Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: USD 100,000 H 1B fee remains in effect following temporary court stay
On June 8, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled that the fee was unlawful, concluding that it constituted an unauthorized tax exceeding the authority of the Executive Branch. The court vacated the policy implementing the fee nationwide, effectively suspending its enforcement.
However, on June 12, 2026, the same court issued a temporary stay of its ruling while the U.S. government pursues an appeal. As a result, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently permitted to continue requiring the USD 100,000 fee for qualifying H‑1B petitions covered by the Presidential Proclamation.
Employers should assume that the USD 100,000 fee remains in effect and may be required for applicable H‑1B filings. USCIS is expected to continue collecting the fee unless and until further court action modifies or lifts the stay.
Introduction of USD 750 premium fee for expedited B 1/B 2 visa interviews
The U.S. Department of State has introduced a temporary premium service allowing B‑1/B‑2 visa applicants to secure an interview within 10 business days by paying an additional USD 750 fee. The measure will run as a pilot from July 1 to December 31, 2026, and will be available only at selected consular posts and in limited volumes.
The fee is payable in addition to the standard visa application fee and provides expedited access to an interview appointment only, it does not accelerate visa processing or guarantee visa issuance.
The initiative is intended to address ongoing appointment backlogs and to assess demand for a paid expedited option, particularly ahead of major international events. Existing no-fee expedite pathways for urgent or humanitarian cases will remain available.
This summary is based on information provided by Crown’s service partner as well as information published in the Federal Register
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
Philippines: DOLE centralizes Alien Employment Permit processing to the Bureau of Local Employment
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through Administrative Order No. 199 dated June 8, 2026, and Department Order No. 248‑B dated June 11, 2026, has implemented the centralization of all Alien Employment Permit (AEP)-related functions.
Effective June 9, 2026, all functions relating to the receipt, filing, processing, evaluation, review, approval, issuance, release, adjudication, enforcement, cancellation, revocation, renewal, and administration of AEPs—including applications for Certificates of Exemption and Exclusion, and submission of Understudy Training Programs (UTP) and Skills Development Programs (SDP)—are centralized under the DOLE Central Office through the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE).
Transition Measures
- Regional offices have ceased accepting, processing, evaluating, and issuing AEP applications effective June 9, 2026.
- Applications received by Regional Offices on or before June 8, 2026 (close of business):
- Are frozen at their current evaluation stage and routed to the Central Office for continuation of processing.
- Will continue processing timelines without penalty, in line with RA 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act).
- Regional Offices were required to:
- Submit inventories and status reports within 72 hours; and
- Transfer all records (physical and electronic) of pending applications to BLE within the same period.
Amendments on Motions for Reconsideration
Department Order No. 248‑B amends Rule IV, Section 6 of DO 248:
- Employers or foreign nationals may file a Motion for Reconsideration with the DOLE Legal Service Director within ten (10) calendar days from receipt of an order cancelling or revoking an AEP.
- Orders of revocation become immediately executory upon denial of the motion.
Implementation and Next Steps
- The Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) now serves as the primary authority for all AEP-related processes, including evaluation and issuance.
- BLE is authorized to issue supplemental guidelines and operational procedures; however, no additional implementing guidelines have been released as of this writing.
This summary is based on information published by the Department of Labor and Employment and Department of Labor and Employment
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
Hungary: Suspension of new guest worker residence permit applications
As of June 5, 2026, the legal framework governing the employment of guest workers in Hungary has been amended through Government Decree No. 92/2026, significantly tightening the rules for issuing residence permits under this category.
Key Changes:
- No new applications permitted: As of June 6, 2026, third-country nationals are no longer able to submit applications for new guest worker residence permits. This follows a government decision under which no third country is currently designated as eligible for such permits.
- Withdrawal of country list: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade withdrew Notice No. 2/2025 (January 9), which previously listed eligible countries, thereby removing the legal basis for new applications.
Applications submitted before June 5, 2026, remain valid and will continue to be processed, provided that the administrative service fee was paid through the immigration authority’s platform by that date. In addition, third-country nationals who already hold a valid guest worker residence permit issued prior to the amendment may continue to apply for extensions or reissuance in accordance with the previously applicable rules.
The amendment does not affect residence permits issued for other purposes (e.g., alternative employment categories, family reunification, or study), which remain governed by existing legislation without change.
This summary is based on information published by the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing
Sweden: Work permit salary threshold increases following median salary update
Following the release of updated median salary figures by Statistics Sweden (SCB), Sweden has adjusted the minimum salary requirement for work permits. As of June 1, 2026, the threshold increased from 80% to 90% of the national median salary. With the latest median salary confirmed at SEK 38,300 per month, the new minimum salary requirement is approximately SEK 34,470 per month.
The updated requirement will primarily affect new work permit applications and renewals, depending on the timing and applicable rules. A transitional period is in place until 1 December 2026, during which certain extension applications may still be assessed under the previous 80% threshold. Notably, 27 occupations remain exempt from the higher threshold and instead continue to follow a 75% level, and the rules apply only to non-EU/EEA nationals holding work permits.
In practice, the increase is expected to result in closer scrutiny of salary levels in applications. Employers should carefully assess whether roles qualify for exemptions and ensure that offered salaries meet the updated requirements, as documentation and compliance checks are likely to become increasingly important.
This summary is based on information published by the Statistics Sweden
United Kingdom: Launch of concierge service and visa support to accelerate scale-up growth
The UK government has unveiled a new package of measures aimed at helping high-growth businesses scale domestically while attracting international talent. Central to this is a bespoke concierge service that will provide tailored, rapid support to promising firms—helping them navigate challenges such as regulation, access to finance, procurement, and talent shortages.
Alongside this, the government is introducing a visa fee reimbursement scheme for scale-ups in key sectors, including technology, life sciences, and clean energy, to support the recruitment of highly skilled foreign workers. A fast-track route for obtaining a UK Expansion Worker sponsor license will also be launched, enabling overseas companies to establish operations in the UK more quickly.
These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to strengthen the UK’s scale-up ecosystem, retain high-potential companies, and position the country as a leading destination for global talent and innovation.
This summary is based on information published by the Government of UK
Visa Fee Reimbursement Scheme launched for Scale-Ups
The UK government has introduced the Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups (VFRS4SU) to support high-growth companies in hiring international talent.
Under the scheme, eligible scale-ups in Clean Energy, Life Sciences, and Digital & Technology sectors can obtain reimbursement of visa application fees for overseas hires and their dependents, helping reduce recruitment costs and improve hiring certainty.
Funding is capped at GBP 25,000 per business per year, with up to GBP 5,000 per hire, and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The scheme applies to eligible fees incurred from June 9, 2026, and is open until March 1, 2027.
This measure forms part of the UK’s broader strategy to support scale-ups and strengthen access to global talent.
This summary is based on information published by the Government of UK
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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