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 GainDHS 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 I-539 extensions, biometrics, and shorter 30-day grace periods. Initial F/J stays capped…
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+…
U.S. Launches Project Firewall to Expand H-1B Enforcement
Project Firewall began September 19, 2025, letting the Secretary of Labor certify H-1B investigations targeting wage theft, fraud,…
Bipartisan lawmakers reintroduce bill to shield documented dreamers from aging-out deportation
Reintroduced in September 2025, the America’s CHILDREN Act would prevent over 250,000 lawfully present dependents from aging out…
ICE Expanding in Grand Rapids Amid Nationwide Immigration Surge
A $28.7 billion FY2025 boost enables ICE to expand into interior cities like Grand Rapids with targets of…
US Expands AI in Immigration Control Amid 2025 Transparency Debates
DHS expanded AI in immigration in 2025 with a playbook requiring human review. CBP reported 75 AI use…