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 GainDHS Rule Cuts Visa Wait Times for Religious Workers
A new USCIS rule eliminates the one-year waiting period for R-1 religious workers who reach their five-year stay limit. Effective January 2026, workers may depart and immediately seek a new…
US Court Orders Return of Indian Man Deported in Violation of Stay
A federal judge in Texas has ordered the U.S. government to return Francisco D’Costa to the country after…
Pasadena Day Laborer Faces Central Claims as Judge Weighs Dismissal
A federal lawsuit filed by Pedro Vasquez Perdomo against DHS leadership is moving forward after a judge denied…
ICE Training Explained: ERO’s 8-Week Program and HSI’s 6-Month Curriculum
ICE is currently operating two distinct training tracks: a shortened 8-week program for ERO officers and a 25-27…
Minneapolis judge orders release of Liberian man after battering ram arrest
A federal judge ordered Garrison Gibson's release from ICE custody after agents used a battering ram to enter…
Pakistan Reacts as US Immigrant Visa Processing Paused Nationwide
A new U.S. policy pauses the issuance of immigrant visas for Pakistanis at consular posts. While domestic USCIS…
Houston Man Sentenced to 5 Years for $1.45M Immigration Fraud Scheme
A Houston man, Jesus Carlos Silva, received a 60-month prison sentence for a $1.45 million immigration scam targeting…
Canadian Court Allows Challenge to Incomplete Immigration Applications
A new Canadian Federal Court ruling allows applicants to legally challenge IRCC if their application is returned as…
States Receive Federal Checks for Immigration Enforcement Partnerships
A new federal funding model under the OBBBA Act replaces local cost-sharing with full reimbursements and performance-based cash…
Laredo Woman Arrested for Impersonating Immigration Attorney in $7,900 Scam
A Laredo woman was arrested for posing as an attorney and stealing $7,900 from victims. The scam relied…