IAS Global – Immigration News Updates

IAS Global – March 2026 Immigration Updates

Welcome to the monthly IAS Global – March 2026 Global Immigration bulletin, where we aim to update you on the latest immigration news internationally. 

In this update we cover:

• How the EU is Coordinating Visa Strategy Across Member States
• EU – BREXIT Withdrawal Cards Due For Renewal
• France – Higher Language & Civic Requirements
• Germany Reforms Opportunity Card
• Canada Reforms Express Entry System
• Mexico Residence Applications Face Delays
• Hong Kong Permits Earlier Filing for Employment Visas
• Widespread Changes to Fees and Restrictions in Scandinavia
• Norway
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Iceland
• Finland

European Union – Coordinated Visa Strategy

The European Union continues advancing discussions towards a more coordinated and modernised visa framework across Member States. While reforms are being introduced gradually, the overall strategy direction is one built around harmonisation and digital transformation. As part of a unified strategy, member states are implementing and discussing:

• Digitalisation of visa procedures
• Strengthened security screening
• Improved talent mobility
• Greater Schengen harmonisation

Digitalisation of Visa Procedures

We have already seen the rollout of the Entry-Exit System (EES) which began at the turn of the year. The rollout of ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is set to follow, and is planned for late 2026. 

Further EU plans are in discussion and implementation phases. These include fully integrate online visa applications and electronic document submission, aligning member states within a fixed and futureproof framework with an interconnected IT system.

The focus is on reducing a wide-scale administrative burden, but also to upgrade security screening, as there will be greater integration between EU databases. Applicants may experience more robust background checks as data-sharing mechanisms increasingly interconnect. 

Greater Schengen Harmonisation & Improved Talent Mobility

Visas including the EU Blue Card, Global Business Mobility visas and Schengen visas share some uniformity between member states and there are ongoing efforts to reduce inconsistencies in visa issuance practices between Member States, improving predictability for employers and applicants operating across multiple EU jurisdictions. 

This particularly concerns Global Business Mobility routes. The strategy aims to facilitate mobility for skilled professionals and priority sectors, supporting economic competitiveness while maintaining security standards.

EU – BREXIT Withdrawal Cards Due For Renewal

2026 marks five years on since the end of the Brexit transition (31 December 2020). Many Brits are now reaching the five-year lawful residence threshold which typically permits permanent residency in many member states. Those eligible (who entered before the end of the transition period and have met the requirements, including absence) may apply for permanent residence or long-term statuses depending on the next steps in their host country. 

Reach out to our expert EU immigration lawyers for support with your renewal options when your WARP card is due to expire. We can help you renew your BREXIT WARP Card in France, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Italy and other member states. Contact us today.

France – Higher Language & Civic Requirements

From 1 January 2026, France strengthened integration requirements for long-stay residence permits, permanent residence, and citizenship. This included:

• Mandatory civic exam on French values and institutions
• Higher French language levels required for many permits
• The civic exam must be passed before applying for a first multi-year permit or naturalisation

These changes reflect a broader policy shift toward integration and knowledge of the French Republic’s norms.

Germany – Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Germany continues refining its Opportunity Card framework, easing eligibility but within a more specific framework. The changes are aimed at making it more of a predictable process. They have clarified:

Points allocation methodology 

A clearer points allocation methodology has been applied. A minimum of 6 points is required, based on factors that include:

• Recognised qualifications (such as a degree)
• Over 2 years of professional experience
• German language proficiency at A1-B2 level, or strong English language skills
• Perceived longer participation in the labour market based on age with points generated at the highest level for under 35s, fewer points for 35-40 and no points for 40+.
• Prior connections to Germany, such as family, ancestral connections, and/or previous stays
• Qualifications of a spouse/partner (if applying together)

The clarification reduces discretion and provides greater predictability when assessing eligibility.

Financial sufficiency requirements

Prior to the clarifications, the financial sufficiency requirements for the Opportunity Card were broadly discretionary, meaning a caseworker would advise on their financial sufficiency. Now the framework is clear. Applicants must show:

• €1,091 per month of their intended stay. The amount depends on the length of time requested. 
• For a typical 12-month validity period, applicants must demonstrate €13,092 in available funds.
• Proof of funds can be shown through funds in a blocked account, personal savings, from a sponsor (with a declaration of commitment), a part-time employment contract, or 

Transition pathways to employment-based residence

Prior to the clarifications, transitions to employment visas together with rules and restrictions while on an Opportunity Card were open to interpretation. This has since become more predictable to applicants. They can:

• Work up to 20 hours a week while job-seeking
• Undertake trial employment with an employer (of up to 2 weeks)
• They can transition directly to an EU Blue Card or standard Skilled Worker Permit once they receive a qualifying job offer (that meets salary thresholds).

This scheme broadens access to the German labour market for skilled professionals without a pre-arranged job offer. 

Spain – Regularisation & Residency Reform

While the rest of the world seems to be taking it in turns to tighten their immigration regulations, Spain has taken the dramatic step to approve the regularization of over 500,000 migrants in the country, in addition to bringing in policies focussing on greater integration. The move is set to be monitored closely by other countries.

“On 27 January 2026 the Spanish Council of Ministers announced the initiation of an
extraordinary regularisation process allowing around 500,000 migrants currently without legal status to apply for residence and work permits.”

Tomás Pérez Figueroa, Spain Immigration Consultant

Meanwhile, the Spanish government is expected to increase minimum income thresholds for certain residence routes, including the Non-Lucrative Visa, during 2026. This comes amid concern from Spaniards last year who complained of sky-high property prices amid swathes of overseas buyers. In response, the Golden visa route was ending, meaning would-be applicants would need to look for Golden visa alternatives in Spain. One of those alternatives (at least for retirees and passive-income generators) was the Non-Lucrative Visa.

United Kingdom

The UK has tightened its immigration system considerably in 2026, with significant reform including:

• Visitors from 85 countries will need to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costing £16, before they can enter the country from 25 February 2026.
• As of 2 March 2026, refugees will be given a Temporary Protected Status (lasting 30 months) in place of previous statuses, like protected status or refugee status, typically lasting 5 years. They will need to renew their permissions pending a review, which focusses on if their home country is still unsafe for them. If it is deemed safe for them personally they may face return/deportation.
• A consultation has begun on the UK’s proposed earned settlement laws, which would lengthen the time to UK settled status to 10 years + for those coming to the UK on worker visas and 20 years+ for refugees. Timelines can be increased for immigration breaches or reliance on public funds for example, or shortened for active contribution in the country, such as by earning higher wages, better English language proficiency and/or societal impact.

Canada – Express Entry System Reform

Canada has implemented structural reforms to the Express Entry system particularly pertaining to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), including:

Adjusted Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scoring

Updates to the CRS have changed the allocation of points. Factors like Canadian work experience, education and language ability (particularly French speakers) carry different weightings. The adjusted rankings aim to favour priority sectors and French speaking. 

 have altered how points are allocated. Certain factors now carry different weightings, which may result in score increases or decreases depending on a candidate’s profile (e.g., work experience, education, language ability, or additional factors).

Greater emphasis on priority sectors and French-language proficiency

Under the revised CRS, there is increased emphasis on:

• Healthcare and STEM occupations
• Skilled trades and other priority sectors
• Strong French-language proficiency (including outside Quebec)

Practical impact: Candidates may experience score fluctuations. Early profile optimisation and strategic application timing are essential. Highly-skilled workers, as well as those in specific industries, or with specific skills (such as French language proficiency) may benefit.

Expanded category-based draws

As well as the updated requirements to general draws, Canada is introducing more targeted, category-based invitations to address labour shortages, typically focussing on occupations that have high turnovers, high vacancies and regularly require highly-skilled workers. 

As reported in our February global immigration newsletter, Canada aims to reach a 2026 target of 380,000 new permanent residents compared to 483,000 in 2024. Additionally, Canada aims for temporary residents to make up less than five per cent of its total population by the end of next year. Just 155,000 new Canadian student visas will be issued in 2026 – down from 437,000 in 2025.

United States

The US extended their travel ban in December 2025, adding 5 further countries to their embargoed states. They continue to build policies around ineligibility, such as those with existing criminality or immigration breaches.

There have been widely reported delays at US borders, as well as visa denials as entry requirements are tightened. There are no details of how long the cessation of processing visas will last but it is expected it will impact those applying from many African, Asian, Middle Eastern and South American nations.

Global visitors have also been hit by increased scrutiny at the border, with reports of British business executives being refused US entry-clearance for low-level misdemeanours.

Mexico – Processing Delays & Administrative Adjustments

Processing Delays

The National Migration Institute (INM) in Mexico continues to implement procedural adjustments and increased compliance checks resulting in longer processing times in certain regions. Typical processing times for residence cards have extended from standard 5 day processing to 20 working days in many cases. Appointments are limited, particularly in Mexico City and Queretaro and advice is to book early (up to 20 days in advance). 

Delays effect:

• Temporary residence applications
• Employer registration processes
• Post-arrival status conversions

Corporate Registration Deadline

Corporations who hire foreign nationals are also required to renew their Corporate Registration Certificate by 30 April 2026 or face being prevented from sponsoring foreign nationals. These registrations are typically taking up to 8 weeks to process.

Practical impact: Companies should build additional lead time into mobility planning and ensure documentation is fully aligned with local compliance standards before submission.

Immigration Fees Increased by Up to 100% in 2026

Fees increased and in many cases doubled on 1 January 2026. 

Hong Kong – Earlier Renewal Filing Permitted

Hong Kong now permits earlier filing of extension applications under:

• General Employment Policy (GEP)
• Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
• Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

This reform reduces last-minute renewal risks and improves planning certainty.

From 1 March 2026, Hong Kong’s Immigration Department will allow holders of key employment-based visas to submit extension (renewal) applications up to three months before their current visa expiry date.

Norway – Integration & Brexit-Related Renewals

• Many Brexit residence cards are expiring in 2026; affected UK nationals may need to apply for permanent residence or renew documentation.
• Updated electronic application forms have been introduced for certain filings.

IAS Global recommendation: Plan early for renewals in 2026 and ensure correct form versions are used to prevent avoidable delays.

Introduction Programme

Temporary adjustments to integration rules have been repealed, reinstating full participation obligations under the Introduction Programme for certain protected individuals.

Many protected individuals inside the 18-55 age group must participate in the new Introduction Programme. This will mandate participation in language training, education and employment preparation. Programme participation impacts settlement timelines and integration, and could be linked to support payments.

Sweden – Labour Migration Wage Reform

Sweden has announced a new labour migration wage benchmark set at 90% of the national median wage, alongside stricter family migration conditions.

Additionally, complete digital family applications now benefit from a 90-day processing service standard in specific cases.

IAS Global recommendation: Employers should review salary structures for compliance and anticipate closer scrutiny of supporting documentation.

Denmark – Updated Salary Thresholds & WA Permits

BREXIT WA Permits

British nationals under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement may now qualify for permanent residence (subject to eligibility).

New Salary Thresholds

As of January 2026, Denmark has revised minimum salary requirements under the:

• Pay Limit Scheme
• Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
• Fast-track Scheme

IAS Global recommendation: Confirm payroll compliance before submission and identify eligible UK nationals early to avoid status gaps.

Iceland – Fee Increases & Restrictive Direction

Tightening Immigration Policy

The government has announced proposals to tighten residence permit rules, signaling a more restrictive migration approach in 2026. The changes include:

• Higher basic eligibility requirements, including a stricter assessment of an applicant’s qualifications and purpose of stay
• Removal of some provisions specific to Iceland making permits easier to access
• Updating how biometrics are collected and stored
• Tightening and aligning family reunification rules with other Nordic countries
• Increased government fees for residence permit and citizenship applications

Increased Application and Service Fees

IAS Global recommendation: Budget adjustments are immediately required. Monitor legislative developments closely.

Finland – Higher Fees & New Permanent Residence Criteria

New Permanent Residence Criteria

Finland have introduced revised permanent residence criteria, including:

• Employment history requirements

Applicants must demonstrate sustained, lawful employment in Finland before qualifying for permanent residence.

• Language proficiency thresholds

Applicants must meet minimum Finnish or Swedish language standards to show integration.

In addition, Finland has increased processing fees, with increases of around €50-250 typical. This effects residency permit applications:

Finland Residence Permit 2026 Fees

• First Residence Permit (general) – €750 (online) / €800 (paper)
• First Residence Permit – Employed Person (work) – €750 (online) / €950 (paper)
• First Residence Permit – Studies – €600 (online) / €750 (paper)
• First Residence Permit – Entrepreneur – €750 (online) / €900 (paper)
• Permanent Residence Permit – €380 (online) / €600 (paper)
• Extended Permit (international protection cases) – €53

IAS Global recommendation: We encourage online filing to manage costs and assess long-term residence eligibility earlier in the assignment lifecycle.

Conclusion

The first quarter of 2026 confirms a global trend toward:

• Increased compliance scrutiny
• Higher government fees
• Stricter eligibility thresholds
• Digitalisation of procedures

Organizations operating across multiple jurisdictions should reassess timelines, compliance exposure, and mobility budgets for the remainder of 2026.

How IAS Can Help With Global Immigration Changes

The team at IAS can ensure sure you stay up-to-date with the latest immigration policies throughout 2026 to understand how it could impact you, family members or your business.

Get in touch with one of our immigration experts to stay informed and ensure your ongoing compliance with international immigration policies or find out more about potential new immigration routes.

For the latest information on global immigration and the range of visas available to those seeking to live, work or study overseas call the IAS team on +44 (0)333 414 9244, use our live chat service or reach out via our social media.