Immigration & visa policy tracker
Student visa, post-study work and permanent-residence updates across the top study destinations — pulled from official sources, in plain English. Filter by country to see what affects your plans.
Aug 2026
DHS Proposes Additional H-1B Fee
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.
Read the official updateAug 2026
USCIS to Publish New Edition of Form I-485; Older Editions Will Be Rejected Starting Sept. 18
On Sept. 18, 2026, USCIS will publish a revised edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (edition date: 09/18/26).
Read the official updateAug 2026
USCIS to Publish New Editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765; Older Editions Will Be Rejected Starting Sept. 15
On Sept. 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will publish revised editions of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (edition date for both: 09/15/26). The forms have been revised to align with the recently published Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media final rule.
Read the official updateAug 2026
Global Talent visa expanded to attract world's brightest researchers to power British innovation
More than 100 innovative research companies can now support the world's brightest researchers to come and work in the UK through the Global Talent visa.
Read the official updateAug 2026
Bloomsbury Institute's student sponsor licence revoked
The Bloomsbury Institute, a higher education provider in central London, has had its licence to sponsor international students revoked.
Read the official updateAug 2026
Australia confirms international education settings for 2027
Australia continues to welcome international students from around the world and remains a top study destination globally.
Read the official updateJul 2026
USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2027 H-1B Cap
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year 2027.
Read the official updateJun 2026
Australia Awards Scholarships: Applications now open for 2027 intake
Applications for the 2027 Australia Awards Scholarships round are now open.
Read the official updateJun 2026
Student visa processing update
Final arrangements announced for 2026 Student visa processing.
Read the official updateJun 2026
Pause on new CRICOS registered private VET and ELICOS providers and courses
The Australian Government has announced a temporary suspension on new CRICOS registered private VET and ELICOS providers and courses.
Read the official updateJun 2026
Ontario Announces 3 New OINP Pathways for TEER 4/5 Workers
On June 26, 2026, Ontario OINP introduced 3 new permanent-residence pathways covering high-skilled, lower-skilled (TEER 4/5) workers and self-employed physicians.
Read the official updateJun 2026
Universities face ban on international students over visa abuse
Raised standards for recruiting foreign students come amid continued visa abuse. Student asylum claims already down 30% as government action delivers results.
Read the official updateMay 2026
Filling labour gaps in smaller communities by accelerating permanent residence for 33,000 workers
Canada continues to bring our immigration system to sustainable levels and focus immigration on the areas where it has the greatest impact. This means supporting rural and remote communities that are experiencing labour shortages in key economic sectors.
Read the official updateMay 2026
Understanding the one-time In-Canada Workers Initiative
The In-Canada Workers Initiative will accelerate permanent residence applications in our inventories for individuals who are already contributing to Canada’s economy across a wide range of in-demand sectors, including in rural areas and communities with labour gaps. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue to process applications within existing levels space for workers who have applied for permanent residence but are not eligible under this initiative.
Read the official updateMar 2026
Canada extends certain work permit measures for Ukrainians
As Russia's illegal war against Ukraine continues, Canada continues to support Ukrainian people who are here contributing to our communities and labour market.
Read the official updateMar 2026
New immigration and asylum measures from Bill C-12 (the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act) have become law
Bill C-12 received royal assent and has become law, strengthening Canada’s immigration and asylum systems in 4 key areas
Read the official updateMar 2026
Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa Fee Doubled to AUD 4,600
Under 2026 regulations, the first-instalment visa application charge for the primary applicant of a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa doubled from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600 for applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026.
Read the official updateFeb 2026
Speaking notes for the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship: Prioritizing top talent in 2026 Express Entry Categories
Speaking notes for the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship: Prioritizing top talent in 2026 Express Entry Categories
Read the official update