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 GainCentral Ohio Advocates Alarmed by 2025 Immigration Changes
Policy changes in 2025 have pushed many Franklin County immigrant families toward crisis: SNAP benefits ended for over 4,000 residents, work-permit fees rose to $540, and increased ICE enforcement outside…
F-1 OPT Corrected Notices Spark Anxiety Among Post-2025 Filers
USCIS issued corrected receipt notices saying the 180-day automatic employment extension does not apply to OPT filings after…
DHS Watchdog Expulsions Raise Alarm on Immigration Detention Abuses
DHS closed three internal watchdogs in March 2025, reassigning about 300 employees and shrinking CRCL to nine staff…
Withholding of Removal: Can You Still Apply If USCIS Halts Asylum?
On November 28, 2025 USCIS paused affirmative asylum decisions, but immigration judges still hear Withholding of Removal claims.…
Alternative Immigration Pathways When Asylum Is No Longer Pursued
Alternatives to asylum include U and T humanitarian visas, TPS, family sponsorship, and employer-based visas. Each path has…
Immigration Judges Can Grant Asylum Even If USCIS Pauses Decisions
USCIS paused affirmative asylum decisions in November 2025, creating delays for direct applicants. Immigration Judges at EOIR still…
Evidence Needed to Prove Well-Founded Fear in an Asylum Claim
To qualify for asylum, prove a credible fear (subjective) and objective evidence linking harm to a protected ground.…
November 2025 Crackdown: Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela Visa Holders Affected
Policies implemented in 2025 restrict non‑immigrant visas for Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela, revoke over 80,000 visas, and allow…
Travel Outside the U.S. from a Country Under Review: Visa Exempt
June 2025 restrictions block new visas and entry for nationals of 19 countries. Holders of valid U.S. visas,…
Can I Submit Updated Country Conditions Reports During the Freeze?
The government ordered a nationwide freeze on asylum decisions starting Nov. 29, 2025. USCIS and EOIR must log…