Immigration news updates for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
United States: FY 2026 H-1B cap process
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the completion of the initial selection process for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B cap. This includes both the standard cap and the advanced degree exemption, commonly referred to as the master’s cap.
For FY 2026, USCIS selected 118,660 unique beneficiaries, resulting in 120,141 total selected registrations. This marks the conclusion of the initial phase of the H-1B cap process.
This year’s H-1B registration cycle saw a notable decline in overall participation compared to FY 2025:
- Eligible Registrations: Dropped by 26.9%, from 470,342 in FY 2025 to 343,981 in FY 2026.
- Unique Beneficiaries: Fell from approximately 423,000 to 336,000.
- Multiple Registrations: There was a decrease in the number of beneficiaries with multiple registrations, with the average dropping from 1.06 to 1.01 registrations per beneficiary.
- Unique Employers: Remained relatively stable, with about 57,600 employers participating in FY 2026, compared to 52,700 in FY 2025.
This summary was prepared using the information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
United-States: Update on the Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan nationals
As previously stated, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had originally scheduled the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals granted TPS under the October 2023 designation that designation for April 7, 2025.
On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government may proceed with the previously announced termination, however, the implementation had been blocked by a court order. For that reason, individuals with TPS under the 2023 designation were still authorized to remain and work in the U.S.
The Supreme Court has lifted this injunction. DHS may now implement the termination as previously scheduled, but the actual loss of work authorization would occur prospectively, not retroactively.
This summary was prepared using the information from our service partner Maggio, Kattar, Nahajzer + Alexander, PC.
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 Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director, Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Germany: Visa objection ends
The Federal Foreign Office has decided to abolish the objection procedure for visa rejections worldwide from July 1, 2025. The voluntary procedure in its visa application process is a legal remedy that was not mandated by law but previously offered as an additional option for applicants. This change follows a successful pilot project conducted across several German visa sections starting June 1, 2023.
The pilot project tested the suspension of objections for both Schengen and national visas. Its evaluation revealed that eliminating the procedure significantly improved efficiency. Visa sections were able to reallocate staff resources, resulting in the processing of a higher volume of visa applications and a noticeable reduction in waiting times compared to the same period the previous year.
Despite the removal of this legal remedy, applicants will continue to have access to adequate legal protection through judicial review. Additionally, individuals whose visa applications are rejected retain the right to submit a new application at any time.
Further enhancing the application process, Germany introduced a global online application system via their Consular Services Portal on January 1, 2025. This platform supports applications for national visas related to skilled work, apprenticeships, studies, and family reunification. It offers step-by-step guidance to help applicants submit complete digital applications, thereby reducing delays caused by missing documentation.
This summary was prepared using the information from the German Missions
Spain: Immigration reform to boost integration and labor market
The Spanish government has approved a reform of its immigration regulations, aiming to enhance the integration of migrants across three key areas: employment, education, family life. The new rules, effective May 20, 2025, are designed to modernize Spain’s migration framework, address demographic challenges, and align with European Union directives.
Key Changes
- Visa Overhaul: A new visa structure simplifies procedures and extends the validity of job-seeking visas from three months to one year. Initial residence permits will last one year, renewable for four.
- Residence Pathways (“Arraigo”): Five new residency channels—social, socio-labour, family, socio-educational, and “second chance”—make it easier for migrants to regularize their status. The required residence period is reduced from three to two years.
- Work Access: Most permits now allow immediate employment. Students can work up to 30 hours per week and seasonal workers benefit from stronger protections and more flexible contracts.
- Education Integration: Foreign students will receive permits for the full duration of their studies and can transition more easily to work permits after graduation.
- Family Reunification: The age limit for dependent children is raised from 21 to 26, and new provisions support victims of trafficking and gender-based violence.
This summary was prepared using the information from the European Commission
United-Kingdom: UK-EU agreement
The UK has reached a new agreement with the EU aimed at supporting British businesses.
Key benefits include expanded access to eGates for UK travellers, reducing border wait times and the introduction of ‘pet passports’—eliminating the need for health certificates for cats and dogs on each trip.
The deal also paves the way for a youth mobility scheme, allowing young people to work and travel across Europe more freely. Modelled on similar agreements with Australia and New Zealand, the scheme will be capped and time limited.
This agreement marks a step forward in UK-EU cooperation, delivering practical benefits for citizens and businesses alike.
This summary was prepared using the information from the UK Government
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) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director, Immigration).
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