January Visa Bulletin Update: USCIS to Honor Employment-Based Filing Dates Next Month

Senior Associate Tracey Kimberly explores the recent increase in RFEs for EB‑5 I‑526E petitions, highlighting heightened USCIS scrutiny of source-of-funds documentation—particularly in cases involving loan-based investments and property sale proceeds.

Director Audrey Morew examines how Nordic immigration systems, while increasingly digital and efficient, can embed compliance risk earlier in the process—placing greater responsibility on employers to ensure data accuracy, internal controls and long‑term compliance from the outset.

Partner Rick Lamanna outlines Canada’s entry requirements for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting visa and eTA processes, border expectations and special measures for participants to help travelers prepare for seamless entry during the tournament.

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.