Updates to Immigration News for Amer and EMEA Regions
Americas
US: 2026 H-1B Cap Process
The US Office of Citizenship (USCIS) has announced the completion of the initial selection process for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B Cap. This includes both standard caps and advanced exemptions, commonly known as master caps.
For fiscal year 2026, USCIS selected 118,660 unique beneficiaries, resulting in a general-selected registration of 120,141. This presents the conclusion of the initial phase of the H-1B cap process.
This year's H-1B registration cycle saw a significant decrease in overall participation compared to 2025.
Eligible Registration: A 26.9% decrease from 470,342 in 2025 to 343,981 in 2026. Unique Beneficiaries: dropped from about 423,000 to 336,000. Multiple Registrations: The number of beneficiaries with multiple registrations decreased, with the average dropping from 1.06 to 1.01 registrations per beneficiary. Unique Employers: Approximately 57,600 employers were relatively stable in 2026, compared to 52,700 in 2025.
This summary was created using information from the U.S. Citizenship Office
United State: Update on temporary protected status for Venezuelan citizens
As mentioned earlier, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had originally planned to terminate the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for Venezuelan citizens, based on its designation on April 7, 2025, October 7, 2023.
On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal government could proceed with a previously announced end, but implementation was blocked by a court order. Therefore, individuals with TPS under the 2023 designation were still permitted to remain in the US and work
The Supreme Court lifted the injunction. DHS can implement previously scheduled terminations, but the actual loss of work permits occurs positively, rather than retrospectively.
This summary was created using information from service partners Maggio, Qatar, Naheiser + Alexander and PC.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided with general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Operations Director of Immigration.
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Germany: Visa objections end
The Federal Foreign Affairs Department has decided to abolish visa denial challenges procedures around the world from July 1, 2025. Voluntary procedures in the visa application process are legal remedies that are not required by law, but previously offered as an additional option to applicants. This change follows the successful pilot project implemented on several German visa sections from June 1, 2023.
The pilot project tested the suspension of objections to both Schengen and the national visa. The assessment revealed that elimination of the procedure significantly increases efficiency. The visa section was able to relocate staff resources, resulting in a significant reduction in processing of more visa applications and latency compared to the same period in the previous year.
Despite the elimination of this legal remedy, applicants will continue to have access to appropriate legal protections through judicial review. Additionally, individuals whose visa applications are denied have the right to submit a new application at any time.
Germany further strengthened its application process and introduced the Global Online Application System via the Consul Services Portal on January 1, 2025. The platform supports national visa applications related to skilled work, apprenticeship, research and family unity. This provides step-by-step guidance to help applicants submit a complete digital application, thereby reducing delays due to missing documents.
This summary was created using information from German missions.
Spain: Immigration reforms to boost integration and labor markets
The Spanish government is hoping to approve immigration regulations reforms and strengthen immigration integration in three key areas: employment, education and family life. The new rules, effective May 20, 2025, are designed to modernize the Spanish transition framework, address demographic challenges, and align with the directives of the European Union.
Important changes
Visa Overhaul: The new visa structure simplifies the procedure and extends the validity of visas from three months to one year. The initial residence permit lasts for one year, with four people renewable. Residence Route (“Areigo”): Five new residency channels: social, social, family, social education, and “second chance” make it easy for immigrants to normalize their status. The required period of residence will be reduced from three years to two years. Work Access: Most permits allow immediate employment. Students can work up to 30 hours a week, while seasonal workers can benefit from stronger protection and more flexible contracts. Education Integration: International students can receive permission for the entire period of study and transfer to work permits upon graduation. Family Uniform: The age limit for dependent children will be raised from 21 to 26, with the new regulations supporting victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence.
This summary was prepared using information from the European Commission.
United Kingdom: UK-EU Contract
The UK has reached a new agreement with the EU, aimed at supporting British companies.
Key benefits include increasing access to EGATE for UK travelers, shorter border waiting times, and the introduction of “PET passports” to rule out the need for cat and dog health certificates on each trip.
The contract also paves the way for a youth mobility scheme, allowing young people to travel across Europe more freely. Modeled on a similar agreement between Australia and New Zealand, the scheme is capped and time-limited.
The contract takes a step forward in cooperation between the UK and the EU, bringing practical benefits to both citizens and businesses.
This summary was prepared using information from the UK government
Disclaimer: The above information is provided with general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Joanna Sogeke (Immigration Team Leader) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director of Immigration).
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