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United States · Immigration and visas
US extends H-1B entry restrictions for one year; $100,000 payment remains for covered petitions
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on September 18 extending restrictions on entry under parts of the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program for 12 months, through September 21, 2027. Covered petitions remain subject to a $100,000 payment with limited exceptions. This continues an existing restriction; it does not abolish the H-1B program.
Why it matters
The extension affects employers using H-1B visas, applicants and their families, particularly those preparing for the next cap season or international travel. Whether an individual case is covered depends on filing timing, petition type and possible exceptions; applicants should consult current US immigration-agency guidance.
U.S. appeals court limits rapid deportations to third countries
The First U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals largely upheld a lower-court ruling on September 18 requiring effective notice and a meaningful chance for migrants to raise fears of persecution or torture before removal to a country not named in their original order.
The ruling constrains a Trump administration process that could provide only about six hours' notice. The court also vacated some procedural declarations for lack of standing, so the decision is not a complete rejection of all third-country removals.
Violence erupts at far-right anti-immigration rally in The Hague; police arrest 24
About 500 far-right protesters gathered at The Hague's Malieveld on September 19 before some threw fireworks and other objects at police. Local authorities cancelled the planned march and ordered the crowd dispersed; police used batons, dogs and water cannon and arrested 24 people.
The event combined opposition to immigration and asylum policies with violence against police, Nazi salutes and antisemitic chants, raising public-order and extremism concerns. Investigations continue and the individual allegations against all detainees have not been published.
U.S. court blocks fixed-admission rule for students and journalists
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on September 14 blocking a DHS rule that was due to impose fixed admission periods on F, J and I visa holders the next day. Duration-of-status admission remains in place while the case proceeds.
Students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists do not need to comply with the blocked rule for now, but the litigation continues. They should still verify each I-94 and follow current court, DHS and institutional guidance.
Sweden’s centre-left holds a provisional one-seat election lead
Sweden’s election authority projected 175 seats for the centre-left bloc and 174 for the incumbent right. Overseas ballots and coalition talks remain, so the governing outcome is not settled.
Immigration, crime and civil rights were central issues, with implications for wider EU debates. No bloc should be described as governing before final certification and coalition-building.
Australia announces tighter student and backpacker visa rules
Australia has announced migration reforms that would restrict most international students from bringing partners and children, introduce ballots for working-holiday extensions and expand 'no further stay' conditions. Limited exemptions are planned for some Pacific and Southeast Asian students.
The changes could affect prospective students, dependants, working-holiday makers and people hoping to switch visas inside Australia. These are reforms announced on September 17; commencement dates, full exemptions and transition rules must still be confirmed through formal Home Affairs guidance.
Canada eases short-course rules for some work-permit holders
A new temporary public policy lets foreign nationals with a valid Canadian work permit take a course or program lasting six months or less without a separate study permit. The exemption ends when the work permit or policy expires, whichever comes first.
Workers upgrading credentials or moving into shortage occupations such as health care may benefit. This is not a permanent-residence guarantee, and longer programs still require separate checks.
United States · Immigration and visas
United States · Immigration and courts