Japan will raise visa processing fees by as much as 400% starting July 2026, marking the first fee increase since 1977, according to Currently, by AT&T. The change adjusts visa costs to better align with current economic conditions after nearly fifty years without a hike.
Global Visa and Immigration Program Changes
Significant visa and immigration reforms are also unfolding internationally. The EU will launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in late 2026, with a €20 authorization fee replacing visa-free entry for nationals from the United States and other visa-exempt countries. ETIAS will become mandatory around April 2027 following a six-month transition period.
In
the United States, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce a wage-based ranking system for H-1B visa applicants beginning February 27, 2026. Registrations offering the highest wages will receive up to four entries in the lottery, increasing chances for higher-paid positions. A $100,000 entry fee for new H-1B visa holders will take effect from September 2025, as imposed by the Trump administration.
Investor and Residency Visa Program Adjustments
The U.S. EB-5 investor visa program will raise its minimum investment threshold to between $900,000 and $937,500 from January 1, 2027. A grandfathering deadline for lower thresholds is set at September 30, 2026. The changes come
as part of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which also tightens oversight and fraud prevention measures.
In Europe, Spain has abolished its Golden Visa program as of April 3, 2025, citing pressures on the housing market. Portugal ended its real estate route for its Golden Visa in October 2023 under the More Housing reform and plans to extend citizenship eligibility from five to ten years starting mid-2026. Greece will raise its minimum property investment for Golden Visas to €800,000 in cities including Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini by 2027.
Changes Impacting International Students in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has
proposed eliminating the duration of status policy for international students from August 2025. This would replace indefinite admission status with fixed admission periods requiring approval for extensions, complicating long-term study plans.
Further, proposed stricter regulations may limit Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT that currently allow international graduates 12 months plus 24 months of work authorization. These measures could reduce the pathway from education to employment for foreign students under the H-1B system.
Trend Toward Stricter, Costlier Visa Policies
These visa policy changes in Japan, the EU, and the U.S. reflect a broader global shift toward tighter eligibility criteria, increased fees, and longer timelines for
travel and immigration programs. Governments are balancing economic factors, security concerns, and housing market pressures amid evolving international migration and mobility patterns.
