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 Reforms H-1B Selection to Favor Higher-Skilled Workers
DHS is shifting the H-1B visa selection from a random lottery to a wage-based weighted system effective for the FY 2027 season. By giving more entries to higher-paying roles, the…
Google to ramp up PERM-based green cards for H-1B workers in 2026
Google plans to restart its employer-sponsored green card program in 2026. The company will prioritize office-based employees with…
Lawyer Says Citizenship Ceremonies Were Canceled at the Finish Line
The administration has paused naturalization oaths for immigrants from 19 high-risk countries, citing security needs. This prevents approved…
DHS Overhauls H-1B Process to Protect American Workers
The H-1B visa program is shifting from a random lottery to a high-cost, wage-prioritized model. Key changes include…
USCIS Tightens Vetting for VAWA, T, and U Programs Nationwide
New USCIS guidance for VAWA, T, and U visas strengthens fraud prevention by clarifying 'prohibited source' rules and…
State Department Online Vetting Triggers Major H-1B Rescheduling Crisis
A new U.S. State Department mandate for social media screening has triggered massive visa interview delays in India.…
Spike in ICE Custody Deaths in 2025; DHS Has Not Denied the Increase
ICE custody deaths have spiked to record levels in 2025, with at least 20 fatalities reported by October.…
South Sudan TPS Ends Jan 5, 2026: Plan B Options for Holders
The U.S. is ending Temporary Protected Status for South Sudan on January 5, 2026. Roughly 210 people will…
Rare Backlog Opening Lets Eligible Applicants File for Green Card Now
When your priority date becomes current in the Visa Bulletin, you must act fast to file for your…
Background-Check Delays Signal Strain on Immigration System Under Trump Crackdown
Immigration processing in Wisconsin is facing delays due to background-check backlogs and staffing shortages. Even with a judge's…