Immigration Digest 🌏
June brought several important immigration developments across Europe and beyond. The UK announced new incentives for fast-growing businesses and introduced a major Immigration and Asylum Bill. France clarified its position on remote work under the visiteur residence permit, introduced stricter rules for international students and CPAM applications, while Spain raised salary thresholds for highly qualified work permits. Read on to find out about all these changes and more.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Key Immigration Updates
1. New Concierge Service and Visa Reimbursement Scheme for Britain's Fastest-Growing Firms
In June 2026, the UK Government launched a new package of measures to help British companies scale up and grow, also known as concierge service. Among the key measures is a visa reimbursement scheme designed to help high-growth firms attract the best international talent.
This initiative is a step toward Business Secretary Peter Kyle's broader ambition to nurture the UK's first trillion-dollar company.
The package includes a range of measures, chief among them the Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale-Ups (VFRS4SU). The application opened on 9 June 2926 and will be closed on 1 March 2027.
Key details:
As claimed by the officials, this scheme aims to make Britain not only a country where it is easy to start a company but, crucially, one where it is easy to scale one.
2. The Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026
On 30 June 2026, the Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026 was introduced in the House of Commons. The bill aims to implement measures announced in the government's November 2025 policy statement, Restoring Order and Control: A Statement on the Government's Asylum and Returns Policy.
Among the proposed measures are:
1. New Concierge Service and Visa Reimbursement Scheme for Britain's Fastest-Growing Firms
In June 2026, the UK Government launched a new package of measures to help British companies scale up and grow, also known as concierge service. Among the key measures is a visa reimbursement scheme designed to help high-growth firms attract the best international talent.
This initiative is a step toward Business Secretary Peter Kyle's broader ambition to nurture the UK's first trillion-dollar company.
The package includes a range of measures, chief among them the Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale-Ups (VFRS4SU). The application opened on 9 June 2926 and will be closed on 1 March 2027.
Key details:
- Targets businesses operating in three priority sectors: Clean Energy, Life Sciences, and Digital & Technology.
- Eligible routes: Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Scale Up visa routes
- Grant amount: funding of up to £25,000 per year, with a maximum reimbursement of £5,000 per international hire (including their dependants).
- Funding basis: allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the available budget is exhausted.
- Processing time: up to 30 working days from the date of submission.
- How to apply: through the Department for Business and Trade's Grants Hub portal.
As claimed by the officials, this scheme aims to make Britain not only a country where it is easy to start a company but, crucially, one where it is easy to scale one.
2. The Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026
On 30 June 2026, the Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026 was introduced in the House of Commons. The bill aims to implement measures announced in the government's November 2025 policy statement, Restoring Order and Control: A Statement on the Government's Asylum and Returns Policy.
Among the proposed measures are:
- Appeal reform: the creation of a new Independent Immigration Appeals Authority - a new body that would decide immigration and asylum appeals currently heard by the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).
- To tighten the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, most commonly used as grounds to challenge deportation or removal, or to support a claim to stay in or enter the UK. The proposed change would set out a more prescriptive statutory framework for assessing Article 8 claims, including the proper definition of family, limiting it to the core cohabiting family unit.
🇫🇷 France: Key Immigration Updates
1. France Clarifies Remote Work Rules Under the "Visiteur" Residence Status
On 23 June 2026, the French Ministry of the Interior responded to Parliamentary Question No. 11730, clarifying whether holders of a VLS-TS “visiteur” residence permit may work remotely for a foreign employer while residing in France.
The Ministry confirmed that remote work may be compatible with “visiteur” status only if all 3 conditions are met:
The Ministry also confirmed that regulated professions (such as lawyers, doctors, architects, and accountants) are excluded; and any services physically performed in France are not permitted under “visiteur” status.
Key takeaway: The clarification does not create a French digital nomad visa. While it may provide flexibility for genuine short-term stays, individuals planning long-term residence in France should carefully assess the tax and immigration implications before relying on visitor status for remote work.
2. French Student Visa – Financial Requirement Increased
France has increased the minimum financial resources required for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals applying for a French student visa or residence permit.
The required monthly amount has increased from €615 to approximately €878, following a new government decree. The new threshold applies to all applications submitted on or after 1 August 2026:
3. End of Housing Assistance (APL/CAF) for Most International Students
Another update affecting international students in France: Since 1 July 2026, most non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss students who are not scholarship holders are no longer eligible for French housing assistance (APL/CAF).
Who is still eligible:
4. CPAM Introduces Stricter Birth Certificate Requirements
Since 1 June 2026, the French Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) has strengthened its document verification requirements for foreign birth certificates submitted in support of healthcare registration or updates.
Foreign birth certificates must now generally be accompanied by either:
Failure to provide the required authentication may result in:
1. France Clarifies Remote Work Rules Under the "Visiteur" Residence Status
On 23 June 2026, the French Ministry of the Interior responded to Parliamentary Question No. 11730, clarifying whether holders of a VLS-TS “visiteur” residence permit may work remotely for a foreign employer while residing in France.
The Ministry confirmed that remote work may be compatible with “visiteur” status only if all 3 conditions are met:
- no connection with the French labour market (no French employer or clients);
- remuneration is paid into a foreign bank account;
- income is taxed exclusively in the country of origin.
The Ministry also confirmed that regulated professions (such as lawyers, doctors, architects, and accountants) are excluded; and any services physically performed in France are not permitted under “visiteur” status.
Key takeaway: The clarification does not create a French digital nomad visa. While it may provide flexibility for genuine short-term stays, individuals planning long-term residence in France should carefully assess the tax and immigration implications before relying on visitor status for remote work.
2. French Student Visa – Financial Requirement Increased
France has increased the minimum financial resources required for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals applying for a French student visa or residence permit.
The required monthly amount has increased from €615 to approximately €878, following a new government decree. The new threshold applies to all applications submitted on or after 1 August 2026:
- Applicants with visa appointments after 1 August 2026 should ensure that their proof of funds or financial sponsor meets the new requirement.
- Applications submitted before 1 August 2026 are not affected.
3. End of Housing Assistance (APL/CAF) for Most International Students
Another update affecting international students in France: Since 1 July 2026, most non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss students who are not scholarship holders are no longer eligible for French housing assistance (APL/CAF).
Who is still eligible:
- French nationals
- EU/EEA/Swiss students
- International students receiving qualifying scholarships (subject to eligibility)
- New non-European students without scholarships (including students from countries such as India, Mauritius, Nepal, and Türkiye)
- Current non-European students previously receiving CAF housing benefits
4. CPAM Introduces Stricter Birth Certificate Requirements
Since 1 June 2026, the French Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) has strengthened its document verification requirements for foreign birth certificates submitted in support of healthcare registration or updates.
Foreign birth certificates must now generally be accompanied by either:
- an Apostille, or
- Legalisation, depending on the country where the document was issued.
Failure to provide the required authentication may result in:
- requests for additional documentation; and
- longer processing times.
🇪🇸 Spain: Higher Salary Threshold for Highly Qualified Work Permits
Since 11 June 2026, Spain has increased the minimum salary threshold for Highly Qualified Professional (PAC) work permits.
Key changes include:
Why it matters: Employers recruiting or transferring highly skilled professionals to Spain should review salary packages before filing applications, as salaries below the new threshold may lead to refusal or affect future permit renewals.
Since 11 June 2026, Spain has increased the minimum salary threshold for Highly Qualified Professional (PAC) work permits.
Key changes include:
- New minimum salary: €41,356 per year
- The reduced threshold previously available for applicants under 30 has been abolished.
- A reduced salary threshold of €33,085 per year remains available for certain shortage occupations and eligible recent graduates applying for the EU Blue Card.
- Only fixed and guaranteed salary components are taken into account. Bonuses and variable compensation are excluded.
Why it matters: Employers recruiting or transferring highly skilled professionals to Spain should review salary packages before filing applications, as salaries below the new threshold may lead to refusal or affect future permit renewals.
🇺🇸 United States: Birthright citizenship remains unchanged
The US Supreme Court, in Trump v. Barbara, No. 25-365, 609 U.S. (2026), decided on June 30, 2026, struck down President Trump's January 20, 2025 executive order that sought to eliminate birthright citizenship. According to the ruling, the executive order violated the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all children born on US soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status.
Who is affected: undocumented immigrants and some temporary foreign visitors and their US-born children.
The US Supreme Court, in Trump v. Barbara, No. 25-365, 609 U.S. (2026), decided on June 30, 2026, struck down President Trump's January 20, 2025 executive order that sought to eliminate birthright citizenship. According to the ruling, the executive order violated the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all children born on US soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status.
Who is affected: undocumented immigrants and some temporary foreign visitors and their US-born children.
🇨🇭 Switzerland: 10 million population cap rejected
On 14 June 2026, Switzerland held one of its most closely watched referendums on immigration in recent years. The "No to Switzerland with 10 million! (Sustainability Initiative)," championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), proposed capping the country's permanent resident population at 10 million until 2050. As of the end of 2025, Switzerland's population stood at approximately 9.1 million.
Result: Voters rejected the initiative, with roughly 55% voting No and 45% voting Yes. Turnout was close to 59%.
The current population of Switzerland is approximately 9.1 million.
Had it passed, the measure would have required the government to restrict asylum, family reunification, and residency permits - and potentially scrap Switzerland's free movement agreement with the EU - once the population reached 9.5 million.
On 14 June 2026, Switzerland held one of its most closely watched referendums on immigration in recent years. The "No to Switzerland with 10 million! (Sustainability Initiative)," championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), proposed capping the country's permanent resident population at 10 million until 2050. As of the end of 2025, Switzerland's population stood at approximately 9.1 million.
Result: Voters rejected the initiative, with roughly 55% voting No and 45% voting Yes. Turnout was close to 59%.
The current population of Switzerland is approximately 9.1 million.
Had it passed, the measure would have required the government to restrict asylum, family reunification, and residency permits - and potentially scrap Switzerland's free movement agreement with the EU - once the population reached 9.5 million.
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