Five major visa programs in the United States and Europe are set to implement substantial changes by 2027, affecting eligibility, fees, and application processes, according to Currently, by AT&T. These changes touch work visas, travel authorizations, investment immigration, and international student policies, marking a sharp departure from existing rules.
US H-1B Visa Adopts Wage-Based Lottery, New Fee Enforced
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will replace the longstanding random H-1B visa lottery with a wage-based weighted selection method effective February 27, 2026. Registrations for fiscal year 2027 will be assigned between one and four lottery entries depending on the salary offered, rewarding higher wage levels with increased chances
of selection. This aims to prioritize applicants commanding prevailing wages and reduce reliance on lower-cost offshore staffing models. Additionally, since September 2025, a $100,000 fee applies to new H-1B visa entries, a policy imposed by the Trump administration.
Europe Introduces ETIAS with €20 Application Fee
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will commence operations in the last quarter of 2026 and become mandatory for visa-exempt travelers by approximately April 2027, following a six-month transition. ETIAS requires travelers from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to obtain online pre-authorization and pay a €20 fee. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs
confirmed this fee, which replaces the previously circulated lower figure. By late 2027, travelers entering Europe’s Schengen Area will need ETIAS clearance valid for three years linked to the traveler’s passport.
EB-5 Investor Program Tightens Rules and Raises Investment Threshold
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security along with USCIS published a final rule proposal on July 2, 2026, to enforce the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 starting January 1, 2027. The program increases the minimum investment requirement from $1.05 million to a range between $900,000 and $937,500, adjusted for inflation. New regulations will tighten oversight of regional centers, clarify job-creation evidence, and enhance authority to terminate projects
implicated in fraud or national security risks. Investors must submit applications before the September 30, 2026 grandfathering deadline to benefit from the lower thresholds and stronger protections.
Southern European Golden Visa Programs Restrict Access and Extend Timelines
Spain abolished its Golden Visa program effective April 3, 2025, citing pressures on the housing market; the program had required a €500,000 property investment. Portugal terminated its real estate pathway under the More Housing reform in October 2023 and extended the general citizenship eligibility from five to ten years as of mid-2026. Greece raised the minimum property investment to €800,000 for cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki and popular islands including Mykonos and
Santorini. By 2027, the region’s Golden Visa offerings will have fewer options, higher cost thresholds, and longer waiting periods for citizenship.
U.S. International Student Visa System Introduces Fixed Admission Periods and OPT Restrictions
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed in August 2025 to end the “duration of status” policy, replacing it with fixed admission periods for international students. Extensions beyond these periods would require government authorization, complicating enrollment in programs longer than four years. The Trump administration has also proposed ending or restricting Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT programs that allow international graduates up to 36 months of work authorization post-study. These changes will reduce work opportunities for international
students following completion of their degrees.
These visa updates reflect a broader governmental trend trading previous simplicity for heightened scrutiny, increased fees, and longer processing timelines. The policies aim to protect domestic interests in wages, housing markets, and national security while curbing migration pathways previously leveraged for rapid entry or residency.
