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.
Shutdown 2025: How Travel, Visa, and Immigration Can Be Affected
A possible shutdown on October 1, 2025 will likely let USCIS fee-funded adjudications continue, while DOL immigration systems (LCAs, PERM) and E-Verify pause. Consular and passport services may run but…
Federal Workforce Shakeup Threatens Immigration and Travel Services
Historic federal staff reductions — over 100,000 resignations in one day and ~275,000 expected by Sept 30, 2025…
OPT and CPT in 2025: Key rules, STEM extensions, and tips
In 2025, CPT (DSO‑authorized, curriculum‑linked) and OPT (USCIS‑approved with EAD) remain key for F‑1 students. Avoid 12+ months…
H-1B 2026 Lottery: What the $100,000 Fee Means for Employers
From Sept 21, 2025, any new H-1B petition filed must include a $100,000 fee; FY2026 registration and lottery…
DHS Proposal Sets Fixed Admission Periods for F/J/I Nonimmigrants
DHS proposed replacing duration of status with fixed admission periods for F, J, and I visas, requiring Form…
Immigration Backlogs Hit 11.3 Million, Critics Warn on Due Process
In 2025 USCIS faces an 11.3 million-case backlog and a 34,000-file frontlog while immigration courts exceed 3.6 million…
Trump Tightens Citizenship Exam, Residents Race to Naturalize
Effective October 20, 2025, naturalization applicants who file Form N-400 will face a 20-question civics oral exam from…
Amazon Leads H-1B Approvals Through June 2025, TCS and Others Trail
Through June 2025, Amazon led H-1B approvals with 10,044 petitions; TCS, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple also ranked high.…
CBP Releases Latest Border Numbers: 2025 Encounters at Historic Lows
CBP recorded record low encounters in July and August 2025—24,628 and 26,197 respectively—with no parole releases since April…
DHS: Over 2 Million Illegal Immigrants Depart U.S. Under Trump Admin
DHS announced over 2 million departures since January 20, 2025 — 1.6 million voluntary with incentives and 400,000+…