Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: New immigration fees
Starting September 30, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will implement new and increased immigration-related fees as mandated by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (HR-1), signed into law on July 4, 2025.
Key Fee Changes:
- CBP Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record):
– Applicable to foreign nationals arriving at land border ports of entry.
– A new HR-1 fee of USD 24 will be added to the existing USD 6 processing fee.
– Total cost: USD 30.
– No fee applies to air or sea arrivals, where the form is issued automatically.
2. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA):
– Required for travellers under the Visa Waiver Program.
– Fee increased from USD 21 to USD 40.
– Must be paid prior to travel by air, sea, or land.
3. Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS):
– Applies to nationals of the People’s Republic of China holding 10-year B1/B2 visitor visas.
– A new USD 30 enrollment fee is now required.
This summary was prepared using the information from 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 Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
China: One-Year visa-free entry for Russian citizens
China has announced a new visa exemption policy for Russian nationals holding ordinary passports. Starting September 15, 2025, and lasting until September 14, 2026, Russian citizens will be able to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Visas News
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
Czech Republic: Legislative proposal
The Czech government signed into law an amendment tightening asylum and migration rules from January 2026. It will allow authorities to deport migrants who commit three serious misdemeanours within a year. These offenses include behaviors like shoplifting, public intoxication or causing disturbances at events.
The legislation also expands police powers, allowing officers to access mobile phone data if a foreigner refuses to show identification. This is intended to help determine the person’s origin and legal status.
The Interior Ministry states that the law is necessary to improve the efficiency of asylum processing while maintaining public order and safety.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Info Migrants
France: New salary thresholds
The French Government has announced significant changes to the Talent and related visa routes, as outlined in the Ordinance of August 29, 2025, related to the amount of the average gross annual reference salary for the issuance of the multi-year residence card marked “talent-qualified employee” and the multi-year residence card marked “talent – European blue card” effective September 1, 2025.
Key Changes
Under the revised framework:
-
- Talent – Qualified Employees (Salariés Qualifiés): This category includes individuals working in innovative companies, those on intra-group assignments, and holders of advanced degrees. To qualify for a multi-year residence permit under this category, applicants must now earn a minimum gross annual salary of EUR 39,582.
- Talent – EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne): Applicants under this category, which targets highly qualified professionals, must meet a higher salary threshold. The new minimum gross annual salary is EUR 59,373, equivalent to 1.5 times the average salary required for qualified employees in France.
These thresholds are now in force and apply to all new applications and renewals submitted from August 29, 2025. Future hires must be offered such wages if eligible for these routes.
The French laws expect employers to align as soon as possible for whom is already hired and holds a permit card to maintain eligibility.
Failing the eligibility criteria may result in a permit withdrawal by the authorities.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Legifrance (available in French)
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 Director of Immigration).
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