Immigration & Visas
The latest in immigration & visas for people moving, settling and building a life abroad.
Immigration & Visas
USCIS will stop deferring to prior visa approvals
Employers and visa applicants will have to prove eligibility from scratch on every extension request, under a proposed rule from the Department of Homeland Security.
Immigration & Visas
CBP wants to require rail carriers to share your travel data
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing a rule that would force rail carriers to send passenger and crew information to the government before trains cross the border.
Immigration & Visas
DHS proposes $70,000 fee for initial OPT
F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training would pay $70,000 for their first stint and $30,000 for any subsequent one under a proposed Department of Homeland Security rule.
Immigration & Visas
U.S. removes Syria from defense trade denial list
Defense contractors and exporters can now apply for licenses to sell arms and military services to Syria on a case-by-case basis.
Immigration & Visas
UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme is now closed
The Home Office has closed the scheme to new applications as of October 2026, though pending cases will still receive decisions.
Immigration & Visas
EB-5 investor visa fees jump 71 percent starting November
The Department of Homeland Security is raising fees for employment-based immigrant visas tied to investment, effective November 30, 2026.
Immigration & Visas
Labor Department will require states to share unemployment data
State unemployment agencies must now disclose confidential benefit records to federal officials for oversight and fraud detection, effective November 2026.
Immigration & Visas
Census Bureau proposes new rules on who counts where
The Commerce Department's Census Bureau wants to codify how it decides where to count each person for apportionment, and to restrict demographic questions on the census form.
Immigration & Visas
UK now requires five approved test providers for English language proof
Anyone applying for a UK visa or citizenship must pass a secure English language test through one of five approved providers, depending on where they are.
Immigration & Visas
DHS proposes ending 60-day grace period for work visa holders
Workers on E, H, L, O, and TN visas would have to leave the U.S. immediately if they lose their jobs, under a proposed rule from the Department of Homeland Security.
Immigration & Visas
Children of foreign government employees can now register as permanent residents
The Department of Homeland Security has changed who can register for permanent residence if born in the United States to a foreign government employee.
Immigration & Visas
Germans abroad lost voting rights in 2021 election
Thousands of German expats couldn't vote in the last Bundestag election due to registration failures—and the system that failed them is still broken.
Immigration & Visas
Three mistakes American expats make in Italy
Avoid the visa, housing, and financial missteps that derail moves to Italy.
Immigration & Visas
France visa options for 2026 expats
France remains a top healthcare destination for expats—here's what visa categories actually exist and who qualifies.
Immigration & Visas
Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stays for 90+ Countries
Thailand is shortening visa-free entry periods for most foreign visitors, citing crime concerns—a major shift for digital nomads and frequent travelers.
Immigration & Visas
Thailand Launches New Visa to Attract Business Expats
Thailand is easing visa rules for skilled foreign workers to make the country more competitive for talent and investment.
Immigration & Visas
How Overstaying Greece Can Get You Banned From Europe
One traveler's mistake in Greece nearly cost her years of European travel—a cautionary tale about how the 90/180-day rule actually works and what happens when you break it.
Immigration & Visas
UAE grants visa on arrival to select expats
Kenyans holding US, UK, or EU residence permits can now enter the UAE without a pre-arranged visa.
Immigration & Visas
Japan's Tighter Visa Rules May Push Out Foreign Residents
Japan is implementing stricter visa rules that could accelerate departures of foreign residents and workers already on edge.
Immigration & Visas
UK Raises Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold
The salary floor for UK work visas has jumped significantly, and overseas care worker recruitment is now banned—both changes take effect immediately.
Immigration & Visas
UK ETA Enforcement Begins: Get Permission Before Travel
The UK is now enforcing its Electronic Travel Authorization scheme—visitors without an ETA cannot board flights or ferries to the UK.
Immigration & Visas
UK Tightens Student Visa Rules: New Restrictions in Effect
The UK has implemented tougher student visa rules affecting international students' ability to work, bring dependents, and extend their stay.
Immigration & Visas
Record Visa Sponsor Licences Revoked for Rule Breaking
The UK has revoked a record number of employer visa sponsor licences for violations, signaling stricter enforcement against non-compliant employers.
Immigration & Visas
How Americans can stay in France beyond 90 days
Americans have several legal pathways to extend their stay in France past the standard 90-day visa-free window.
Immigration & Visas
UK overhauls legal migration model
The biggest shake-up in 50 years resets how the UK admits workers, students, and family members—what changes and who it affects.
Immigration & Visas
UK enforces digital travel permission
A new digital system replaces traditional visa stamps for many travelers—here's what you need to know before your next trip.
Immigration & Visas
UK bars foreign criminals under strict rules
New exclusion rules keep people with criminal records out of the UK—what counts and how it affects family reunification.
Immigration & Visas
UK revokes work permit for major employer
Nepali workers face sudden job loss after the UK withdraws a company's work licence—a warning for any expat relying on a single employer's sponsorship.
Immigration & Visas
UK visa withdrawals hit record high in Q1 2026
More people are pulling their UK visa applications than being refused—a sign of shifting migration patterns.
Immigration & Visas
UK tightens student visa rules affecting foreign applicants
New restrictions on student visas will reshape how Nigerian and other international students plan their UK education and pathway to work.
Immigration & Visas
Spain Digital Nomad Visa: 2026 Income Requirements & Tax Breaks
Spain's digital nomad visa now includes Beckham Law tax benefits and a clearer path to EU residency—here's what you need to earn and do to qualify.
Immigration & Visas
UK Student Visa Tightening Costs Universities $3.9 Billion
Stricter UK immigration rules are driving international students away—and it's reshaping where students choose to study.
Immigration & Visas
Thailand Tightens Visa-Free Entry for 90+ Countries
Thailand is restricting visa-free stays for citizens of India, UAE, Philippines, and many others, affecting millions of travelers and remote workers.
Immigration & Visas
Italy's Digital Nomad Visa: What You Need in 2026
Italy now offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers—here's how to qualify and what it costs.
Immigration & Visas
UK updates settlement rules for children of settled parents
New guidance clarifies how children with one settled or British parent can qualify for UK settlement.
Immigration & Visas
UK Expands Global Talent Visa for Skilled Workers
The UK has broadened access to its Global Talent Visa, making it easier for skilled professionals in certain fields to move to the country without a job offer.
Immigration & Visas
Japan Raises Tourist Visa Fees Over 400 Percent
Japan is dramatically increasing visa fees for tourists—a shock for frequent visitors and those planning extended stays.
Immigration & Visas
Portugal D7 Visa: Passive Income Path for US Retirees
The D7 retirement visa lets Americans live in Portugal on modest passive income—here's what you need to qualify.
Immigration & Visas
EU Blue Card in France: 2026 Guide
France's EU Blue Card pathway for skilled workers offers a faster route to residency and work authorization.
Immigration & Visas
Portugal's Digital Nomad vs. Golden Visa: Which Fits You
Portugal offers both a digital nomad visa and a golden visa; choosing between them depends on your income, timeline, and long-term plans.
Immigration & Visas
South Korea's Digital Nomad Visa: What You Need to Know
South Korea now offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers—a new pathway for location-independent professionals seeking to base themselves in Seoul or beyond.
Immigration & Visas
New EU Entry System Launches for British Travelers Oct 12
Starting October 12, 2025, British travelers will face new European immigration requirements including biometric registration and the Entry/Exit System.
Immigration & Visas
UK Care Workers May Get Visa Exemption
Foreign care workers could be exempted from new UK visa rules as the government weighs labor shortages against immigration restrictions.
Immigration & Visas
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa Faces US Immigration Hurdles
Spain's new digital nomad visa is attracting remote workers, but US immigration rules are complicating the path for American applicants.
Immigration & Visas
South Korea Expands Work Visa Options to Attract Global Talent
South Korea has relaxed and expanded its work visa policies, making it easier for skilled workers and digital nomads to live and work in the country.
Immigration & Visas
South Korea Clarifies Remote Work Rules for Indian Nationals
India and South Korea have clarified visa rules for remote workers, allowing Indian nationals to work for foreign employers while on a South Korean visa.
Immigration & Visas
UK work visa numbers cut sharply in 2025
The UK has significantly reduced work visa allocations for 2025, making it harder to secure sponsorship—if you're planning a UK move, expect tighter competition and longer processing.
Immigration & Visas
Greece launches tech and talent visa and liberalizes EU Blue Card rules
Greece is introducing a new tech visa and making it easier for skilled workers to get an EU Blue Card, signaling a push to attract remote workers and professionals.
Immigration & Visas
South Korea launches digital nomad visa with lower income threshold
South Korea has formally adopted a digital nomad visa with eased income requirements, opening a new option for remote workers seeking a legal base in East Asia.
Immigration & Visas
Thailand abolishes 60-day visa exemption for most nationalities
Thailand is ending its 60-day visa-free entry for most countries, requiring travelers to obtain a visa in advance or use alternative entry options.
Immigration & Visas
Thailand Ends 60-Day Visa-Free Entry for 93 Countries
Thailand is eliminating its 60-day visa-free entry program, affecting digital nomads and tourists from 93 countries—you'll now need a visa or a different entry method.
Immigration & Visas
France Launches Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers
France now offers a dedicated digital nomad visa, making it easier for remote workers to stay long-term in one of Europe's most popular expat destinations.
Immigration & Visas
South Korea opens three-year workcation visa for remote workers
South Korea has introduced a new three-year workcation visa allowing remote workers to live and work in the country, with particular appeal for Indian professionals.
Immigration & Visas
South Korea Eases Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility
South Korea has lowered the barriers to its digital nomad visa, making it easier for remote workers to qualify and stay longer.
Immigration & Visas
UK Changes Entry Rules for British Dual Nationals Starting February 25, 2026
If you hold British citizenship and another passport, new rules will affect how you enter the UK—know what's changing before your next trip.
Immigration & Visas
Croatia Extends Its Digital Nomad Visa
Croatia has extended its digital nomad visa program, keeping the door open for remote workers to live and work by the Adriatic.
Immigration & Visas
South Korea Launches Workcation Visa Open to Indian Citizens
South Korea has officially opened a new workcation visa to Indian citizens, offering a legal pathway for remote workers to stay and work in the country.
Immigration & Visas
UK immigration law has enabled modern slavery, damning report finds
Restrictive visa rules are making workers vulnerable to exploitation, a critical concern for anyone considering employment abroad.
Immigration & Visas
UK's tighter visa rules could cost the economy up to £10.8 billion
New immigration restrictions are projected to shrink the UK economy significantly, affecting businesses and workers planning moves to Britain.
Immigration & Visas
UK Launches New Refugee Sponsorship Route
The UK has introduced a fresh pathway for refugees, expanding who can sponsor and how, which may affect family reunification and resettlement timelines for those already in the country.
Immigration & Visas
EU Extends 90-Day Visa-Free Period for Certain Non-EU Workers
The EU is planning to let some non-EU workers stay longer than the standard 90 days in 180 days—a meaningful shift if you're working remotely or on assignment in Europe.
Immigration & Visas
Bulgaria Launches Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers
Bulgaria has introduced a digital nomad visa, joining other EU countries offering extended stays for remote employees and self-employed workers.
Immigration & Visas
UK imposes visa brake on 4 countries after widespread abuse
The UK has suspended visa issuance to nationals of 4 countries due to systematic abuse of the immigration system.
Immigration & Visas
Thailand digital nomad visa 2026: new rules for long-stay remote work
Thailand has updated its digital nomad visa with new eligibility rules and extended residency benefits for remote workers.
Immigration & Visas
Thailand tightens visa rules for nearly 100 countries, including Australia
New entry restrictions affect visa-exempt travelers and those on standard tourist visas from dozens of nations.
Immigration & Visas
South Korea launches long-term digital nomad visa
A new visa category lets remote workers stay in South Korea for an extended period without traditional employment sponsorship.
Immigration & Visas
Moving to Portugal after Brexit: visa and residency options for UK nationals
Post-Brexit, UK citizens no longer have automatic EU residency rights in Portugal; you now need a specific visa or residency permit to live here legally.
Immigration & Visas
Portugal Startup Visa: rules, investment requirements, and how to apply in 2025
Portugal's startup visa offers a fast-track residency option for entrepreneurs, but the investment thresholds and business plan requirements are specific—know them before you apply.
Immigration & Visas
UK ETA Required for Commonwealth Games 2026—and for Most Visitors After
The UK is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visitors from over 100 countries, starting with Commonwealth Games attendees in 2026.
Immigration & Visas
UK Visa Refusal: Criminal Convictions Now Trigger Automatic Denials
The UK is tightening character requirements for visa applicants, with suspended criminal sentences of 12 months or more now resulting in mandatory visa refusals.
Free: the visa and tax changes that move your plans.
Get the immigration, residency and tax changes that actually affect living abroad — verified, dated, and explained, in your inbox. Free, and one click to leave.
The free Seasoned Expat brief · no card · unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.