Global immigration updates effective September 2026, offering an early look at key changes to help you prepare in advance.
🇧🇪 Belgium: From 1 September 2026, employers submitting initial or renewal Single Permit applications in Flanders must pay a new regional processing fee of EUR 180. The fee applies alongside the existing federal fee and must be paid through the Single Permit portal before the application can be processed.
🇨🇳 China: New exit and entry administration regulations will take effect from 15 September 2026. The regulations strengthen compliance requirements affecting foreign nationals, employers, organisations and immigration service providers, while giving immigration and visa authorities broader powers to investigate non-compliance and fraudulent applications.
🇮🇪 Ireland: The application process for a new permission for eligible Ukrainian temporary protection holders is intended to open in September 2026. The renewable two-year Stamp 4 permission will provide an alternative status for eligible applicants who meet requirements covering residence, employment, income and independent accommodation.
🇳🇦 Namibia: A new Employment Permit to Conduct Business will be introduced from 1 September 2026 for qualifying foreign investors and business owners. The permit will allow successful applicants to work and conduct business in Namibia for up to five years, compared with the shorter validity generally available under the existing Investor Permit.
🇳🇿 New Zealand: From 24 September 2026, new applications for most visitor visa categories must be submitted through enhanced Immigration Online. Existing draft applications can still be completed and submitted through the old system until 8 October 2026, after which remaining drafts will be deleted.
🇸🇬 Singapore: From 1 September 2026, eight occupations will be added to the Non-Traditional Sources Occupation List. Employers in eligible sectors will be able to recruit Work Permit holders from approved source countries for roles including kitchen assistants, waiters, cabin attendants, caregivers and teacher aides, subject to existing salary and workforce quota requirements.
🇺🇸 United States: From 9 September 2026, covered employers must pay the existing 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee when filing H-1B and L-1 extension-of-stay petitions. New rules scheduled to take effect from 15 September will replace admission for “duration of status” with fixed admission periods for F, J and I non-immigrants, subject to transitional arrangements. From 18 September, the 2022 public charge regulations will be rescinded, allowing broader discretionary assessments for relevant admission and adjustment of status applications. The September Visa Bulletin confirms that EB-2 India and EB-5 unreserved India remain unavailable, while most principal employment-based final action dates remain unchanged.
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.