What changed
Visa updates
Rule changes in the countries people move to, in plain words, with the source and the date. Members get the changes that affect their move sent to them.
September 2026
Australia proposes tighter rules for student visa dependants and further study
The government has proposed restricting dependants on most student visas and limiting subsequent student visas to higher-level study. The measures had not taken effect when reported.
What it means: If you plan to study in Australia, bring family or apply for another student visa later, these proposals could affect your plans if they take effect. Check the current student visa rules before applying or making family plans.
Who it affects: Prospective students who want to bring dependants or apply for a subsequent student visa, and their families.
minister.homeaffairs.gov.au 路 checked 4 days agoSourceAustralia changes processing order for some skilled visas
From 19 September 2026, Direction 122 gives specified sectors first priority in processing certain permanent and provisional skilled visas, including subclasses 186, 189, 190, 491 and 494.
What it means: If you plan to work in Australia, the processing order for one of these visas may depend on your sector. The source does not say this changes visa eligibility. Check whether your planned visa subclass and sector fall under the new processing priorities.
Who it affects: People applying for the listed skilled visa subclasses may be affected.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au 路 checked 4 days agoSourceTakes effect 19 SeptAustralia changes subclass 482 visa processing priorities
Ministerial Direction 121 gives applications in specified sectors first priority for subclass 482 visa processing, followed by Specialist Skills stream applications.
What it means: If you plan to work in Australia on a subclass 482 visa, the new order may affect when your application is processed. Check the official processing priorities when planning your application.
Who it affects: People applying for a subclass 482 visa, particularly those in the specified sectors or Specialist Skills stream.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au 路 checked 4 days agoSourceTakes effect 19 SeptAustralia to stop new enrolments in the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)
From 5 October 2026, international students cannot enrol in or start the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning). Providers cannot issue new confirmations of enrolment, and those held by students who have not started the course will be cancelled.
What it means: Students who started the course before 5 October 2026 can continue and complete it. An offer or confirmation of enrolment will not allow a student to start the course on or after that date. If you may be affected, contact your Australian education provider to discuss your options.
Who it affects: International students taking, planning to take, or holding an offer or confirmation of enrolment for this course may be affected.
studyaustralia.gov.au 路 checked 4 days agoSourceTakes effect 5 OctNew Zealand updates Active Investor Plus investment rules
From 28 September 2026, managed funds must provide and maintain investment deployment plans. Declined managed funds and direct investments must wait six months before reapplying, and Invest New Zealand will have stronger powers to suspend or revoke their eligibility.
What it means: These changes concern investments under the Active Investor Plus Visa, not study or work visa requirements. If you are considering this investor route, the investments available to you may be affected. Check the new application guidance on the Invest NZ website from 28 September 2026.
Who it affects: People considering the Active Investor Plus Visa, and managed funds and direct investments seeking approval under the programme.
immigration.govt.nz 路 checked 4 days agoSourceTakes effect 28 SeptOnline applications available for all German national visas in Stockholm
The German Embassy in Stockholm now accepts online applications for all national visa categories, including study and employment. It checks uploaded documents before applicants book an embassy appointment.
What it means: If you are planning to study or work in Germany for more than 90 days, you can submit your application and documents through the Consular Services Portal. You still need to attend an appointment in Stockholm for an identity check, biometrics and payment. Read the information sheet for your visa category, then create an account on the Consular Services Portal.
Who it affects: People applying through the German Embassy in Stockholm for a national visa to study or work in Germany.
stockholm.diplo.de 路 checked 4 days agoSourceUS reaches H-2B cap for first half of fiscal year 2027
USCIS has received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year 2027. It will reject new cap-subject petitions received after 4 September 2026 that request a work start date before 1 April 2027.
What it means: If you plan to work in the US under H-2B before 1 April 2027, a new cap-subject petition must have been received by 4 September 2026. Check whether your petition was received by 4 September 2026.
Who it affects: This affects people seeking H-2B work in the US and those filing cap-subject petitions for them.
uscis.gov 路 checked 4 days agoSourceTakes effect 4 SeptGermany moves selected long-stay visa applications in Tajikistan online
Since 20 September 2026, people usually resident in Tajikistan must use Germany鈥檚 online consular portal for listed visa categories, including study, vocational training, skilled work, the EU Blue Card and the Opportunity Card. They can no longer join the embassy鈥檚 appointment waiting list directly for these categories.
What it means: If you registered on the waiting list by 19 September 2026, your registration remains valid. An embassy appointment to give fingerprints is still part of the online process. Some other categories, including family reunion and the accelerated skilled worker procedure, still use the waiting list. Check your visa category on the embassy鈥檚 page and, if it is listed for online applications, use https://digital.diplo.de/visa.
Who it affects: People usually resident in Tajikistan applying for one of the visa categories listed by the German embassy.
duschanbe.diplo.de 路 checked 5 days agoSourceTakes effect 20 SeptAustralia changes processing priorities for subclass 482 work visas
Direction 121 gives highest processing priority to primary applicants in specified occupations, including those in agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources. It also prioritises specified construction, healthcare and teaching occupations, and roles related to Australia鈥檚 law enforcement or defence interests.
What it means: If you plan to work in Australia on a subclass 482 visa, your application鈥檚 place in the processing order may depend on your nominated occupation and circumstances. The direction does not change the skilled migration occupation lists or visa requirements. Check whether your nominated occupation and application circumstances fall within a priority category in Direction 121.
Who it affects: It affects applicants for Skills in Demand and Temporary Skill Shortage subclass 482 visas covered by the direction.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au 路 checked 5 days agoSourceTakes effect 19 SeptAustralia changes processing order for specified skilled visas
Direction 122 gives first processing priority to applications in specified occupations across construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources, and in Australia鈥檚 law enforcement or defence interests. It applies to covered applications already lodged but not finally decided, as well as new applications.
What it means: If you plan to work in Australia, your occupation and visa subclass may affect when your application is considered. Priority processing does not change visa requirements or guarantee a grant. Check whether your visa subclass and occupation are covered by Direction 122.
Who it affects: People applying for the provisional and permanent visa subclasses listed in Direction 122, including applicants with pending applications.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au 路 checked 5 days agoSourceTakes effect 19 Sept- 馃嚘馃嚭 Australia27 Sept
South Australia extends two migration agreements to January 2027
South Australia has extended its two Designated Area Migration Agreements until 31 January 2027. Their current terms remain unchanged while negotiations continue on a new five-year statewide agreement.
What it means: If you plan to work in South Australia through one of these agreements, the current terms remain in place during the extension. Details of the new agreement and transition arrangements have not yet been announced. Check South Australia鈥檚 migration website for announcements about the new agreement and transition arrangements.
Who it affects: This affects employers and workers using South Australia鈥檚 two Designated Area Migration Agreements.
migration.sa.gov.au 路 checked 5 days agoSource US visa screening announcement: details not available
The supplied State Department page text names an announcement about expanded screening and vetting, but does not describe the changes.
What it means: The supplied text does not say whether applications to study or work in the US will change. Read the full State Department announcement before making plans based on this update.
Who it affects: The supplied text does not identify which visa applicants are affected.
travel.state.gov 路 checked 5 days agoSourceUS extends entry restriction for certain H-1B workers
The US has extended its entry restriction for certain H-1B workers for 12 months, until 21 September 2027. The restriction has an exception for petitions accompanied or supplemented by a $100,000 payment, subject to very limited exceptions.
What it means: If you plan to enter the US for H-1B work, the restriction may affect your plans. The source does not give a new start date for the extension. Ask your prospective employer to check whether the restriction applies to your petition before making travel plans.
Who it affects: Certain H-1B workers seeking to enter the US and employers petitioning for them.
federalregister.gov 路 checked 5 days agoSourceCanada sets document steps for Atlantic Immigration Program job changes
Applicants who change employer, job terms or occupational classification must submit an updated provincial endorsement and offer of employment. If IRCC is notified without the required documents, it will request them and put the application on hold for 90 days; the application may be refused if they are not provided within that time.
What it means: If you plan to work in Atlantic Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed, an employment change may affect your application and work permit requirements. You are responsible for maintaining valid work authorisation. Promptly tell IRCC about any change through its web form and submit the documents required for your situation.
Who it affects: Atlantic Immigration Program permanent residence applicants whose employment circumstances change while their application is being processed.
canada.ca 路 checked 5 days agoSourceCanada clarifies who can apply to hire foreign workers
Service Canada has added guidance on how it identifies the employer in a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application. Staffing or employment agencies recruiting workers for other businesses cannot be approved to hire those workers, and employers cannot classify temporary foreign workers as independent contractors.
What it means: If you plan to work in Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the business offering the job must have an employer-employee relationship with you. Check that the business named as your employer in the LMIA application is the one hiring, directing and paying you.
Who it affects: This affects employers applying for LMIAs and temporary foreign workers they plan to hire.
canada.ca 路 checked 5 days agoSourceCanada reduces Category A referral partner list
Canada鈥檚 list of designated referral partners for Category A of the Global Talent Stream has fallen from 58 to 41 organisations. Category A employers need a referral from a partner on the list.
What it means: If your employer planned to use a partner that is no longer listed, they will need to find another designated partner for a Category A referral. Category B does not require a referral. Check the current designated referral partner list before planning a Category A application.
Who it affects: Employers seeking to hire workers through Category A of Canada鈥檚 Global Talent Stream.
canada.ca 路 checked 5 days agoSourceCanada clarifies care arrangements for minor study permit applicants
IRCC has clarified when minor study permit applicants need a custodian. A custodianship declaration is not required if a parent accompanies the child throughout their studies, but officers will request signed consent from the other parent if it has not been provided.
What it means: Applicants under 17 who are not accompanied by a parent need a custodian in Canada and notarised declarations. For older minors below the local age of majority, officers assess the need for a custodian case by case. Check which care arrangements apply to the child and prepare the relevant custodianship or parental consent documents.
Who it affects: Minor study permit applicants, their parents and any custodians in Canada.
canada.ca 路 checked 5 days agoSourceMedical exam exemption for in-Canada Express Entry applicants
IRCC says Express Entry applicants living in Canada may qualify for an exemption from a new medical exam if they completed one in the five years before applying. The temporary policy is in place until 5 October 2029.
What it means: If you are studying or working in Canada and plan to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, you may be able to use a previous medical exam. You must include its exam number or unique medical identifier in your application. Check the date of your previous medical exam and find its exam number or unique medical identifier before applying.
Who it affects: Express Entry permanent residence applicants living in Canada who completed an immigration medical exam within the previous five years.
canada.ca 路 checked 5 days agoSourceCanada sets out renewal rules for Francophone student pilot
IRCC has added study permit renewal requirements for Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot participants and renewal guidance for their family members.
What it means: Students renewing under the pilot need a valid pilot study permit and a letter from a participating institution confirming an eligible programme. They must also show funds for first-year tuition and travel, plus 75% of the low income cut-off for the institution鈥檚 community. Eligible family members can apply to renew a work or study permit, among other options. Before applying, check the relevant renewal requirements and gather proof of the student鈥檚 participation in the pilot.
Who it affects: Students in the pilot who need to renew their study permits and their family members who need to renew or extend their temporary status.
canada.ca 路 checked 5 days agoSourceCanada updates work permit guidance for Quebec selection holders
IRCC has updated its guidance on LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permits for Quebec Selection Certificate holders. It now refers to the skilled-worker selection programme and the reopened Quebec Experience Program.
What it means: Eligible holders living in Quebec may be able to extend their work authorisation with their current employer or get a permit for a new employer without a labour market impact assessment. They need an offer of employment number from a Quebec employer. Check the eligibility and document requirements before applying online.
Who it affects: This affects principal applicants who hold a Quebec Selection Certificate under a listed economic programme and meet the work permit requirements.
canada.ca 路 checked 5 days agoSourceHome Office publishes September 2026 Immigration Rules statement
The Home Office published a statement of changes to the Immigration Rules on 3 September 2026. The page links to the changes and an explanatory memorandum but does not describe individual changes.
What it means: This page alone does not establish whether plans to study or work in the UK are affected. Read the linked statement of changes and explanatory memorandum before making plans.
Who it affects: The page does not specify which students or workers are affected.
gov.uk 路 checked 5 days agoSourceUK tightens visa refusal limit for student sponsors
For compliance assessments applied for from 1 June 2026, student sponsors must have a visa refusal rate below 5%, down from below 10%. The enrolment requirement also rises from 90% to 95%.
What it means: These are requirements for education providers that sponsor students, not a new visa refusal rule for individual applicants. A sponsor that misses a core requirement receives a red compliance rating and may face further action. Check that your chosen education provider is on the Register of Student Sponsors.
Who it affects: Education providers sponsoring people on the Student or Child Student routes, and people planning to study with them.
gov.uk 路 checked 5 days agoSourceTakes effect 1 JunSeasonal Worker guidance adds information on permitted work
On 23 September 2026, UK Visas and Immigration added information about permitted work for Seasonal Worker visa holders to its accessible sponsor guidance.
What it means: If you plan to work in the UK on a Seasonal Worker visa, check the updated guidance for information about the work you can do. Read the accessible sponsor guidance before planning your work.
Who it affects: This affects Seasonal Worker visa holders, prospective applicants and their sponsors.
gov.uk 路 checked 5 days agoSourceTakes effect 23 Sept
Know when your rules change
Japper members hear when something changes on their route, with what it means for them.
Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.
