Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: October 2026 Visa Bulletin released
The U.S. Department of State has published the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, outlining the availability of immigrant visa numbers for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. The bulletin confirms that with the release of the new fiscal year’s visa allocations, several family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant visa categories have advanced. However, certain employment-based categories for applicants from countries classified as “Rest of World” have retrogressed in order to keep visa issuance within annual and quarterly numerical limits.
The Department of State stated that visa demand will continue to be closely monitored throughout FY 2027 and that further adjustments to filing and final action dates may be made if required. Applicants pursuing permanent residence through family-sponsored or employment-based categories should review the updated priority dates to determine eligibility for immigrant visa issuance or adjustment of status filing.
The bulletin also confirms the extension of the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category through December 11, 2026, following the enactment of H.R. 6500. The category will continue to follow the same filing and final action dates as other Employment Fourth Preference categories.
This summary was prepared using information published by the US Department of State
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
Australia: Ministerial Direction 123
Australia will introduce Ministerial Direction 123 (MD 123) on October 31, 2026, replacing Ministerial Direction 110. While the new Direction does not change Australia’s character test under section 501 of the Migration Act, it revises how decisionmakers assess and weigh factors when considering visa refusals, cancellations and revocations on character grounds.
MD 123 introduces several changes to character assessments. The weight given to an individual’s ties to Australia will be reduced, while the scope of domestic and family violence considerations will be expanded to encompass a broader range of abusive and controlling behaviours. The Direction also introduces new considerations relating to certain associations, hate-related conduct and public statements, and lowers the threshold for assessing future risk by allowing decisionmakers to consider whether an individual might engage in concerning conduct.
In addition, greater emphasis will be placed on community expectations, particularly in matters involving migration compliance, worker exploitation, human trafficking, people smuggling and hate-related conduct. Community protection remains the most significant consideration when primary factors are assessed, while the impact on Australian businesses is no longer listed as a separate consideration.
The changes are expected to have implications for individuals facing character-related visa decisions. Although the underlying character test remains unchanged, the revised weighting of factors may result in greater scrutiny of cases involving community protection concerns, domestic and family violence, migration compliance issues, or hate-related conduct. Individuals affected by character-related proceedings should review the new Direction carefully once it takes effect, as the updated guidance may influence how future decisions are assessed.
This summary was prepared using information published by the Australian Government under the Migration Act 1958 and Ministerial Direction 123 concerning character-based visa decisions.
China: Launch of a nationwide online residence registration
On September 21, 2026, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced the launch of a national online residence registration portal for foreign nationals staying in accommodation other than hotels.
Foreign nationals staying in hotels in China are registered by their accommodation provider. Those staying in other types of accommodation must complete the registration themselves, or through their hosts, within 24 hours of arrival.
The new online residence registration service covers stays in short-term rental properties, urban and rural homestays, and daily rental apartments. Registration can be completed through the NIA’s official service website, the “NIA service platform 12367” app, or its mini programs on WeChat and Alipay.
The existing offline registration option remains available, and online registration has the same legal validity as registration completed in person with local public security authorities.
This summary was prepared using information published by the National Immigration Administration and Government Service Platform
Hong Kong: Enrolment of “Go Hong Kong” app for e-Channel
On September 16, 2026, the Immigration Department (ImmD) announced the launch of the “Go Hong Kong” mobile application. The application allows eligible frequent visitors to Hong Kong to enrol for the e-Channel service before arrival using a smartphone with camera, near-field communication (NFC), and internet capabilities.
Eligible visitors may enrol for the e-Channel service through the “Go Hong Kong” mobile application if they:
- Are aged 18 or older;
- Hold a valid electronic travel document designated by the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and, where applicable, a multiple visit visa;
- Have no adverse record in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and
- Have visited Hong Kong via Hong Kong International Airport at least twice in the past 24 months.
To enrol, eligible visitors must provide an expected date of arrival within the next three months and an email address, scan the biodata page of their travel document, read the chip data, and undergo facial recognition for identity verification. The ImmD will notify applicants of the outcome through the application and by email.
Once enrolment is approved, visitors must enter Hong Kong on or before their stated arrival date to activate the e-Channel service. Enrolment records will automatically lapse if the visitor does not enter Hong Kong by that date.
This summary was prepared using information published by the Government of Hong Kong and the Immigration Department
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: Reporting obligation via new platform
The Hungarian Immigration Office has introduced an electronic process for holders of residence permits for the purpose of guest self-employment to fulfil their mandatory periodic reporting obligation through the Enter Hungary platform.
To complete the requirement, permit holders must log in to the Enter Hungary portal and submit the declaration form designated for periodic reporting.
Under the applicable immigration regulations, applications to renew a residence permit for the purpose of guest self-employment may only be approved if the reporting obligation has been fulfilled within the prescribed timeframe.
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).
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