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 GainDoes the U.S. State Department Still Process Visas During a Shutdown?
On Oct 1, 2025, the State Department said visa processing generally continues during the shutdown because fees fund consular work; expect delays and check official updates.
Can I File Form I-589 During Government Shutdown? USCIS Offices Open
USCIS remains open during the October 1, 2025 shutdown: file Form I-589, attend biometrics and interviews, and protect…
Will My I-485 Interview Be Cancelled During a Government Shutdown?
A possible October 1, 2025 government shutdown is unlikely to halt USCIS core work. Most I-485 interviews should…
Are USCIS RFEs Still Accepted During a Federal Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, it continues to accept and review RFE responses during a government shutdown, but processing…
Are USCIS Premium Processing Services Available During Shutdown?
Despite the October 1, 2025 shutdown, USCIS continues fee-funded services and Premium Processing is available for eligible forms…
Does the National Visa Center Keep Processing During a U.S. Government Shutdown?
The National Visa Center remains open during the 2026 shutdown due to fee funding, though consular interview delays…
USCIS Recruiting Immigration Officers to Strengthen System Integrity
USCIS will hire Immigration Services Officers from Sept 29–Oct 8, 2025 to increase in-person interviews, document checks, and…
Annual US Asylum Fee Demands $100 Payments From Many Applicants
Starting mid‑2025, the U.S. requires a $100 annual fee for each year an I-589 asylum application is pending…
DHS Confirms 24 Undocumented Immigrants Arrested in Manitowoc County
ICE and federal partners arrested 24 undocumented immigrants in Manitowoc County during a trafficking-related operation; DHS detailed six…
DACA: No new initial applications processed nationwide in 2025
USCIS will receive but not process new DACA initial applications under a court order as of September 30,…