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 GainUSC Issues Notice on H-1B Visa: Travel Advisory and Proclamation
A Sept 19, 2025 proclamation enacts a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions effective Sept 21, 2025. USC advises H-1B employees to avoid international travel and institutions to reassess hiring…
False Claims Act Expands to Immigration in Federal Work, DOJ Enforces
Since May 2025 DOJ added immigration violations to its whistleblower program, pairing FCA enforcement with criminal statutes. NDAA…
ICE Expands 24/7 Social Media Surveillance to Target Deportation Leads
In 2025 ICE will launch a 24/7 Social Media Surveillance unit with about 30 contractors to scan public…
ICE Detains Chicago Alderman in ER, Sparking Sanctuary Debates
A viral October 3, 2025 video shows ICE handcuffing Chicago alderman Jessie Fuentes in an ER after she…
U.S. Shutdown 2025: Trump’s Threats, Visa Delays, and Student Impacts
A partial shutdown began October 1, 2025, after missed appropriations. Trump’s threats raise chances of a prolonged stoppage,…
USCIS Highlights Twin Shield Surge in Minneapolis Fraud Cases
Operation Twin Shield (Sept. 19–28, 2025) saw USCIS, FBI, and ICE review 1,000+ cases in Minneapolis–St. Paul, flagging…
Will Advance Parole and Re-Entry Permits Be Processed During Shutdown?
USCIS will continue processing Form I-131 (Advance Parole and Re-Entry Permits) during a funding lapse because it is…
Can I File Form I-130 During a Government Shutdown? USCIS Continues
During the October 1, 2025 shutdown, USCIS continues fee-funded I-130 processing, while E-Verify and DOL functions (PERM, LCAs)…
Can I-140 Be Filed During a Shutdown? USCIS EB Petitions
USCIS stays open during a shutdown and accepts I-140 petitions for EB-1/EB-2/EB-3, but DOL suspends PERM and LCA…
USCIS Processing During Shutdown: Which Services Remain Available
Although a federal shutdown begins October 1, 2025, USCIS will largely keep processing applications due to fee funding.…