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 GainCan 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 grant immigration status or citizenship. Parole usually lasts one to two years.…
Can I Lose My Pending Asylum By Leaving Without Advance Parole?
Departing the U.S. while your I-589 is pending without USCIS-approved Advance Parole usually leads to a presumption of…
Know Your Rights: Refugees Reopened for Vetting by USCIS
USCIS began reopening cases for principal refugees admitted 2021–2025 after a January 2025 order. Reviews may lead to…
Impact of the Asylum Processing Halt on Afghan Nationals’ Work Authorization
Asylum processing limits have disrupted Afghan nationals’ access to work permits. Widespread delays and the end of the…
USCIS Decision Halt: Distinguishing Asylum Seekers from Refugees
Refugees already have formal recognition and protections; asylum seekers await a legal decision. A USCIS pause delays adjudication…
Will Credible Fear Passers Get Final USCIS Decisions During the Pause?
In late November 2025, USCIS halted all final asylum decisions nationwide, including cases in the Asylum Merits Interview…
Asylum Decisions Continue in 2025: No Official Halt, Delays Persist
USCIS has not announced a nationwide pause on asylum decisions in 2025, but heavy backlogs and policy changes—especially…
No Evidence of Further Reductions to the 7,500 Refugee Cap FY 2026
As of Nov. 29, 2025, the FY 2026 refugee cap stays at 7,500 per an Oct. 31 presidential…
Affirmative vs Defensive Asylum: Differences in USCIS Processing Halt
Affirmative asylum is filed with USCIS by those not in removal proceedings; defensive asylum is litigated in immigration…
Can Refugees Arriving Jan 2021–Feb 2025 Still Apply for Green Cards?
The Jan. 27, 2025 USRAP pause halts most new refugee admissions but does not prevent refugees already admitted…