Immigration news updates for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
United States: Introduction of Public Charge Bond pilot
The U.S. Department of State has implemented a procedure allowing consular officers to require certain immigrant visa applicants to apply for a Public Charge Bond through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The procedure is currently being utilized under a pilot program.
Under the new process, applicants who are found inadmissible on public charge grounds may have an additional means of overcoming the determination. Where required by a consular officer, an applicant may apply for a Public Charge Bond through USCIS. If the bond is approved and the applicant is otherwise eligible for an immigrant visa, a visa previously denied on public charge grounds may be issued.
The program currently applies only to selected cases, and applicants who are required to pursue this option will be notified by a consular officer. Bond amounts will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on an assessment of the individual circumstances of each case.
The Department of State noted that the Public Charge Bond process represents an additional method through which certain applicants may overcome a public charge determination. Applicants may also seek to overcome a public charge denial through the submission of evidence demonstrating that they are not likely to become a public charge after admission to the United States.
The new procedure does not affect currently valid visas. Individuals who post a Public Charge Bond may be eligible for reimbursement following bond cancellation, subject to applicable requirements.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the U.S. Department of State
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Croatia: Implementation of major foreigner’s law amendments
Croatia’s latest amendments to the Law on Foreign nationals (Zakon o strancima)is now in force. The reforms address labour market needs and implement provisions of the EU’s revised Single Permit Directive.
The amendments introduce several measures affecting foreign workers and employers. Third-country nationals may now change employers after six months without restarting the permit process, while EU Blue Card holders benefit from simplified job change procedures and broader eligibility for long-term EU residence. Foreign nationals may also remain in Croatia during periods of unemployment for up to three or six months, depending on their length of residence, and permit holders may continue working while renewal applications are pending.
Additional changes include the introduction of multi-year seasonal work permits, a new long-term visa category for professional drivers, longer validity periods for student residence permits, expanded work rights for students, and enhanced mobility provisions for academics.
The reforms also introduce new employer compliance obligations. These include stricter employer eligibility requirements, workforce quota conditions, territorial restrictions for certain permits, and enhanced monitoring measures. Companies whose authorised representatives are third-country nationals must also ensure ongoing compliance with applicable permit requirements. The legislation additionally extends the statutory timeframe for processing certain permit applications.
This summary was prepared using information provided by our Service Partner.
Poland: New visa requirements for Georgian, Colombian and Venezuelan workers
Poland has introduced new requirements for nationals of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela seeking employment in the country. Under new regulations effective August 22, 2026, individuals from these countries must obtain an appropriate national visa or residence permit in addition to a work permit before taking up employment in Poland. Currently these nationals are permitted to work in Poland based on a work permit while remaining in the country under a visa-free regime. These changes apply only to employment-related travel. Visa-free entry remains available for tourism and other permitted short-term stays. Individuals who enter Poland and obtain the required work permit before August 22, 2026, remain subject to the previous rules.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Prawo (available in Polish)
Sweden: New family immigration rules to take effect from October 1, 2026
The Swedish Parliament has approved new legislation introducing stricter conditions for family immigration, with the changes set to enter into force on October 1, 2026. The reforms are part of the government’s broader migration policy agenda and will align Sweden’s family reunification framework more closely with the minimum standards permitted under EU law.
Under the new rules, individuals holding a temporary residence permit will generally be required to complete a two-year waiting period before family reunification can take place. The legislation also strengthens financial maintenance requirements for family immigration applications. These requirements will apply not only to initial applications but also to extension cases.
An important exception applies to international talent and other key categories of foreign nationals. The new two-year waiting period is not generally intended to apply to individuals covered by special provisions of work permit holders, EU Blue Card holders, researchers, doctoral students, and certain protected persons. This exemption reflects Sweden’s continued focus on attracting and retaining highly skilled professionals and supporting international competitiveness.
The legislation also introduces additional measures that may allow authorities to refuse family immigration applications in certain circumstances, including cases involving violence or other serious abuse within the family. Furthermore, different rules will apply depending on the sponsor’s immigration status, with distinctions made between Swedish citizens, Nordic citizens and holders of permanent residence rights, and individuals holding residence permits.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Government Offices of Sweden
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Joanna Sogeke (European Client Services Manager – Immigration).
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