Global immigration updates: New visa rules, remote work allowances, and mandatory screening
USCIS announces FY 2026 H-1B cap registration schedule
The H-1B cap registration for FY 2026 opens on March 7, 2025, at noon ET and closes on March 24, 2025. The registration fee has increased from $10 to $215 per beneficiary. USCIS will continue using a beneficiary-centric selection system, requiring a passport or valid travel document as a unique identifier. Employers will be notified of lottery results by March 31, 2025.
The petition filing period starts on April 1, 2025, and remains open for at least 90 days. Employers should prepare early by gathering beneficiary details and ensuring passport validity. Online petition filing will be available but remains largely untested. USCIS will conduct two lotteries to fill the 85,000 cap, with priority given to advanced-degree holders. Employers should collaborate with legal counsel for a smooth process.
UK automates settled status under EUSS
The Home Office is automatically granting settled status to eligible pre-settled status holders under the EU Settlement Scheme. This eliminates the need for them to apply after five years of continuous UK residence. The process will roll out in phases until all eligible individuals receive settled status. Digital status updates will be automatic, with confirmation emails sent. Those ineligible will receive guidance on next steps from the Home Office.
China introduces special requirement for longer business visas
Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Liaoning now allow eligible foreign business travellers and dependents to apply for a five-year multiple-entry M visa, with a 180-day stay per visit. Previously, M visas were limited to 12 months. Applicants must present a special invitation letter from the municipal Foreign Affairs Office, which an inviting organization in China must request. This letter allows applicants to bypass fingerprint collection and delegate submission. Processing takes about two to three weeks. While no nationality restrictions are stated, final approval remains at the discretion of the reviewing officer.
New Zealand allows remote work for visitors
As of January 27, 2025, visitor visa and NZeTA holders can work remotely for overseas employers without violating visa rules. Previously, there were no clear guidelines. Some partners and guardians on long-term visitor visas are also eligible. However, visa holders cannot work for New Zealand employers, provide goods or services locally, or perform work requiring physical presence at a workplace in New Zealand.
Japan to require tuberculosis screening for certain visa applicants
Japan will soon mandate Tuberculosis (TB) screening for mid- to long-term visa applicants, excluding Specified Skilled Worker and certain government programme visas. Digital Nomad visa applicants are included. A chest X-ray from an approved medical institution in designated countries will be required for the Certificate of Employment (COE) application and possibly the visa application. The TB test certificate is valid for 180 days. Implementation begins March 24, 2025, for the Philippines and Nepal, and May 26, 2025, for Vietnam. Timelines for Indonesia, Myanmar, and China are still under discussion.
Source:
https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-uscis-announces-h-1b-cap-registration-schedule-for-fy-2026.html
https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-kingdom-automated-settled-status-grants-under-eu-settlement-scheme.html
https://www.fragomen.com/insights/china-special-requirement-introduced-for-longer-business-visa-duration.html
https://www.fragomen.com/insights/new-zealand-remote-work-now-allowed-for-visitors.html
https://www.fragomen.com/insights/japan-mandatory-tuberculosis-screening-for-certain-visa-applicants-forthcoming.html