This Week in Global Mobility: Major US Employment Visa Shifts and Portugal's Programme Overhaul
US Employment-Based Visas Enter New Territory The July 2026 visa bulletin for employment-based categories has been updated, alongside notable changes to EB-2 and EB-5 categories for Indian nationals. These updates suggest shifting priority dates and processing timelines—critical indicators for those tracking US immigration pathways. Parallel changes to E-2 visa requirements indicate broader adjustments to investor and treaty trader sponsorships.
Europe's Income Requirements Tighten European visa programmes are adjusting income thresholds across multiple categories. Digital nomad visas, EU Blue Card salary requirements, and standard visitor visa income benchmarks are all undergoing updates. Additionally, Portugal's D7 Passive Income Visa and broader residency framework have been modified. These changes may impact cost-of-living calculations for those planning European relocation.
Spain and Canada Close Golden Visa and Start-Up Doors Two significant programme closures emerged: Spain's Golden Visa Program is no longer available, and Canada's Start-Up Visa (SUV) has been closed alongside related self-employed programmes. These closures eliminate previously popular pathways for investors and entrepreneurs seeking residence in these countries.
Portugal's Comprehensive Programme Updates Portugal implemented substantial updates across its mobility offerings, including changes to Portuguese Citizenship by Investment, the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, NHR 2.0/IFICI Tax Regime, and Sephardic Jewish Citizenship pathways. The Golden Visa programme also saw requirement adjustments. New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa and the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements similarly changed.
Bottom Line This week's changes reflect a broader trend: tightening income requirements in Europe, consolidation of investment visa programmes globally, and shifting timelines in US employment pathways. Anyone with pending applications, investment plans, or relocation timelines should verify current requirements immediately—several traditional pathways have fundamentally changed or disappeared entirely.
Full details at wherecanimove.com.