Immigration news updates for APAC, AMER and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand: Expansion of post-study work options for international graduates
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced changes to post-study work pathways for international graduates, effective 16 November 2026. The changes expand eligibility for the Post-Study Work Visa and introduce a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa for certain graduates who do not qualify for post-study work rights under existing provisions.
Under the revised rules, graduates who have completed a New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) Level 7 Graduate Diploma may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa if they studied full-time in New Zealand for the duration of the programme and hold a bachelor’s degree awarded in New Zealand or overseas. Additional requirements apply, including restrictions on transferred credits and recognition of prior learning.
The changes also clarify eligibility for postgraduate qualifications. Individuals who complete an eligible Postgraduate Diploma may be granted a one-year Post-Study Work Visa, while those who complete an eligible master’s degree may be eligible for a three-year Post-Study Work Visa, subject to applicable study requirements.
In addition, INZ will introduce a new six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa for certain graduates who are not eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa. The visa will provide open work rights, allowing holders to seek employment and, where appropriate, transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa. Applications must be submitted within three months of the expiry of the applicant’s student visa.
The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is a one-time grant that cannot be extended or renewed. Holders will not be able to support partners for work visas or children for dependent student visas. By contrast, eligible Post-Study Work Visa holders may continue to support qualifying partners and dependent children, subject to standard immigration requirements.
These changes are intended to expand post-study work opportunities for international graduates while providing an additional pathway for individuals who would not otherwise qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.
This summary was prepared using information published by New Zealand Immigration, including guidance on the Post-Study Work Visa and the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.
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).
Americas
Panama: Expansion of Friendly Nations Program
Panama has expanded its Friendly Nations Residence Program by adding Ecuador to the list of eligible countries. Under Executive Decree No. 16, published by the Ministry of Public Security on August 31, 2026, Ecuador has become the 51st nationality eligible to apply for this residence category.
The program grants successful applicants a two-year temporary residence permit, after which they may apply for permanent residence.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate economic ties to Panama, such as employment with a Panamanian company, a real estate investment, or a fixed-term bank deposit. Individuals intending to work in Panama must also obtain a separate work permit from the Ministry of Labor, as residence status alone does not authorize employment.
The new rules took effect on September 1, 2026.
This summary was prepared using information provided by our Service Partner.
United States: Executive Order introduces additional H-1B programme integrity measures
On September 18, 2026, the White House announced a new Executive Order aimed at enhancing programme integrity and interagency coordination in the administration of the H-1B non-immigrant visa programme. The measures are intended to strengthen oversight of H-1B petitions and increase scrutiny of cases where there may be a risk of displacement of U.S. workers.
Under the Executive Order, the Departments of State, Labor and Homeland Security will be required to coordinate more closely with the Departments of Commerce and Education, as well as the Small Business Administration, when administering the H-1B programme. The agencies may use additional wage, employment, industry and educational data when assessing petitions, labour condition applications and visa requests.
The Order also directs authorities to consider whether an employer has recently conducted, or plans to conduct, layoffs affecting similarly situated U.S. workers when reviewing H-1B-related applications. In addition, the Department of Labor has been instructed to review previously submitted labour condition application data to determine whether further action is warranted in certain cases.
Separately, the White House confirmed the renewal of a USD 100,000 fee requirement for certain H-1B visa applications that was first introduced in September 2025. According to the accompanying fact sheet, the Administration considers the measure part of broader efforts to address perceived abuse of the H-1B programme and increase compliance oversight.
Employers sponsoring H-1B workers may experience increased scrutiny during the petition and visa adjudication process, particularly where workforce reductions have recently occurred or are planned. Further guidance and implementation measures from the relevant government agencies are expected.
This summary was prepared using sources published by the White House, including the Executive Order “Enhancing Program Integrity and Interagency Coordination in the Administration of the H 1B Non-immigrant Visa Program” and the accompanying Fact Sheet.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Ireland: Citizenship reform legislation
The Irish Government has approved the priority drafting of legislation that would introduce significant changes to the requirements for citizenship by naturalisation. The proposed reforms are intended to strengthen the integrity of Ireland’s naturalisation framework and align requirements more closely with those in other European countries.
If enacted, the legislation would increase the qualifying period of reckonable residence for most applicants from five to eight years. Applicants would also be required to pass a language test in English, Irish, or Irish Sign Language, as well as a civics, society, and politics test. In addition, applicants would need to demonstrate economic self-sufficiency.
This summary was prepared using information published by Government of Ireland
Sweden: Migration Operations in China to Move from Shanghai to Beijing
The Swedish Migration Agency has announced that migration operations currently handled by the Consulate-General of Sweden in Shanghai will be gradually transferred to the Embassy of Sweden in Beijing, with the transition expected to be completed by 1 January 2027.
From 1 October 2026, the Embassy in Beijing will assume responsibility for processing visa applications submitted through the three Visa Application Centres currently served by the Consulate-General in Shanghai. From the same date, the Consulate-General in Shanghai will no longer receive visa applications.
From 1 November 2026, the Embassy in Beijing will also take over interviews, investigations, and other migration-related case activities for individuals residing in China. Supporting documentation related to migration cases should likewise be submitted to the Embassy in Beijing.
Beginning 1 January 2027, the Embassy in Beijing will be responsible for all Swedish migration operations in China, and no migration cases will continue to be processed by the Consulate-General in Shanghai.
This summary was prepared using information published by Swedish Migration Agency
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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