Japan Updates Operational Guidelines and Documentation Requirements for Specified Skilled Worker System

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

On 19 October 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA), in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), published an operational update detailing the examination status and strict processing thresholds for the Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Food Service Industry Field) residency status. Under the updated framework, authorities are prioritising domestic changes of status over overseas entrants, processing Certificates of Eligibility (COE) sequentially only for applications submitted up to 6 February 2026. All COE applications accepted on or after 13 April 2026—the commencement date of the temporary suspension measure—will, in principle, not be issued. For domestic changes of status, authorities are granting standard permissions for job transitions within the sector, as well as transitions from specified Technical Intern Training programmes and preparatory Designated Activities submitted up to 30 September 2026. However, change of status applications from all other visa categories submitted on or after 13 April 2026 face refusal in principle, compelling affected individuals whose permissions are nearing expiry to bridge their legal stay through designated transitional procedures.

What changed

The UK Home Office updated its public guidance on permission to work for asylum claimants on 19 October 2026 and published a new version of the Permission to Work application form, PTW1. The revised guidance clarifies who may apply while their asylum claim or relevant further submissions remain undecided, particularly the distinction between waiting for an initial decision and waiting for the outcome of an appeal after a decision has already been made. The update does not establish a new general right to work for asylum seekers.

What changed

From 3 November 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will change the Express Entry system. These updates will add new Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for people with eligible Canadian work experience or qualifying job offers in occupations that pay high wages. At the same time, the requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will be removed for qualifying job offers used to prove you meet the programme's conditions and to get CRS points. This change aims to better help skilled professionals join the Canadian job market by focusing on high-wage occupations.