Global immigration updates effective November 2026, offering an early look at key changes to help you prepare in advance.
🇨🇦 Canada: From 3 November 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada awards additional Comprehensive Ranking System points in the Express Entry pool for Canadian work experience and for job offers in high-wage occupations, with up to 100 points available for a job offer paying at least twice the median wage, 70 points for at least 1.5 times the median wage and 50 points for at least 1.3 times the median wage. A Labour Market Impact Assessment is no longer required for a job offer to count towards these points or towards eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programmes. Employers sponsoring or supporting Express Entry candidates should review job offers against the high-wage thresholds and update supporting documentation ahead of the change.
🇺🇸 United States: From 30 November 2026, the USCIS EB-5 fee rule takes effect, increasing filing fees for employment-based fifth preference investor visa forms. The fee for Form I-526 rises from USD 3,675 to USD 7,615, the fee for Form I-526E rises from USD 3,675 to USD 7,850 for initial filings and the fee for Form I-829 rises from USD 3,750 to USD 5,000, with related increases to regional centre and Integrity Fund fees. The November 2026 Visa Bulletin brings forward movement across several employment-based categories, including a one month advance for EB-1 China to 1 August 2023, a three month advance for EB-2 to 1 April 2025 for all chargeability areas except China and India, and further advances for EB-3 across most countries. USCIS will use the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based adjustment of status applications in November 2026.
At Santa Fe Relocation, we provide timely updates and strategic advice through our Immigration Outlook series. By sharing these changes in advance, we help your teams prepare early and stay informed.
For personalised assistance, please contact your local Santa Fe Immigration consultant.