Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: Gold Card Visa
The U.S. government has introduced the Gold Card Visa Program, designed to attract individuals who can contribute significantly to the U.S. economy. Overseen by the Secretary of Commerce, the program offers expedited immigrant visas to foreign nationals who provide substantial financial gifts to the nation.
Key Details of the Gold Card Program:
- Eligibility: Individuals donating $1 million or corporations donating $2 million to the Department of Commerce.
- Applicants must also be eligible under EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories , be admissible to the US, meet all requirements for permanent status and pass extensive checks.Benefits: Donations will serve as evidence of exceptional business ability and national benefit, qualifying applicants for priority visa categories and national-interest waivers.
- Use of Funds: Contributions will be deposited in a dedicated Treasury fund to promote commerce and American industry.
- Implementation Timeline: The Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security must establish application processes, fees, and security screening within 90 days.
This summary was prepared using the information from the White House
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 (Immigration Team Leader).
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand: Updated documentary requirements on application
Immigration New Zealand has announced that with effect from December 8, 2025, applicants must provide a valid police certificate with their Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application. Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept a receipt or proof that an application for a certificate has been made. The change is being implemented to allow decisions to be made more quickly and reduce delays caused by missing supporting documents. Immigration New Zealand will no longer follow up on missing documents including police certificates. Processing staff will not hold applications open and will not request missing documents. Applications will now be assessed only on the information provided at lodgment. This means that incomplete applications may be delayed, approved for a shorter visa, or declined, depending on the individual circumstances.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Immigration New Zealand
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 Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Germany: Legal advice information requirement
Starting on January 1, 2026, employers in Germany will be required to inform third-country nationals with a local employment contract about their right to seek free legal advice on labour and social law matters. This information must be provided no later than the employee’s first working day.
Employers can fulfil this obligation by providing an information sheet or an appendix to the employment contract that includes the contact details of a nearby counselling centre. It is recommended to hand over this information together with the employment contract and to obtain written confirmation of receipt. Using the advice service is voluntary and free of charge.
The purpose of this regulation is to protect foreign workers from exploitation and discrimination, prevent wage dumping and unfair competition, and promote fair integration into the labour market. The obligation applies only to local employment contracts and does not cover secondments, where the responsibility lies with the agency
In addition to this new requirement, employers must continue to comply with existing obligations. These include verifying the employee’s nationality and residence permit, retaining copies of identification documents and residence permits for the duration of employment plus three years, and notifying the immigration office within four weeks in case of premature termination of employment. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in fines of up to €30,000.
This summary was prepared using the information from our Service Partner.
Poland: Updates of work permit rules
A new regulation effective December 1, 2025, introduced few changes:
- Higher fees for work permit applications and declarations for entrusting work to foreigners.
The fees have increased significantly (all up from PLN 100): declarations now cost 400 PLN, work permits are set at 200 PLN for up to three months, 400 PLN for over three months, 800 PLN for delegations. Â The fee for seasonal work permit is 100 PLN.
- Exemptions from work permits
The updated list of exemptions includes aid programmes, foreign language teachers, defence delegations, accredited journalists, artistic work, lectures, athletes (all subject to a 30-day annual limit), internships, researchers, medical professions, and graduates of Polish schools or universities, as well as PhD holders.
- Short delegation of foreign workers
Workers can be delegated to Poland by a foreign employer for no more than three months per year.
- Documentation requirements have also been streamlined, with a unified list for declarations and permits that includes passport copies, proof of fee payment, qualifications, and sworn translations.
This summary was prepared using the information from the The Office of Wielkopolska Province in Poznan
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 (Immigration Team Leader).
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