Global Immigration Shakeup: Denmark Eases Work Visa Rules While EU, US, Ireland Adjust Policies

The global immigration landscape is shifting dramatically, with Denmark unveiling a major work visa overhaul while the EU, Ireland, and the United States implement significant policy adjustments affecting travelers and foreign workers. These concurrent changes create both new opportunities and fresh challenges for global mobility.

Denmark’s Landmark Work Visa Revamp Targets 16 Nations
In a bold move to address labor shortages, Denmark has proposed slashing its work visa salary threshold by over 40% for nationals of 16 non-EU countries. The annual salary requirement will drop from DKK 514,000 (€69,000) to DKK 300,000 (€40,300) under the new “collective agreement-based business scheme.” The countries benefiting include Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, UK, and US nationals.

To qualify, companies must:

• Employ at least 10 full-time staff
• Operate under Danish collective bargaining agreements
• Pass rigorous certification including labor compliance checks
• Attend mandatory government integration briefings

Employees must earn the DKK 300,000 minimum, work full-time, receive salary in Danish accounts, and pass criminal background checks. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration will oversee the program, with certification valid for three years (extendable to four). Implementation timing remains unconfirmed per government statements.

EU Implements ETIAS Fee Hike Ahead of 2026 Launch
The European Commission has announced the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) fee will nearly triple from €7 to €20 for visa-exempt travelers. The increase, confirmed July 2025, covers operational costs and inflation adjustments, aligning with similar programs like the U.S. ESTA.

Scheduled for Q4 2026 implementation, ETIAS requires pre-travel online applications from non-EU visitors. Automated processing typically delivers approvals within minutes. Exemptions apply for travelers under 18 or over 70. The European Parliament and Council are currently reviewing the fee adjustment during the mandatory two-month consultation period.

Ireland Reviews Critical Skills Lists Amid Labor Pressures
Ireland launched a public consultation on July 23, 2025, to reevaluate its Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists – key determinants for employment permits. Stakeholders can propose additions or removals until September 19 via the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s portal.

Occupations qualify for the Critical Skills List only when:

• Genuine shortages exist despite training efforts
• Hiring won’t undermine Irish/EEA worker opportunities
• Issues reflect skill gaps rather than recruitment problems
  The 2023 review added 11 roles to the Critical Skills List and made 32 occupations eligible for General Employment Permits, indicating potential significant changes ahead.

US Hits FY2026 H-1B Cap as Tech Demand Persists
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed it received enough petitions to meet the FY2026 H-1B regular cap (65,000 visas) and master’s cap (20,000 visas). The agency continues processing:

• H-1B extensions and employer changes
• Concurrent employment petitions
• Amendments for existing holders

The H-1B program remains crucial for U.S. employers seeking specialized talent in technology, engineering, healthcare, and business fields. USCIS emphasizes that cap-exempt petitions – including renewals for current holders – remain unaffected by the announcement.

These simultaneous policy shifts underscore the delicate balance nations strike between economic needs, security concerns, and global talent competition. Denmark’s visa relaxation contrasts with tighter controls elsewhere, creating a fragmented landscape requiring expert navigation. Businesses and travelers must proactively monitor these evolving frameworks to capitalize on opportunities while ensuring compliance.

Must Know
What is Denmark’s new work visa salary threshold?
Denmark plans to reduce the minimum salary for qualified foreign workers from DKK 514,000 to DKK 300,000 annually (approx. €40,300). This applies only to nationals of 16 specified countries working for government-certified employers meeting strict inclusion criteria.

When does the higher ETIAS fee take effect?
The €20 ETIAS fee will apply when the system launches in Q4 2026. The increase is currently undergoing legislative review by the European Parliament and Council. Travelers from visa-exempt countries must obtain ETIAS authorization before entering Schengen nations.

Can I still file H-1B petitions after the cap is reached?
Yes, USCIS continues accepting cap-exempt petitions including H-1B extensions, employer changes, and concurrent employment requests. Only new cap-subject petitions are halted until FY2027.

How does Ireland’s occupations list review work?
Stakeholders submit evidence-based proposals via the Department of Enterprise’s consultation portal until September 19, 2025. Officials evaluate whether occupations face genuine shortages warranting inclusion on the Critical Skills List or removal from the Ineligible Occupations List.

Which countries are included in Denmark’s new visa scheme?
The 16 nations are Albania, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, Ukraine, UK, and USA.