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 GainAre Resettled Refugees Facing Deportation After Security Review?
USCIS plans to re‑interview many resettled refugees, alarming advocates who cite retraumatization and disruption. Officials report no confirmed deportations and say the review focuses on extra scrutiny, but unclear guidance…
Can You Still Apply for U.S. Asylum After the USCIS Freeze?
USCIS paused all asylum decisions nationwide after a security incident, affecting about 2.5 million pending cases. The agency…
Myanmar, Chad, Eritrea, Libya: Can They Still Apply for US Visas?
Effective June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, the U.S. suspended most visa issuance for nationals of Myanmar,…
Asylum-Based EAD Renewal: What to Do When USCIS Pauses Decisions
An internal USCIS halt on asylum decisions began in late November 2025 and is labeled indefinite. The pause…
Pending Asylum Applications During USCIS Decision Halts: What to Know
USCIS halted all affirmative asylum decisions in November 2025 to implement expanded vetting, freezing pending cases and blocking…
What Countries of Concern Mean for Immigration and Visa Processing
In 2025 the U.S. designated 19 Countries of Concern, imposing stricter vetting, entry suspensions, and a USCIS reexamination…
Work Permit 150 Days After Asylum Filing: Delays, Not a Halt?
No general USCIS halt exists through late 2025. Asylum seekers can apply for EAD after 150 days; approvals…
Are All Biden Refugees Subject to Re-Interview and Reopening?
USCIS ordered reopening and re-interviewing of about 233,000 refugees admitted from Jan. 20, 2021 to Feb. 20, 2025,…
USCIS Asylum Halt: Iran, Somalia, Yemen Affected; Venezuela Unclear
A nationwide pause on asylum and refugee decisions announced in late November 2025 will affect many applicants; USCIS…
Can CAT Protection Replace Asylum? Key Facts and Limitations
CAT is an essential, mandatory backup when asylum or withholding fail. Applicants must prove a greater-than-50% chance of…