United States and Paraguay Sign Border Security and Screening Accords to Deploy PISCES Passenger 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

Italy and Spain have formally agreed to lift mutual border controls between the two nations, concluding a three-month diplomatic standoff and restoring standard Schengen open-border arrangements. The decision was confirmed following bilateral discussions between Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, following high-level talks between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The restoration of unrestricted bilateral movement took effect on 22 October 2026. Under the agreement, neither government will renew the temporary suspensions of internal border exemptions first enacted in late July 2026. The resumption of unhindered travel between the two European Union member states will operate alongside enhanced bilateral intelligence and information-sharing protocols designed to safeguard the external security of the wider Schengen area.

What changed

The South African Border Management Authority (BMA) is setting up a new Vehicle Targeting System (VTS) at border crossings. This is to make border security better and to stop vehicles being smuggled. This digital change means officers will no longer do random manual checks. Instead, they will use information to decide which vehicles to inspect. The system, which is a partnership with the International Vehicle Identification Desk, will start operating on 18 October 2026 at the Lebombo Port of Entry. This will change how vehicles are processed at South Africa's borders.

What changed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented an inflation-based increase for certain immigration-related fees, effective from 16 October 2026. This adjustment, mandated by H.R. 1, impacts specific application fees, including those for asylum applications, travel documents, employment authorisation, and Temporary Protected Status. Requests postmarked on or after this date must include the new, higher fee, otherwise they will be rejected. This ensures ongoing alignment with inflationary costs as specified in the legislation.