ICYMI: Aug 7 - 20

We have 14 updates for 10 countries that covers the last two weeks. We share them to keep you up to speed on possible impacts to your mobile employee population and mobility programs. Let's dive in:

United States

• There are new visa interview requirements that will impact most applicants starting in September. Applicants for E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, L-1, O-1, and most other nonimmigrant visas must now attend interviews—even if renewing a visa or previously issued the same visa type. This change is expected to increase visa appointment wait times at U.S. consulates globally. Companies managing employee travel, short-term assignments, or student sponsorships should prepare for: 

1. Longer lead times for interview appointments, especially at high-volume posts
2. Additional scheduling requirements for minor dependents or older family members
3. Tighter constraints on short-notice business travel or renewal timelines

• The State Department will impose a visa bond requirement on certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants under a pilot program, according to a temporary final rule published in the Federal Register on the 5th. The new Visa Bond Pilot Program will be in effect from August 20, 2025 to August 5, 2026, and will require certain B visa applicants to pay a $10,000 bond (or $5,000 or $15,000, depending on personal circumstances) as a condition of visa issuance. 
• The U.S. Department of State has released the September 2025 Visa Bulletin. USCIS has confirmed that applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based filings and the Dates for Filing chart for family-sponsored filings this month, as outlined on its Adjustment of Status Filing Charts page.  
• FYI that “The U.S. Corporate Immigration Trends 2025 Report” is Now Available from Envoy Global. It offers a comprehensive look at how employers across the U.S. are navigating corporate immigration.

Canada

• Despite being declared illegal, as of 8/18, 10,000 flight attendants have been striking since Saturday morning resulting in the cancellation of 500,000 passengers' flights! Air Canada controls about 48 percent of available seat miles in Canada, the industry measure of capacity, and, unlike its smaller competitors, offers international service to 65 countries. The union is seeking higher wages, particularly for its least senior members. It also wants Air Canada to join other U.S. carriers in ending the industry practice of not paying flight attendants for work performed before takeoff and after landing.
• Canada announced that Express Entry applicants must now complete an upfront medical exam before submitting their permanent residence application 

European Union

• The following countries have internal checks at their borders in effect up to September-December 2025: Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, and Sweden.  Border guards may request identification documents and perform detailed checks of travelers crossing borders in affected Schengen countries. Travelers should carry their identification documents, and visa-exempt nationals should be mindful of their Schengen allowance days, as the limit for visa-exempt nationals to remain in Schengen countries is 90 days in a six-month period.

United Kingdom

• The United Kingdom raised skill and salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas and introduces a Temporary Shortage List for select mid-level roles. These changes include increased salary thresholds, a raised skill level requirement and new restrictions for certain roles. To qualify for sponsorship, roles must now be assessed at RQF Level 6 or above, equivalent to graduate-level jobs. 

Germany

• Germany will maintain enhanced border checks beyond September 2025 as part of a sweeping migration policy overhaul aimed at curbing illegal immigration and reinforcing national security. The measures, led by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, are part of a broader strategy to balance humanitarian obligations with stricter enforcement. Travelers may face longer wait times and stricter document checks, even with valid visas or ETIAS approval. Additionally, individuals returning to Germany may be subject to more rigorous scrutiny of their residence and work permits.

France

• France implemented new immigration reforms on 13 June, 2025, aimed at streamlining key rules and improving clarity across multiple permit categories. There are now streamlined Talent Permit Rules to Boost Skilled Immigration, simplified Salary Requirements for Talent Permits, faster processing for EU Blue Card transfers, new rules for Entrepreneur and Job seeker permits, and permit category consolidation.

Panama 

• Panama’s National Immigration Service (SNM) has begun strictly enforcing the requirement for temporary and permanent residence holders to report any change in address or personal data to the Foreign Registry within 30 calendar days; previously, this rule was seldomly enforced. The rule is now being applied more broadly, though unevenly, across immigration offices.

China

• Effective October 1, 2025, China will launch a new K visa aimed at attracting young foreign professionals in science and technology, marking a strategic shift in the country’s global talent recruitment efforts. The policy was formalized and announced on August 14, 2025 under State Council Order No. 814, amending China’s entry-exit regulations for foreigners.

New Zealand

• The New Zealand government introduced two new visa options to support seasonal workforce demand under the AEWV framework.  The country will launch the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) on December 8, 2025, to help accredited employers meet short-term labor needs during peak seasons.  

Vietnam

• The Vietnamese Government has issued Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP, overhauling the rules on foreign labor management. It introduces greater flexibility, clearer definitions, and a streamlined process changes that are highly relevant to businesses operating in Vietnam and managing cross-border talent. See all of the key highlights here.