Immigration/Travel Updates Around the World - March 2026

1. United States

TPS for Yemeni nationals is ending

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that Temporary Protected Status for Yemeni nationals will end on May 4, 2026, due to “improved conditions in Yemen.”

After that date, current TPS holders will lose their immigration status, along with any other benefits they have, such as work authorization and protection from deportation. Tens of thousands of Yemeni nationals currently under TPS are affected by this. If this affects you, consult an immigration attorney immediately to explore other alternatives you may have before that deadline. 

Social media checks are now part of visa applications

If you’re applying for an H-1B or H-4 visa, U.S. immigration authorities now require you to undergo a social media review process.  This means you’ll need to share your social media handles and keep your profiles public while your application is being processed.

What this means for you

Before you apply (or renew), review your social media. Posts that are politically sensitive, aggressive, or easily misinterpreted can delay your application or raise questions. This applies to both primary applicants and their dependents.

Recommended Reading

Getting Work Authorisation When Your Spouse Has an H-1B Visa

Extra scrutiny for applicants from 39 countries

The U.S. has also placed a “hold and review” status on applications from nationals of 39 countries, including Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. This means applications from these countries may take longer than usual and could involve additional interviews or background checks, even if they’re already in progress.

List of affected countries

Exceptions include:

• Valid visa holders

• U.S. green card holders

• Dual nationals travelling on a non-restricted passport

• Athletes travelling for major global events like the World Cup or the Olympics

$15,000 refundable bond for some visitors

Starting April 2, 2026, travellers from about 50 countries (mostly in Africa), including Cambodia, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Nicaragua, applying for B-1/B-2 visas may need to pay a $5,000 - $15,000 refundable bond before their visa is approved. The goal is to reduce visa overstays. So, if you comply with your visa conditions and leave the U.S. on time, the bond will be refunded.

List of affected countries

Bipartisan bill seeks to waive H-1B fee for healthcare workers

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing a bill to waive the $100,000 H-1B visa fee for foreign-trained healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses.

Hospitals in rural areas depend heavily on international professionals, and there are growing concerns about staff shortages. If passed, this bill could make it easier for healthcare workers to enter and work in the U.S.

2. United Kingdom

New student visa restrictions

From March 26, 2026, nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan can no longer apply for UK student visas. In addition, Afghan nationals are no longer eligible for the Skilled Worker visa.

The UK government says this decision is due to an increase in asylum claims from people who initially entered the country on student visas. If you already have a valid student visa, you’re not immediately affected. However, if you need to renew or reapply, your applications may be reviewed more closely.

Digital immigration

The UK is moving toward a completely digital immigration system. By December 2026, physical documents like biometric residence permits (BRPs) and visa stickers will be phased out, and all visa holders will need to use an eVisa. This means, instead of a physical visa sticker, you’ll need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access and prove your status. Employers who sponsor foreign workers will also need to ensure their employees have a UKVI account. 

3. Canada

Canada is reducing immigration numbers

Canada is making a significant shift by lowering the number of people it plans to admit over the next few years.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Permanent resident targets drop to 380,000 in 2026 (down from 483,000 in 2024)

• Temporary resident numbers are also being reduced

• The government wants temporary residents to make up less than 5% of the population by 2027

At the same time, there’s a stronger focus on economic immigration. Over 60% of permanent residency spots will go to skilled workers. There are also fewer spots for temporary foreign workers and international students (with new study permits capped at 155,000)

Recommended Reading

Translation for Canadian Immigration Success

New Express Entry priority categories introduced

Canada has updated its Express Entry system to focus on specific roles and industries, such as medical doctors, researchers with Canadian experience, and senior managers in construction, transportation, and production. You’ll also now need at least one year of work experience (up from six months previously). If you were planning to apply under the old requirements, you may need to review your eligibility again.

New pathway for H-1B visa holders

Canada is also working on a faster immigration pathway for skilled professionals currently on U.S. H-1B visas. This move seems to be a direct response to the growing uncertainty in the U.S. immigration system and could create new opportunities for people already working there.

Start-up visa program closed (for now)

Canada stopped accepting new applications for its Start-up visa program at the end of 2025. This means if you already have a valid commitment certificate from 2025, you still have until June 30, 2026, to apply. The country plans to introduce a new, more focused entrepreneur program later in 2026.

Good news for graduate students

Master’s and PhD students studying at public institutions in Canada no longer need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) to apply for a study permit. This removes a step from the documentation process and makes things a bit easier for postgraduate applicants.

Stay updated with every policy change

Immigration rules are changing fast, and the last thing you want is for your documents to cost you an opportunity. This is why you need to ensure that you meet all the requirements, beginning with getting the right certified translations. 

A certified translation is an official translation of your documents by a professional translator, authorised to provide translations for official use. It includes a certification statement confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation. For most immigration processes, you’ll need certified translations especially if your document is in a foreign language.

Translayte offers certified translations in over 150 languages for all immigration documents. Whether you’re submitting documents to USCIS, IRCC, UKVI, NAATI, or any other country, we provide certified translations that are accepted the first time. 

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney or adviser for your specific situation.