The 2026 Visa Budget Guide: Managing Fee Hikes and Faster Processing
Get the latest on April 2026 immigration changes. Includes UK visa fee increases, Canada's 30-day processing guarantee, and new US H-1B requirements.
Happy Saturday.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the calendar, you’ll know that April is traditionally a month of massive change in the world of global mobility. This year is no exception. Between major fee hikes in the UK and Canada and new technical requirements in the USA and the EU, there is a lot for both employers and candidates to digest.
At Global Sponsor Hub, we know that staying on top of these updates can feel like a full-time job in itself. That’s why we’re kicking off our new Saturday roundup series. We’ve sifted through the legislative updates and policy papers so you don’t have to.
Whether you are looking for visa sponsorship jobs uk or you are an employer trying to navigate the new salary check requirements, here is everything you need to know for the week ending 11 April 2026.
United Kingdom: Higher Costs and Stricter Compliance
The UK Home Office has officially rolled out its April 2026 update, and the theme this year is clear: higher costs for applicants and tighter oversight for sponsors.
The New Fee Structure
Starting this month, we are seeing a significant bump in visa application fees across the board. If you are planning to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, a Student visa, or even a standard Visitor visa, you’ll need to budget a bit more. These increases aren't just a few pounds; they are designed to cover the rising costs of border "modernisation."
For candidates searching for jobs with visa sponsorship, this makes it even more vital to ensure your application is perfect the first time. Rejection fees are becoming an expensive mistake. You can find more details on how to prepare your application on our Candidates page.
Stricter Monthly Salary Checks
Perhaps the biggest headache for HR departments this month is the introduction of "real-time" monthly salary checks. The Home Office has linked their systems more closely with HMRC. Starting now, if a sponsored worker’s monthly pay drops below the threshold stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) without a pre-approved reason (like unpaid leave or sick pay), it will trigger an automatic flag.
For employers, this means your payroll and HR teams need to be in constant communication. A small administrative error could lead to a compliance audit or, worse, the revocation of your sponsor licence. If you’re worried about how this affects your current team, check out our resources for employers.
Canada: Balancing Fees with Efficiency
Canada is taking a slightly different approach. While they are also raising fees, they are promising a much smoother experience in return.
PR Fee Increases (Effective 30 April 2026)
If you are currently in the process of applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada, take note: fees are set to increase on 30 April 2026. This is part of the biennial inflationary adjustment. If you have your paperwork ready, now is the time to hit "submit" to save yourself a few hundred dollars.
The 30-Day Processing Guarantee
In a move that has surprised many in the industry, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a 30-day processing guarantee for select high-demand sectors. This is incredible news for those looking for visa sponsorship jobs in tech, healthcare, and green energy.
To support this speed, Canada has also launched a new resettlement support programme. This is designed to help newcomers find housing and community services faster than ever before. It's a clear signal that while it might cost more to get in, Canada is working hard to ensure you succeed once you arrive. You can explore current openings in the Great White North on our Canada jobs page.
USA: The Mandatory New Form I-129
Across the pond, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a major change for H-1B petitions.
As of this week, the old versions of Form I-129 (Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker) are officially retired. Any H-1B petition mailed or filed electronically must now use the April 2026 edition.
Why does this matter? The new form includes more detailed questions regarding third-party placements and specific "itinerary" requirements for workers who aren't based at the employer’s primary office. For tech companies and consultancies, this adds a layer of complexity to the filing process.
If you are an employer looking to bring in international talent, ensure your legal team is using the correct version of the form to avoid immediate rejection. You can see how other US firms are handling these changes in our Partner Directory.
European Union: The EES is Finally Here
After several delays, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational across most Schengen Area member states.
What is the EES?
The EES is an automated IT system for registering travellers from non-EU countries (including the UK and the US) each time they cross an EU external border. It replaces the old-school manual stamping of passports.
How it impacts Sponsored Workers
For those working on a visa within the EU or digital nomads moving between hubs, the EES means your "days in" and "days out" are now tracked with digital precision. There is no longer any "grey area" regarding the 90/180-day rule.
If you are travelling for work, ensure your visa documentation is always up to date and correctly linked to your biometric profile at the border. Mistakes here could lead to entry bans that would seriously jeopardise your employment status. If you're looking for your next move within Europe, check out our listings for Germany or other EU hubs.
As these systems become more digital and interconnected, preparation matters more than ever. Keeping your documents organised and understanding the rules before you travel can save a lot of stress later on.
What This Means for You
Whether you are a candidate or an employer, the "April Shift" highlights one major truth: global mobility is becoming more data-driven and more expensive.
For Candidates
The competition for visa sponsorship jobs uk and elsewhere is fierce. With higher application fees, you cannot afford to apply for roles where you don't meet the sponsorship criteria. Use tools like Global Sponsor Hub to target employers who are actually licensed and willing to sponsor.
- Action Step: Review your CV and ensure your salary expectations align with the new UK thresholds.
- Action Step: Check our FAQs if you're unsure about the new fee structures.
For Employers
Compliance is no longer something you can check once a year. With the UK’s monthly salary checks and the USA’s new reporting requirements, immigration compliance must be integrated into your monthly HR workflows.
- Action Step: Audit your payroll against your CoS records immediately.
- Action Step: If you're struggling to find the right talent amidst these changes, visit our Employer portal to see how we can streamline your search.
Final Thoughts
It’s been a whirlwind start to the month. While the fee hikes are a bitter pill to swallow, the move towards faster processing in Canada and digital border systems in the EU shows that the world is still very much open for business: provided you follow the rules.
We’ll be back next Wednesday with our first Deep-Dive Guide, where we will be breaking down the "2026 Essential Guide to UK Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship." We'll go into the nitty-gritty of those salary thresholds so you can hire (or get hired) with total confidence.
Until then, have a great weekend! If you have questions about these updates, feel free to contact us or join the conversation on our Global News feed.
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