United States

What changed

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated a proposed rulemaking to introduce substantial new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 nonimmigrant students. This measure, announced on 8 October 2026, aims to enhance the integrity of the immigration system by deterring fraud and protecting the interests of U.S. workers. Under the proposal, an initial OPT application would incur a fee of $70,000, while any subsequent OPT would cost $30,000. Stakeholders have until 9 November 2026 to submit comments on these proposed changes.

What changed

The United States government has initiated the suspension of prominent technology firms, including Microsoft and Adobe, from a visa programme that facilitates permanent residency for skilled foreign workers. This measure, announced by US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, stems from claims of visa fraud and aims to prioritise American employment. Concurrently, an investigation has commenced into alleged J-1 visa fraud involving several universities accused of undercutting US wages by employing international students. The policy came into effect immediately following the announcement on 8 October 2026, impacting the ability of these entities to utilise specific visa categories for foreign labour.

What changed

The United States and the Hellenic Republic held their sixth Strategic Dialogue on 7 October 2026, where they confirmed their wide-ranging relationship. As part of these discussions, both countries agreed to improve cooperation in law enforcement and counter-terrorism. They specifically mentioned addressing the challenge of irregular migration. This confirms their ongoing efforts to manage and fight against irregular border crossings and the criminal activities linked to them.

What changed

The U.S. Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has proposed significant revisions to its health documentation forms for unaccompanied alien children, including consolidating existing forms and enhancing data quality. Crucially, the updated request also formalises the sharing of health information, such as active diagnoses, medications, and accommodations, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when a child in ORR custody is identified for repatriation. These changes aim to improve continuity of care, reduce administrative burden, and align with ORR requirements, with public comments invited until 4 November 2026.

What changed

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to set aside certain federal, state, and other legal requirements related to the environment and land use in New Mexico. This action, which started on 2 October 2026, aims to allow for the swift construction of physical barriers and roads in a specific part of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector. This measure directly helps to speed up border security building projects by overriding legal rules that might otherwise cause delays.

What changed

The United States has set a maximum limit of 17,500 refugee admissions for the financial year 2027, with the main focus on admitting Afrikaners from South Africa. This decision is officially confirmed in Presidential Determination No. 2026-24, which the President signed on 25 September 2026 and was published in the Federal Register on 2 October. It allows for the admission of up to 17,500 refugees during the financial year, which runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. The determination says these admissions are justified because of humanitarian concerns or because they are otherwise in the national interest.