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 Halts All Asylum Decisions, Director Says Vetting Must Improve
After a shooting near the White House, USCIS suspended all asylum decisions nationwide to conduct more complete vetting, impacting thousands amid a large backlog and prompting a separate Afghan passport…
Immigrant Advocates Brace for Tougher U.S. Citizenship Rules in 2025
Starting October 20, 2025, USCIS expands the civics pool to 128 questions and ups oral questions to 20,…
Green Card Interviews Turn to Detentions: ICE Arrests
ICE arrests during USCIS Green Card interviews in San Diego—reported in at least six marriage‑based cases—have sparked fear.…
Judge Pauses Trump Admin’s End of Haiti TPS Amid Surge in Violence
A federal judge paused the Sept. 2, 2025 termination of Haiti’s TPS, keeping protections through Feb. 3, 2026.…
AI in U.S. immigration enforcement sparks concern over report accuracy
A Chicago ruling found AI-generated use-of-force text conflicted with body-camera video, prompting judicial scrutiny, privacy concerns, state labeling…
USCIS halts Afghan immigration requests after DC Guard shooting
Following a Nov. 26 shooting, USCIS paused all immigration processing for Afghan nationals worldwide. The indefinite freeze affects…
Administration freezes Green Cards, refugees, re-interview to tighten security vetting
The administration froze processing of about 235,000 refugee Green Cards admitted Jan. 20, 2021–Feb. 20, 2025, ordering mandatory…
Analysts scrutinize Brat’s figures amid Industrial-scale fraud, Chennai, H-1B visas.
A former congressman alleges Chennai processed 220,000 H-1B visas in 2024, far above the 85,000 cap; a former…
January 2026 Visa Bulletin Predictions, Analysis and Understanding
January 2026 Visa Bulletin predictions with detailed analysis of EB-2, EB-3, EB-1 priority dates for India & China,…
DHS OPT Overhaul: What It Means for Indian Students
Current OPT rules remain unchanged, but DHS proposals and a new House bill could reshape work options for…