Highlights: New Visa Rules for November 2025

November 2025 was a month of major changes in immigration. The US abolished the possibility of interviews in third countries, Europe introduced a new biometric screening system (EES), China tightened rules for foreign workers, and the US announced new financial requirements for employers submitting H-1Bs. There were also new requirements for biometric collection and changes to the Diversity Visa process.

All of this affects people who want to emigrate for work, reunite with family, or apply for the DV Lottery.

What exactly has changed - a short list

The US bans interviews in third countries: now interviews are only possible in the applicant's country of residence.

The EU launches the EES system: now everyone crossing the Schengen border is photographed and fingerprinted; the data will be stored for 3 years.

New $100,000 fee for H-1B employers: This means filing has become more expensive and complicated.

US expands biometrics collection: More foreigners will be scanned upon entry.

China tightens labor market access: City restrictions and additional document requirements.

UK introduces ETA: Visa-free travel will be impossible from 2026 without an electronic authorization.

Diversity Visa changes: Updates expected regarding submission and verification of documents.

Who will be most affected

Families: Interviews will become more difficult to schedule and waiting times may increase.

Workers and employers: The cost of H-1B processing is increasing, which will affect company budgets.

Tourists to Europe: Biometrics may slow down Schengen border crossings.

How this could affect US migration — forecast

Asia: Due to restrictions on third-country interviews, there will be more calls to specialists who help with visas and planning.

Africa: DV Lottery applications and family categories may move more slowly, so more candidates will seek opportunities through employers.

Europe: Due to the introduction of biometrics, travel has become less “easy”, so some professionals may more often consider the US or Canada as a permanent relocation option.

Overall, all these changes mean more bureaucracy, higher costs and longer deadlines.

What to do for recruitment agencies — action plan

• Update website and marketing, adding keywords: work visas USA, H-1B, visa interview requirements, international recruiting Asia, recruiting agencies Europe.

• Review pricing — especially for work programs from the US.

• Offer new services: interview preparation, biometric requirements, assistance with booking dates.

• Build new partnerships with lawyers and local agents.

• Warn candidates of possible delays and prepare their documents in advance.

Conclusion

The new rules of November 2025 show that immigration systems are becoming stricter, more expensive and more controlled. Those recruitment agencies in Asia and Europe that adapt quickly, update SEO for key queries (work visas USA, recruiting agencies Europe, international recruiting Asia), and add new services will gain a competitive advantage in an environment where migration is becoming more difficult, but the demand for it is only growing.