Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: USCIS transitions to electronic payments for aper-filed forms
Effective October 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will exclusively accept electronic payments for paper-filed forms. This policy change is part of USCIS’s broader initiative to modernize its financial operations and align with federal mandates for digital payment systems.
Under the new requirements, applicants and third-party payers must submit payments electronically using one of the following methods:
- Credit or Debit Card: Authorized via Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
- ACH Debit from a U.S. Bank Account: Authorized via Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions.
This transition eliminates the need for applicants to bring physical payment instruments to USCIS field offices, thereby streamlining operations and reducing risks associated with check and money order payments. The move also supports the implementation of Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account, which mandates government-wide adoption of electronic payment systems.
USCIS continues to accept online payments for forms filed electronically. Applicants and their accredited representatives are encouraged to utilize their USCIS online accounts to submit forms through either the guided filing process or the electronic PDF intake process, where available. These platforms offer step-by-step instructions and secure fee payment options via pay.gov.
In limited circumstances, applicants and payors may qualify for an exemption from the electronic payment requirement. Those seeking an exemption must submit Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment, which outlines eligible criteria.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
DOL resumes processing government shutdown
As of October 31, 2025, the Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has resumed full operations even though the Government continues to be shut down while Congressional budget negotiations continue. Employers may now file and track PERM, Prevailing Wage, H-2A, and H-2B applications through the FLAG system and SeasonalJobs.dol.gov.
What Employers Should Know
- Filings Resume: All online systems are back up and accepting new applications.
- Processing Delays Likely: Expect slower turnaround as OFLC addresses the backlog created during the shutdown.
- Reassess Timelines: Employers should adjust internal calendars for recruitment, filing, and start dates accordingly.
- Stay Alert for Updates: Additional DOL guidance may follow as operations normalize.
Employers with time-sensitive filings should act quickly and coordinate with counsel to minimize further delays.
This summary was prepared using information provided from our Service Partner Maggio Kattar Nahajzer + Alexander P.C..
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
Australia: New online support service for Individuals with expired visas
The Department of Home Affairs has launched a new online support service to assist individuals in Australia whose visas have expired or who are currently holding a Bridging Visa E (BVE). This service has been initiated to make it quicker and easier for individuals in Australia with expired visas to have their immigration status resolved. Status Resolution Officers are separate from the Australian Border Force, and all meetings through the online support service are voluntary.
This service is intended for individuals who:
- Are in Australia with an expired visa
- Hold a Bridging Visa E (BVE)
- Are unsure of their immigration status or next steps
The goal is to help individuals remain lawful, avoid enforcement action, and make informed decisions about their future in Australia.
Appointments can be requested through the on-line booking form on the Department of Home Affairs website.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Home Affairs
China: Extension of visa-free entry for 45 countries until end of 2026
China has announced an extension of its visa-free entry policy for citizens of 45 countries, including France, Germany, Japan, and Australia, until December 31, 2026. This policy allows travelers to stay in China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits without a visa.
Sweden has also been newly added to the visa-free list, effective November 10, 2025, joining the existing group of countries.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality
Malaysia: Introduction of Overstay Management Program (Pengurusan Tinggal Lebih Masa)
The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) has introduced the Program Pengurusan Tinggal Lebih Masa (Overstay Management Program), effective October 21, 2025, to enhance enforcement and compliance related to overstay incidents involving foreign nationals.
Under this new program, holders of Employment Passes (EP) and Dependent Passes (DP) who overstay for up to 90 days will be subject to a compound fine without the need for referral to the Enforcement Division (Bahagian Penguatkuasa Imigresen).
Compound Rates
| Duration of Overstay | Compound Amount |
| 1 – 30 days | RM 30 per day |
| 31 – 60 days | RM 1,000 |
| 61 – 90 days | RM 2,000 |
Cases Not Eligible for Compound Processing
The following categories must still be referred to the Enforcement Division:
- Overstays exceeding 90 days
- Repeat overstay offenders
- Overstays under a Special Pass
- Individuals with criminal or immigration offence records in Malaysia
- Individuals listed under the “Senarai Syak” (Suspect List)
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation
New Zealand: Updates to National Occupation List occupations used for an AEWV
To ensure that higher-skilled occupations listed in the National Occupation List (NOL) are properly recognized, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced an update to how 91 new occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 will be assessed under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program, effective November 3, 2025.
The National Occupation List (NOL) became New Zealand’s official job classification system in November 2024, replacing the Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) framework. Given the significance of this transition, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is introducing the NOL in stages.
From November 3, 2025, employers will be able to submit job checks for any of the newly recognized roles. This update means that AEWV holders in skill level 1 to 3 roles may be eligible to stay in New Zealand longer and potentially bring their family members. Additionally, some AEWV holders currently working in directly relevant skill level 4 or 5 roles may be able to transition into one of the 91 newly recognized occupations.
They will need to have either:
- at least three years’ directly relevant work experience, or
- a recognized qualification.
If they meet these criteria, they may be eligible to apply for a further AEWV to extend their stay in New Zealand.
Before hiring a migrant worker for one of these roles, an employer must first advertise the position and make a genuine effort to recruit a suitable New Zealander. If no suitable candidate is found, the employer must be accredited and submit a job check application.
When recruiting for one of the new NOL occupations, employers must submit a new job check application. The job description and remuneration must clearly align with the responsibilities and skill level of the selected role.
All standard AEWV settings for skill levels 1 to 3 continue to apply.
This summary was prepared using information provided 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
United Kingdom: Extension of the Services Mobility Agreement
The UK and Switzerland have agreed to extend the Services Mobility Agreement (SMA) for another four years, through to December 31, 2029. This extension provides continued certainty for businesses and service providers in both countries as negotiations for a permanent arrangement under the Free Trade Agreement progress.
Originally extended in November 2022, the SMA enables UK professionals to travel to Switzerland and deliver services without a visa for up to 90 days per year. During this period, they are exempt from economic needs tests and do not require work permits.
Swiss professionals can also provide services in the UK under the service supplier visa for up to 12 months in key sectors such as finance, legal services, consultancy, technology, and the creative industries.
This summary was prepared using information provided 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).
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