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 GainFiling I-140 After Shutdown: PERM Certified Before Oct 1, 2025
DOL restarted PERM processing October 31, 2025, enabling I-140 filings, but employers must file within 180 days of PERM approval or lose certification. USCIS continued accepting petitions during the shutdown;…
Special PERM Filing Window: 33-Day Grace for Shutdown Recruitments
DOL granted a 33-day automatic grace period for PERM filings disrupted by the FLAG outage from Oct 1…
What Happens to Pending RFE Responses Due During the 2025 Shutdown
USCIS continued operations through the 2025 shutdown, so RFE deadlines generally held. Because other agencies paused, gather and…
USCIS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions for Delays After Oct 30, 2025
Effective October 30, 2025 USCIS ended automatic 540-day EAD extensions for most categories. Renewals filed on or after…
No Formal I-485 Grace Period Extension Amid 2025 Shutdown, USCIS Says
USCIS did not extend I-485 filing deadlines for the 2025 shutdown; it will use existing discretion on a…
What Happens to BALCA Appeals Paused by the 43-Day Shutdown?
BALCA paused appeals for 43 days during the 2025 shutdown; OFLC extended its processing but BALCA deadlines remained…
How the 43-Day Shutdown Affects PERM Timelines in 2026
The 43-day shutdown stopped PERM processing and resumed Oct 31, 2025, creating a backlog. Prevailing wages may take…
End of Shutdown: Refugee Admissions Not Fully Restarted; Next Steps
The January 2025 executive order paused USRAP on January 27, blocking most refugee admissions. A mid-2025 injunction allows…
Impact of the 2025 Shutdown on USCIS and EOIR Asylum Processes
The 2025 shutdown slowed asylum processing: USCIS kept accepting claims but delayed interviews and responses; detained hearings continued,…
Trump Plans Border Patrol Deployment to Charlotte, New Orleans
Border Patrol agents are being moved from Chicago to Charlotte and New Orleans, with operations expected later this…