United KingdomVisas and rules
UK Graduate visa shortens to 18 months for applications from January 2027
Officially announced Oct 14, 2025Source: gov.ukChecked against official sources
Latest study abroad updates
Visas, schools, life overseas: what you should know before you go.
13 updates・Newest first
The UK Graduate visa gives 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. PhD graduates will continue to get 3 years. We are reminding readers because the end of the year is approaching.
Applies in 24 days
New ZealandVisas and rulesNew Zealand launches a 6-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa on 16 November
Officially announced Sep 10, 2026Source: immigration.govt.nzChecked against official sources
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that it will open applications for the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa on 16 November 2026. The visa gives international students who completed an NZQCF level 5 to 7 qualification 6 months of open work rights. Eligibility for the Post-Study Work Visa will also expand on the same day.
NewApplies in 11 days
CanadaVisas and rulesCanada Express Entry: extra CRS points for high-wage occupations from 3 November
Officially announced Oct 16, 2026Source: canada.caChecked against official sources
On 16 October 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes to Express Entry, Canada's permanent residence selection system. From 3 November 2026, additional CRS points will be awarded for Canadian work experience in high-wage occupations and for high-wage job offers, and eligible job offers will no longer need an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
NewPhilippinesVisas and rules
Philippine Bureau of Immigration reminds travellers to register on eTravel
Officially announced Oct 5, 2026Source: immigration.gov.phChecked against official sources
On 5 October 2026, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded people arriving in the Philippines, including foreign travellers, to register or update their eTravel information. BI says foreign nationals who give false information may be refused entry.
AustraliaVisas and rulesAustralia plans a ballot for second- and third-year Working Holiday visas
Officially announced Sep 17, 2026Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.auChecked against official sources
On 17 September 2026, Australia's Minister for Home Affairs announced a plan to introduce a ballot system for second- and third-year Working Holiday visas, while keeping the regional work requirement. The start date and how the ballot will work have not been published yet.
NewDeadline in 17 days
United StatesVisas and rulesUS DHS proposes new fees for F-1 students' OPT
Officially announced Oct 7, 2026Source: federalregister.govChecked against official sources
On 7 October 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule to introduce new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which lets F-1 students work during or after their studies. The proposal sets USD 70,000 per student for initial OPT and USD 30,000 for any subsequent OPT. It is only a proposal and has not been finalised; comments are accepted until 9 November 2026.
NewImportant
United StatesVisas and rulesUS ESTA fee rises to USD 40.62 from 16 October 2026
Officially announced Oct 1, 2026Source: public-inspection.federalregister.govChecked against official sources
In the Federal Register of 1 October 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) gave notice that the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) fee will be adjusted for inflation. The fee for an approved ESTA rises from USD 40.27 to USD 40.62, and the new fee applies from 16 October 2026, 15 days after publication.
NewImportant
AustraliaVisas and rulesAustralia: most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa onshore (from 2 October)
Officially announced Oct 2, 2026Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.auChecked against official sources
From 2 October 2026, Australia changed the application rules for the Student visa (subclass 500). Most temporary visa holders, including Working Holiday visa holders, can no longer apply for a Student visa from inside Australia. Including family members (partner and children) in a Student visa application is also no longer possible in most cases.
NewImportant
South KoreaVisas and rulesKorea's Ministry of Justice announces plans to reform student visas
Officially announced Oct 7, 2026Source: immigration.go.krChecked against official sources
On 7 October 2026, Korea's Ministry of Justice announced plans to reform the visa system for international students, including waiving proof of funds for people with strong Korean skills and changing the criteria for part-time work permission. Many items are still at the planning or preparation stage, and specific start dates have not been set.
Important
United KingdomVisas and rulesUK raises Student visa maintenance (funds) requirement from 30 November
Officially announced Sep 3, 2026Source: gov.ukChecked against official sources
The UK Home Office will raise the maintenance (proof of funds) amounts for Student visa applications from 30 November 2026: from GBP 1,529 to GBP 1,570 per month for study in London, and from GBP 1,171 to GBP 1,203 per month outside London. Applications made before 30 November will be decided under the previous rules.
JapanVisas and rulesJapan revises fees for residence procedures from 1 October
Officially announced Aug 28, 2026Source: moj.go.jpChecked against official sources
Japan's Immigration Services Agency revised the fees for change of status of residence, extension of period of stay and permanent residence from 1 October 2026. Fees for changes and extensions, which used to be a flat amount, now depend on the length of the period of stay granted. This affects international students and foreign workers in Japan when they renew or change their visa.
NewImportant
CanadaVisas and rulesCanada IEC: application pools for the 2026 season have closed
Officially announced Oct 19, 2026Source: ircc.canada.caChecked against official sources
IRCC has closed the application pools for the 2026 season of International Experience Canada (IEC), which includes the Working Holiday category. The official page says "The pools for the 2026 season are closed." Profiles of people who did not receive an invitation (ITA) will be removed, and they will need to register again for the 2027 season.
Deadline in 8 days
ColombiaVisas and rulesColombia: deadline for transferring permanent resident visas is 31 October 2026
Officially announced Sep 15, 2026Source: cancilleria.gov.coChecked against official sources
On 15 September 2026, Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) reminded foreign nationals holding a Resident Permanent visa issued under the previous rules to complete the visa transfer (traspaso de visa) on time. The deadline is 31 October 2026. The procedure is online only and is required for issuing the foreigner ID card (cédula de extranjería).
