Global Mobility News (Sept 2025): $100k H-1B Shock, India Tightens Exit Rules, Hungary Restored to ESTA, NZ Opens $5m Homes to Investors
Your Monthly Round-Up Of Global Mobility News.
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
Parent Boost Visitor Visa
From September 29, 2025, New Zealand will open applications for a new Parent Boost Visitor Visa. This visa is designed for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents who want to spend more time with family. It offers longer stays than standard visitor visas and aims to make family reunions easier.
Key points
Opens Sept 29, 2025.
For parents of citizens or residents.
Extends family visit options beyond normal visitor visas.
Rule and Fee Changes
Interview Waivers Narrowed
From October 1, 2025, most U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants will once again need in-person interviews. Interview waivers will apply only in limited circumstances. The State Department announced this on September 18, 2025.
Apply Where You Live or Hold Citizenship
Since September 6, 2025, applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas must apply in their country of nationality or residence, with only narrow exceptions. This ends the common practice of “visa shopping” at easier consulates.
H-1B Fee Shock
On September 19, 2025, a Presidential Proclamation imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions. This measure is framed as protecting U.S. workers, but employers warn it could upend tech hiring and outsourcing.
Lottery Rules Proposal
In late September, DHS proposed a regulation to weight the annual H-1B lottery toward higher wage levels. If adopted, higher-paying positions would see more approvals, leaving lower-wage applicants with fewer chances.
New Immigration Law in Force
India’s Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 came into effect on September 1, 2025. It consolidates immigration rules and introduces tougher penalties for overstays and document fraud.
English Test Updates
Effective September 13, 2025, Australia adjusted English test score requirements for the subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa. The change expands accepted test providers and aligns scores across them.
Rule Changes in Effect
The UK’s Statement of Changes (HC 1298) took effect on September 4, 2025. Adjustments affect family routes, skilled workers, and student compliance rules.
This does not affect the visa routes explained in this guide (Skilled Worker, Family with a British/settled partner, Study/Graduate, Innovator Founder, Global Talent).
Unless you are applying as the family member of someone with protection status, the information in this post remains current.
Travel Access Changes
Hungary Back in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
On September 16, 2025, the United States fully restored Visa Waiver Program / ESTA privileges for Hungary. ESTA approvals are again valid for two years, allowing Hungarian citizens to travel visa-free for short U.S. visits.
Citizenship & Investment News
New Zealand allows property purchases under investor visas
In September 2025, New Zealand announced that holders of Active Investor Plus residence visas (and some older Investor 1 / Investor 2 visas) will be allowed to buy or build a home worth at least NZD 5 million. The rule relaxes prior restrictions on foreign home ownership and strengthens the appeal of NZ as a destination for high-net-worth investors.
New Zealand’s rule is unusual compared to other OECD countries.
Portugal, Spain and the UK have moved away from property visas, but New Zealand has opened a narrow option that only applies to existing investor visa holders who buy a home worth at least NZD 5 million.
The high price means it is unlikely to have much effect on the wider housing market.
According to the Global Peace Index, New Zealand ranks third in the world for peacefulness, reflecting very high levels of safety and stability.
New Zealand remains among the safest countries worldwide.
Most Read on Digital Citizen in September 2025
How U.S. Citizens Can Move to Ireland was the most read post this month. It covered the visa routes, residency steps, and what daily life actually looks like once you land.
Over 2.500 of you tuned in, showing just how much interest there is in Ireland as a relocation option. Thanks again for your support.
Which country would you like to see next as a Deep Dive?
Select it here!
One Question For You
When you think about moving abroad, what’s the most pressing question on your mind?
For me, when I first landed in Cyprus it wasn’t about beaches or weather.
It was:
Will I be able to make a living here? And what will people say if I come back with nothing to show for it?
Self-doubt is normal for first timers. Don’t let it hold you back.
PS
If this brief helps to give you clarity, share it with someone that it could also benefit.
PPS
And if you don’t want to figure this out alone, I offer 1:1 support.
Appreciate you being here,
— Ben