World Visa Academy – Daily Global Visa & Immigration Update

Date: 24/08/2026

Country Wise Summary

United States

Active Alert – Naturalization Fees

What it means

Today, 24 August, is the final day for public comments on a DHS proposal that would raise the Form N-400 naturalization fee from 760 dollars to 1,330 dollars for paper filings and from 710 dollars to 1,280 dollars for online filings, increases of 75 to 80 percent. The proposal would also eliminate the current 380 dollar reduced fee for lower income applicants and end fee waiver eligibility entirely for both Form N-400 and the N-336 appeal form, while keeping the existing exemption for current and former military service members. DHS says the increase is needed because the current fee does not cover the actual cost of processing an application, citing a gap of more than 636 million dollars a year.

The proposal is not yet final. DHS must review the comments received before issuing a final rule, and current fees remain in place until then.

Impact

Consultants with clients who are eligible for naturalization now, especially those who would rely on the reduced fee or a fee waiver, should discuss filing before any final rule takes effect, since there is no guarantee of a grace period once a new fee is announced. Firms that want to submit a comment on the proposal have until the end of today to do so through the Federal Register docket.

Switzerland

Update – Ukraine Protection Status

What it means

The Swiss Federal Council has extended protection status S for people displaced from Ukraine through 4 March 2028, aligning with a similar extension the EU agreed on 30 July. Alongside the extension, Switzerland introduced a new restriction: starting 20 August, status S will only be granted to new applicants who have complied with any military service obligations that apply to them in Ukraine. The change does not affect anyone who already holds status S, and support measures under Programme S, including funding for language and integration support, are also extended to March 2028.

Impact

Consultants with Ukrainian clients who already hold status S in Switzerland should confirm their protection and support entitlements are secure through March 2028 with no new action required. Clients of military age applying for status S for the first time from 20 August onward should be told they will need to demonstrate compliance with Ukrainian military obligations, and should seek guidance on what documentation satisfies this requirement before applying.

Chile

New – Employer Verification

What it means

Chile's National Immigration Service, known as SERMIG, has launched a free digital Work Authorization Certificate, called the Habilitación Laboral, that lets employers instantly verify whether a foreign national is authorized to work in Chile. The certificate includes a QR code that can be scanned to confirm authenticity and current status, and is issued through SERMIG's online immigration platform.

Impact

Consultants advising employers hiring foreign nationals in Chile should recommend requesting this certificate as a quick first check during hiring, while still reminding clients that a full review of an applicant's visa, entry records, and residence status remains necessary. SERMIG itself has said the certificate does not replace comprehensive documentation checks.

No major new policy changes or big announcements reported from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, or the rest of North America and Europe today.