World Visa Academy – Daily Global Visa & Immigration Update Date: 08/05/2026

United States Big Alert – Federal Court Orders USCIS to Resume Processing Work Permits for Blocked International Students

What it means: A US federal judge has ordered USCIS to restart processing work permits (OPT) for international students from countries on the travel ban list. Since late 2025, USCIS had completely stopped processing immigration benefits for students from 39 countries including Iran, Venezuela, Sudan and others — leaving thousands of graduates unable to work. Dozens of lawsuits were filed challenging this. The court has now stepped in and ordered USCIS to process these cases. However, USCIS has still given no clear timeline for when full processing will resume for everyone. About 2 million total applications are stuck in this backlog.

Impact: If you have clients who are international students from travel-ban countries waiting for OPT work authorization — this is a big development. Some are getting relief but many are still waiting. Tell them not to leave the US while their OPT is pending as travel may be treated as abandoning the application. Also note: premium processing for OPT (Form I-765) now costs USD $1,780 — it speeds things up but doesn't guarantee approval.

United States Big Alert – SIJ Deadline is TOMORROW May 10 — Last Chance for Child Immigrants

What it means: From May 10, Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitions will no longer automatically receive deferred action protection. This is a critical protection for vulnerable child immigrants. Tomorrow is the absolute last day to file under the old rules.

Impact: Call any partner lawyers handling SIJ cases right now. Tomorrow is the deadline. After May 10, these children lose automatic protection upon filing. Do not delay even one more day.

Canada Big Alert – FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa Rush Starting — No Special Visa, Apply Now or Lose Your Spot

What it means: FIFA World Cup 2026 runs June 11 – July 19 across Canada (Toronto & Vancouver), USA, and Mexico. Canada has confirmed there is NO special FIFA fan visa. Every visitor must apply for a regular Visitor Visa (TRV) or eTA based on their nationality. The official IRCC guidance says applicants should type "FIFA World Cup 26" in the background section of their application. FIFA players, referees, and official staff do not need a work permit but may still need a visa or eTA.

Impact: This is a massive opportunity for consultants. Millions of fans will need Canadian visitor visas — and many won't know the rules. Indian, Pakistani, and other South Asian passport holders need a full TRV, not just an eTA. Warn clients — having a FIFA ticket does NOT guarantee visa approval. Providing false information risks a 5-year Canada ban. Also warn against immigration agents falsely "promising" Canada entry for FIFA — this is a scam flagged by IRCC itself.

Canada Big Alert – Express Entry Draw Expected Week of May 11 — Get Ready Now

What it means: No draw has happened since April 29. The next draw cluster is confirmed expected during the week of May 11–14. Expected CRS cut-offs: CEC around 507–514, French language as low as 393–400, possible Healthcare or Trades category draw. Pool has 234,452 candidates.

Impact: Update all client profiles today. Check document expiry dates. Set IRCC alerts at canada.ca right now. French-speaking clients at CLB 7+ have the best chance. Don't wait for the draw announcement to start preparing.

Europe: Warn all Europe-bound clients to expect longer queues on first entry. 90-day overstay is now electronically tracked with zero tolerance. ETIAS only at official site travel-europe.europa.eu/etias — anyone paying elsewhere today is being scammed.

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