World Visa Academy – Daily Global Visa & Immigration Update Date: 20/5/2026

Ethiopia – EU lifts visa restrictions
What it means: The EU Council has ended the special visa measures it imposed on Ethiopia in 2024. Ethiopian nationals will now face the standard Schengen visa process and fees again, instead of longer waits and higher documentation requirements.
Impact: Ethiopian travelers can apply for EU visas (e.g. via Ireland) under the normal rules, with fees dropping back to the standard €80 and some document waivers returning. Consultants should alert Ethiopian clients that visa applications should be easier and cheaper now.

New Zealand Big Alert — Residency Ballot Draw Happening Today

What it means: Immigration New Zealand is conducting the Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota residency ballot draw today. Selected applicants can move toward New Zealand permanent residence pathways.

Impact: Consultants handling Pacific region clients should watch for results and tell clients to prepare civil documents, medicals and finances in advance.

United States – Immigrant Visa issuances paused (75 countries)
What it means: Since January 21, 2026, the U.S. State Department has suspended all immigrant (green card) visa issuances for nationals of 75 listed countries. Tourist and other nonimmigrant visas are not affected by this pause.

Impact: Applicants from those countries must wait indefinitely for their green cards, as no final decisions or visa issuances will be made during the pause. Only limited exceptions apply (for example, if the person also holds another country’s passport, or is an American adopting a child). Immigration consultants should inform affected clients that immigrant visa processing is on hold and consider alternative options or waivers where possible.

India – New Immigration Act 2025 in effect
What it means: India’s new Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 took effect on September 1, 2025. It merges four older laws into one and introduces stricter requirements for foreign visitors. Now all foreign nationals must register with the local Foreigners Registration Office within 14 days of arrival. Schools, hospitals and other institutions must also report foreign students, patients, and visitors promptly under the new rules.

Impact: Foreigners planning to stay in India should arrange registration immediately after arrival to avoid fines. Employers and educational institutions need to help their foreign workers or students comply with the new reporting requirements. Consultants must ensure clients understand these procedures, as violations carry heavier penalties under the new law.

China – Visa-free entry extended through 2026
What it means: China has extended its visa-free travel policy until December 31, 2026. Nationals of 46 countries (primarily EU states and others like Saudi Arabia) can still enter China for up to 30 days without a visa for business, tourism or family visits. China also continues a special visa-free entry arrangement for Russians until September 14, 2026. However, visa-free visitors may not engage in any work activities.

Impact: Travelers from those eligible countries (and Russians under the special program) can enter China more easily, boosting tourism and business trips. Consultants should remind clients that although no visa is needed for up to 30 days, employment or paid work in China requires a proper work visa.

Japan – Updated visa fee schedule
What it means: Japan revised its visa application fees.  The new fee schedule is very low: Indian nationals now pay only $6 for single-entry and $6 for multiple-entry visas, while applicants from all other countries pay $20 for single-entry and $40 for multiple-entry visas. Transit visa fees were also reduced (to $1 and $5, respectively).

Impact: Japanese travel has become significantly cheaper for visa applicants, especially for Indians. Consultants should update clients on these new fees and ensure that payments (cash, money order, etc.) are prepared correctly for each nationality.

Australia – 2026–27 Migration Program set at 185,000
What it means: The Australian government announced on May 12, 2026 that the 2026–27 permanent Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places. Of these, about 132,240 places (71%) are allocated to the skilled stream and 52,460 (28%) to the family stream. A major feature is the “onshore focus”: roughly 129,590 places are reserved for people already in Australia.

Impact: Skilled-worker pathways (especially employer-sponsored visas – 58,040 places) remain the priority, reflecting strong demand for foreign talent. Temporary residents in Australia have good chances to transition to permanent residency under this program. Consultants should advise clients that onshore applicants and sponsored skilled workers will have the best opportunities in this migration intake.

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

Pro Tip: Immigration consultants should closely follow official government and embassy sources for daily updates. Early awareness of new policies (visa fee changes, program caps, etc.) lets you guide clients proactively—updating them on how to meet new requirements or take advantage of eased rules.