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 Gain
USCIS Updates EB-2 National Interest Waiver Guidance
USCIS updated guidance for EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions, effective January 15, 2025. Key updates include stricter criteria for national importance, clearer evaluation of exceptional ability, and stronger supporting…
USCIS Removes COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Green Cards
USCIS will waive the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for green card applicants starting January 22, 2025. Applicants no longer…
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Restructures Advisory Committees
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has terminated all advisory committee memberships, citing resource misuse and a…
Edakunni Settlement Expiration: USCIS Ends Application Bundling in 2025
The Edakunni settlement ending on January 18, 2025, will unbundle USCIS processing of H-4/L-2/EAD applications, increasing delays in…
When to File Adjustment of Status Application: February 2025
To apply for U.S. permanent residency via family- or employment-sponsored visas, check USCIS’s "Visa Bulletin" for your category…
Understanding the February 2025 Visa Bulletin: A Guide to U.S. Immigration Policies
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has released the February 2025 Visa Bulletin, outlining the…
USCIS Site Visits: Do They Inspect H-1B Worker Homes?
USCIS conducts unannounced site visits to verify H-1B visa compliance, focusing on workplaces rather than personal residences. Exceptions…
USCIS Updates International Entrepreneur Parole Requirements
USCIS updated guidance for the International Entrepreneur Parole program, effective December 2024, clarifies evidence requirements for foreign entrepreneurs…
Will Self-Harm Affect USCIS Admissibility?
Past self-harm doesn't automatically make you inadmissible to the U.S. by USCIS. However, it could raise medical or…
USCIS Emergency Flexibilities Guidance Update
USCIS updated its policy to offer more flexibilities for immigration benefit requestors during emergencies, aiming to help those…