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United States
Washington, D.C.
United States proposes 75% hike for naturalization fees to 1,330 dollars
The U.S. administration has proposed increasing the citizenship application fee by $570 and eliminating fee waivers for low-income applicants. This change significantly raises the final cost of permanent relocation for expats and long-term residents seeking naturalization.
USA marks EB-2 India unavailable as EB-3 advances to Jan. 1
The Department of State has announced significant priority date shifts for employment-based green cards. Expats from India and China face substantial new delays in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, extending the wait for permanent residency.
California pushes 4 day office mandate to July 1 for United States workers
A legislative challenge against California's 4-day return-to-office mandate could determine the remote work eligibility for thousands of state employees. The outcome will directly affect the ability of these workers to maintain nomadic lifestyles or work from abroad.
United States draft crypto bill offers $300 tax exemption for nomads
The House Ways and Means Committee is exploring a new framework to simplify digital asset taxation for daily purchases and cross-border transactions. This could reduce the reporting burden for US nomads and expats who use cryptocurrency for international living expenses.
United States introduces $750 fee for 10 day B-1/B-2 visa interview pilot
The U.S. Department of State introduced a $750 premium service to bypass lengthy visa interview backlogs. Applicants using this option can secure an interview within 10 days, significantly shortening the wait for business and tourist travelers.
United States exhausts EB-5 unreserved visa numbers for India until Oct. 1
The U.S. State Department has exhausted all unreserved EB-5 immigrant visas for Indian nationals for the remainder of the fiscal year. India-born investors and their families currently seeking permanent residency through this category will face processing pauses until the new fiscal year begins.
United States cuts Africa routine visa processing to 20 regional hubs
The United States has consolidated visa processing for several African nations into regional hubs, primarily in Kenya and South Africa. Travelers and expats in affected regions must now travel to these specific cities for mandatory in-person interview appointments, significantly increasing travel costs and logistical complexity.
United States order targets ITIN bank accounts and non-citizens on visas
Financial institutions in the United States may now require proof of legal residency or citizenship before processing international remittances. This reform introduces new privacy concerns and potential banking hurdles for digital nomads and expats sending money abroad from U.S. accounts.
United States green card shift forces B-1 and H-1B holders to apply abroad
Foreign nationals in the United States must now return to their home countries for residency processing unless they meet strict extraordinary circumstances. This policy change ends the ability for many expats and long-term visa holders to transition to permanent residency without leaving the country.
USA executive order flags ITIN accounts as risk factor for nomads
A new executive order requires U.S. financial institutions to implement stricter due diligence for account holders using an ITIN or foreign passport. Non-citizen nomads and expats may face increased compliance hurdles, mandatory documentation updates, or potential account freezes.
CBP launches COMPASS chatbot to guide United States nomads through entry rules
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has expanded its COMPASS virtual assistant to help international travelers navigate entry requirements and customs procedures. The AI-powered tool provides real-time answers to complex questions about documentation and border protocols ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Understanding the United States Remittance Tax on Cash Transfers
A 1% federal excise tax and increased monitoring of cash-funded international transfers affects travelers using physical remittance services for amounts as low as $200.
UBS Updates Office Requirements for United States Junior Bankers
UBS's mandatory return-to-office for junior bankers reflects a broader trend of major financial institutions restricting remote work for U.S.-based staff.
Stellantis Ends Remote Flexibility in the United States
Stellantis' return-to-office mandate significantly reduces remote work flexibility for thousands of corporate employees, potentially curbing their ability to travel while working.
United States Expands Social Media Vetting for More Visa Categories
Applicants for several visa categories, including K-1 and H-3, must now submit social media profiles for mandatory vetting by US authorities.
United States Updates the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion increase to $132,900 for 2026 provides significant tax savings for American digital nomads living abroad.
Monzo Exits United States to Focus on European Growth
US-based nomads and expats will lose access to Monzo's banking services and must find alternative international banking providers as the company closes all US operations.
Why RTO Mandates in the US, UK, and France Matter for Digital Nomads
Return-to-office mandates in the US, UK, and France reduce the pool of employees able to work remotely and live as digital nomads.
United States Travel Impacted by Longest DHS Shutdown on Record
Critical TSA staffing shortages at major US hubs lead to extreme wait times and missed international connections, disrupting global travel schedules.
United States Updates Diversity Visa Entry Rules
Starting April 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will require all Diversity Visa applicants to provide a valid, unexpired passport at the time of entry. Applications submitted without a passport scan will be automatically disqualified, ending the previous policy of allowing passport details to be provided later in the process.
United States Adds 12 Countries to Visa Bond Program
Travelers from 12 additional countries may now be required to post up to $15,000 in cash bonds to enter the U.S., creating a massive financial hurdle for short-term visits.
U.S. Airport Security Crisis Deepens as TSA Staffing Thins
Record-high TSA absenteeism and checkpoint closures in major hubs like Philadelphia and Houston significantly increase security wait times and travel friction in the U.S.
United States Shifts H-1B Selection to a Wage-Weighted System
The U.S. has shifted H-1B visa selection to prioritize higher-salary applicants, directly impacting the probability of securing work authorization for remote workers.
United States Updates Filing Dates for Employment Visas
The US Department of State has announced significant advancements in employment-based visa categories for March 2026. Most notably, the EB-2 'Rest of World' category is now current for filing, and EB-3 dates have advanced by 3.5 months, allowing many foreign professionals to file for adjustment of status earlier than expected.
Why the United States Remittance Tax Matters for Digital Nomads
A new 1% federal fee on international transfers from U.S. accounts directly increases the cost of living and money management for U.S. expats and nomads worldwide.
United States Implements Global Import Surcharge
A 10% global import surcharge in the U.S. will likely increase the price of electronics and gear, raising the cost of living for expats and nomads residing there.
United States Suspends Global Entry Amid Travel Disruptions
Digital nomads, expats, and long-term travelers face longer wait times and processing delays at US airports due to suspended Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry and heightened vetting, complicating frequent US entries for remote work or transit. Second-order effects include disrupted flight bookings and potential visa scrutiny, though core remote work, banking, insurance, and non-US travel remain unaffected.
United States Global Entry Status Remains Uncertain Following Shutdown
Frequent US entry nomads with Global Entry faced longer customs waits and uncertainty; ongoing shutdown risks highlight vulnerability of expedited travel programs, prompting contingency planning for border crossings.