Global Immigration Changes in September 2026: New Rules for Students, Workers and Visitors
Several major destinations are changing immigration rules in September 2026, affecting international students, skilled workers, visitors and long-term migrants in Australia, the United States, Europe, Japan and the UK.
In Australia, new rules have changed the conditions for international students and Working Holiday applicants. Most new students and graduates will no longer be allowed to bring partners or children, with limited exemptions for groups including PhD candidates and nationals of Pacific and ASEAN countries. Students who are already in Australia with family members will not be affected.
The Working Holiday programme is also moving to a ballot system, with 45,000 places available for a second year and 5,000 for a third year. UK citizens will retain special access under the bilateral trade agreement. The changes form part of Australia’s efforts to reduce net overseas migration, with the government targeting 245,000 migrants in 2026-27 and 225,000 a year thereafter.
In the United States, a federal judge has temporarily blocked a Department of Homeland Security rule that would replace the existing duration-of-status system with fixed admission periods. The proposed rules would have limited students and exchange visitors to four years, while journalists would have been allowed to remain for up to 240 days unless they received an extension.
The injunction means the existing system remains in place for now, although the US government can appeal the decision. The case adds to continued uncertainty over changes to the country’s immigration system as courts consider challenges to new policies.
In Europe, interior ministers from 17 countries met in Munich on 26 September to discuss measures to strengthen cooperation on border management and migrant returns. The discussions included proposals to establish return centres in third countries.
Germany has also proposed a new crisis mechanism and a larger role for Frontex in border protection. The measures under discussion do not directly change Schengen visa rules but form part of wider efforts by European governments to strengthen controls on irregular migration.
Japan is experiencing a decline in arrivals under its main skilled worker category. Data from the Immigration Services Agency analysed by Nikkei show that inflows have fallen by between 20 and 40 per cent compared with 2025.
Several factors have contributed to the decline, including stricter screening, language requirements for customer-facing jobs, tighter checks on intra-company transfers and higher capital requirements for business visas. Artificial intelligence is also affecting demand for workers, particularly in IT, translation and interpretation.
In the UK, a new Statement of Changes, HC 584, is due to take effect on 8 October. Under the changes, skilled workers recognised as victims of modern slavery will be able to undertake other forms of employment, including self-employment and voluntary work.
The UK has also confirmed plans to rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027. In addition, dependent children of Hong Kong BN(O) status holders will be able to settle in line with their parents without completing a separate five-year residence period.
International students will also face higher maintenance requirements from 30 November. The required amount will increase to £1,570 a month for students in London and £1,203 a month for those studying outside the capital.
