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 GainDHS Shutdown Ends, Clearing Backlog for Visa Issuance and Asylum Processing
DHS shutdown ends April 2026. USCIS core services continue, but applicants face administrative backlogs, new asylum vetting, and specific filing surges.
USCIS, CBP, ICE, and TSA Operations After Shutdown: What Travelers and Applicants Face
The 76-day DHS shutdown ended April 30, 2026. USCIS warns of processing backlogs while TSA and CBP restore…
USCIS Pauses I-485 and N-400 for FBI Re-checks, No Biometrics Resubmission Needed
New USCIS vetting hold since April 27, 2026, pauses I-485 and N-400 cases for FBI re-checks. No new…
Federal Judge George L. Russell III Orders USCIS to Resume Green Card Applications
A Maryland court ruled that USCIS must resume processing stalled green card applications for 83 plaintiffs, ending an…
USCIS Expands Background Checks with Next Generation Identification, Delays Green Cards
USCIS expands AI vetting and FBI fingerprint checks as of April 2026, delaying green card and citizenship approvals…
Senate Democrats Push Vote to Block Review Act, Keep Automatic Work Permit Extensions
Senate Democrats use the Congressional Review Act to force a vote on restoring automatic work permit extensions for…
Judge Orders USCIS to Resume Green Card Reviews, Limits National-Security Freezes
A federal judge ordered USCIS to end the indefinite freeze on 83 green card applications held under a…
Senate Nears Vote on S.j.res. 99 to Restore Employment Authorization for H-4 Spouses
Senate Democrats push S.J.Res. 99 to restore automatic EAD extensions and prevent work gaps for 100,000 H-4 spouses…
Andrew Vanjani Takes Helm as USCIS Chief Information Officer, Promises Tech Overhaul
USCIS appoints Andrew Vanjani as CIO to lead technology modernization, cybersecurity, and fraud detection after a year-long vacancy…
USCIS Halves Green Card Approvals as ICE Targets Legal Immigrants in Arrests
USCIS green card approvals dropped 54% by early 2026, coinciding with new ICE enforcement tactics and country-specific suspensions…