Adjusting Imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Components into the United States
What changed
The United States has set new import taxes on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and their parts. These taxes are called ad valorem duties. They start on 3 September 2026. A 100 percent tax applies to: * UAS that weigh more than 25 kilograms when fully loaded. * UAS that have thermal cameras. * UAS docking stations. * Specific key UAS parts listed in Annex I. A 25 percent tax applies to UAS that weigh 25 kilograms or less when fully loaded (Annex II). Another 25 percent tax on certain UAS parts (Annex III) will start 180 days after the official announcement date. The policy also allows the Secretary of Commerce to add more items to these taxes. It also lets the Secretary create a programme to encourage making these products in the U.S.
Does this affect you?
Create a Mobility Profile to see whether this record relates to your nationality, residence and the pathways you follow.
Create your profileThe detail
Policy history
Each version stays exactly as it was published. This one is version 1 and sits in a chain of versions you can read separately.
Adjusting Imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Components into the United Statesgoborda provides monitoring and explanation of publicly available policy information. It is not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration professional before acting.
Related changes
U.S. Plans to Revoke B-1 and B-2 Visas for Certain Asylum Seekers
What changed
The United States government plans to revoke B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas for up to 200,000 people. These people have applied for or are now seeking asylum in the United States. The Department of State, working with the Department of Homeland Security, will announce this plan soon. This action will not lead to immediate deportation. But, people affected will lose their status as short-term visitors.
Published 24 Aug 2026Associated Press
Trump Administration Proposes Permanent H-1B Visa Fee Exceeding $100,000
What changed
The Trump administration proposed a new rule. This rule would officially set the H-1B work visa fee at $103,265 for each application in the United States (US). This proposal was published in the US Federal Register. Last year, a temporary fee of $100,000 was put in place. Courts blocked this temporary fee, and it will end in September. If this new rule becomes final after a 30-day public comment period, it will greatly increase the cost of H-1B visas. H-1B visa fees historically cost between $2,000 and $5,000. This change would affect foreign workers and employers in areas like technology, education, and research.
Published 24 Aug 2026Al Jazeera English — All news
DHS Proposes Additional H-1B Fee of $103,265 for Cap-Subject Petitions
What changed
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wants to add a fee of $103,265 for all H-1B cap-subject petitions. This includes petitions for people with advanced degrees that are exempt from the usual cap. This new fee was announced on 24 August 2026. You would pay it when you file the petition, along with other fees you already pay. DHS believes this fee will raise about $8.8 billion each year. This money would help cover the federal government's costs to run the legal immigration system. The fee will apply to employers and people who file H-1B cap-subject petitions. It will not apply to petitions that are not subject to the cap. Examples include petitions from non-profit research groups and universities, which are exempt.
Published 24 Aug 2026USCIS Newsroom
US Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump-Era Immigrant Visa Ban Affecting 75 Countries
What changed
A federal judge in Manhattan has struck down the Trump administration’s ban on immigrant visas for nationals from 75 countries, deeming it “contrary to law.” The State Department had previously paused the issuance of immigrant visas from these nations, including Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, and Russia, based on concerns about public benefit usage. This ruling, issued on Friday, reverses any visa denials that were based solely on this specific policy. It reaffirms that an immigrant's likelihood of becoming a public charge must be assessed individually, considering their finances, age, health, skills, and family situation, rather than their country of origin.
Published 21 Aug 2026Effective 21 Aug 2026Al Jazeera English — All news