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 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 torture by or with state involvement. Request CAT through Form I-589 or…
Will the USCIS Asylum Freeze Prevent Working Legally in the U.S.?
Following a fatal shooting, USCIS froze all affirmative asylum decisions in late November 2025, suspending adjudication of EADs…
Full vs Partial Travel Bans Under the June 2025 Proclamation
Effective June 9, 2025, Proclamation 10949 places 12 countries under a near-total visa suspension and 7 under targeted…
No Blanket Cancellations for Asylum Interviews as of November 2025
There is no broad cancellation of asylum interviews despite November 2025 rumors. USCIS is, however, closing some older…
Asylum Decision Halt Does Not Impact K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas
A late-November 2025 USCIS pause affects asylum decisions only; K-1 fiancé visas follow a separate track. I-129F petitions…
Is the USCIS asylum halt limited to affirmative asylum?
USCIS has instructed officers to stop issuing final decisions in affirmative asylum cases nationwide and indefinitely. Interviews and…
What Happens Next for USRAP After the Indefinite Pause
A Jan. 2025 executive order placed USRAP on an indefinite processing pause, stopping new admissions, Welcome Corps, and…
Legal Options for Asylum Cases Delayed by the USCIS Freeze
If your interview-complete asylum case stalled during a USCIS freeze, first contact USCIS and document everything. Seek help…
Asylum Applicants Do Not Qualify for Re-Entry Permits Amid Vetting
Re-entry permits only apply to permanent residents with green cards; pending asylum applicants are ineligible. After asylum approval…
Post-October 2025 EAD Rules: What Asylum Seekers Must Know
New DHS policies ending October 30, 2025, have removed the 540-day work permit extension for new EAD renewals.…