Major Immigration Policy Changes Sweep Three Countries in November 2025
November 2025 marks a turning point in global immigration policy, with the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada implementing significant changes affecting millions of workers, students, and families. The most impactful change is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's decision to end automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) extensions effective October 30, 2025, combined with a controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee that took effect in September 2025.
These policy shifts represent the most comprehensive immigration reforms in over a decade, affecting work authorization timelines, visa application costs, and family immigration pathways. Understanding these changes is critical for anyone with pending applications or plans to work abroad.
Key US Immigration Policy Changes November 2025
The United States implemented three major policy changes that fundamentally alter how foreign workers obtain and maintain employment authorization:
- EAD Automatic Extensions Eliminated: Applications filed on or after October 30, 2025 no longer receive the 540-day automatic extension, potentially causing work authorization gaps
- $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: New H-1B petitions submitted after September 21, 2025 require a one-time $100,000 payment, up from $2,000-$5,000 previously
- H-1B Fee Exemptions: Renewals, F-1 student status changes, and employer transfers remain exempt from the $100,000 fee
- Legal Challenges Filed: On November 12, 2025, a federal judge struck down similar EB-5 fee increases, potentially impacting H-1B fee lawsuits
- Diversity Visa Program Updates: The U.S. State Department announced on November 5, 2025 that undisclosed changes to the DV-2027 entry process are being implemented
The EAD extension elimination affects renewal applicants who previously relied on automatic work authorization while USCIS processed their applications. Workers who file renewals on or after October 30, 2025 will lose work authorization if processing extends past their existing EAD expiration date, forcing them to stop working until USCIS approves the renewal.
Who Is Affected by These Immigration Policy Changes
These sweeping reforms impact distinct groups differently, from tech workers to international students and their families. Understanding your specific situation is essential for maintaining legal status.
For H-1B Visa Applicants and Tech Workers
Foreign nationals outside the United States seeking new H-1B sponsorship face the $100,000 fee, making the total cost of hiring an H-1B worker prohibitively expensive for many employers. However, if you're already in the U.S. on F-1 student status or changing employers, you're exempt from this fee. USCIS processing times remain unchanged at 3-6 months for standard processing.
For EAD Renewal Applicants
If you rely on an EAD for work authorization and filed your renewal on or after October 30, 2025, you must stop working immediately if your current EAD expires before USCIS approves your renewal. USCIS recommends filing renewals up to 180 days before expiration to minimize gaps. This affects H-4 visa holders, adjustment of status applicants, and TPS beneficiaries most severely.
For UK-Bound Workers and Students
The UK's November 2025 immigration rule changes introduce stricter financial thresholds for student visas and seasonal worker re-entry limits. International students must now demonstrate higher bank balances, potentially shifting enrollment to Canada or Australia. Additionally, nationals from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting January 8, 2025.
How to Navigate These Changes - Step by Step
Take these immediate actions to protect your immigration status and avoid costly delays:
- Check Your EAD Expiration Date: If it expires within 180 days, file your renewal immediately through the USCIS online portal to maximize processing time
- Review H-1B Fee Exemptions: Confirm whether your petition qualifies for the fee exemption (renewals, status changes, employer changes) before filing
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: Given the complexity and recent legal challenges, professional guidance can save thousands in fees and prevent status violations
- Prepare Alternative Plans: If facing EAD gaps, discuss unpaid leave or remote work from your home country with your employer
- Update Your Passport Photo: Many visa and work permit applications require current photos meeting specific government requirements - ensure your passport photo meets current specifications before applying
- Monitor Legal Challenges: The November 12 EB-5 fee ruling may impact H-1B fees - stay informed through official USCIS updates and legal news sources
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates to ensure compliance with new immigration policies:
- September 21, 2025: $100,000 H-1B visa fee took effect for new petitions filed after 12:01 AM EDT
- October 30, 2025: Automatic 540-day EAD extensions eliminated for renewal applications filed on or after this date
- November 5, 2025: U.S. State Department announced changes to DV-2027 Diversity Visa lottery entry process
- November 12, 2025: Federal judge struck down EB-5 fee increases, creating precedent for H-1B fee challenges
- November 27, 2024: UK opened ETA applications for US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand nationals
- January 8, 2025: UK ETA requirement becomes mandatory for non-European nationals
- January 21, 2025: Canada's new family Open Work Permit (OWP) eligibility rules take effect with stricter requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the $100,000 H-1B Fee Apply to Renewals?
No. The $100,000 fee only applies to new H-1B petitions for foreign nationals outside the United States. H-1B renewals, employer changes, and F-1 to H-1B status changes are completely exempt. If you're already working on an H-1B visa, your renewal costs remain $2,000-$5,000 depending on employer size.
What Happens If My EAD Expires While My Renewal Is Pending?
If you filed your EAD renewal on or after October 30, 2025, you must stop working immediately when your current EAD expires, even if your renewal is pending. You cannot legally work again until USCIS approves your renewal application. However, EADs automatically extended before October 30 remain valid for up to 540 days.
Are the UK Immigration Changes Affecting Tourist Visas?
Yes, starting January 8, 2025, nationals from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK, even for tourism. Applications opened on November 27, 2024, and cost £10. This is separate from work and study visa requirements, which face additional financial threshold increases.
Can I Still Apply for Canada Work Permits Despite the Changes?
Absolutely. Canada's November 2025 reforms actually streamlined work permit extensions through online submissions and introduced continued working rights for applicants who file at least 30 days before expiration. However, family Open Work Permit eligibility tightened effective January 21, 2025, with stricter requirements for spouses and dependents.
What You Need to Know Moving Forward
The November 2025 immigration policy changes represent a fundamental shift toward stricter vetting, higher costs, and reduced automatic extensions across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The elimination of automatic EAD extensions and the $100,000 H-1B fee create significant challenges for foreign workers, while ongoing legal challenges may alter these policies in coming months.
If you're planning to apply for work authorization, renewal, or any immigration benefit, act immediately to file before additional changes take effect. Ensure your passport photo meets requirements for your specific visa application, as outdated or non-compliant photos are a leading cause of delays and denials. Monitor official government websites for updates, consult with immigration attorneys for complex cases, and maintain meticulous records of all filing dates and expiration dates to avoid costly gaps in legal status.
--- **Sources:** - [DHS Ends Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization | USCIS](https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-ends-automatic-extension-of-employment-authorization) - [Federal Register: Removal of the Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Documents](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/30/2025-19702/removal-of-the-automatic-extension-of-employment-authorization-documents) - [H-1B $100,000 Fee: Who Pays, Exemptions, RFEs](https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/h1b-100000-fee-november-2025-project-2025-war-on-h1b/) - [Federal Judge Strikes Down USCIS EB-5 Fee Hike](https://americanbazaaronline.com/2025/11/23/uscis-eb-5-fee-hike-struck-down-hope-for-h-1b-lawsuits-470454/) - [Understanding the Major UK Immigration Rule Changes November 2025](https://visaandimmigrations.com/uk-immigration-rule-changes-november-2025/) - [Canada's November 2025 Work Visa Reforms Explained](https://visaandimmigrations.com/canadas-november-2025-work-visa/) - [Holland & Knight: Immigration Recent Changes and New Regulations](https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/11/immigration-recent-changes-and-new-regulations)