new immigration fees
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created new fees for asylum, parole, TPS, work permits, I-94s and ESTA. Most are being collected, but the $250 Visa Integrity Fee is not yet in place.
- In effect
Alien registration requirement enforced
Unregistered noncitizens aged 14 or older must register with Form G-325R and carry proof of registration.
- In effect
Refugee admissions suspended
Executive Order 14163 suspended the US Refugee Admissions Program. Limited admissions have continued under low ceilings, with 17,500 set for FY2027.
- Blocked in court
Birthright citizenship order struck down
Executive Order 14160 sought to deny citizenship to some US-born children of undocumented or temporary-status parents. The Supreme Court struck it down on June 30, 2026, and a narrower August 2026 order is also blocked.
Canada
- 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.
- In effect
Express Entry: 13 rounds and 21,792 invitations since mid-August
IRCC held 13 rounds with 21,792 invitations from August 17 to October 1, 2026. Canadian Experience Class cutoffs ranged from 518 to 523, the highest of 2026.
- In effect
Work permit holders can study up to 6 months without a study permit
A temporary measure lets work permit holders take study programs of up to 6 months without applying for a separate study permit. It runs until December 31, 2027.
- In effect
Study permit proof of funds rises to $23,448
Students applying from September 1, 2026, outside Quebec, must show $23,448 a year for living costs (single applicant), up from $22,895, on top of tuition and travel.
- In effect
Hong Kong permanent residence pathways close to new applications
IRCC's Hong Kong PR pathways stopped taking new applications on August 31, 2026. Applications received on or before that date will still be processed.
- In effect
More 2026 provincial nominations for BC and Alberta
IRCC gave the BC PNP 1,000 more nominations, raising its 2026 total to 6,254, and gave Alberta's AAIP 200 more, raising its total to 6,603.
- In effect
Parents and Grandparents Program intake paused
IRCC stopped accepting new interest-to-sponsor forms and sending invitations until further notice. Up to 15,000 admissions in 2026 will come from applications already in the queue.
- In effect
Up to 33,000 workers in smaller communities fast-tracked to PR
The In-Canada Workers Initiative will move up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residence in 2026-27, focusing on PNP, Atlantic and pilot applicants who have lived 2+ years in smaller communities. No separate application is needed.
- In effect
Permanent residence fees increase
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee rose to $600 and the economic PR processing fee to $990, making the total for a principal applicant $1,590.
- Proposed
Express Entry overhaul proposed: single skilled worker program
IRCC consulted on merging the FSW, CEC and trades programs into one skilled worker program and re-weighting the CRS, including points for high-wage occupations. The consultation closed May 24, 2026; no decision has been announced.
- In effect
Separate co-op work permit no longer needed for required placements
Eligible post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit when a work placement is a required part of their program.
- In effect
Citizenship fee rises to $653; super visa income test eased
The right of citizenship fee rose to $123, bringing the adult total to $653. Super visa hosts can now use either of their last 2 tax years, and the visiting parent's income can help meet the requirement.
- In effect
Bill C-12 becomes law: new asylum and border rules
Asylum claims made more than 1 year after first entry (for entries after June 24, 2020), or more than 14 days after crossing irregularly from the US, are no longer referred to the IRB. The law also allows mass cancellation of documents and pauses on application intake by order.
- In effect
2026 Express Entry categories announced
IRCC set 10 categories for targeted draws, adding transport, physicians, senior managers and researchers with Canadian experience, and skilled military recruits. Most occupation categories now need 12 months of work experience.
- In effect
Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots intake paused
IRCC paused new applications to the Home Child Care and Home Support Worker pilots until further notice. Applications already received are still being processed.
- In effect
Bill C-3 restores citizenship by descent
The first-generation limit was removed for people born abroad before December 15, 2025. For children born abroad after that date, a Canadian parent born abroad must have spent 1,095 days in Canada before the birth.
- In effect
2026 study permit cap set at 408,000; graduate students exempt
IRCC capped 2026 study permits at 408,000, including 155,000 for new arrivals. From January 1, 2026, master's and PhD students at public institutions do not need a provincial attestation letter.
- In effect
Levels Plan 2026-2028: 380,000 PRs a year, fewer temporary residents
The plan holds permanent resident admissions at 380,000 a year, raises the PNP target to 91,500, and cuts temporary resident arrivals to 385,000 in 2026.
- In effect
PGWP field-of-study list revised
IRCC added 119 fields and removed 178 from the list of fields that qualify non-degree graduates for a PGWP.
- In effect
Job offers no longer earn CRS points
Express Entry removed the 50 and 200 CRS points for arranged employment, for new and existing candidates. A job offer is still needed where a program requires one.
- In effect
Spousal open work permits restricted
Only spouses of master's students in programs of 16+ months, PhD students, or workers in TEER 0-1 or listed TEER 2-3 jobs now qualify. Dependent children of workers are no longer eligible.
United Kingdom
- 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.
- In effect
UK Resettlement Scheme reopens to new referrals
Referrals to the UK Resettlement Scheme reopened on 28 September 2026, with first arrivals expected before the end of 2026. Community and student sponsorship applications open in October 2026, and work sponsorship opens in spring 2027.
- In effect
Statement of Changes HC 584 laid
HC 584 changes Erasmus+, visitor, Skilled Worker, EUSS, BN(O), religious worker and student maintenance rules in stages. Most changes took effect on 8 October 2026, with others following on 29 October, 30 November and 9 December 2026.
- Announced
Student visa maintenance funds to rise from 30 November 2026
HC 584 raises the monthly living-cost amount Student applicants must show to match 2026/27 home student maintenance loans, for applications from 30 November 2026. The maximum accommodation offset rises too.
- In effect
EU Settlement Scheme and BN(O) settlement rules change
From 8 October 2026, first-time EUSS joining family members must apply within three months of their latest lawful entry, and BN(O) dependent children no longer need five years' continuous residence before settling with their parents. From 9 December 2026, a BRP can no longer be used as EUSS identity evidence.
- In effect
Visitors can attend workshops, skills competitions and rehearsals
From 8 October 2026, workshops, debates and skills competitions are permitted visitor activities, and artists can attend rehearsals. Visitors coming for training no longer need to show it is unavailable in their home country.
- Proposed
Immigration and Asylum Bill introduced
The Bill would create a single "core protection" status and an Independent Immigration Appeals Authority, and it would tighten how Article 8 family and private life claims are assessed. It is still before Parliament.
- In effect
Immigration and nationality fees rise
Fees went up again: the ETA rose to £20, indefinite leave to remain to £3,226 and the naturalisation application to £1,709 (plus a £130 ceremony fee). The child registration fee fell to £1,000.
- In effect
"Visa brake" refuses some Student and Skilled Worker applications
Out-of-country Student visa applications from nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan are now refused, as are Skilled Worker applications from Afghan nationals. Visas already granted are not affected.
- Announced
B2 English to be required for settlement from March 2027
HC 1691 raises the English requirement for indefinite leave to remain on several routes from B1 to B2 in speaking and listening, for applications made on or after 26 March 2027. A teacher-confirmation alternative is available for people who cannot yet reach B2.
- In effect
30-month "core protection" for new asylum claims
Refugees whose asylum claims were lodged on or after 2 March 2026 get 30 months' leave instead of 5 years, reviewed at each renewal. Unaccompanied children still get 5 years.
- In effect
B2 English required for new Skilled Worker, Scale-up and HPI applicants
The English requirement rose from B1 to B2 for new applicants on these routes. People who already held a Skilled Worker visa before 8 January 2026 still need only B1 to extend.
- Announced
International student levy announced
Higher education providers in England would pay £925 per international student per year from 1 August 2028, with the first 220 students exempt. The levy still depends on legislation passing.
- Proposed
Earned settlement consultation proposes 10-year ILR baseline
The consultation "A Fairer Pathway to Settlement" proposed a 10-year standard qualifying period for settlement, which earnings, English level or public service could shorten. It closed on 12 February 2026, and the outcome has not yet been published.
- Announced
Asylum policy statement "Restoring Order and Control"
The government plans to replace 5-year refugee leave with temporary "core protection" that is reviewed at each renewal, and to make the route to settlement much longer. It is explicitly modelled on Denmark's system.
- Announced
Graduate route to be cut to 18 months
Bachelor's and master's graduates who apply on or after 1 January 2027 will get 18 months instead of 2 years. PhD graduates keep 3 years.
- In effect
Skilled Worker skill level raised to RQF 6 and salary threshold to £41,700
New Skilled Worker roles must be at degree level (RQF 6), unless they are on a shortage list. The general salary threshold rose from £38,700 to £41,700, and people already on the route keep some transitional protection.
- In effect
Overseas recruitment of care workers closed
Entry clearance applications for care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6135 and 6136) are no longer accepted. Workers already in the UK can switch into these roles until 22 July 2028.
- In effect
Immigration White Paper sets out major tightening
"Restoring control over the immigration system" proposed a degree-level skills threshold, a shorter Graduate route, higher English requirements, an end to overseas care worker recruitment and a 10-year settlement baseline. Most measures have been implemented, but settlement reform is still pending.
- In effect
ETA becomes mandatory for European visitors
Visitors travelling on EU, EEA and other European passports now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter the UK. This completes the global rollout for non-visa nationals.
Australia
- 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.
- In effect
Most student visa applicants can no longer bring family
Most new Student visa (subclass 500) applicants cannot include a partner or children, and family cannot join later. PhD students, sponsored and scholarship students, and Pacific Island and ASEAN nationals are among those exempt.
- In effect
Most Student visa applications must be lodged outside Australia
Holders of visas such as the 417, 462, 482 and 485 can no longer apply for a Student visa in Australia. Current students can apply onshore only under limited exemptions, such as finishing the same course or moving to a higher qualification.
- In effect
Student provider transfer restriction extended to 12 months
From 2 October 2026, non-school students must stay in their principal course for 12 months, up from 6, before seeking a transfer. From 1 July 2027, students changing provider must get a new Student visa in a transfer stream first.
- In effect
New processing order for skilled visas
Ministerial Directions 121 (Skills in Demand visa) and 122 (186, 189, 190, 491, 494 and others) prioritise construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture and resources occupations, then onshore applicants. Resources and agriculture, aquaculture and fishing were added as priority sectors.
- Announced
Ballot planned for second- and third-year working holiday visas
The Home Affairs Minister announced ballots capping second-year working holiday visas at 45,000 and third-year visas at 5,000. Regional work requirements stay; no start date has been set.
- Announced
No Further Stay condition planned for visitor visas
Future visitor visas will carry a No Further Stay condition, with an exception for protection claims. Visas already held are not affected, and no start date has been set.
- Announced
Points test redesign announced
The Government said the points test has been redesigned so selected skills, such as housing trades, can score the same points as a university degree. No legal instrument or start date has been published.
- Announced
Family members to be removed from Temporary Graduate visas
The Minister announced that new 485 applications will no longer be able to include family members. The change is not yet law.
- Announced
2027 international student planning level held at 295,000
The National Planning Level for new international student commencements stays at 295,000 in 2027. No active provider will get a lower allocation than in 2026.
- In effect
Most visa fees rise by about 25%
Visa application charges for most visas rose about 25%, taking the Student visa to AUD 2,500, the Skills in Demand visa to AUD 4,015 and partner visas to AUD 11,710. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before applying.
- In effect
Skilled income thresholds indexed
The Core Skills Income Threshold rose to AUD 79,423 and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold to AUD 146,576 for nominations lodged from 1 July 2026.
- In effect
Working holiday age limit raised to 35 for four more countries
Citizens of Cyprus, Finland, Germany and the Republic of Korea can now apply for a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) up to age 35.
- In effect
2026–27 Migration Program set at 185,000 places
The total is unchanged, but employer-sponsored places rise to 58,040 and Skilled Independent places to 21,090, while Regional places fall to 14,110. About 129,590 places go to people already in Australia.
- Ended
Temporary Graduate visa fee doubles to AUD 4,600
The 485 visa application charge for most primary applicants rose from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600. It rose again to AUD 5,750 on 1 July 2026.
- In effect
New student visa processing priorities (Ministerial Direction 115)
Offshore student visa applications are now processed in three priority tiers based on how much of its allocation a provider has used. Schools, PhD and some other students keep top priority.
- In effect
New English tests and scores accepted for visas
CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic and the Michigan English Test were added, and new minimum scores apply for tests taken from 7 August 2025. Student visas need IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
- In effect
2026 international student planning level set at 295,000
The Government set the 2026 National Planning Level for new international student commencements at 295,000, up from 270,000 in 2025.
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