Canada's official Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) information page lists scheduled maintenance from midnight to 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time on 13 October 2026. During that period, the online eTA application form is unavailable.

An eTA is generally required by visa exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada, subject to applicable exceptions. It is not a replacement for a visitor visa for travellers who require one.

This is a temporary service interruption, not a new Canadian immigration policy.

Official source: Government of Canada eTA information

The US Department of State announced on 18 September that online presence screening would be expanded from 1 October 2026 to additional nonimmigrant visa categories, including I visas for foreign media representatives and TN and TD visas under the USMCA framework.

The published guidance instructs applicants in these categories to set their social media profiles to public or open to support the screening process. This is an active requirement, not a new announcement made on 13 October.

Official source: US Department of State visa screening announcement

Immigration New Zealand introduced a new selection model for Parent Resident Visa expressions of interest on 5 October 2026. Approximately 90% of selections will be made in date order through a queue, while around 10% will be selected through a random ballot.

The annual limit of 2,500 visa approvals in principle remains unchanged. The first selection under the new model is scheduled for 10 November 2026.

Official source: Immigration New Zealand

The UK Home Office published immigration rule amendments that took effect on 8 October 2026, with additional provisions scheduled for later dates. The changes cover several immigration routes and appendices, including long residence, family members, private life and protection for victims of domestic abuse.

Further provisions have separate commencement dates in October, November and December. These are previously announced changes, not a new policy announcement dated 13 October.

Official source: UK Immigration Rules updates

The additional checks covered official sources in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and European institutions, alongside searches for other national immigration announcements. Some findings are service notices or upcoming dates rather than new policy announcements. The official listings reviewed did not establish further major policy announcements dated 13 October 2026 for the other regions searched. This is not proof that no announcement occurred in any of the world's 200 plus jurisdictions.

No major new policy changes or big announcements were reported from other countries worldwide today, based on the material reviewed.

Dates to Watch

Before publishing a daily immigration update, verify three dates separately: the date an announcement was published, the date the rule takes effect, and the date applicants must take action. This prevents old news from being presented as breaking news.

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