The Department of Labor provides information on foreign labor certification programs, including Permanent Labor Certification, H-1B Specialty Workers, H-2A Temporary Labor Certification, and others, to ensure that the admission of foreign workers does not adversely affect U.S. workers. ([dol.gov](https://www.dol.gov/index.php/general/topic/hiring/foreign?utm_source=openai))
Following the opening of the first auto-enrolment opt-out window on July 1, 2026, employers managing global mobility are advised to closely monitor inbound assignees. Because the pension mandate applies to all employees subject to Irish social security, close coordination across mobility, tax, and payroll teams is required to avoid missing contributions on complex international remuneration packages.
Enacted in July 2026, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) represents the most significant federal housing legislation in decades. Its 45 provisions address the nationwide housing shortfall and rising rent rates, which will have significant implications for corporate global mobility teams, destination service providers, and cost-of-living adjustments for relocated employees.
Following an evaluation of the Dutch work-related costs scheme, the government advanced proposals entering the decision-making phase in August 2026 aimed at simplifying employee benefits and reimbursements. Companies are advised to review how these potential 2027 changes will affect the structuring of staff discounts and expatriate allowances.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) tightened its guidance for the C20 Reciprocal Employment category. Foreign nationals must now be actively employed by the overseas company before the work permit application is submitted; individuals whose employer-employee relationship would only begin upon arrival in Canada no longer qualify.
Effective August 24, 2026, New Zealand implements new Trades, Technician, and Skilled Work Experience residence pathways. The update also revises qualification evidence requirements and simplifies wage threshold rules for the Skilled Migrant Category, Work to Residence, and Transport Work to Residence visas.
Following the temporary final rule allocating 64,716 additional H-2B nonimmigrant visas for fiscal year 2026, USCIS issued an alert to employers filing for late-season needs. Petitioners are instructed to submit only one I-129 petition and payment authorization, as sending duplicate files is resulting in duplicate charges and them being treated as separate petitions.
Effective August 3, 2026, the UK updated its Immigration Rules to allow children born in the UK during a parent's Graduate route permission to apply as a dependant and receive permission in line with the parent. The UK also introduced a new Diplomatic Visa Arrangement providing a simplified visitor visa process for eligible Indian diplomatic passport holders.
The Department of Home Affairs introduced Ministerial Direction 119, overhauling processing priorities for skilled visa and nomination applications. The new framework heavily prioritizes onshore applicants over offshore applicants and accelerates processing for critical sectors like law enforcement, defense, healthcare, construction, and education. It also newly includes Skills in Demand (subclass 482) applications in its priority queue.
Under the newly published Law No. 7582, Turkey introduced a 20-year income tax exemption for qualifying foreign technology entrepreneurs and investors who take up Turkish residence, part of a structural effort to attract long-term global wealth migration and talent.
The Irish Minister for Justice introduced temporary travel arrangements allowing eligible non-nationals legally residing in Ireland to use an expired Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card as evidence of their entitlement to re-enter the State. This concession applies to international travel between July 13, 2026, and August 31, 2026, provided the traveler submitted a renewal application prior to the card's expiration.
EU Member States agreed to extend the temporary protection regime for persons displaced from Ukraine by an additional year. This extension ensures continued legal certainty, residence, and work rights across the European Union until March 4, 2028.
Gibraltar's Residency Regulations 2026 took effect alongside a new online Residency Portal. The updated framework introduces strict new eligibility requirements for employees seeking residence permits, including a mandatory minimum 12-month contract, a minimum gross annual salary of £37,500, and demonstrated proof of suitable local accommodation.
The UK Home Office published a draft employer's guide to right-to-work checks and a draft code of practice on preventing illegal working. Taking effect October 1, 2026, the expanded civil penalty regime will hold businesses accountable for right-to-work checks beyond traditional employees, capturing non-employees engaged under worker contracts, individual contractors, and gig economy workers.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a major policy alert updating its guidance on evaluating evidence. The update restores full discretion for adjudicators to deny immigration benefit requests without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) if a petitioner fails to provide all required initial evidence at the time of filing.
To access EU RRF funds, Hungary's government introduced a comprehensive tax package to Parliament required by August 31, 2026. The proposal alters corporate income tax base allowances for the 2026-2027 tax years and introduces specific new personal income tax rules for crypto asset transfers into trusts, impacting globally mobile investors.
The 59th annual 2026 Atlas Corporate Relocation Survey highlights that 94% of companies relocating employees internationally reported that recent U.S. immigration policy changes—specifically the substantial H-1B visa fee increase—directly impacted their corporate relocation budgets and necessitated policy adjustments.
In an ongoing effort to boost international mobility, tourism, and business travel, Mainland China relaxed its immigration and border policies to streamline the transit process and lessen document friction for eligible foreign nationals traveling through its major international hubs.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated the regulatory process to impose new fees on the H-1B visa program and the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Proposed rules were sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review on August 19 and 20, 2026. The specific fee structures will remain confidential until published in the Federal Register.
Effective August 22, 2026, individuals from Georgia, Colombia, and Venezuela are required to obtain an appropriate national visa or residence permit in addition to a work permit before commencing employment in Poland. They can no longer work in the country solely under the previous visa-free regime.
Recent legislative amendments in Croatia now allow third-country nationals to change employers after six months without having to restart the permit process. The new rules also introduce simplified job change procedures for EU Blue Card holders and allow them to maintain residency during brief periods of unemployment.
Grant Thornton reported on the OECD's newly updated commentary aimed at modernizing international tax frameworks. The guidance addresses when remote work arrangements and global mobility trigger a permanent establishment (taxable corporate presence) in a host country, helping employers manage cross-border compliance.
USCIS issued comprehensive new policy guidance explaining how adjudicators will apply the public charge ground of inadmissibility. Taking effect on September 18, 2026, the guidance formalizes a totality of the circumstances test, explicitly outlining how an applicant's age, health, family status, assets, and recent receipt of means-tested public benefits will be weighed.
The State Department expanded its pilot program that allows B-1/B-2 visa applicants to secure a consular appointment within 10 business days for a $750 expedite fee. Effective August 18, the program expanded beyond Mexico to include the U.S. Embassy and all consulates in Canada, as well as posts in Bogota, Guatemala City, San Jose, and Tegucigalpa.
Effective August 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of State finalized regulations making the Visa Bond Pilot Program permanent. It requires certain individuals applying for B-1 (Business Visitor) or B-2 (Tourist) visas from designated countries to post a bond up to $20,000, shifting routine visitor travel into a budgeted item for global employers.
Beginning September 9, 2026, USCIS is expanding the $4,000–$4,500 9-11 Biometrics Fee collection. Covered employers (those with over 50 U.S. employees where over 50% hold H-1B or L-1 status) must now pay the fee on status extension requests, rather than only on initial petition filings.
In a major shift affecting adjustment of status applicants, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) issued a decision (Matter of Delcarmen-Lara) ruling that traveling abroad on an advance parole document will trigger the three- or ten-year admissibility bar for foreign nationals if they accrued over 180 days of unlawful presence in the U.S. prior to their departure.
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs expanded its authorized entry points for foreign nationals traveling with an e-Visa by adding 11 new international locations, including Bhopal and Tirupati airports. The expansion provides greater flexibility for global mobility programs planning international assignments and business travel to India.
The U.S. State Department’s August 2026 Visa Bulletin advanced final action dates in several employment-based categories. USCIS confirmed it will accept adjustment of status filings based on the Final Action Dates chart, noting that visas for India EB-2 applicants remain unavailable for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Data from EY's 2026 Mobility Reimagined Survey reveals that 72% of global mobility functions are expanding their use of generative AI to improve processes. Mobility teams are increasingly adopting AI frameworks for case management, cross-border cost analysis, employee inquiries, and strategic immigration decision-making.
Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board introduced new rules governing the use of artificial intelligence in immigration and refugee proceedings.
A federal grand jury in Wichita indicted a Peruvian national with multiple criminal offenses arising from allegedly voting in a federal election despite not being a U.S. citizen.
Canada issued 576 invitations to apply (ITAs) to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates in the latest Express Entry draw, requiring a minimum CRS score of 734.
USCIS issued a policy alert updating guidance on the registration of children born to foreign government employees in the United States as lawful permanent residents.
The Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule on September 10, 2026, that would eliminate the discretionary grace period of up to 60 days currently available to certain nonimmigrant visa holders (including H-1B, L-1, O-1, and TN) after their employment ends.
New Zealand has announced new work visa options specifically tailored for graduates, expanding post-study work opportunities.
The Department of Justice removed an alien terrorist in the first use of the United States Alien Terrorist Removal Court.
Canada has officially added the United Kingdom to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) work permit provisions, facilitating easier mobility for UK professionals.
Processing times for proof of Canadian citizenship applications have increased significantly, taking up to six times longer than the five-month wait experienced in December 2025.
New Zealand has relaxed the rules surrounding its Investor Visa category to encourage more foreign investment and streamline the application process.
New changes for F-1 and J-1 visa holders begin September 15, 2026, including the elimination of duration of status.
DHS published an interim final rule allowing certain U.S.-born children of foreign government employees to register as LPRs, expanding on existing regulations for children of foreign diplomatic officers.
USCIS issued policy guidance addressing regulatory changes on the registration of children born to foreign government employees in the United States as lawful permanent residents.
The United States has resumed immigrant visa processing for applicants from Hungary and Poland, even as a broader global pause on certain processing continues.
Poland implemented a new regulation affecting citizens of Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela, requiring them to hold appropriate immigration status rather than just a work permit while in visa-free status.
The Migration Advisory Committee proposed a structured approach for overseas recruitment in occupations experiencing labor shortages, recommending 28 occupations for a limited 18-month period.
The UK government announced an expansion of the Global Talent Visa Endorsed Funder pathway, extending access to a wider range of research-focused businesses.
The European Union's Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is not yet operational, and several countries continue to conduct document checks at internal borders.
The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility for nationals of several countries holding qualifying residence permits from specified jurisdictions.
Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board is introducing new rules governing the use of artificial intelligence in immigration and refugee proceedings effective September 7, 2026.
USCIS has implemented a new policy allowing the agency to request credit reports from individuals sponsoring foreign nationals for Green Cards to verify financial capability.
A federal judge has blocked the implementation of new restrictions targeting birthright citizenship in the United States.
New regulations have tightened the rules surrounding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for international students in the United States.
Belgium implemented a new framework governing frontier workers, impacting non-EU nationals working across borders.
Effective September 1, 2026, Singapore has expanded its Work Permit occupation list, providing employers in affected industries with access to a wider international recruitment pool.
The UK has introduced changes to its Sponsor Management System requiring sponsors to maintain active Level 1 Users and ensure accurate contact information, increasing the importance of internal immigration compliance.
Ireland plans to tighten citizenship rules by raising the residence requirement to eight years and adding language and civics testing.
Kenya announced inspections of foreign-run informal businesses starting September 7, 2026, to check for permits and compliance with immigration rules.
The UK is implementing new immigration rules starting in October 2026, which will expand protection for some migrants while altering provisions for students, families, and the Erasmus+ program.
Following a court order, the U.S. Department of State ended the immigrant visa issuance pause affecting nationals of 75 countries on August 21, 2026, reopening processing for affected applicants.
The Department of Homeland Security expanded a green-card registration path for some U.S.-born children of foreign government employees, effective September 4, 2026.
The UK has laid out Statement of Changes HC 584, which includes updates to Conclusive Grounds Decisions within its immigration rules.
Denmark has introduced a 2027 Certified Employer Plan that opens a new immigration lane specifically for Indian workers.
DHS issued a rule excluding children born before September 4, 2026, prompting USCIS to alert applicants regarding the new policy.
A federal judge blocked a recent executive order attempting to restrict birthright citizenship, preventing federal agencies from denying citizenship to children covered by the new policy.
Effective August 31, 2026, USCIS can request consumer credit reports for individuals sponsoring green card applicants under the latest Form I-864.
ECA International announced that Steve Backshall will open the ECA Mobility Hub 2026 in London, an event for global mobility and business travel peers.
USCIS announced an interim final rule effective September 4, 2026, updating the definition of 'foreign government employee' and related forms for children born in the U.S. to foreign government employees who do not acquire U.S. citizenship at birth.
ECA International published a blog discussing how organizations are calculating, reviewing, and delivering pay for long-term international assignments amid rising cost pressures.
USCIS has issued an alert regarding a recent court order that impacts the hold policy for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.
The Department of Homeland Security has announced a new rule affecting the immigration status and citizenship considerations for children born in the U.S. to foreign government employees.
The UK Home Office published a statement of changes to the Immigration Rules on September 3, 2026, detailing specific updates to immigration policies.
Saskatchewan employers in capped sectors have a final opportunity this year to support workers for provincial immigration, with the SINP setting aside 550 spots.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is increasing its scrutiny of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations for international students.
USCIS has launched new resources and guidance for R-1 nonimmigrant religious workers to assist with the application and compliance process.
The UAE has launched a new digital work permit service aimed at streamlining overseas hiring and immigration processes.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has opened a new international field office in Ethiopia aimed at supporting fraud prevention efforts in the region.
A new update requires parents with citizen children to prove their legal status when applying for passports.
The Canadian government has closed the window for eligible Hongkongers to submit direct applications for permanent residence as of August 31, 2026.
Québec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration held immigration selections under all four streams of the Skilled Worker Selection Program, issuing 790 invitations.
The September 2026 Visa Bulletin indicates that EB-5 unreserved visa numbers remain unavailable for applicants from India.
The Department of State has officially released the September 2026 Visa Bulletin, providing the latest priority dates and processing updates for immigrant visas, as highlighted in [August 2026 Immigration News - Brown Immigration Law](https://brownimmigrationlaw.com/immigration-news-august-2026).
The Department of State published a proposed rule to revise the conditions under which a sponsor must terminate an exchange visitor’s J-1 program and update reinstatement processes, with public comments due by September 28, 2026, per [August 2026 Immigration News - Brown Immigration Law](https://brownimmigrationlaw.com/immigration-news-august-2026).
The US, Belgium, and Cyprus are implementing changes to their visa, work permit, and residency rules this September, which will impact international students and workers.
Recent policy changes in Canada have introduced greater selectivity, tighter controls, and increased complexity across several immigration pathways, balancing labor market needs with housing and infrastructure issues.
A new rule in Massachusetts requires employers to notify employees within 48 hours following an ICE I-9 inspection request, altering compliance obligations.
Thailand has reduced the visa-free stay duration to 30 days for citizens of India and 59 other countries, impacting short-term travel and mobility.
Envoy Global has released its 2026 U.S. Corporate Immigration Trends report, detailing how over 500 HR and global mobility professionals are navigating rapid changes in U.S. immigration policy.
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a massive fee increase for H-1B visas, which could significantly impact employers sponsoring highly skilled foreign workers.
The State Department has paused immigrant visa interviews to conduct training on the new public charge guidance, as noted in [Immigration Reform News, Visas, USCIS, ICE, & DHS Updates | Natio](https://natlawreview.com/practice-groups/Immigration-USCIS-Visa).
The U.S. State Department has announced plans to revoke the B-1/B-2 visitor visas of individuals who are seeking asylum.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated temporary measures for Palestinians.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways are closing to new applications.
A recent legislative update impacts Temporary Protected Status (TPS) policy by shortening the 540-day extensions for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), according to [Immigration Reform News, Visas, USCIS, ICE, & DHS Updates | Natio](https://natlawreview.com/practice-groups/Immigration-USCIS-Visa).
Spain is drafting its transposition of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which will introduce new compliance and compensation reporting obligations for employers operating in the country.
A federal court ruling has vacated and suspended the State Department's immigrant visa ban that affected 75 countries, leading to a pause in immigrant visa interviews following the decision, as reported by [Immigration Reform News, Visas, USCIS, ICE, & DHS Updates | Natio](https://natlawreview.com/practice-groups/Immigration-USCIS-Visa).
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new $103,265 fee for all cap-subject H-1B petitions, according to [Immigration Reform News, Visas, USCIS, ICE, & DHS Updates | Natio](https://natlawreview.com/practice-groups/Immigration-USCIS-Visa).
The Department of State has launched a new public charge bond pilot program starting in the Dominican Republic, as reported in [Immigration Reform News, Visas, USCIS, ICE, & DHS Updates | Natio](https://natlawreview.com/practice-groups/Immigration-USCIS-Visa).
ECA International published a blog exploring which locations facilitate sustainable global mobility.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing to establish a $103,265 fee for all H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption.