US triples visa bond list, 38 nations face up to $15K fee
The US State Department has nearly tripled the number of countries whose citizens must pay a visa bond of up to $15,000. The new rules, effective 21 January 2026, target 38 nations.
The US State Department has nearly tripled the number of countries whose citizens must pay a visa bond of up to $15,000. The new rules, effective 21 January 2026, target 38 nations.
The Trump administration has expanded its visa bond scheme to 38 countries, requiring travellers to post bonds of up to $15,000. The move makes US visas unaffordable for many.
The Trump administration expands its visa bond programme to 38 countries, requiring payments of up to $15,000. The move makes US visas unaffordable for many. Read the full list of affected nations.
The Trump administration adds Bhutan, Botswana and five other nations to a list requiring passport holders to post bonds up to $15,000 for US visa applications. Learn the full details.
Bulgaria has officially launched its inaugural digital nomad visa, offering a new route for remote professionals. Learn the eligibility criteria, income requirements, and application process.
Mora Namdar, a lawyer and salon owner, is confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs. She will oversee US visa approvals, aligning with Trump's hardline immigration stance. Read the full story.
President Trump promotes Mora Namdar, a former Project 2025 author, to a key State Department role overseeing US visa approvals and passport issuance. Discover the implications for immigration policy.
A single father living in the US for 34 years was deported to Mexico, separating him from his six American children. His case highlights a Trump-era policy shift on immigration enforcement.
The Trump administration replaces the H-1B visa lottery with a wage-based selection system, prioritising higher-paid foreign workers. The new rules take effect in February 2026.
Major UK DIY supplier Toolstation has entered administration, with staff told to stay home and more than 100 roles set to be cut. Get the latest updates on this breaking story.
The UK government introduces a temporary visa exemption for overseas prison officers to prevent a staffing crisis. New salary thresholds will be phased in to maintain safety.
The US suspends its diversity visa lottery after the suspect in the Brown and MIT shootings entered the country on the scheme. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem calls the suspect a 'heinous individual'.
The Trump administration directs consular officials to deny US visas to applicants involved in 'censorship', including fact-checking and content moderation. Read the full details and expert reactions.
Iran will boycott the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC after the US granted visas to only four delegation members, excluding the football federation president. FIFA is investigating.
The Trump administration orders embassies to expedite visas for 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics attendees while imposing new restrictions on H-1B applicants linked to online censorship. Read the latest.
Iran's football federation reverses boycott decision for the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington. Head coach attends, but president's visa was denied. Read the full diplomatic and sporting clash.
President Trump has revoked US fuel efficiency regulations, arguing it will lower car prices. Critics warn it will increase costs for drivers. Read the latest.
Australia's Administrative Review Tribunal faces a backlog of nearly 50,000 student visa appeals, driven by tougher rules and a focus on permanent residency over study. Read the full analysis.
Trucking firms face driver shortages as immigrant hauliers abandon the US industry following stringent new federal enforcement of training and licensing standards. Explore the impact.
Luxury caravan manufacturer Zone RV has entered voluntary administration, putting 250 jobs in doubt and leaving customers stranded just before Christmas. Read the full story.
Nearly 80,000 young Brits seized Australian working holiday visas last year, a record surge driven by new relaxed rules and the UK's cost of living crisis. Discover the trend.
New international student enrolment in US universities has fallen by 17%, costing an estimated $1.1 billion and 23,000 jobs amid tightened visa rules. Discover the impact on global education competition.
An Australian holidaymaker's dream trip to Vietnam turned into a £378 nightmare after a simple typo on her e-Visa. Discover how to avoid this costly travel mistake.
A traveller was barred from her flight due to a confusing transit rule in Hong Kong, highlighting the perils of booking separate airline tickets. Discover how to avoid this travel nightmare.
A veteran migration agent reveals shocking partner visa scams exploiting vulnerable Australian women, with organised networks flooding the system while authorities fail to act.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reveals the UK's most significant legal migration reforms in half a century, prioritising high earners and NHS workers while extending settlement waits for benefit claimants.
Revised ONS data shows UK net migration peaked at 944,000 in 2023, higher than previous estimates. New figures also reveal a sharper decline to 345,000 in 2024. Explore the full analysis.
President Trump announces FIFA PASS system giving World Cup 2026 ticket holders priority visa interviews. Learn how this affects UK travellers to the US tournament.
The US Supreme Court will re-examine the controversial 'metering' asylum policy, a tool used by past administrations to control border numbers. Discover the legal implications.
An emergency medicine doctor who worked through Covid fears deportation under Reform UK's proposed visa rules. Discover how skilled migrants face uncertainty over their UK futures.