Australia
Visa and citizenship application fees increase
Effective 1 July 2026, application fees have increased for skilled, partner, student, working holiday, visitor and parent visas through the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026. Citizenship fees have also increased.
From that date, the first instalment of the visa application charge (VAC) increased by 25% for most visas, in addition to the ongoing annual indexation of VACs for all other visas in line with the forecast Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.6%.
There has also been a higher increase to the VAC for Subclass 500 (Student) and Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visas (Subclass 500 and 590 visas, respectively). The base application charge component of the first instalment for primary applicants increases from AUD 2000 to AUD 2500.
The amendment also introduced limited exemptions and differential settings for visa applicant for certain visas who hold a valid passport issued by a specified country from the Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste (collectively referred to as Pacific-regional countries). These applicants will continue to benefit from concessional VAC arrangements and are not subject to the additional increase for Subclass 500 and 590 visas.
Citizenship fees were also increased in line with the CPI.
Enhanced Australian Visitor visa (600) application option for eligible Papua New Guineans available from 1 July 2026
The Department of Home Affairs has announced that, from 1 July 2026, eligible Papua New Guineans will be able to use a new streamlined ‘Apply again’ application option when applying for a Visitor visa (600) in the Business Visitor stream, or a Visitor visa (600) in the Tourist stream.
The ‘Apply again’ applications will be available through ImmiAccount to eligible Papua New Guinea citizens with a history of immigration compliance who have had a Visitor visa (600) in the Business Visitor or Tourist stream finalised in the previous five years.
The ‘Apply again’ application option will pre-fill elements of the application form for all eligible applicants, and as part of the new arrangements some applicants may also benefit from additional application simplification features and grant of longer visa validity periods.
Eligibility to use the streamlined ‘Apply again’ feature will be assessed automatically as part of the application process. Instructions on how to access the ‘Apply again’ application, are available here.
Belgium
New single permit fee imminent
Effective 1 September 2026, the government of Flanders will introduce a new fee of EUR 180 for the processing of single permit applications.
The new fee applies to both initial and renewal permit applications and is additional to the existing contribution fee of EUR 152 for an initial application only, payable to the Immigration Office.
Cyprus
New online service for residence permit renewals
On 6 July 2026, the government announced the launch of a new digital service for the renewal of residence permits of third-country (non-EEA) nationals, effective immediately.
The service is intended for third-country nationals who already reside legally in the Republic of Cyprus and wish to renew their residence permit, for employers who wish to submit a renewal application for persons they employ, as well as for authorised representatives, such as organisations, law firms or other natural or legal persons acting on behalf of interested parties, where the relevant authorisation exists.
At this stage, the service covers renewal applications for the following categories:
- temporary residence permits for the purpose of remunerated employment,
- temporary residence permits for the purpose of domestic employment,
- temporary residence permits for employees in companies of foreign interests,
- temporary residence permits for family reunification, for family members of long-term residents and employees in companies of foreign interests,
- residence permits for long-term residents.
The new digital service currently enables only renewals of existing permits and not initial applications. For the employment categories, it concerns cases where the employee continues to work for the same employer or in the same company, depending on the category of permit.
Through the service, applicants can carry out almost all stages of the procedure, such as completing and submitting the renewal application, attaching the required documents, submitting or managing authorisation where the application is submitted by a representative, receiving updates on the progress of the application, paying the prescribed fees electronically after completion of the relevant review, as well as selecting a service point for the next stages of the procedure and for the collection of the permit.
The physical presence of the applicant will be required only for the collection of the signature and biometric data.
Access to the service is through a verified CY Login profile. More information and user instructions are available through the government portal.
Denmark
New digital application for applicants for family reunification with a Danish citizen under EU regulations
On 8 July 2026, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) launched a new digital application, OD2A-C, for applications for family reunification with a Danish citizen under EU regulations.
Accompanying family members of a Danish citizen who has used their right to free movement and established actual and real residence in another EU country can use the new online application to apply for a residence document.
The new digital application looks different from the printable version. Applicants can log in and see all their ongoing applications, including completed applications, for up to 30 days.
Alternatively, it is still possible to submit the printable version of the form.
Hungary
Expiry of certain permanent residence cards
The National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) has announced that permanent residence cards issued to family members of EEA citizens and third-country family members of Hungarian citizens between 3 August 2016 and 2 August 2021 will expire on 3 August 2026. Holders of these permanent residence cards will therefore be required to apply for a new Hungarian residence permit.
The authorities state that all affected parties will receive detailed information by post to their valid place of residence or stay.
According to Article 8 (1) of Regulation (EU) 2025/1208 of the European Council on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement, “residence cards of family members of Union citizens who are not nationals of a Member State, which do not meet the requirements of Article 7 shall cease to be valid at their expiry or by 3 August 2026, whichever is earlier”.
Iceland
New residence and work permit rules take effect
The Directorate of immigration has confirmed that, on 8 July, amendments to the Icelandic Act on Foreign Nationals and the Foreign Nationals’ Right to Work Act entered into force. The amendments, which were passed by Parliament on 18 June, transfer responsibility for processing work permit applications and issuing work permits from the Directorate of Labour to the Directorate of Immigration.
In recent weeks, additional amendments to the Regulation on Foreign Nationals have also taken effect. These concern short-term residence permits, as well as the prioritisation of applications and the use of risk assessments in the processing of residence permit applications.
The main changes are outlined below.
Transfer of work permit processing to the Directorate of Immigration
From now on, applications for work permits will be processed by the Directorate of Immigration.
For the time being, guidance and information for applicants and employers will continue to be available on the information pages Residence permits based on work and Apply for a work permit. These pages will be consolidated and updated over the coming weeks.
Satisfactory academic progress required for every permit renewal
Holders of student residence permits must now demonstrate satisfactory academic progress each time they renew their permit, rather than only at the first renewal. Satisfactory academic progress means completing at least 75% of a full-time course load during the academic year.
Employment without a work permit
Student residence permit holders may work in Iceland without a work permit for up to 60% of full-time employment while studying. The 60% limit applies to the student’s total employment. If a student works for more than one employer, the combined workload may not exceed 60%.
Students may work more than 60% if one of the following applies:
- The work takes place during scheduled breaks between academic terms in accordance with the institution’s academic calendar.
- The individual has completed a university degree in Iceland and is residing in the country while seeking employment based on their specialist qualifications.
- The work forms part of a formal workplace training or internship programme.
When renewing a student residence permit, applicants must provide information about their employment to confirm that they have not exceeded the permitted working hours.
The Directorate of Immigration may also request employment information during the validity period of the residence permit and may obtain relevant information from other public authorities and employers. If the employment does not comply with the legal requirements, the Directorate may review or revoke the individual’s right to work.
Extended stay after graduation
Foreign nationals who have completed a university degree in Iceland may now renew their student residence permit for up to 18 months after graduation to seek employment based on their qualifications. Previously, this was possible for up to three years.
To qualify, applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree at an Icelandic university.
In addition, foreign nationals who have completed a doctoral degree in Iceland may renew a specialist residence permit for up to 12 months to seek employment based on their specialist expertise. A work permit is not required in order to obtain this residence permit.
Changes to family reunification rights for students
The right of student residence permit holders to family reunification with spouses and children is now limited to those undertaking full-time university studies leading to a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree.
Students enrolled in diploma programmes are no longer eligible for family reunification. The right to family reunification with parents has also been removed.
Prioritisation of applications and risk assessment
New provisions in the Regulation on Foreign Nationals provide the Directorate of Immigration with clearer authority to prioritise residence permit applications.
Complete applications based on employment may now be processed ahead of other applications. The Directorate may also temporarily prioritise complete applications where specific deadlines apply, such as:
- new student residence permit applications before the start of the academic year; and
- residence permit applications for athletes during official transfer windows.
The regulation also introduces provisions on document reliability and risk assessment. It explicitly states that the Directorate may not base a decision to grant a residence permit on documentation where there are reasonable grounds to doubt its authenticity or the credibility of its origin or content.
Short-term residence permits
A new chapter in the Regulation on Foreign Nationals sets out the legal basis and conditions for short-term residence permits.
These permits are intended for foreign nationals who wish to stay in Iceland for more than 90 days but no longer than 180 days, either to visit a close family member or to visit Iceland as an artist, scientist or athlete.
Japan
Government raises residence fees from October
On 3 July 2026, the Immigration Services Agency provided details of a significant increase in residence fees due to come into force on 1 October 2026.
The current flat fee for a residence permit application submitted in person is JPY 6000 (or JPY 5500 for an online application) with permanent residence costing JPY 10,000.
Under the revision, the fee for residence permission would start at JPY 10,000 for up to three months, with seven fee bands for different lengths of stay, plus a significantly higher fee for permanent residence.
The announced revised fees are as follows:
| Length of Permission | In-person fee (JPY) | Online fee (JPY) |
| Up to 3 months | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| 3 – 6 months | 18,000 | 15,000 |
| 6 – 12 months | 25,000 | 21,000 |
| 1 year | 33,000 | 27,000 |
| 1 to 3 years | 48,000 | 42,000 |
| 3 – 5 years | 64,000 | 56,000 |
| 5 years + | 75,000 | 65,000 |
| Permanent residence | 200,000 | Not applicable |
Certain applicants who are in financial difficulties and who have refugee status in Japan will qualify for a reduction in the fees.
The government is currently conducting a public comment procedure regarding the draft amendments which formalize the fee increases and eligibility for reduction or exemption.
New Zealand
Updates to Business Investor Work Visa
The government is broadening the range of eligible investments and increasing flexibility within the Business Investor Work Visa requirements.
The Business Investor Work Visa supports enables the holder to invest in and run an established business in New Zealand.
From 6 July 2026, applicants can invest in franchise businesses that meet existing requirements, widening the range of eligible opportunities.
They can also purchase businesses through a New Zealand resident entity, reflecting standard commercial practice and simplifying the investment process.
The government is also introducing greater flexibility in how investment funds are sourced, allowing gifted capital where it has been lawfully earned.
Improvements to the Pathway Student Visa
From Monday 20 July 2026, there will be changes to the Pathway Student Visa (PSV) to
give international students more flexibility in their study plans.
The PSV lets international students study more than one course on the same visa, as long as the courses are part of a planned study pathway. For example, a student might move from school or English language study into further higher-level study.
These changes will give more flexibility to students planning their studies, especially those whose plans become clearer over time. This includes more:
- options for secondary school students
- study pathways at lower levels, and
- time to complete English language studies.
Together, these changes mean students can keep their options open for longer and choose from a wider range of study pathways.
What is changing
- The PSV will provide more flexibility for secondary school students (Years 12 and 13). Students will not need to name an exact tertiary course when they apply. They will need to confirm the qualification level they plan to study, and which education provider they intend to study with.
- The PSV will provide more study pathways at lower levels. Students will be able to use the PSV for study pathways that lead to, or move between, the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) levels 1 to 4. This includes English language study, foundation programmes, and vocational certificates.
- The PSV will provide more time to complete English language study. Some first-time PSV holders moving to NZQCF levels 1 to 8 will be able to spend up to 30 weeks studying English before starting their next qualification. This is an increase from 20 weeks.
All international students still need to meet the Pathway Student Visa requirements, including:
- health and character requirements, and
- showing that they are genuine students.
Postponement of Group and Tour Escort visitor visa applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has postponed until 24 August 2026 the transition of Group and Tour Escort visitor visa applications to the enhanced Immigration Online system. The transition date was previously announced as 20 July 2026.
The additional time is to complete comprehensive final testing to ensure all functionality is working as expected before the new system opens for applications. From 24 August 2026, new applications will be automatically directed through the new system. Applicants can continue to submit applications in the current system in the meantime.
Visa products are transitioning to enhanced Immigration Online in phases. INZ first introduced this platform in 2021 and has already moved several types of visa applications onto it, including family of temporary visa holder visas, international student visas, visitor visas, accredited employer work visas and permanent resident visas.
Paraguay
Updated economic requirements for permanent residence
The National Directorate of Migration has approved a resolution which updates the requirements for the proof of economic solvency of foreign nationals applying for permanent residence. The provision, DNM Resolution No. 407/2026, will come into force for applications submitted from 6 July 2026.
The regulations unify the permanent residence requirements under the Migration Law and the Mercosur Residence Agreement and establish 12 categories of proof of economic solvency. These include professionals, technicians, employees, independent workers dedicated to commerce or services, remote workers or digital nomads, real estate owners, shareholders or partners, farmers and ranchers, religious workers, retirees or pensioners, dependents and students. Each category has specific documentary requirements for proving the applicant’s income and their declared profession.
Additionally, the resolution provides for the updating of the Carnet de Admisión, or Admission Card, issued to residence. The new version of this identity document will not display the holder’s profession, which will, however, still be noted in the online system.
Further information is available here.
South Africa
New online traveller declaration now required
Effective 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa via air, land, sea and rail ports of entry are required to submit an online traveller declaration before travelling.
This includes South African citizens, residents and foreign travellers. A parent, legal guardian, caretaker or another assisting person may complete the declaration on behalf of a minor or a person who cannot complete it themselves.
Air or sea travellers who are only transiting through South Africa and who do not leave the designated transit area are excluded from submitting a traveller declaration.
Travellers must submit the online declaration no more than 24 hours before departure from the country from which you are travelling. If you are travelling to South Africa on a journey with stops, the declaration must be submitted no more than 24 hours before departure on the last leg of your journey directly to South Africa.
Travellers can submit their declaration through the SARS website on the Traveller Management System or the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) App downloaded from your mobile device’s store or by using a quick response code on a device that can connect to the internet. At ports where available, self-service kiosks may also be used.
Travellers will not be denied entry into or departure from South Africa solely because they have not completed a declaration before arriving at a port of entry. Customs officials, supported by self-service declaration terminals, will be available to assist travellers who were unable to submit their declarations before travelling. SARS encourages all travellers to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and complete their declarations in advance.
Further information is available here.
South Korea
Digital nomad visa officially launched
On 7 July 2026, the Ministry of Justice announced that the Digital Nomad (Workation) visa (F-1-D), which has been piloted since 2024, was officially launched on 30 June 2026 with some modifications.
Firstly, the income threshold has been lowered based on age and region of residence. During the pilot, a requirement of twice the per capita gross national income (GNI – approximately KRW 52.41 million as of 2025) was applied, regardless of age or region of residence. However, going forward, relaxed income requirements ranging from one to two times the per capita GNI will be applied to those who are younger or who reside in non-metropolitan areas or regions with population decline (or areas of concern). For example, for foreign nationals aged 18 to 34 working away from the capital area, 1x per capita GNI will be applied.
Secondly, the maximum period of stay will be increased to three years. During the pilot, residency was permitted for up to two years through one-year extensions; however, to encourage top international talent to fully experience Korea and choose it as a destination for settlement, and to stimulate domestic demand by extending the period of consumption, a maximum stay of three years will be allowed.
The “Workation” (Digital Nomad) Visa (F-1-D) is applicable to foreign nationals aged 18 years or above who have been employed by a foreign company for more than one year (or who own a foreign company) and are able to work remotely in South Korea. Family members can also obtain this visa.
United Arab Emirates
Ministry amends private healthcare sector Emiratisation target
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that the mandated annual Emiratisation rate of 2 percent will now require roles allocated to UAE citizens to be split equally between specialised healthcare professions and other skilled jobs within the healthcare facility.
Private healthcare facilities, like all other private sector establishments, employing 50 workers or more are required to achieve a 2 percent annual growth in Emiratisation rates of their skilled jobs. Half of this must be achieved in the first half of the year (which ended on 30 June 2026), while the remaining half can be accomplished during the second half of the year.
The Ministry’s announcement maintains this mechanism for targeted private healthcare facilities, while mandating that the nature of jobs targeted for Emiratisation must now equally include both skilled roles and specialised healthcare jobs.
Healthcare facilities are encouraged to post their job vacancies on the Nafis platform to access qualified Emirati national healthcare professionals.
MoHRE imposes financial penalties on non-compliant companies, amounting to AED 10,000 per month (AED120,000 annually) for each position they fail to fill with an Emirati citizen. The Ministry states that, from 2027, it will begin to assess private healthcare companies’ compliance with the new specialized/skilled split rule.