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Yesterday, Wednesday February 4, 2026
EU allows member states—including Belgium—to pause new biometric border checks during summer rush
The European Commission has told Schengen states they can switch off the new Entry/Exit System during the 2026 summer rush. Belgium can therefore rely on manual passport stamping if biometric queues grow unmanageable, reducing the risk of holiday-season chaos at Brussels Airport. Mobility managers should still prepare travellers for the post-summer reinstatement of full EES checks.
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Today in Business Travel & Immigration
Feb 4, 2026
IRCC’s first Express Entry draw of February targets provincial nominees
On 3 February IRCC invited 423 Provincial Nominee Program candidates in Express Entry Draw #393, setting a CRS cut-off of 749. The draw cleared the entire top-scoring slice of the pool and underscores how provincial nominations remain the surest route to permanent residence for employer-sponsored talent.
Feb 4, 2026
Ontario opens 2026 immigration cycle with 1,825 Employer Job Offer invitations
Ontario issued 1,825 invitations on 2 February in six OINP Employer Job Offer draws, prioritising health-care, early-childhood education and regional employers under the REDI pilot. Invited candidates must apply within 60 days; successful nominees gain 600 Express Entry points, a critical advantage for employers seeking permanent residency pathways for key talent.
Feb 4, 2026
USCIS sets 4–19 March window for FY 2027 H-1B registrations; new $215 filing fee confirmed
USCIS will open FY 2027 H-1B registrations from 4–19 March 2026 and has raised the per-registration fee to US $215. Indian IT and consulting firms—historically the largest users of the visa—must factor in higher costs and stricter anti-duplication rules when planning talent deployments.
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