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 GainIRCC Launches Personalized Processing Times for PR and Citizenship
IRCC’s new tool provides personalized processing-time estimates for permanent residence and citizenship based on filing date and queue position. It shows time left, people ahead, total wait, and current time…
USCIS to Process H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, CW-1 Petitions During Shutdown
USCIS remains open to process I-129 and CW-1 petitions but DOL system outages can block required LCAs and…
November 2025 vs. October 2025 Visa Bulletins — What Changed (and What Didn’t)
The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin serves as a monthly roadmap for immigrants, attorneys, and employers tracking…
Understanding November 2025 Visa Bulletin: Everything You Need to Know
The U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin each month and today is the time for November…
Trump H-1B Crackdown: $100,000 Fee and Americans-First Policy
A $100,000 one-time fee will apply to new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025 for…
How to Avoid Common Immigration Scams and Fraud
Immigration scams are unfortunately common and continue to evolve in more sophisticated ways. Scammers often impersonate government agencies…
The 2025 Green Card Law Changes Every Holder Must Watch
USCIS tightened enforcement in 2025, increasing scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card filings, reducing RFEs, and mandating new form…
ICE’s full-body restraints in deportations spark concerns of inhumane treatment
ICE’s use of The WRAP during deportations has drawn criticism for prolonged application, steep seating angles, and stacked…
Shutdown Delays Citizenship Ceremonies and Frustration Mounts
Citizenship ceremonies at a Virginia USCIS office were cancelled without timely notice during a government shutdown, leaving applicants…
F-1 OPT Student Stuck in SEVIS Termination After H-1B Withdrawal Delay
An F-1 OPT student with pending STEM extension faced SEVIS termination on October 1 after delayed USCIS confirmation…