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 GainUSCIS Sends Notices of Intent to Deny to Chinese EB-5 Investors Linked to Tech Firms
USCIS intensifies national security vetting for Chinese EB-5 investors with ties to sensitive tech sectors and specific research universities in May 2026.
USCIS Rolls Out Interim Final Rule Tightening Signatures, Raising Risk of Outright Denial
New USCIS rule effective July 10, 2026, allows denial of filings for signature errors without RFEs. Fees are…
Trump Vows to End DACA as Dreamer Processing Times in Arizona Surge
Arizona DACA renewal times have spiked to 70 days in 2026, threatening work permits and driver's licenses as…
Key Differences between June 2026 Visa Bulletin vs May Explained
Side-by-side comparison of every Final Action and Filing date in the June 2026 vs May 2026 Visa Bulletin:…
USCIS Hits Cap for Second H-2B Visa Allocation for Returning Workers in 2026
USCIS hits the second supplemental H-2B visa cap for April 2026; third allocation for summer jobs remains open…
USCIS and Labor Department Data Mislead as H-1B Visa Numbers Mix New and Existing Workers
Confusion over H-1B data persists as public reports often conflate new worker entries with simple status extensions and…
USCIS Delays DACA Renewals to 122 Days Amid Stricter Vetting
DACA renewal times hit 122 days in 2026 due to stricter vetting, causing work permit lapses for many…
USCIS Adds Next Generation Identification Fingerprint Checks, Delaying Green Cards
USCIS implemented enhanced fingerprint vetting on April 27, 2026, slowing decisions for green cards and citizenship while FBI…
USCIS Adds Enhanced Vetting to DACA Renewals, Leaving 300,000 in Legal Limbo
USCIS has sharply slowed DACA renewal processing in 2026, citing enhanced vetting and broader security checks. Most renewals…
USCIS Places Many Domestic Immigration Filings on Hold as Vetting Rules Tighten
USCIS implements stricter vetting and adjudicative holds in 2026, delaying final decisions on thousands of immigration cases for…