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 GainNew U.S. Citizenship Test Rules Spark Concerns Over Access
Beginning October 20, 2025, the civics test will have 20 oral questions with a 12-correct passing score and a 128-question bank; USCIS will also tighten eligibility reviews. Filings before the…
ACE and Higher Ed Warn H-1B Reforms Threaten U.S. Competitiveness
Effective September 21, 2025, a $100,000 fee applies to most new abroad-filed H-1B petitions. Higher education groups warn…
How ICE Recruitment Woes Are Reshaping Trump’s Immigration Push
Despite 150,000-plus applicants and 18,000 tentative offers, ICE can’t field enough qualified officers for its 2025 enforcement goals.…
US Expands Biometric Entry-Exit for Non-Citizens by Dec 2025
Starting December 26, 2025, DHS will require facial-recognition biometrics for all non-citizens at U.S. entry and exit points,…
Trump Admin to Surge Arrests and Deportations Amid Enforcement Push
Since January 2025, deportations and ICE arrests surged nationally, with officials claiming over 400,000 removals by September and…
ICE Detains Immigrants at Fresno Permanent Resident Appointments
ICE arrested Maria Francisca Caballero after her October 8, 2025 USCIS adjustment interview in Fresno. DHS cites six…
DHS Invites Public Comment on H-1B Weighted Selection Rule
DHS proposes a wage-weighted H-1B lottery giving more entries to higher wage levels (IV=4 to I=1), plus candidate-centric…
San Francisco to Add $3.5M for Immigration Services After Trump Threat
San Francisco secured $3.4 million to expand its Immigration Defense Unit with four new positions through March 2029,…
H-1B Revocation Triggers F-1 Auto-Termination: A Cautionary Case
An August 29, 2025 employer-filed H-1B revocation led to SEVIS auto-termination, ending a recent graduate's OPT and F-1…
More Than 200 ICE Recruits Dismissed as Agency Expands Recklessly
Over 200 ICE trainees were dismissed amid an accelerated hiring push driven by a $50,000 bonus and 150,000+…