April 2026 brought a wave of updates to visa regulations for several popular destinations—from the introduction of biometric checks in Europe to increases in consular fees in the UK and Canada. The changes affected the conditions for employment, study, and long-term stays abroad. Learn more about the new visa rules in the U.S., the EU, Canada, the UK, and other countries

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April 2026 marked a month of sweeping changes to visa regulations across several key areas. Increased consular fees, the launch of a biometric system at EU borders, stricter checks on work visas in the United States, and restrictions on support programs for migrants in Canada—all of this is already affecting those planning to move, study, or work abroad.

We’ll discuss each change and its implications in the article below.

Planning to travel or move abroad in 2026?

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The EES Biometric System in Europe: How Digital Border Control Will Work in the Schengen Area

As of April 10, 2026, the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been implemented in all Schengen Area countries. It replaces traditional passport stamps with digital records. When crossing the border, travelers are required to provide biometric data—fingerprints and facial images. The system covers countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as the rest of the Schengen Agreement member states.

The implementation of the EES means that border control times at airports may increase, especially during the first few weeks of the system’s operation. Travelers should allow extra time for passport control, as the procedure now includes the collection of biometric data upon every entry and exit. For those who travel frequently in Europe, this change is one of the most significant developments in April.

United States: New Requirements for H-1B Work Visas and Green Cards

Starting April 1, 2026, employers in the United States are required to submit H-1B visa applications using the updated Form I-129. The new version requires more detailed information about the proposed position: the salary level, educational requirements, and the candidate’s professional experience. Salary levels are now one of the key factors in deciding whether to approve an application, especially for highly skilled professions. For professionals in the technology sector, particularly Indian specialists, this means increased scrutiny of whether salaries meet market standards.

At the same time, the review process for green card applications is becoming more rigorous. Immigration services will more frequently send requests for additional evidence (Request for Evidence), scrutinize financial documents and proof of family relationships more thoroughly, and conduct in-depth checks of the employer’s background information. All of this increases the volume of required documentation and extends the processing times for applications.

The UK has raised visa fees effective April 8, 2026

As of April 8, visa fees in several categories have increased in the UK. The cost of a visitor visa (for 6 months) is now £135 instead of the previous £127. A student visa will cost £558 (previously £524). The visa for innovative founders has increased to £1,693 from £1,590. A visa for skilled workers valid for up to three years will cost £769 instead of the previous £719.

In addition to the visa fee, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £1,035 per year for most adults. The total cost of moving to or studying in the UK, therefore, continues to rise. This applies to both students and professionals planning a long-term stay in the country. It is recommended to carefully calculate all associated costs before submitting an application.

Read more about the cost of UK visas in 2026 here.

Canada: Restrictions on Migrant Support and Increased Fees for Permanent Residency

Canada has introduced two significant changes to the terms of its immigration programs. Starting April 1, 2026, newcomers who obtain permanent resident status through economic immigration programs will be eligible for government-funded settlement support for only six years after receiving their status. Previously, access to such services had no clear time limits, so for many applicants, this represents a significant reduction in the duration of support.

Starting April 30, fees for permanent residency will also increase. The fee for permanent residency has risen from 575 to 600 Canadian dollars, and the fee for the principal applicant—from 950 to 990 Canadian dollars. Application processing fees for spouses or partners have also been increased. Taken together, these changes mean higher costs at the initial stage and limited access to settlement programs.

New Zealand and Saudi Arabia: Other Visa Changes in April 2026

New Zealand is updating the conditions for holders of open work visas starting April 20, 2026. Applicants will now be granted one of two categories: full work rights, including the option for self-employment, or restricted work rights, which require a formal employment contract. The new rules are intended to make the system more transparent; however, for some workers who previously used open visas to switch employers flexibly, this may become a limiting factor.

Saudi Arabia, in turn, has introduced a temporary amnesty program for holders of expired visas. The program applies to visit visas, Umrah visas, transit visas, as well as final exit permits that expired before February 25, 2026.

Holders of such documents can regularize their status or leave the country without penalties for overstaying. Applications must be submitted by April 18, 2026, through official online platforms.

Health Insurance for Travel and Relocation Abroad

Changes in visa policy and rising fees are a compelling reason to take care of all aspects of your upcoming trip in advance, including medical insurance. The Visit World portal offers travel and relocation medical insurance policies that provide financial protection in case of unforeseen health situations.

Get medical insurance on the Visit World portal and travel with confidence!

Reminder! Moving abroad is no longer a difficult task, as dozens of countries are actively simplifying immigration rules to attract specialists, remote workers, and young people. Read about the easiest countries to move to in 2026 by following the link.

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Travel guide for 200 countries;

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