Rule history
How immigration rules evolved
Every policy change preserved so you can see the direction of travel across countries and visa categories.
Featured · UK Skilled Worker Visa
2023
Salary threshold £26,200
Baseline Skilled Worker minimum salary set.
2024
Health surcharge increased
IHS rose from £624 to £1,035 per year.
2025
Threshold raised to £38,700
Major shift for new Skilled Worker applications.
2026
Settlement reforms proposed
Consultation on 10-year qualifying period underway.
Every tracked change
1 Oct 2026·🇬🇧 United Kingdom·Student Visa
Dependant restrictions extended to research masters
Home Office widens dependant restrictions to include most taught research masters courses.
Was
Dependants restricted only for taught masters shorter than 9 months.
Now
Dependants restricted for taught and non-doctoral research masters programmes.
1 Sept 2026·🇬🇧 United Kingdom·Skilled Worker Visa
Salary threshold raised to £30,000
The Home Office has updated the minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Was
Minimum salary £26,200 per year (or going rate for the occupation).
Now
Minimum salary £30,000 per year (or going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher).
15 Aug 2026·🇨🇦 Canada·Express Entry
New category-based draws for healthcare
IRCC introduces targeted draws prioritising healthcare and STEM occupations.
Was
General Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) draws only, held roughly every two weeks.
Now
Category-based draws every two weeks, alternating with general CRS rounds.
15 Jul 2026·🇦🇺 Australia·Subclass 189
Points test restructured
Home Affairs has heavily weighted regional study and partner English skills.
Was
Regional study: 5 points. Partner English: 5 points.
Now
Regional study: 10 points. Partner English: 10 points.
10 Jul 2026·🇮🇪 Ireland·General Employment Permit
Processing times halved
DETE clearing backlogs with new automated triage system.
Was
Processing times averaging 12 weeks.
Now
Processing times averaging 6 weeks.
10 Jul 2026·🇮🇪 Ireland·Critical Skills Permit
Occupations list expanded
20 new roles added to the Critical Skills Occupations List including AI engineers.
Was
2024 Critical Skills Occupations List with 60 eligible roles.
Now
2026 list with 80 eligible roles, adding AI, cyber and healthcare positions.
1 Jul 2026·🇺🇸 United States·EB-2
Priority dates freeze announced
USCIS signals a temporary freeze on EB-2 priority date advancement due to unprecedented cap demands.
Was
Priority dates advanced steadily by 2-3 weeks per month.
Now
Dates held steady at May 2023 for Rest of World.
1 Jul 2026·🇦🇺 Australia·Subclass 482
TSMIT increased to AUD 73,150
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold updated for the new financial year.
Was
TSMIT AUD 70,000 per annum.
Now
TSMIT AUD 73,150 per annum.
30 Jun 2026·🇨🇦 Canada·Citizenship
Digital oath taking expanded
IRCC rolls out 1-click digital oaths for new citizens.
Was
Virtual video ceremonies requiring scheduling.
Now
On-demand digital signature for oath taking.
15 Jun 2026·🇬🇧 United Kingdom·Global Talent Visa
Endorsement route simplified
The Tech Nation endorsement route has been fully transitioned to the new digital hub, reducing processing times.
Was
Paper-heavy endorsement pathways taking up to 8 weeks.
Now
100% digital submission with average decisions in 3 weeks.
5 Jun 2026·🇩🇪 Germany·Job Seeker Visa
Chancenkarte portal launch
The fully digital Opportunity Card portal goes live globally.
Was
Paper applications at local consulates.
Now
Digital portal with integrated points calculator.
1 Jun 2026·🇩🇪 Germany·Blue Card EU
Salary threshold lowered for shortage occupations
Germany expands Blue Card access with lower salary bars for shortage roles.
Was
€45,300 general threshold; €41,041 shortage occupations.
Now
€41,041 general; €36,672 shortage occupations.
15 May 2026·🇨🇦 Canada·Post-Graduation Work Permit
PGWP tightened to eligible field lists
IRCC restricts PGWP eligibility to graduates of programmes tied to labour-market shortage fields.
Was
PGWP available to graduates of most eligible DLI programmes.
Now
Non-degree college graduates must have studied one of 966 designated fields.
1 Mar 2026·🇺🇸 United States·H-1B
Registration fee increased to $215
USCIS raises H-1B electronic registration fee ahead of FY2027 cap season.
Was
Registration fee $10 per beneficiary.
Now
Registration fee $215 per beneficiary.