Visa News Archive for Pakistani Applicants
Every item that has left our weekly Visa News page, kept by month with its original dates and official sources. Nothing is deleted.
September 2026
AustraliaAustralia: most students and graduates to lose family members
The Home Affairs Minister announced that most international students and Temporary Graduate (485) visa holders will no longer be able to bring a partner or children. PhD students and Pacific and ASEAN nationals are exempt, and families already in Australia are not affected.
What this means for you: if you are married and planning a coursework master’s in Australia, do not pay a large deposit on the assumption your family can join you.
Read more: Australia’s student dependant ban: what married Pakistani students should do · Source: Minister Tony Burke, 17 September 2026
AustraliaAustralia: students may only move up when changing course
Students will only be able to move up the qualification scale, for example from bachelor to master’s. Sideways or downward moves between providers to extend a stay will not be allowed.
What this means for you: choose the right course and provider at the start. Switching to a cheaper college after arrival will no longer be a safe fallback.
Read more: Choose the right course first time · Source: Minister Tony Burke, 17 September 2026
USAUSA: immigrant visa pause no longer applies to Pakistan
In January 2026 the US paused immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan. After a federal court order, the State Department confirms that this pause is no longer in effect.
What this means for you: spouse, parent and other family green card cases from Pakistan can move again. Interviews may need rescheduling, and the government can still appeal, so keep your documents current.
SchengenSchengen: EES fingerprints and photo at the border
Pakistani visa holders on short stays have their fingerprints and photo taken at the Schengen border under the Entry/Exit System (EES). ETIAS does not apply to Pakistani passport holders, because they already need a visa.
What this means for you: allow extra time at the airport on your first entry, and keep your hotel booking, return ticket and insurance to hand.
Read more: Schengen EES for Pakistani travellers · Source: European Commission
Canada: upload your Biometric Instruction Letter before giving biometrics
Since March 2026, applicants in Pakistan must upload the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) issued by IRCC when arranging biometrics at the Canada visa application centre. There is no charge for this step.
Listed in our embassy check of 25 September 2026 · Source: Canada visa application centre, VFS Global Pakistan
France and Italy: warnings about fake visa services
The Embassies of France and Italy in Pakistan warn about people who pose as embassy staff or sell visa services that promise results. Both embassies say applications go only through their official channels. These warnings now sit within the Campus France and Italy items on the Visa News page.
Listed in our embassy check of 25 September 2026 · Source: Embassy of France in Pakistan · Embassy of Italy Islamabad
Westside Visa News, every Monday
Confirmed visa changes for Pakistani students, visitors and families, in your LinkedIn feed each week.
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The Visa News page is updated every Monday. If a change affects your application, message us and we will check it against your file.
This archive is general information, not legal or migration advice. Archived items may be out of date. Westside Visa Consultants is an independent private advisory, not affiliated with any government, embassy or visa centre.
