Seasoned Expat — Living abroad, handled.

US Immigration Court Fees Rise for Fiscal Year 2027

The Department of Justice announced inflationary adjustments to immigration-related fees for filings with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) effective in fiscal year 2027. The adjustments apply to appeals, motions, and other proceedings before immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Why it matters — Immigration court filings are already expensive; these increases will raise the cost of appealing a deportation order or filing a motion to reopen a case at a moment when many applicants are already stretched financially. The cumulative effect of repeated fee hikes over the past five years makes it harder for people without legal representation to contest removal.

US H-1B Visa: New $103,265 Fee for Cap-Subject Petitions Proposed

The Department of Homeland Security proposes to establish a $103,265 fee, payable at filing, for all H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, in addition to all other applicable fees.

Canada Extends Work Permit Measures for Ukrainians

Canada announced an extension of certain work permit measures for Ukrainian nationals as Russia's war continues. The measures allow Ukrainians already in Canada to remain and work without the usual restrictions tied to employer sponsorship or temporary resident status.

Canada Introduces 30-Day Passport Processing Guarantee

The Government of Canada launched a new guarantee for passport processing: if a passport is not issued within 30 days, the applicant receives the service free. This applies to routine passport applications submitted in person or by mail.