France postpones biometric checks at Channel crossings days before EES go-live
Belgium braces for EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System launch tomorrow
UK hikes Electronic Travel Authorisation fee to £20, doubling paperwork for Indian visitors
Latest News
UK Visa Fees Rise 6-7% Across All Categories From 8 April 2026
All UK immigration and nationality fees increased by 6–7 % on 8 April 2026. Visitor, student, work, settlement and citizenship applications are all affected, with a Skilled Worker visa up to three years now £819 and Indefinite Leave to Remain £3,226. Employers and education providers face higher mobility budgets while applicants must budget more for the same permissions.
Czech Draft Law Would Scrap Fines for Undeclared Work—but Not for Foreigners
A draft amendment published on 8 April 2026 would abolish fines for Czech nationals caught working without a contract, but retain strict penalties for third-country nationals who lack the correct work authorisation. Employers would take on greater liability, while unions warn of budget risks. Mobility teams must keep foreign-worker documentation airtight.
IRCC Signals End of Current Express Entry Classes, Plans Unified ‘High-Skilled’ Stream
On 8 April 2026 IRCC revealed plans to abolish the FSW, CEC and FST programs and merge them into a single Federal High-Skilled Class. The new stream will keep CRS rankings but introduce simpler eligibility and more flexible, occupation-based draws, aiming to reduce backlogs and better match labour shortages. Employers should encourage candidates to enter the pool before cut-offs rise and prepare for revised job-offer validation rules and higher fees.
Germany Extends Land-Border Checks for Another Six Months
Berlin has prolonged temporary passport checks at all of Germany’s land borders to mid-September 2026, citing continued pressure from irregular migration and smuggling networks. While legal travel remains possible, the decision means longer queues and stricter document checks for cross-border commuters, service technicians and freight drivers—issues that corporate mobility teams must factor into schedules and compliance planning.