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 GainH-2A, H-2B, and CW-1 Visa Processing Times as of March 1, 2025
The following report presents the latest updates on the processing times for H-2A, H-2B, and CW-1 visa applications based on data available as of March 1, 2025. The information is…
Do Deportations Threaten Property Rights? New Policies Spark Alarm
Deported undocumented immigrants do not face automatic confiscation of all assets, but property rights issues arise due to…
Los Angeles Public Library Expands Free Immigration Help Across Branches
Los Angeles Public Libraries' New Americans Initiative offers free, multilingual immigration and citizenship services across seven locations. Services…
USCIS Releases Guidance on Cancelling Public Charge Bond with Form I-356
Form I-356 is used to request cancellation of a public charge bond. Eligible applicants include the alien, obligor,…
What to Do If You Get Married While Your I-485 Is Still Pending
If a primary applicant marries while their I-485 is pending, they should notify USCIS promptly, ideally within 30…
USCIS Memo Halts Immigration Applications for Many Parolees
A USCIS memo imposes an indefinite pause on processing benefits like TPS, asylum, EADs, and green cards for…
Steps to Update Your Phone Number on Your USCIS Account
To update your phone number on your USCIS account, log in, go to the "Profile" section, and edit…
Could Elon Musk’s DOGE Team Target USCIS Next? Here’s What’s at Stake
Elon Musk's DOGE, known for targeting federal agencies, raises concerns over potential control of USCIS. Though no evidence…
Why USCIS Processing Times Are Rising and What Applicants Can Do
USCIS processing times in 2026 are rising due to backlogs and strict vetting. I-485 waits average 12.5 months,…
Can USCIS Funding Be Halted? A Look at Its Fee-Driven Structure
USCIS is primarily funded through applicant fees, with 97% of its budget self-generated, limiting direct executive control. While…