USCIS Adjusts EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Fees to Ensure Full Cost Recovery and Strengthen Integrity Measures

What changed

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a final rule. This rule changes immigration fees. It is through its Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). These changes are for the financial year 2027. They start on 1 October 2026. This is a required update due to inflation for fees under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). These fees cover documents like Notices of Appeal and various requests. The update makes sure the department follows legal rules.

What changed

The U.S. Department of Labour has issued a final rule. This rule cancels 29 CFR Part 42. Part 42 used to make formal procedures mandatory for agencies to coordinate enforcement efforts regarding migrant and seasonal farmworkers. This change takes effect from 30 September 2026. It aims to make operations more efficient by removing old rules. These old rules no longer match how the Department is organised or how it works. The Department says this change will make its enforcement strategy fit better with modern, flexible, and effective ways of coordinating that it already uses.

What changed

The U.S. State Department, in collaboration with America.gov, is launching an entirely online application process for individuals applying for their first U.S. passport, effective from next year. This significant change aims to streamline access to this essential identity document, reducing complexity and mitigating the need for paid intermediary services. Concurrently, a newly redesigned U.S. passport, featuring a more prominent American eagle and internal historical imagery, will be issued in 2028 to enhance security and symbolic representation.

What changed

Effective from 28 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand has implemented new requirements for managed funds and direct investments linked to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa. These updates compel managed funds to submit investment deployment plans, enforce a six-month waiting period for reapplication after a decline, and grant Invest New Zealand greater authority over approved investments. The changes are designed to elevate the calibre of investments, provide clarity for investors and fund managers, and ensure investments contribute effectively to New Zealand's economic development.