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 GainCatholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle receives grant for legal aid
With federal funding for refugee resettlement programs suspended, Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle relies on a $15,000 Texas Bar Foundation grant. This critical support allows continued pro bono Immigration…
H-1B visa demand still strong as USCIS gets 344K registrations for 85K quota
For FY26, USCIS received 343,981 H-1B registrations but only 85,000 can be approved. New anti-fraud and beneficiary-centric reforms…
Department of Homeland Security Weighs Immigrant Reality TV Show
DHS is reviewing but has not approved a reality TV show proposal awarding citizenship to immigrant contestants. Secretary…
Governor Ivey signs Senate Bill 158 banning foreign licenses as voter ID
Governor Ivey signed Alabama’s Senate Bills 158 and 63, restricting foreign driver licenses for voting and expanding biometric…
Trump Administration Pushes DHS to Grab H-1B Visa Biometrics
Starting April 2025, DHS expanded biometric requirements for H-1B visa applicants flagged for “adverse information,” mandating fingerprints and…
R-1 visa allows religious workers up to five years in the US
The R-1 visa lets nonprofit U.S. religious groups sponsor clergy and staff from abroad for up to five…
Belgium cuts work visa wait to 15 days for skilled foreign workers
Belgium’s Flemish region now processes skilled foreign work visas in just 15 days from May 2025, with broader…
Key Differences Between june 2025 vs May 2025 Visa Bulletins: Changes Explained
The U.S. Department of State has released the June 2025 Visa Bulletin, following the May 2025 edition. This…
Understanding the June 2025 Visa Bulletin: A Guide to U.S. Immigration Policies
The U.S. Department of State has released the June 2025 Visa Bulletin, detailing the availability of family-sponsored and…
Rumeysa Ozturk freed after federal judge challenges ICE detention
Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student, was released from ICE detention due to violations of her First Amendment…