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 GainU Visa, T Visa, or VAWA While Asylum Is On Hold: Options
Applicants with asylum cases pending may also pursue U, T, or VAWA relief concurrently. Each route has different eligibility rules, caps, and timelines. Gather strong evidence, file the correct USCIS…
Documents to Gather While Your Asylum Case Is on Hold at USCIS
When your asylum case is on hold, keep gathering updated identity, medical, legal, and country‑condition evidence, certify translations,…
Can Asylum Seekers Still Use Advance Parole to Travel?
Individual advance parole remains available for asylum seekers despite the 2025 Executive Order. File Form I‑131 and wait…
Will the Trump Administration Expand the Travel Ban to More Nations?
Officials identified 36 at‑risk countries, mainly in Africa, to meet U.S. vetting and deportation cooperation within 60 days…
Emergency Travel with Pending Asylum: Get USCIS and Legal Advice
If your asylum case is suspended, traveling for emergencies can jeopardize your claim if you lack Advance Parole.…
What to Do If Your Work Permit Expires During the USCIS Pause
An indefinite USCIS pause on asylum decisions does not invalidate current work permits. Renewals filed before Oct. 30,…
Asylum Reviews Unaffected by Refugee Memo: What to Do Next
USCIS will reexamine roughly 200,000 refugee cases admitted from Jan. 21, 2021 to Feb. 20, 2025. The memo…
TPS: Is It Still Available Amid the Asylum Processing Halt?
Temporary Protected Status operates separately from asylum and continues to protect eligible nationals, offering work authorization and deportation…
Is My EAD Valid With Pending Asylum? Five-Year Validity & Renewals
EADs tied to pending asylum cases issued on/after Sept. 27, 2023 are valid five years. Renew within 120–90…
Can Humanitarian Parole Replace Asylum for Some Nationals?
Humanitarian parole offers temporary, discretionary entry to the U.S. for urgent needs; USCIS decides requests individually. Approval doesn’t…