From July 1, the beginning of the second half of the year, several new rules are coming into effect as far as visa rules are concerned. While the US starts a new pilot program for fast tourist visa, Australia increases the minimum salary of migrant workers. Japan increases the entry visa fee for the first time since 1978, and Vietnam makes a health declaration mandatory.
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US visa pilot project to give visas faster for $750
The US will start its pilot program to allow expedited B1 and B2 visas if the applicants pay an extra $750. This extra fee will ensure that the applicants get their visa interview appointment within 10 business days.
- This pilot project will continue from July to December to test whether travelers are willing to pay extra to get visas faster for emergency meetings, conferences etc.
- This is for tourists only, and the fee does not come with a guarantee that the visa will be approved.
- Applicants who are paying this extra amount will have to complete their standard B-1 or B-2 visa application process.
Australia to increase minimum salary for visa holders
Australia increases the minimum salary of employer-sponsored skilled workers.
- The Core Skills Income Threshold will increase from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,499.
- The Specialist Skills Income Threshold will rise from AUD 141,210 to AUD 146,717.
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold will rise from AUD 76,515 to AUD 79,499.
The new salary will apply to new nominations submitted on or after July 1. These changes will not impact current visa holders or nominations submitted before July 1.
Japan hikes visa fee
Japan announced a five-fold hike in the entry visa fee applicable from July 1. This was the first time that Japan hiked the fee after 1978, as the single-entry visa fee will rise from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000, while multi-entry visas will jump from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000.
- The visa fee hike is for travelers.
- Tourists from around 100 countries will have to pay the hiked fee.
- Countries like the US, UK, and Australia fall in the exempt category and so they don't have to pay the increased fee.
Some reports claimed that Indians are also insulated from the visa fee hike. Condé Nast Traveller India reported that the Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai confirmed that the revised fees will not apply to Indian nationals. The Embassy of India in Japan currently reflects the unchanged fees for Indians and the changed fees for other nationalities on its website.
Health declaration for Vietnam
Starting July 1, 2026, Vietnam requires every traveler entering, leaving, or transiting through the country to complete a mandatory health declaration.
- This impacts all inbound, outbound and transit travelers.
- This form has to be completed within 7 days before travel.
