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 GainWho Can Lose Temporary Protected Status or DACA in the U.S. and What to Do
Trump’s 2026 immigration policies tighten DACA, TPS, and asylum rules, extending work permit waits and restricting federal benefits for millions.
Presidential Proclamation Sets $100,000 H-1B Fee for New Petitions
A Presidential Proclamation took effect Sept. 21, 2025, imposing a $100,000 fee on every new H‑1B petition filed…
Current U.S. Citizenship Test Rules: Questions, Pass Score, Exemptions
The 2025 U.S. Naturalization Test requires 12 correct answers from 128 questions for those filing N-400 applications on…
DHS Accuses New York of Obstructing Immigration Enforcement
DHS accused New York in September 2025 of obstructing immigration enforcement for refusing ICE detainers without warrants. Acting…
USCIS Announces 2025 Civics Test: 128 Questions, 12/20 Pass
Starting October 20, 2025, USCIS will require naturalization applicants filing Form N-400 to study a 128-question civics pool…
US Corporate Immigration Under Strain: Policy Hurdles and Enforcement
2025 brought stricter enforcement and new rules—OBBBA and mandatory registration—raising RFEs, site visits, and delays for H-1B, PERM,…
State Department Rule Adds $1 Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Fee
A $1 registration fee for the Diversity Visa lottery will take effect September 16, 2025, implemented 30 days…
UI Students Secure Injunction Reinstating SEVIS Status Against DHS
A federal judge ordered DHS to restore four University of Iowa students’ SEVIS status after wrongful termination. Separately,…
Advocates Warn ICE Enforcement Surge Targets Victims, Not Criminals
Since January 2025 ICE stepped up interior enforcement, deporting nearly 200,000 people and arresting many without convictions. With…
USCIS Destruction of OPT EAD Card Before Delivery Raises Alarm
A 2025 USCIS processing error printed a July 15 start date on an EAD despite August 13 OPT…