World Visa Academy – Daily Global Visa & Immigration Update Date: 06 May 2026

New Zealand Big Alert – ACT Party Announces Major Immigration Policy Changes

What it means: New Zealand's ACT Party just announced its election immigration plan. Main points: migrants on temporary work visas will pay NZD $6 extra per day as an infrastructure fee; new permanent residents cannot use any welfare support for 5 years; serious criminals will be deported no matter how long they've lived in NZ; and basic English will be required for most work visas.

Impact: This is not law yet — it's an election promise. But if ACT wins, work visa costs will jump sharply. The $6/day fee alone adds NZD $2,190 per year. Start preparing clients for a stricter and more expensive New Zealand pathway. Watch the election results closely.

Canada Big Alert – No Express Entry Draw Today Despite Predictions

What it means: Many people expected a new Express Entry draw today based on Canada's usual 2-week schedule. It did not happen. The last draw was April 29. The next draw is now expected in the week of May 11–14. When it comes, CRS cut-off is expected around 512–514 for general candidates and as low as 393–400 for French language candidates.

Impact: Do not tell clients a draw happened — it did not. Set IRCC alerts now for next week. If your client speaks French (CLB 7+), their chances are much better. Make sure all client profiles are updated and ready before May 11.

United States Big Alert – Green Card Filing Rules Changed This Month + Important May 10 Deadline

What it means: For the whole of May 2026, all employment-based green card applicants must use the stricter Chart A dates. The easier Chart B option is closed this month. Anyone who missed the April 30 deadline to file under Chart B may have to wait years to file again. Also, from May 10, a special protection for child immigrants (SIJ cases) is being removed.

Impact: Review all employment-based green card cases right now. Clients who missed April 30 need a new long-term plan. Alert any partner lawyers handling child immigration cases about the May 10 SIJ deadline — that's this Sunday. Good news: some applicants now qualify for a 5-year work permit instead of 2 years — check if your clients qualify.

United Kingdom Big Alert – Employers Must Pay Correct Salary Every Single Month or Lose Sponsor Licence

What it means: Since April 8, UK companies sponsoring foreign workers must pay the full required salary every month — not just on average. One underpayment in any month can lead to compliance action. Also, applicants from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan applying for UK work or student visas from outside the UK are being automatically refused.

Impact: Tell employer clients to check their payroll immediately. One mistake can cost them their sponsor licence. Clients from those 4 countries must be inside the UK to apply. Also — the UK job occupation code review closes May 11. If you have employer clients whose roles may be affected, this week is the last chance to raise concerns.

Australia Big Alert – Iranian Passport Holders Blocked from Travelling to Australia Right Now

What it means: Since March 26, Iranian nationals holding an Australian Visitor Visa who are currently outside Australia cannot travel there. Their visa is not cancelled but it cannot be used right now. This block lasts up to 6 months. People already inside Australia are not affected.

Impact: If you have Iranian clients with an Australian visitor visa who are currently outside Australia — tell them not to book flights. Australia now has a new law allowing the government to block any group of temporary visa holders without cancelling their visa. This risk can apply to other nationalities too without much warning.

Europe / Schengen Big Alert – Fingerprint Border System Fully Running + ETIAS Travel Permit Coming Late 2026 — Scam Websites Already Active

What it means: All 29 Schengen countries now take fingerprints and face photos from non-EU travelers at the border. Overstaying 90 days is now automatically detected — no more slipping through. A new travel permit called ETIAS (costs €20, valid 3 years) is coming in late 2026. It is NOT live yet. Many fake websites are already charging people for fake ETIAS.

Impact: Warn clients travelling to Europe to expect longer queues at the border. The 90-day rule is now strictly enforced. For ETIAS — brief clients now so they're ready when it launches. The only official website will be travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Warn clients to pay nobody else claiming to offer ETIAS today — it is a scam.

Saudi Arabia Big Alert – Makkah Fully Closed, Heavy Fines for Non-Hajj Visitors

What it means: Makkah is locked down for Hajj season (approx. May 25–30). Anyone caught in Makkah on a tourist, business, or regular visa faces a SAR 20,000 fine (~USD 5,330), deportation, and a 10-year ban. Travel agents who help clients do Hajj illegally face fines up to SAR 100,000. Umrah will resume around June 10–11.

Impact: Simple rule — if your client has no official Hajj permit, they must stay out of Makkah completely. Do not help any client try to perform Hajj on a tourist visa. The consequences are serious for both the client and you.

No major new policy changes or big announcements reported from other countries worldwide today.