World Visa Academy – Daily Global Visa & Immigration Update Date: 11/05/2026

Portugal Big Alert — Citizenship Wait Time Doubles from 5 to 10 Years, Law Signed by President

What it means: Portugal's President signed the new nationality law on May 3. Once published in the official gazette (expected any day now), most non-EU nationals will need 10 years of legal residency to get Portuguese citizenship instead of 5. EU nationals and citizens of Portuguese speaking countries like Brazil move from 3 to 7 years. New requirements are also added including a language test, a civic knowledge test, and a clean criminal record. The Golden Visa residency program is completely unchanged. Only the citizenship timeline is changing.

Impact: If you have Golden Visa clients who invested specifically for the EU passport in 5 years, call them today. Clients who have already completed 5 years and can file their citizenship application before the law hits the gazette are still protected under the old rules. That window could close any day. For new investors, reframe Portugal honestly: strong permanent residency after 5 years, Schengen access, and a solid EU base. The fast EU passport story is over for most non-EU nationalities.

Canada Big Alert — Express Entry Draw Expected Today, Watch IRCC Right Now

What it means: Today kicks off the expected draw window based on IRCC's two week rhythm since the last draws on April 29. Experts predict a CEC draw at CRS 507 to 514, a French language draw as low as CRS 393, and possibly a Healthcare or Trades category draw as well. No draw confirmed yet as of this morning.

Impact: Check canada.ca now and set IRCC alerts if you have not done so. Every client profile between CRS 380 and 515 should already be fully updated. French language clients at CLB 7 or above are in the strongest position this week. A French draw at 393 could be the lowest cut off of the year. If the draw drops today, there is no time to rush profile updates. Be ready before it lands.

SECTION 2 — CURRENTLY ACTIVE TODAY

United States Big Alert — H-1B Salary Hike Proposal Already Killing Junior Sponsorships

What it means: The proposed 30 percent minimum salary increase for H-1B holders, on top of the 100,000 dollar fee per petition already in force, is causing US companies to quietly drop junior level sponsorships. Entry level tech roles in San Francisco would need salaries of 162,000 dollars to qualify under the new rules. The proposal is not final law but employers are already acting as if it is.

Impact: Indian and international tech professionals counting on H-1B need a backup plan now. Canada Express Entry, UK Skilled Worker, Australia skills pathway, and Germany's Skilled Immigration Act are all live options worth exploring in parallel. Start those conversations with clients before they are left with no options.

United Kingdom Big Alert — ILR Could Soon Take 10 Years Instead of 5

What it means: The UK government's Earned Settlement consultation is still running and could double the wait for Indefinite Leave to Remain from 5 to 10 years. No final decision yet but the direction is clear.

Impact: Any client in the UK approaching 5 years should apply for ILR as soon as they qualify. Do not advise them to wait. Employer clients must continue monthly payroll compliance without exception as UKVI is actively checking.

Saudi Arabia Big Alert — Makkah Fully Closed, Hajj Fines Active

What it means: Hajj falls around May 25 to 30. Makkah is locked down. Anyone caught without an official Hajj permit faces a SAR 20,000 fine, deportation, and a 10 year ban.

Impact: No permit means no Makkah. If a client asks you to help them do Hajj on a tourist visa, the answer is no. The consequences for both the client and the consultant are too serious.

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