August 2025 Visa News: Moldova DN Visa, U.S. Tightens Screening, EU Biometric Borders, Saudi Grace Period
Your monthly round-up of global mobility news.
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About This Brief
Each month I track new visas, residency changes, and travel rules that can affect where you go or what you pay.
Fresh visa launches
Rule and fee changes
Travel access changes
Citizenship & investment news
One short question for reflection
Here is what changed in the last four weeks.
New Visas
Moldova opened a digital nomad visa on August 1. It grants a one-year stay, renewable once, with full online application.
Where the hell is Moldova?
Moldova is a small country in Eastern Europe, tucked between Romania and Ukraine. It’s known for rolling vineyards, a low cost of living, and being outside both the EU and Schengen. For many remote workers, it’s an overlooked but affordable base on the edge of Europe.
Rule Changes
United States introduced continuous vetting in August. Over 55 million visa holders are now subject to ongoing monitoring, which can lead to revocations.
Also, the CSPA age rules changed on August 15. Age protection under the Child Status Protection Act will now use the Visa Bulletin’s Final Action Dates chart, potentially causing more dependents to “age out.”
United Kingdom published a Statement of Changes (CP 1373) on August 5. Updates include modifications across skilled worker, student, and sponsor compliance routes.
Australia expanded accepted English tests on August 7. The number of approved exams for visa purposes rose from five to nine providers.
Saudi Arabia extended its visit visa grace period through August 25. Visitors with expired visit visas were granted a 30‑day extension to depart without penalties.
Canada held a healthcare-focused Express Entry draw on August 19. 2,500 invitations were issued at a CRS score threshold of 470.
What is the healthcare-focused Express Entry draw?
A healthcare-focused Express Entry draw is a targeted round under Canada’s new category-based selection system. Instead of inviting candidates across all occupations, IRCC specifically selects applicants with work experience in healthcare and social services. It is designed to quickly fill labour shortages in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities across the country.
Travel Access Changes
European Union confirmed the biometric Entry/Exit System will start on October 12. Non-EU travelers will provide fingerprints and facial scans at Schengen borders.
Kuwait introduced visa-on-arrival for GCC residents in early August. Citizens of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain now qualify.
Mexico reinstated its electronic visa in August. It applies to air arrivals only and excludes land or sea entry.
Citizenship & Investment News
Malaysia’s MM2H program gained momentum this summer. By August, about 1,300 approvals brought in nearly US $200 million.
Gulf Cooperation Council advanced plans for a joint tourist visa. Ministers confirmed rollout is targeted for late 2025 or early 2026.
Most Read on Digital Citizen in August 2025
The 5 Safest Countries To Move To In 2026 was the most read, with over 3.900 views in August.
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One Question For You
If you could plant yourself in only one place forever, what values would guide that choice?
For me, it would be a place where growth is possible every day, where kindness is the norm, and where curiosity is rewarded. That combination matters more than any visa.
Final Note
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