Immigration Digest 🌏
April 2026 was a busy month for immigration. We’ve gathered the most important changes from the United States, the Middle East, and the European Union.
Read on to learn why naturalization and immigration to the U.S. are becoming more difficult, to find out about EU border control innovations, and to discover much more.
Read on to learn why naturalization and immigration to the U.S. are becoming more difficult, to find out about EU border control innovations, and to discover much more.
🇺🇸 United States
On March 30, 2026, USCIS published an official alert informing applicants for various immigration visa programs, as well as naturalization, that it has enhanced its screening and vetting practices. The alert indicated that increased scrutiny and possible processing delays should be expected.
As a result, more delays are expected.
Background:
The revised approach follows the Trump administration’s policy of strengthening immigration controls in the United States for certain categories of nationals and aims to close previously identified security gaps, under which many applicants for naturalization and lawful permanent residence were not sufficiently vetted. The change implements a February 6, 2026 Presidential Executive Order directing the Department of Justice to share criminal history record information with the Department of Homeland Security to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Following this, and earlier this year, USCIS placed certain asylum applications, benefit requests from individuals from high-risk.
On March 30, 2026, USCIS published an official alert informing applicants for various immigration visa programs, as well as naturalization, that it has enhanced its screening and vetting practices. The alert indicated that increased scrutiny and possible processing delays should be expected.
- As of the end of April, USCIS has confirmed that the enhanced screening measures have been implemented;
- In practice, this means that immigration officers are now required to submit a broad range of applications to enhanced FBI background checks, according to the documents, whereas previously access to FBI databases was more limited;
- Officers are now required to resubmit fingerprint-based screenings through the FBI's Next Generation Identification system for green cards
- (I-485), naturalization (N-400), asylum, and family sponsorship petitions, including those applications who have already completed their N-400 interview.
As a result, more delays are expected.
Background:
The revised approach follows the Trump administration’s policy of strengthening immigration controls in the United States for certain categories of nationals and aims to close previously identified security gaps, under which many applicants for naturalization and lawful permanent residence were not sufficiently vetted. The change implements a February 6, 2026 Presidential Executive Order directing the Department of Justice to share criminal history record information with the Department of Homeland Security to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Following this, and earlier this year, USCIS placed certain asylum applications, benefit requests from individuals from high-risk.
🇪🇺 European Union
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 10 April 2026, marking one of the most significant reforms in European border management in recent years.
Replacing traditional passport stamps, the EES is an automated IT system that digitally records each crossing of non-EU nationals entering or leaving the Schengen Area’s 29 participating countries.
It captures a traveller’s name, passport details, biometric data (fingerprints and facial image), as well as the date and place of entry or exit – all under strict EU data‑protection rules. The system also logs any refusals of entry.
Key changes:
Since its phased rollout in October 2025, the system has already:
Why it matters?
The EES marks a decisive shift toward digital, data‑driven border control across Europe. It enhances border security and helps detect overstays or identity fraud. However, travelers may experience delays during its first months of full operation and should expect stricter monitoring of stay durations and compliance with entry rules, especially at major airports.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 10 April 2026, marking one of the most significant reforms in European border management in recent years.
Replacing traditional passport stamps, the EES is an automated IT system that digitally records each crossing of non-EU nationals entering or leaving the Schengen Area’s 29 participating countries.
It captures a traveller’s name, passport details, biometric data (fingerprints and facial image), as well as the date and place of entry or exit – all under strict EU data‑protection rules. The system also logs any refusals of entry.
Key changes:
- Fully automated registration of entries and exits
- Biometric data (fingerprints + facial image) collected
- No more manual passport stamps
- Applies to non-EU nationals visiting for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period
Since its phased rollout in October 2025, the system has already:
- recorded 45 + million border crossings
- refused 24 000+ entries – mostly due to expired or fraudulent documents
- triggered 600+ security alerts
Why it matters?
The EES marks a decisive shift toward digital, data‑driven border control across Europe. It enhances border security and helps detect overstays or identity fraud. However, travelers may experience delays during its first months of full operation and should expect stricter monitoring of stay durations and compliance with entry rules, especially at major airports.
🇪🇸 Spain
Spain has raised the minimum income requirement for its Digital Nomad Visa in line with the 2026 increase of the country’s Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI).
Applicants must now demonstrate monthly earnings of at least €2 849 (around 200% of the SMI) for a single applicant. Family add-ons are set at €916 for the first dependent and €305 for each additional family member. The change aligns with Spain’s updated 2026 minimum wage of approximately €1 424.80 gross per month.
Why it matters?
Spain remains one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for remote workers, yet its entry threshold is becoming noticeably higher. Freelancers, startup founders, and remote employees planning relocation in 2026 should review updated income criteria and consider adjusting financial documentation before applying.
Spain has raised the minimum income requirement for its Digital Nomad Visa in line with the 2026 increase of the country’s Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI).
Applicants must now demonstrate monthly earnings of at least €2 849 (around 200% of the SMI) for a single applicant. Family add-ons are set at €916 for the first dependent and €305 for each additional family member. The change aligns with Spain’s updated 2026 minimum wage of approximately €1 424.80 gross per month.
Why it matters?
Spain remains one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for remote workers, yet its entry threshold is becoming noticeably higher. Freelancers, startup founders, and remote employees planning relocation in 2026 should review updated income criteria and consider adjusting financial documentation before applying.
🇷🇺 🇸🇦 Russia & Saudi Arabia
In April 2026, the governments of the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a visa-free travel agreement signed on December 1, 2025. The key date is May 11, 2026, when the agreement takes effect.
According to the agreement:
In April 2026, the governments of the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a visa-free travel agreement signed on December 1, 2025. The key date is May 11, 2026, when the agreement takes effect.
According to the agreement:
- citizens of both countries may travel to and stay in the respective country for up to 90 days within a calendar year;
- visitors are not permitted to work, pursue education, or reside permanently in the territory of the host country;
- This agreement does not apply to travellers visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah purposes, who still have to obtain visas.
This immigration digest is for informational purposes only. If you have any specific questions regarding relocation or a particular country program, please reach out to us at beyondborders.relocation@gmail.com or book a free consultation with us