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 GainHow the Filibuster Shields Immigration Detention Reforms from Action
The filibuster’s 60-vote cloture rule blocks many immigration detention reforms despite majority support. Advocates seek targeted changes; defenders call for bipartisan durability. Negotiations prioritize modest, cross-party measures, while larger reforms…
Litigation Looms as USCIS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions
Beginning October 30, 2025, USCIS ends automatic EAD extensions for renewals filed that day or later, impacting multiple…
Kristi Noem to discuss Chicago immigration operations in Gary
On October 30, 2025, Secretary Kristi Noem will report in Gary on Operation Midway Blitz, which began in…
Ending EAD Extensions: Refugees and Asylees Face Work Gaps
Effective October 30, 2025, DHS ends automatic EAD extensions for refugees and asylees; filings before October 30 retain…
What to Do When Your EAD Expires After Oct 30, 2025
Most automatic EAD extensions end October 30, 2025. If an EAD expires after that date, the worker must…
DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions Beginning Oct 30, 2025
Effective October 30, 2025, DHS will generally end automatic extensions for EAD renewals filed on or after that…
USCIS Requires Electronic Payments for Paper-Filed Immigration Forms
USCIS mandates electronic payments for paper filings from Oct. 28, 2025. Use Form G-1450 for card charges or…
Trump Purges ICE Leaders in Five Cities, Replacing with Border Patrol
Officials are ousting ICE field directors in five cities, placing Border Patrol leaders and one HSI official to…
Trump Administration Replaces Phoenix ICE Official, Sources Say
On October 24, 2025, Phoenix ICE director John Cantu was reassigned during a quiet nationwide reshuffle that moved…
DHS Reports Over 2 Million Departures Under Trump 2.0 Administration
DHS reports 2 million undocumented departures since January 2025—about 1.6 million voluntary and 400,000+ formal removals in under…