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 Gain2026 OPT and STEM OPT: Timely Filing, Signatures, and Compliance
OPT plus STEM OPT is the main post‑graduation pathway for 2026 graduates. File Form I‑765 online within the authorized window, ensure a recent DSO‑signed I‑20, maintain consistent records, and verify…
H-1B Applicants Must Publicize Social Media for U.S. Review
From Dec. 15, 2025, H-1B, H-4, F, M and J applicants must make social media public for consular…
U.S. Citizenship Changes Effective Oct 20, 2025 for 2025–26 Applicants
Naturalization in 2025–26 introduces a 128-question civics test requiring 12 correct answers, higher fees ($710 online), electronic payments,…
2025 Family-Based Immigration Backlogs and 2026 Developments
2025 brought deeper family-based backlogs, unpredictable Visa Bulletin retrogression, and stricter vetting that lengthened I-130 adjudications and consular…
Trump Administration Cracks Down in New Orleans with 200 Agents
Federal agents deployed roughly 200 Border Patrol officers to New Orleans to target immigrants with serious criminal histories.…
How Employer Name Initials Influence PERM Processing Order
Form ETA‑9089 submission fixes a PERM priority date and enters a daily DOL queue. Reports indicate same‑day cases…
H-4 EAD Delays Beyond 12 Months: What Applicants Should Do Now
H-4 EADs typically take 2–8 months in 2025, but cases over 12 months need active steps: check status,…
H-4 to H-1B Change of Status: Process, Lottery, and Timing Insights
Transitioning from H‑4 to H‑1B requires a sponsoring employer, an approved LCA, and usually lottery selection. File Form…
January 2025 Visa Bulletin: Trends in EB-2, EB-3 and Indian backlog
January’s Visa Bulletin permits filings under the unchanged DF chart while FADs move forward modestly for some EB‑2/EB‑3…
US Reviews 3.3 Million Green Card Holders Amid National Security Probe
The administration ordered a large-scale review of roughly 3.3 million green card holders from 19 countries, reopening approved…