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 GainFeds detain Columbia green-card holder over drug convictions
Longtime green card holder Owen Ramsingh was detained at O’Hare on September 27, 2025; ICE cited a 1997 cocaine conviction and an expunged 2011 marijuana conviction. He remained in custody…
Trump Sued Over Orwellian National Citizenship Database
Advocates sued to block a proposed national citizenship database centralizing Social Security and immigration data, warning it could…
DHS Doubles Down: Streamlined H-2A Filing for Agricultural Workers
From October 2, 2025, USCIS will accept only electronic I-129H2A filings and can begin processing after DOL’s notice…
Impacts of a U.S. Government Shutdown on Immigration Services
A possible shutdown on September 30, 2025 would leave USCIS fee-funded services running but halt E-Verify and could…
Higher Ed Coalition Warns DHS Rule Could Erode U.S. Talent Pipeline
DHS proposed ending D/S on August 28, 2025, replacing it with fixed admission periods usually capped at four…
How a U.S. Government Shutdown Affects Travel and Immigration
A U.S. government shutdown splits immigration: fee-funded USCIS tasks continue while court hearings and labor filings often freeze,…
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…