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 GainTop USCIS Official Defends Policy Targeting Anti-American Views
USCIS's August 19, 2025 guidance treats anti‑American ideology as a decisive negative factor, expands social media vetting, and covers green cards, visas, parole, and some employment‑based petitions, increasing discretionary denials…
Feds’ NY Raid Nets 57 Arrests; Official Says More Are Coming
Fifty-seven people were arrested in NY immigration raids after new federal directives and the OBBBA expanded ICE funding…
Policy Shift Allows ICE at Schools in Rare Cases, DHS Clarifies
DHS rescinded 2011 protections in January 2025, allowing rare ICE actions at schools with supervisor approval. The change…
DHS Self-Deportation Promise under Scrutiny: Is the $1,000 Real?
DHS’s Project Homecoming offers voluntary departures with a free flight, $1,000 stipend, and fine forgiveness but faces legal,…
Trump administration blocks NGO voter registration at naturalization events
USCIS banned NGOs from offering voter registration at naturalization ceremonies nationwide beginning August 29, 2025, limiting on-site registration…
Employers and Immigrants Brace for USCIS’s Expanded Enforcement Powers
USCIS gained 1811 law-enforcement powers in September 2025, enabling investigations, arrests, weapons carriage, warrants, prosecutions, and expedited removals—raising…
DHS Launches Program Reimbursing 287(g) Agencies for Officer Salaries
Starting October 1, 2025, DHS will reimburse full salaries, benefits, and up to 25% overtime for 287(g) officers…
US Visa Integrity Fee: What to Know as October 1, 2025 Approaches
A $250 Visa Integrity Fee on each nonimmigrant visa issuance starts October 1, 2025. Agencies haven’t issued collection…
No EB-2 Visas for FY 2025: Indian Professionals Face Extended Backlog
EB-2 reached its FY2025 allocation and no EB-2 visas will issue until October 1, 2025. EB-2 India stays…
USCIS Expands Authority: Armed Agents Authorized to Arrest Immigration Violators
USCIS created armed 1811 special agents on September 4, 2025, authorized to investigate, arrest, and prosecute immigration benefit…