Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: Pause of immigrant visa issuance for selected nationalities
Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State temporarily paused the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of countries designated as “high‑risk” for potential public benefits usage. This pause affects only the final issuance step—applicants may still submit applications, complete processing steps, and attend interviews. The whole list of countries can be found here.
Key points:
- Only immigrant visa issuance is paused; interviews and case processing continue as normal.
- Dual nationals applying with a passport from a country not on the designated list are exempt.
- Existing valid immigrant visas remain valid, and none have been revoked under this policy.
- For entry-related issues, applicants should consult DHS/CBP.
- Non-immigrant visas (e.g., tourist visas) are not affected.
This summary was prepared using information provided by our Service Partner.
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).
Asia-Pacific
South Korea: Extension of the temporary exemption period for E-KTA from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026
The South Korean Ministry of Justice has extended the temporary K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) exemption for nationals from 22 countries until December 31, 2026. The 22 countries that are currently exempt from K-ETA are subject to this extension.
These are:
Asia
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Macao
- Singapore
- Taiwan
Oceania
- Australia
- New Zealand
Europe
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Americas
- Canada
- United States
Holders who have already obtained a K-ETA can use it until its expiration date and the application fee paid is non-refundable.
Since September 2021, nationals of 112 countries who are eligible for visa-free entry need K-ETA approval in advance to board a flight or ship bound for South Korea. The K-ETA approval is generally valid for three years within the passport expiration date, unless the personal information, such as name, nationality or passport number, changes. Holders can use their approved K-ETA multiple times within the validity period as long as they do not exceed their allowed period of stay granted on arrival.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization
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 (Director of Immigration Services – APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Czech Republic: Update on temporary protection for Ukrainian
Following the European Council’s decision to extend the temporary protection regime for Ukrainian citizens in the EU until March 4, 2027, the Czech Republic has launched an online registration system for renewing temporary protection status. Renewed temporary protection visas issued under this process will remain valid until March 31, 2027.
This summary was prepared using information provided from Informacni Portal Pro Cizince (available in Czech language)
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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