The 2026 H-1B initial selection process included two notable changes: a $100,000 fee requirement for certain petitions and at least one additional procedural change. Employers and applicants are advised to prepare contingency plans given these new requirements.
The Swiss Federal Council has opened a consultation on whether to extend Protection Status S for displaced Ukrainians past its current March 2027 expiry, citing the ongoing conflict and lack of a foreseeable ceasefire. The consultation involves cantons, municipalities, social partners, and other stakeholders.
A California union backing a proposed 5% billionaire tax offered to reduce the rate to 2% after the measure cleared a signature threshold, but Governor Newsom declined. Six billionaires had reportedly already left the state following the proposal.
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a proposed rule (RIN 1615-AD08) that would raise USCIS naturalization application fees to as much as $1,330, along with increases to related appeal fees. The proposal represents one of the largest fee increases for U.S. citizenship applications in recent years.
529 plans offer tax advantages for US citizens living abroad and may be used for some overseas education expenses, though not all foreign education costs qualify. Eligibility rules and qualifying expense categories apply to Americans using these plans while residing outside the US.
EB-5 applicants are affected by a pause on immigrant visas, a crackdown on adjustment-of-status filings, and a September 2026 grandfathering deadline converging simultaneously. Investors in the program face significant procedural and timing pressures heading into 2026.
Effective June 3, 2026, MDEC-registered companies in Malaysia must follow a revised process for Foreign Knowledge Worker headcount quota requests, which now requires formal review and supporting documentation. Quota requests will no longer be approved instantly.
From June 20, 2026, certain foreign labour procedures in Hanoi that had been delegated to ward-level offices will revert to the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). This arrangement is in effect until December 31, 2028.
USCIS issued a policy memorandum on June 17, 2026, clarifying how temporary or seasonal need is evaluated for H-2A petitions involving dairy work. Dairy-related positions may qualify for H-2A classification if employers can demonstrate their labor needs are temporary or seasonal.