Stay informed with the latest visa, passport, and immigration updates from around the world
The U.S. has implemented sweeping immigration policy changes in November 2025, including the end of automatic EAD extensions affecting 900,000+ applicants, new $100,000 H-1B fees, and terminated TPS protections for multiple countries. These changes represent the most significant shift in immigration enforcement in over 50 years.
The U.S. State Department has delayed the DV-2027 Green Card lottery registration while implementing a historic $1 entry fee, the first in program history. Meanwhile, 129,516 winners were selected for DV-2026, with applications now open through September 30, 2026.
Major passport photo requirements updates took effect globally in November 2025, including Germany's digital-only mandate, the US ban on AI-edited photos, India's strict ICAO compliance, and new biometric standards affecting 193 countries worldwide.
Major visa policy changes took effect in November 2025, including new U.S. interview location requirements, UK immigration rule changes effective November 11, and the elimination of automatic EAD extensions affecting 900,000+ pending applications. These updates impact immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants worldwide.
The TSA began full enforcement of REAL ID requirements on May 7, 2025, requiring all air travelers 18+ to present compliant identification or acceptable alternatives like passports. Meanwhile, the UK announced mandatory digital ID cards for workers by 2029, sparking controversy with 2.9 million petition signatures against the proposal.
Major travel restriction updates are reshaping international travel in 2025, including the UK's expanded Electronic Travel Authorization for European visitors, delayed EU ETIAS implementation pushed to 2026, and ongoing US travel ban affecting 19 countries. Travelers need to prepare for new pre-authorization requirements and updated entry policies.
The U.S. State Department announced major changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery program in November 2025, including a delayed DV-2027 registration period, a new mandatory $1 entry fee, and the selection of 129,516 winners from over 20.8 million DV-2026 applications. These updates mark significant shifts in the green card lottery system affecting millions of applicants worldwide.
Major passport photo requirements updates are now in effect across the United States, Germany, and India as of November 2025. The changes include stricter biometric standards, digital-only submissions, and zero tolerance for AI-edited photos, affecting millions of travelers worldwide as countries align with new ICAO international standards.
Major visa policy changes took effect in November 2025, including new health-based visa denials, interview location requirements, and the end of automatic EAD extensions. These immigration policy updates impact millions of visa applicants, green card holders, and work permit renewals across all categories.
Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must present REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or identification cards to board domestic flights and access federal facilities. The TSA published final enforcement rules on January 13, 2025, marking the end of a 20-year transition period since the REAL ID Act was passed in 2005.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security implemented major immigration policy changes in October-November 2025, including ending automatic work permit extensions, new H-1B fees, and stricter visa interview requirements. These changes affect millions of foreign workers, green card applicants, and international travelers starting October 30, 2025.
The U.S. State Department has delayed the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration indefinitely and introduced a mandatory $1 entry fee for the first time in program history. As of November 2025, no registration date has been announced, leaving millions of applicants worldwide awaiting updates while 129,516 DV-2026 winners prepare for visa processing.
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