AIMA Restructures Residence Appointment and Renewal Procedures to Reduce the Immigration Backlog
What changed
Portugal is restructuring how the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) handles residence-permit applications and appointments as part of a broader effort to reduce the country's large immigration-processing backlog. The most important change is a shift from relying on in-person appointments for every stage toward greater use of digital submission and processing. Under the amended regulatory framework, certain residence-permit applications can be submitted, documents exchanged and fees paid through the AIMA Portal, removing the need for a prior appointment and physical visit where the relevant digital service is available. AIMA has also introduced or expanded digital renewal channels. From 1 July 2026, the Renewal Portal became the channel for certain permanent residence certificates and cards for EU nationals and their family members, while eligible expired or expiring residence permits can also be processed through the portal. Physical appointments are retained where biometric collection is required. This is therefore not simply a new appointment-booking system. It is a broader administrative reform intended to move routine residence processing online and reserve physical appointments for cases that actually require in-person attendance.
The detail
Policy history
AIMA Restructures Residence Appointment and Renewal Procedures to Reduce the Immigration BacklogRelated changes
United KingdomProcessing TimesEffectiveAmended 5 Oct 2026 UK English Language Test (SELT) Guidance Updates: Approved Test Centres and ID Document Validity
What changed
UK Visas and Immigration has updated its guidance on proving English language abilities for visa and citizenship applications. This latest update, effective from 5 October 2026, concerns the lists of approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centres both within the UK and internationally. Individuals requiring a SELT for their applications should consult the most current lists to ensure they attend an officially recognised centre.
Published 6 Jul 2026GOV.UK — Immigration rules & guidance updates
United StatesProcessing TimesEffectiveEffective 18 Sept 2026 USCIS to Publish New Editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765; Older Editions Will Be Rejected Starting Sept. 15
What changed
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will issue a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, effective 18 September 2026. This revised form aligns with the recently announced Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule. Submissions using the previous 01/20/25 edition of Form I-485 will be rejected if postmarked or electronically submitted on or after this date, as there is no grace period.
Published 14 Aug 2026Effective 18 Sept 2026USCIS Newsroom
PortugalPermanent ResidencePublishedEffective 15 Sept 2026 Portugal's Renewals Portal Updated for EU Nationals and Family Members
What changed
The Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) has implemented an update to its Renewals Portal in Portugal, specifically for European Union (EU) nationals and their family members applying for permanent residence. This update removes the requirement for applicants to provide their Tax Identification Number (NIF) and Social Security Identification Number (NISS) during the online submission process for Permanent Residence Certificates and Cards. This change aims to streamline the application procedure and improve user experience.
Published 15 Sept 2026Effective 15 Sept 2026AIMA — Notícias
United KingdomProcessing TimesEffectiveEffective 9 Sept 2026 UK Visas and Immigration Clarifies Travel Restrictions and Reimbursement Policy for Visa Applicants
What changed
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) changed its advice called 'Visa processing times: applications outside the UK' on 9 September 2026. The new advice tells visa applicants not to book travel to the UK until they have a decision on their application. UKVI also confirmed it will not pay back any travel costs or expenses if an application is refused or is delayed.
Published 9 Sept 2026Effective 9 Sept 2026UK Visas and Immigration — News & communications
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