📜 Policy changes

Programs opening, closing, changing terms — directly affecting ongoing applications.

All 📜 Policy changes 65 🔍 Analysis 27 🧭 Practical experience 26 🏡 Life abroad 25 📈 Market 27 🏆 Rankings & data 25

Policy changesUS Requires Visa Bond for B1/B2 Visas: 50 Countries Affected, Vietnam Not Yet IncludedThe United States has announced a new visa bond program for 50 countries, requiring citizens to deposit $10,000–$20,000 before applying for tourist orOct 6, 20264 min read

Policy changesUS to Check Sponsor Credit: What Green Card Family-Based Application Filers Need to PrepareStarting August 31, 2026, USCIS is modifying Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to permit credit report checks on family-based green card sponsors. ThiOct 5, 20265 min read

Policy changesGreece Golden Visa 2026: Faster Processing, New €250K Startup Investment PathGreece has significantly improved Golden Visa processing times and introduced a new €250K startup investment route. Investors now have more options, bOct 4, 20265 min read

Policy changesArgentina Opens Citizenship by Investment: $350K or $800K, But Proceed with CautionArgentina has announced a plan to grant citizenship to wealthy foreigners in exchange for cash contributions or investments in government bonds. AppliOct 3, 20265 min read

Policy changesH-1B: Companies with Workforce Reductions Face Visa DenialsOn September 18, 2026, the Trump administration signed an executive order requiring the Departments of State, Labor, and Homeland Security to considerOct 2, 20264 min read

Policy changesIndia EB-2 Still Stuck: October Visa Bulletin Opens Opportunities for ChinaThe October Visa Bulletin released on September 30 shows India EB-2 remains frozen, while India EB-2 and EB-5 reopen. Foreign nationals pursuing emploOct 1, 20265 min read

Policy changesUS Requires Social Media Access for Visa Applications: Disclose Accounts or Face DenialStarting September 23, 2026, the United States will require visa applicants to disclose their social media accounts for screening of "hostile attitudeSep 30, 20265 min read

Policy changesSpain Closes Golden Visa Real Estate Program: What Investors Need to KnowSpain has closed its Golden Visa real estate program as of April 2025, with no new applications accepted from September 2026 onward. Investors can no Sep 29, 20264 min read

Policy changesAustralia Bans International Students from Bringing Family Members: Who Needs to Know NowAustralia will prohibit most international students from bringing spouses or children on student visas, according to changes announced on September 17Sep 28, 20265 min read

Policy changesDV-2026 Expires September 30: Only Three Days LeftAll DV-2026 applicants must complete processing and receive a visa or adjustment of status before September 30, 2026. After this date, no visas can beSep 27, 20265 min read

Policy changesCanada: Citizenship Certificate Processing Delayed to 33 Months, Up 8 Months in One Reporting PeriodProcessing time for Canadian citizenship certificates has surged to 33 months, an increase of 8 months in one reporting cycle, according to an update Sep 26, 20264 min read

Policy changesUnited States Updates Form I-485 Starting September 18: What Green Card Applicants Need to KnowBeginning September 18, 2026, USCIS will require the use of the new I-485 form version. The old form will be rejected if submitted on or after this daSep 25, 20264 min read

Policy changesCanada: Foreign Workers Can Study for 6 Months Without a Study PermitStarting September 4, 2026, Canada allows foreign workers with a valid work permit to take courses or programs lasting up to 6 months without needing Sep 24, 20265 min read

Policy changesUK Visa Rules Change October 8: What Students and Skilled Workers Need to KnowThe UK announced changes to immigration rules via Statement of Changes HC 584 on September 3, 2026, effective October 8, 2026. These changes affect skSep 23, 20265 min read

Policy changesCanada: Citizenship Certificate Processing Delays to 33 Months, Up 8 Months in One MonthAs of September 2026, applicants for Canadian citizenship certificates face a 33-month wait for results. Since Bill C-3 expanded citizenship by descenSep 22, 20264 min read

Policy changesPortugal Golden Visa: Processing Times Have Improved, But Still Plan for 12-18 MonthsThe gap between application submission and biometric interview currently runs approximately 12 months, and following the biometric interview, the resiSep 21, 20265 min read

Policy changesGreece Raises Golden Visa Tax from 3% to 15%: Who Needs to Apply Before July 1, 2027Greece will increase the property transfer tax for foreign citizens from 3% to 15% starting July 1, 2027. An investment of €250,000 will incur approxiSep 19, 20265 min read

Policy changesEB-5 Deadline September 30: Who Needs to File Now to Avoid RiskEB-5 investors have 2 weeks to submit applications before the September 30, 2026 deadline and secure "grandfathering" protection. After this date, appSep 18, 20264 min read