World Visa Academy – Daily Global Visa & Immigration Update Date: 10/05/2026

United States Big Alert – Trump Proposes H-1B Salary Hike of 30%. Entry-Level Tech Workers Would Need USD 162,000 in San Francisco

What it means: The Trump administration has officially proposed raising the minimum salary required for H-1B work visa holders by roughly 30% across the board. This is not yet final law  it is a proposal awaiting Department of Labor approval  but it is being taken very seriously. If passed, an entry-level software engineer in San Francisco would need to earn at least USD 162,000 per year to qualify, up from around USD 125,000 today. In New York the minimum would be USD 132,000, and in Dallas USD 113,000. On top of this, a USD 100,000 fee per new H-1B petition is already in force since September 2025. Together, these costs could add USD 18 billion to employer bills in the first year alone. Within three years the annual hit could reach USD 43 billion.

Impact: This is one of the biggest H-1B stories of 2026 and every consultant working with Indian or international tech talent must pay attention. Companies are already cutting back on sponsoring junior H-1B workers because it simply costs too much. If the salary proposal is finalised, H-1B will effectively become a visa only for senior, highly paid professionals  entry-level international graduates will find it far harder to get sponsored. For Indian clients on H-1B or OPT hoping to transition to H-1B, this is the time to seriously explore alternative pathways: Canada Express Entry, UK Skilled Worker, Australia points-based, or EB-1A self-petition routes. Start those conversations now.

United States Big Alert – SIJ Child Protection Policy Changes Today. New Rules Now in Force

What it means: Today, May 10, is the date USCIS's new SIJ policy takes effect. From today, children applying under Special Immigrant Juvenile status will no longer automatically receive deferred action protection upon approval. Any SIJ petition filed from today onwards is under the new, stricter rules. Petitions filed before today are still evaluated under the more protective 2022 framework. Federal court litigation is ongoing and could change things — but as of this morning, the new policy is live.

Impact: If you work with any lawyers handling child immigration cases, this policy is now active. Existing SIJ holders with current deferred action keep it until it expires but renewals after today face a different process. Anyone who filed before today should confirm their case status. This is an area to monitor closely as court orders could intervene.

Canada Big Alert – Express Entry Draw Cluster Expected This Week Around May 13–14 — Get Profiles Ready

What it means: Canada has not held any draw since April 29. The next cluster of draws is firmly expected around Wednesday May 13 to 14. Based on IRCC's consistent 2026 pattern, expect three draws in quick succession: first a PNP draw, then a CEC draw at CRS 513 to 516, then a category draw — likely French language at CRS as low as 393, or Healthcare or Trades. IRCC is also running a public consultation on Express Entry reform until May 24. Big changes to scoring and category selection could follow later in 2026.

Impact: Today is your last real preparation window before the draws hit. Update every client profile right now  check language test scores, job experience, and document expiry dates. If any client has French language ability at CLB 7 or above, push them to update their TEF or TCF scores immediately. A French draw could come at CRS 393 this week. Missing it by even 5 points because a profile was not updated is the kind of thing clients never forget.

Mexico Big Alert – Immigration Processing Delays and Kiosk Warnings at Major Airports Ahead of FIFA World Cup

What it means: Mexico's immigration authorities have issued a formal reminder this week that automated self-service kiosks at Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey airports are experiencing delays and operational issues due to high arrival volumes and ongoing airport renovations for FIFA World Cup 2026. Foreign nationals using the kiosks have reported being processed incorrectly in some cases. Residents of Mexico in particular have been mistakenly registered as tourists by the machines. Processing delays are also affecting immigration timelines more broadly across Mexico.

Impact: If you have clients travelling through Mexico right now or in the coming weeks for FIFA World Cup preparation, warn them not to use automated kiosks if they hold any kind of residency status in Mexico. They should always go to a human immigration officer instead. Tourists should also allow extra time at immigration on arrival. Mexico City airport renovations are ongoing through the FIFA season — every client travelling through Mexico should budget extra time for delays.

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

Pro Tip for Immigration Consultants

The H-1B story today is the biggest signal of 2026 so far. A 30% salary hike proposal on top of a USD 100,000 filing fee is not a minor adjustment, it is a structural shift that could permanently reduce H-1B as a practical pathway for junior international talent. Right now, while your clients are still processing the news, is the best time to open a conversation about alternatives. Canada Express Entry is still running draws every two weeks. The UK Skilled Worker route has no salary lottery and lower sponsorship costs. Australia's points system rewards STEM and trade backgrounds strongly. The consultants who start repositioning their H-1B clients toward these alternatives today will be the ones building long-term client relationships  not just handling one visa and hoping it works out.