Global Immigration News

Canada

Government raises wage thresholds for low-wage stream of TFWP

Effective 17 July 2026, the Canadian government has raised the hourly wage thresholds dividing the high- and low-wage streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

The wage being offered for the position will determine if the employer needs to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the stream for high-wage positions or the stream for low-wage positions.

To determine which stream the employer needs to apply under, they should compare the wage they’re offering for the position on their LMIA application with the hourly wage threshold shown in the Hourly wage threshold by province or territory table.

If the offered wage is:

• at or above the provincial or territorial hourly wage threshold, they must apply under the stream for high-wage positions and meet the program requirements of this stream;
• below the provincial or territorial hourly wage threshold, they must apply under the stream for low-wage positions and meet the program requirements of this stream.

Employers in regions with high unemployment cannot obtain or renew TFWP work permits for positions with wages below the threshold. Regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or more which are affected by this rule are listed here. Certain occupations are exempted from this refusal to process.

Other program requirements for low-wage positions are described here.

Ontario publishes scoring factors for new Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has updated its information on the new Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream to include the scoring factors for Expressions of Interest (EOIs).

Changes came into force on 26 June 2026 which removed the existing eight streams and introduced the new OWP stream.

The new OWP stream will have pathways for individuals with job offers in all National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEERs), as well as for self-employed physicians.

Applicants who register an EOI under this stream, will be assigned points based on the following factors:

• NOC TEER category <9 points;
• NOC broad occupational category <10 points;
• Hourly wage <18 points;
• Ontario work experience <18 points;
• Canadian work experience (earnings history) <8 points;
• Legal status in Canada <10 points;
• Highest level of education <10 points;
• Number of Canadian education credentials <10 points;
• Official language ability (English or French) <15 points;
• Number of official languages (one or two) <10 points;
• Regional immigration: location of work location in job offer <15 points.

Those who are invited to apply will be required to submit specific documents to support each scoring factor for which points were awarded.

Full details are published here.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) system is currently closed to new EOIs. No further invitations will be issued under the former program streams. EOIs and job offers registered under the former streams that have not resulted in an invitation to apply will be automatically withdrawn over the coming weeks while the EOI and application platforms are updated. Affected registrants, employers and representatives will receive a notice directly.

Candidates and employers are invited to familiarize themselves with the new OWP stream and its requirements. Eligible candidates may register a new EOI under the OWP Stream once the EOI system reopens. Employers who have previously registered in the employer portal will not need to register again when the EOI system reopens. Once the Employer Portal reopens they will need to submit a new job offer and a new application for an approval of an employment position (re-register a new job offer) to initiate a new EOI for the applicant under the new program stream.

Applications submitted following an invitation under a former stream will continue to be assessed against the eligibility requirements that were in effect when the application was submitted.

Poland

Authorities remind EU citizens of upcoming deadline

The Office for Foreigners has issued a reminder that the last documents issued to European Union (EU) citizens and their family members based on the templates in force before 2 August 2021, which remained valid under the transitional provisions of the Act of 10 December 2020, will expire on 3 August 2026.

Holders of a certificate of registration of residence as an EU citizen (paper document), a document confirming the right of permanent residence, a residence card for an EU citizen’s family member, or a permanent residence card for an EU citizen’s family member, issued according to the templates in force before 2 August 2021 should submit an appropriate application for a new document to the voivode responsible for their place of residence.

After 3 August 2026, these documents will expire, and the authorities encourage holders to submit an application for a new document before that date.

The expiry of the above documents will not mean the loss of the right of residence or the right of permanent residence in Poland. As long as the EU citizen meets the conditions for the right of residence in Poland, they have the right of residence in that country, and their family members can exercise the derived right of residence in that territory. The right of permanent residence will also not be lost due to the expiry of the document confirming the acquisition of this right. These documents are declaratory in nature only.

Saudi Arabia

Three-month residence permit issuance and renewal introduced

The Ministries of Interior and of Human Resources and Social Development have announced that residence for domestic workers can now be issued or renewed for periods starting from three months, allowing employers the flexibility to pay residence fees on a quarterly basis.

South Africa

Ministry waives medical report requirement for visa and permanent residence

On 17 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) published Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 if 2026 in the Government Gazette. The directive, effective immediately, introduces a waiver of the medical report requirement for visa and permanent residence applications.

The directive had been originally published on 8 July 2026 but was withdrawn and redrafted. The original version exempted only applications for temporary residence visas submitted within South Africa.

The new version is described as a blanket waiver exempting “all future applications” for “a visa to temporarily sojourn” in South Africa, without mentioning the place of application. The waiver also applies to applications already submitted and currently pending adjudication.

Both versions cover permanent residence applications.  All other requirements remain in force.

Home Affairs launches digitalised Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II

On 20 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) announced the launch of Phase II of its Trusted Employer Scheme (TES).

The expanded scheme will now include companies involved in strategic infrastructure projects, businesses establishing regional and global headquarters in South Africa, and qualifying entities in the financial sector. It also forms part of DHA’s broader digital transformation agenda and features a dedicated online application process that will ultimately be integrated into the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform.

To qualify, companies must demonstrate meaningful investment in South Africa, employ predominantly South African citizens or permanent residents, invest in skills development, and operate in priority sectors. Applications to TES Phase II will be independently assessed by an interdepartmental committee to ensure a transparent, merit based process.

Companies that are registered and are operational in South Africa and are interested in being considered for registration onto the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) Phase II should submit their expression of interest using the Trusted Employer Scheme link available on the www.dha.gov.za website.

There are three distinct pathways, each with its own scorecard:

• Pathway for South African-based operations;
• Pathway for companies with an existing regional or head office in South Africa (or the intention to establish one);
• Pathway for synthetic financial centres (SFCs) in the South African financial sector.

A minimum score of 80 is required.

Expressions of interest for TES Phase II are open from 20 July 2026 and close on 4 September 2026.  Outcomes regarding the expressions of interest will be issued within 30 working days after the closing date.

Companies that are registered and are operational in South Africa and are interested in being considered for registration onto the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) Phase II should submit their expression of interest using the Trusted Employer Scheme link available here.

Taiwan

One-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of Brunei, Philippines and Thailand

The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced an extension of the trial visa-free programme for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Brunei, Philippines and Thailand, from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027.

In addition, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries will be extended for a further year through 31 December 2027, and the conditional visa-free entry through the TAC scheme will remain in place, with both continuing to apply to nationals of India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Nationals of Cambodia will no longer be eligible for these two initiatives from 1 August 2026.

Thailand

Government Extends Stay and Work Period for Three Migrant Worker Groups

The government has extended temporary stay and work authorization for eligible migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam until 11 December 2027, to support economic stability and address labour shortages.

​The Cabinet approved the extension on 14 July 2026. The measure applies only to current workers already registered in the government system and does not allow new registrations.

​During the extension, relevant agencies will enhance migrant worker databases and integrate information systems. This initiative aims to ensure proper documentation, strengthen oversight, reduce irregular immigration and unauthorized employment, and help businesses meet international labour standards.

​The Ministry of Labour will issue detailed regulations and procedures, and will work to simplify documentation and speed up processing.

​Employers and business operators should follow official announcements from the Department of Employment or contact the Ministry of Labor hotline. Authorities urge the public to rely only on official information to avoid fraudulent requests for payments or benefits.

United States

USCIS reaches fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap

On 17 July 2026, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year 2027.  USCIS will therefore not conduct a second H-1B lottery in this cap season.

USCIS will continue to accept and process applications that are otherwise exempt from the cap (for example, petitions filed by U.S. institutions of higher education). Applications submitted for current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, are exempt from the FY 2027 H-1B cap.

USCIS will continue to accept and process applications submitted to: 

• Extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the United States; 
• Change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers; 
• Allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and 
• Allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in additional H-1B positions. 

The H-1B program allows companies and other employers in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in a directly related specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States. H-1B specialty occupations may include fields such as architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts.

Starting in fiscal year (FY) 2027, USCIS has implemented a weighted selection process which favours the allocation of H-1B visas to higher skilled and higher paid foreign nationals.

Administration replaces “duration of status” with fixed period of stay for F, J and I nonimmigrants

On 16 July 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the publication of a final rule that replaces the “duration of status” admission rules with a fixed period of admission, for nonimmigrant visa holders in F (academic student), J (exchange visitor), and I (representatives of foreign information media) classifications.

The final rule was published on 17 July 2026 and takes effect on 15 September 2026, subject to congressional review.

The principal reforms are as follow:

• Fixed Admission Caps: Nonimmigrant students (F visas) and exchange visitors (J visas) will be admitted for the length of their specific program, not to exceed a maximum period of four years.
• Mandatory Federal Extensions: Visa holders requiring additional time to complete an academic program must formally apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) directly through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This transitions oversight from university staff back to federal authorities and subjects applicants to biometric vetting, background checks, and fraud screenings.
• Reduced Departure Grace Period: The time allowed for F-1 students to prepare for departure, transfer schools, or change status following graduation is reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
• Program Change Restrictions: The rule introduces strict limitations on academic changes.

Current nonimmigrant visa holders residing in the United States under the previous “duration of status” framework will transition to the new system automatically, with their authorized stay capped at a maximum of four years from the effective date of this rule.

Nonimmigrant Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot Program

The Department of State (DoS) has announced that it is testing a nonimmigrant visa (NIV) expedited appointment programme at select US embassies and consulates until 31 December 2026.  Applicants at participating locations may choose whether to use this optional, voluntary programme.

Under the pilot program, eligible applicants for B visas – those making new appointments or holding existing appointments with unexpired MRV fee receipts – may pay a USD 750 fee per appointment to schedule a visa interview within 10 business days (subject to availability).  Applicants must first follow the usual process to pay the USD 185 MRV fee and schedule an interview appointment.

Pilot posts will allocate a limited number of appointments daily for the expedited appointment program.  If expedited appointments are available, these appointments will be visible for applicants to select when scheduling their appointments.  After an applicant selects an expedited appointment date and time, the USD 750 fee payment must be completed within 10 minutes to secure the appointment.  Once made, an expedited appointment date and time cannot be changed.  Missed appointments will result in the forfeiture of the fee.  The expedited appointment fee is not refundable.

The program allows applicants to receive an earlier appointment only.  Every US visa applicant undergoes thorough screening and vetting, and the DoS does not issue a visa until an applicant has demonstrated to the consular officer that he or she is eligible to receive a visa under US law.  Applicants participating in the expedited appointment pilot program undergo the same rigorous screening and vetting, and must meet all eligibility requirements to qualify for a visa under US law.  Applicants who pay the fee for an expedited appointment have the option to select one of the premium delivery options, if available, at no additional cost.  Again, use of the expedited appointment pilot does not guarantee issuance of a visa.

The following Embassies and Consulates are participating in the pilot, with launch dates for the program as follows:

• Mission Mexico (Embassy and all consulates) – 21//7/26

Additional pilot locations may be announced throughout the pilot period.

USCIS Rescinds 2022 Public Charge Regulation

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule rescinding the 2022 regulation regarding public charge determinations.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an individual applying for a visa, admission, or adjustment of status is inadmissible to the United States if deemed likely at any time to become a public charge. 

The now-rescinded regulation restricted which public benefits DHS could consider, limiting officers’ ability to review all relevant factors. With this final rule, USCIS officers are empowered to assess all pertinent facts on a case-by-case basis for each applicant. 

The rule will take effect on 18 September 2026. USCIS will publish a revised Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Older versions of Form I-485 postmarked or submitted electronically on or after the effective date will not be accepted.

Update on Termination of Temporary Protected Status for certain countries

On 17 July 2026, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced

 a short-term extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for individuals granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from certain countries.

TPS employment authorisation is extended until:

• 24 July 2026 for nationals of Somalia, Syria and Yemen;
• 27 July 2026 for nationals of Burma (Myanmar);
• 30 July 2026 for nationals of Ethiopia and South Sudan.

The previous termination date was 17 July 2026, as announced on 10 July 2026.

TPS EADs were previously extended until 24 July 2026 for nationals of Haiti.

The short-term extension follows the recent decision by the Supreme Court to allow the government to terminate TPS for Haiti and Syria, and is intended to allow lower courts to align with the Supreme Court decision in other TPS termination-related challenges.