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 GainFebruary 2026 Visa Bulletin Analysis: What you need to Know
The U.S. Department of State has officially released the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, providing immigrant visa availability information for the month. This comprehensive analysis examines the actual Final Action Dates…
H-1B Overhaul via Executive Action: From Lottery to Weighted Selection
The H-1B program now prioritizes high-wage earners through a weighted selection system and a new $100,000 fee for…
Government Warns About Green Card Scams Amid Tougher Immigration Moves
Federal authorities are warning green card applicants about sophisticated fee scams involving fake websites and payment apps. USCIS…
Drug Felony Convictions: Do They Bar Green Card Applications?
Current U.S. immigration policy treats drug felonies as primary barriers to residency. Enhanced vetting through the USCIS Vetting…
What Immigrants and Students Should Know About U.S. Airport Inspections
New U.S. immigration policies effective late 2025 expand facial biometric requirements and enhance screening for work-visa holders. H-1B…
US Revises Naturalization Test: New Standards for Green Card Holders
USCIS has updated the naturalization process for 2025, introducing a more difficult 128-question civics test and stricter vetting…
Green Card Timing for H-1B Professionals in 2026: Start by Year 2
The 2026 immigration landscape requires H-1B holders to start Green Card sponsorship by Year 2 rather than Year…
California Mask Ban for Immigration Agents Triggers Federal Lawsuit
The DOJ has sued California to block laws (SB 627 and SB 805) that restrict how federal immigration…
New England States and the Federal Deportation Push: A Regional Look
New England's response to federal deportation efforts is split, with New Hampshire mandating ICE cooperation while others restrict…
Merrimack, NH: Surprise ICE Facility Plans Underway, Officials Say
USCIS processing times for 2026 range from 2 to 20 months depending on the benefit type. Recent reports…