USCIS
Processing time trackers, fee schedule changes, form updates, and policy memos from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Covers service center operations, office closures, and adjudication trends.
Top questions about USCIS
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat new policies were introduced by USCIS in 2025?
New policies included stricter naturalization testing and the termination of multiple humanitarian parole programs.
Read: USCIS End-of-Year Review Highlights Rigorous Immigration Enforcement ActionsWhat enforcement approach did DHS and USCIS implement as of January 2026?
DHS and USCIS implemented a zero-release and mandatory detention approach as of January 3, 2026, pushing longer immigration detention and fewer releases while deportation cases move through the system.
Read: How Long Can Immigration Detention Last Before Deportation Under Current LawWhat actions were taken by federal agencies in January 2026 that affected immigration processes?
On January 14, 2026, the Department of State (DOS) paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries effective January 21, 2026. On January 15, 2026, USCIS announced Operation PARRIS to re-examine refugee cases for fraud/security.
Read: Family Self-Departs U.S. After 11-Year Green Card Backlog ReckoningWhat actions should people take if they have a pending immigration application due to recent policy changes?
People with pending applications should know their rights, gather documents, contact legal help, check their status, and stay informed about updates from official sources.
Read: Debate Intensifies Over Military’s Expanding Role in Immigration PolicyWhat changes did the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announce in 2025?
USCIS announced inflation adjustments that increased premium processing fees, with Form I-129 increasing from $2,805 to $2,965 and Form I-140 rising to $2,965.
Read: UK Government Hikes Immigration and Visa Fees, Canada and Germany GainLiene Tavares DeBarros Case Highlights Risk of Fake Green Cards
Liene Tavares DeBarros was arrested for selling counterfeit Green Cards and Social Security cards, highlighting ongoing immigration document fraud issues. His actions spanned October-December 2024, involving sales ranging from $250…
Asian immigrants rally over delays in residence permits in Lisbon
Portugal’s immigration system faces severe delays, as seen in the April 7, 2025, protest of over 100 Asian…
What Happens if You Send Your USCIS Application to the Wrong Lockbox?
Submitting immigration applications can be stressful, with common mistakes including sending applications to the wrong USCIS lockbox. These…
USCIS Requires Birth Certificate Sex Markers for Immigration Benefits
USCIS maintains a strict binary sex policy in 2026, requiring all immigration filings to match original birth records…
USCIS Finishes Sending H-1B Lottery Results for 2026 First Round
The USCIS completed the first phase of the FY 2026 H-1B lottery. By March 31, 2025, employers and…
Green Card Sponsor Income Requirements Under Form I-864 Explained
USCIS 2026 guidelines require most family sponsors to meet 125% of poverty income levels via Form I-864 to…
USCIS Broadens Use of Notices to Appear
USCIS announced a policy change effective February 28, 2025, broadening its authority to issue Notices to Appear (NTAs).…
Are USCIS Green Card Applications for Refugees and Asylees Delayed?
Refugees and asylees face longer green card wait times as USCIS increases vetting and social media checks, causing…
What to Do If You Don’t Receive an H-1B Selection Notice from USCIS
Learn what to do if H-1B selection notices are missing by March 31, including next steps, petition requirements,…
Protect Yourself From Immigration Fraud With These Helpful Tips
USCIS warns against immigration scams and advises seeking help only from attorneys or accredited representatives. Use tools like…