Key U.S. Updates:
- February 2026 Visa Bulletin: The DOS has released the newest bulletin, and USCIS will utilize the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based applications. While many categories remain steady, the EB-3 category for "All Other Countries" saw a three-month advancement.
- Premium Processing Fee Increase: Effective March 1, 2026, USCIS will increase premium processing fees to adjust for inflation. Fees for Form I-129 and I-140 will rise from $2,805 to $2,965.
- Immigrant Visa Suspension: A significant pause in immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries took effect on January 21, 2026, as the government reassesses "public charge" screening procedures.
Global Highlights:
- Malaysia: Revisions to the Employment Pass (EP) framework take effect June 1, 2026, including substantial salary threshold increases and new maximum duration caps for all categories.
- Costa Rica: Significant delays continue for DIMEX issuance, with processing times now frequently exceeding four months after photo appointments.
- Romania: A proposed draft ordinance suggests a shift toward a centralized, digital system for hiring foreign workers via a new government platform.
HR & Global Mobility Takeaway: Employers should immediately review their 2026 budgets to account for the March fee increases and reassess onboarding timelines for international talent affected by the current processing suspensions and global backlogs.
Full Alerts: