Your Weekly U.S. Immigration News, Archived

The State Dept. paused immigrant visa interviews worldwide for a training initiative, with no date yet for when normal scheduling resumes. Read the full story →

DHS's H-1B visa overhaul, covering cap exemptions and third-party placement rules, is now under White House review with no public text yet. Read the full story →

USCIS just made 'neighborhood investigations' permanent guidance for naturalization applicants. Here's what changed and what you can do. Read the full story →

The State Department plans to revoke up to 200,000 tourist and business visas from people who entered the U.S., then filed for asylum. Read the full story →

DHS proposed a $103,265 fee on cap-subject H-1B petitions, to be published Aug. 25. Comments close Sept. 24. Here’s what it changes and doesn't. Read the full story →

A federal judge vacated the State Department's 75-country immigrant visa freeze nationwide and ordered refusals based on it to be re-adjudicated. Read the full story →

Family-based final action dates advanced by more than two years in the September 2026 Visa Bulletin, while nearly every employment-based category stood still. Read the full story →

DHS's proposed rule on fees for certain H-1B petitions cleared White House review on Aug. 19. Here's what we know and what happens next. Read the full story →

Below are some of the latest headlines, curated by Manifest immigration attorney Ana Senior. Read the full story →

USCIS released a new Form I-485 edition tied to the Sept. 18 public charge rule. Here is what changed and when you must use it. Read the full story →

The State Department's $750 Paid Expedite pilot now covers six U.S. missions, letting B visa applicants book an interview within 10 business days. Read the full story →

USCIS will reject the 08/28/24 Form I-539 and 08/21/25 Form I-765 starting September 15, 2026. The new instructions cut the OPT window to 30 days. Read the full story →

The BIA ruled that advance parole travel is a departure. Only people traveling pursuant to advance parole (e.g., those with pending I-485s) are affected. Read the full story →

A federal court order forces USCIS to let nonprofits help new citizens register to vote at naturalization ceremonies again, reversing a 2025 rule. Read the full story →

DHS's new e-filing rule lets USCIS require online filing for immigration forms. See which 22 forms qualify first, including I-129 and N-400. Read the full story →

DHS sent a proposal to eliminate the 60-day H-1B grace period to the White House for review. Here's what it would change and its current status. Read the full story →

DHS's new rule makes large H-1B and L-1 employers pay a biometric fee on all visa extensions, not just new hires or job changes. Read the full story →

Trump signed two orders narrowing birthright citizenship and targeting birth tourism after the Supreme Court's June ruling. Here's what changed. Read the full story →

USCIS can now deny H-1B, O-1, and Green Card requests without an RFE if evidence is missing. Here's what changed and when it took effect. Read the full story →

The latest government data shows the O-1, EB-2 NIW approval rates increasing between January-March 2026. See what the new numbers mean for your case. Read the full story →

The State Department's proposed rule would add new J-1 termination grounds, a 3-month extension deadline, and a 30-day SEVIS fix window. Read the full story →

USCIS can now refer some asylum cases to court without an interview first. Here's what the new DHS rule changes and who it affects. Read the full story →

The First Circuit denied the government's stay request on July 24, 2026, so the $100,000 H-1B fee stays blocked while the appeal moves forward. Read the full story →

A Federal Register correction restores the 30-day deadline for first asylum work permits that an April rule dropped. Read the full story →

The State Department has just released the August 2026 Visa Bulletin. Read our recap of the biggest changes for employment- and family-based applicants. Read the full story →

USCIS reached the FY2027 H-1B cap on July 17, 2026, with no second lottery expected. It was the first year to use wage-weighted selection. Read the full story →

DHS finalized the rule ending duration of status. F and J visa stays are capped at 4 years starting September 15, 2026. See what changes for students. Read the full story →

USCIS released the policy guidance implementing its new public charge rule, effective Sept. 18, 2026. Here's what changed for Green Card applicants. Read the full story →

USCIS SAVE guidance sets mid-July work authorization end dates for TPS holders from Syria, Haiti, Yemen, Burma, Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan. Read the full story →

The DOL wants to update PERM, the labor market test employers use to sponsor green cards. It's the first big change since 2004. Here's what we know. Read the full story →

This week, Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar offers her insights on the latest headlines. Read the full story →

A proposed DHS rule would reshape the EB-5 investor Green Card program: new investment tiers, job-creation proof, audits, and enforcement. Read the full story →

In a 6-3 decision, the Justices affirmed that children born in the U.S. to parents unlawfully present or temporarily present in the U.S. are citizens at birth. Read the full story →

The DHS is ending automatic renewal of EADs, effective October 30, 2025. Learn what to do next in this news article. Read the full story →

The EB-5 investor visa is now closed to Indian applicants until October. Here’s what changed, why it happened, and what comes next. Read the full story →

A new proposed rule would raise the N-400 filing fees, and eliminate fee waivers and for Green Card holders applying for naturalization. Read the full story →

The latest developments and USCIS policy updates, with insights from Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar. Read the full story →

A DHS proposal that caps F and J visas at 4 years, changes international student work authorization has cleared White House review. Read the full story →

Highlights in the latest immigration and citizenship data includes an increase in the EB-2 NIW’s approval rate. Read the full story →

India EB-1 final action dates moved backward, while several family-based categories advanced in the July 2026 Visa Bulletin. Read the full story →

A federal judge vacated policies implementing Trump's $100,000 H-1B payment requirement, though the government may file a motion of stay. Read the full story →

A federal judge declared four policies related to the adjudicative hold unlawful, and USCIS has confirmed they are now vacated. Read the full story →

A Nebraska judge has ordered USCIS to approve an EB-1A petition after ruling the agency’s “final merits” requirement was unlawfully adopted. Read the full story →

Available at select U.S. consulates, B-1/B-2 visa applicants can pay to skip the wait line starting July 1. Read the full story →

Unused family visa numbers from last year pushed the employment-based limit to 186,000, and the reason behind it may matter as much as the number itself. Read the full story →

This week, the latest developments and USCIS policy updates includes the EB-2 India cap being met, and an executive order on banking ID laws. Read the full story →

The U.S. government has issued all EB-2 immigrant visas chargeable to India for FY 2026. Issuance resumes on October 1. Read the full story →

On May 22, a new USCIS memo reframed adjustment of status as discretionary. What it means for H-1B, F-1, and other Green Card applicants. Read the full story →

A new executive order directs the Treasury and bank regulators to tighten customer ID rules and credit standards tied to immigration status. Read the full story →

The State Department halted all visa appointments at three African embassies on May 18 over the Ebola outbreak. No restart date has been set. Read the full story →

India EB-1 and EB-2 dates moved backward under the Final Action Dates chart, while several family-based categories advanced. Read the full story →

The latest developments and USCIS policy updates includes the advancement of a student visa duration limit rule. Read the full story →

A new policy says deferred action will be treated as an extraordinary, case-by-case use of prosecutorial discretion. Read the full story →

The interim final rule lets USCIS deny immigration benefit requests with invalid signatures and keep filing fees after intake. Read the full story →

If implemented, the new form may add questions about employment and receipt of means-tested public benefits to the address-change process. Read the full story →

This week, the latest headlines include a processing hold lift for physicians, and USCIS delays due to a new vetting procedure. Read the full story →

An updated notice confirms holds were lifted for doctors, oath ceremonies, and other cases attorneys had seen delayed for months. Read the full story →

A Massachusetts court ruled the indefinite freeze on Green Card and work permit cases for 22 nationals of 39 countries is likely unlawful. Read the full story →

Employers who missed the second H-2B filing window must wait until May 1, when the returning worker requirement no longer applies. Read the full story →

AILA reports that USCIS is implementing a new fingerprint-based vetting process that will require some applicants to re-submit biometrics. Read the full story →

A proposed House bill would pause H-1B visas for three years, lower the annual cap, set a minimum wage for H-1Bs, and end OPT. Read the full story →

A Maryland judge blocked USCIS from applying an indefinite adjudication hold to plaintiffs’ Form I-485 applications. Read the full story →

U.S. international student enrollment is declining. See which states are losing the most students and where declines are happening fastest. Read the full story →

The U.S. is expanding visa restrictions in the Western Hemisphere for people accused of aiding its adversaries. Read the full story →

A new directive from USCIS requires attorneys to attend certain immigration interviews in person. Previously, they could represent their client remotely. Read the full story →

Congress buried a Green Card shortcut in a 2022 spending bill. Indian professionals found it. But the State Department is now warning it may close. Read the full story →

USCIS will switch to the Final Action Dates chart in May for EB categories, adding delays to many nationals' adjustment of status timelines. Family-based categories (F1, F2A, F3, and F4) move forward. Read the full story →

This past month, EB-2 NIW approval rates continued to recover. See the latest data from Lawfully. Read the full story →

This week, the latest developments and USCIS policy updates include reports that select asylum petitions have resumed processing. Read the full story →

Manifest Law’s FY 2027 lottery selection data shows how the wage-weighted lottery is changing H-1B odds and employer strategy. Read the full story →

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has yet to announce whether a second lottery will be conducted later this year. Read the full story →

The latest immigration news and policy updates, including the latest approval data from USCIS and the release of H-1B lottery results. Read the full story →

The VAWA backlog has never been higher, with nearly 200,000 petitions pending at the end of Fiscal Year 2025, and USCIS wait times stretching to four years. Read the full story →

According to anonymous DHS sources, those from countries listed under the travel ban will continue to have their asylum cases frozen. Read the full story →

The number of approved F2A petitions waiting for a visa has plummeted from nearly 380,000 to under 23,000. Here's what happened and what comes next. Read the full story →

Newly released USCIS data for FY 2025 shows the I-130 backlog and approval rates, hinting at how families are currently navigating family-based immigration. Read the full story →

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services intends to notify selected registrants by March 31, 2026. Read the full story →

If implemented, the suggested changes could make it more expensive for employers to hire foreign H-1B workers. Read the full story →

USCIS's backlog exploded in FY2025, new data shows. The frontlog (unopened cases) also grew from zero to nearly a quarter million in 2025. Read the full story →

Social media vetting expanded to more nonimmigrant visas as of March 30, 2026, as the State Department asks applicants to set profiles to public or open. Read the full story →

USCIS has just released the remaining fourth quarter data for the Fiscal Year 2025, after a months-long wait since January. Read the full story →

This week's roundup covers the latest immigration policy updates, including the April 2026 Visa Bulletin and consular closure updates. Read the full story →

Effective on April 2, tourists from fifty countries must pay either a $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 bond prior to entering the U.S. Read the full story →

The State Department released the April 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing good news for Indian nationals applying in the EB-1 and EB-2 categories. Read the full story →

The suggested changes to the Trump Gold Card I-140G petition removes the option for applicants to select between the EB-1A and EB-2 NIW categories. Read the full story →

The State Department is adding a passport requirement for the 2027 Diversity Visa Program, which the agency says may open later than usual. Read the full story →

The latest U.S. immigration news, including consular closures across the globe and an H-1B hiring freeze across public Florida universities. Read the full story →

Many public universities in Florida will remain unable to hire new H-1B workers until the pause ends on January 5, 2027. Read the full story →

As of March 3, U.S. consulates in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia paused consular operations after missile strikes in the area. Read the full story →

Starting March 5, filers must submit the August 21, 2025, version of Form I-765 to request a work permit. Read the full story →

A potential executive order could task banks with gathering immigration status information from customers. Read the full story →

The latest updates in immigration with attorney insights, including the latest March 2026 Visa Bulletin and TPS updates. Read the full story →

EB-2 filing dates for India moved by 335 days; the rest of the world is now current. EB-1 filing dates for India moved by 122 days. Read the full story →

Employers who have not filed on behalf of a returning short-term H-2B employee must now wait until April 1 to submit Form I-129. Read the full story →

DHS will terminate Yemen’s Temporary Protected Status, giving Yemeni nationals 60 days to leave the U.S. or apply for another legal status. Read the full story →

The latest updates in immigration, including a partial government shutdown and the announcement of the H-1B lottery registration dates. Read the full story →

Starting March 1, the SBA will only back loans for businesses 100% owned by U.S. citizens or nationals. Learn how this change impacts foreign owners. Read the full story →

A U.S. government shutdown could delay visas, work permits, and employer hiring. Learn how it may impact immigrants and businesses, plus what to expect. Read the full story →

The latest updates in immigration, including legal challenges to the “final merits” rule and an H-1B hiring freeze in Texas. Read the full story →

Effective January 27, Governor Abbott ordered state agencies and public universities to pause new petitions for H-1B hires through May 2027. Read the full story →

As consular officers implement increased social media vetting, many Indian applicants face significant consular delays. Read the full story →

The latest headlines include the immigrant visa processing freeze, the February 2026 Visa Bulletin, and TPS updates. Read the full story →

A federal judge ruled the 75-country immigrant visa freeze unlawful. Here's the full list of affected countries and what comes next. Read the full story →

According to the Federal Register notice, Somali TPS holders have until March 17 to either leave the country or find another status. Read the full story →

This month, USCIS has confirmed that it will continue to use filing dates to determine when people can apply for an adjustment of status. Read the full story →

Operation PARRIS will conduct additional background checks and interviews for refugees without a Green Card. Read the full story →

The latest immigration news headlines for January 5-9, including TPS updates and additions to the visa travel bond list. Read the full story →

Effective on March 1, 2026, the cost to request expedited case review from USCIS will go up by 5.72% due to inflation. Read the full story →

As of January 1, tourist visa holders from the nations listed must pay either a $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 fee prior to traveling. Read the full story →

USCIS H-1B visa data reveals a consistent rise in Indian women entering the global skilled workforce, reflecting progress in education, mobility, and opportunity. Read the full story →

A California district judge ruled that DHS violated the law by making TPS termination decisions before reviewing current country conditions. Read the full story →

On December 16, a new executive order adds restrictions to a total of 39 countries plus those carrying Palestinian Authority documents. Read the full story →

Immigration attorney recaps 2025's biggest policy changes, from fees and interview changes to travel restrictions, and what to expect in 2026. Read the full story →

USCIS policy halts immigration decisions for people from countries in the December travel ban. Learn about the new rules and exemptions. Read the full story →

Starting January 1, 2026, several forms will have price increases due to inflation adjustments, including Forms I-589 and I-765. Read the full story →

An immigration attorney provides insights on the latest news on the H-1B lottery and $100,000 fee, as well as the diversity visa pause. Read the full story →

New USCIS VAWA guidance may affect eligibility and evidence for Form I-360 filings, including pending cases. Here’s what to know. Read the full story →

Both USCIS and the State Department have paused the Diversity Visa program after reports tied the suspect in the Brown attack to the lottery. Read the full story →

An immigration attorney offers their insights on the expanded travel ban, January 2026 Visa Bulletin, and more. Read the full story →

Learn the latest insights on the January 2026 Visa Bulletin, including which countries may be experiencing shorter wait times. Read the full story →

Starting December 12, immigration officers cannot repurpose photographs collected more than 36 months ago at an Application Support Center. Read the full story →

Starting December 15, most people who entered the U.S. under a Family Reunification Parole will have 30 days to leave the country. Read the full story →

Read our curation of the latest legal immigration news headlines, from the launch of the Trump Gold Card to consular delays in India. Read the full story →

The announcement says that Ethiopians under TPS have 60 days to either exit the country or find another legal immigration status. Read the full story →

The application for Trump Gold Card has gone live, according to an announcement from President Trump. See what that means. Read the full story →

The federal agency’s suggested changes include app-based exit verification, social media checks, and expanded data requirements. Read the full story →

Many H-1B and H-4 applicants have reported seeing their interview appointments reschedule to early 2026. Here's what H-1B employers need to know. Read the full story →

This week's latest immigration news, from a potential travel ban in the horizon to USCIS freezing processing for 19 countries. Read the full story →

New USCIS guidance could shorten the work permits for asylum, refugee, TPS, and parole applicants. Learn how the changes may affect you. Read the full story →

Starting December 15, the Department of State will review the social media profiles of H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. Read the full story →

A potential travel ban expansion by the Trump administration may add dozens of countries. Learn which nations could be affected. Read the full story →

Clear, actionable guidance for HR teams on how the USCIS benefit pause affects work authorization, filings, and travel planning for sponsored employees. Read the full story →

USCIS has paused all asylum decisions and issued a hold for most immigration benefits for nationals of 19 “high-risk countries of concern.” Read the full story →

DHS will terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Burma in early 2026 under Project Homecoming, urging nationals to depart using the CBP Home app. Read the full story →

The Trump administration and USCIS responded to the D.C. shooting with abrupt immigration policy changes and new restrictions. Read the full story →

The Trump Gold Card visa program moves closer to launch as new Form I-140G is approved, opening a fast-tracked Green Card option for wealthy applicants. Read the full story →

This week, the U.S. announced several big changes to immigration policy, including the creation of a FIFA Pass for the 2026 World Cup. Read the full story →

El gobierno estadounidense anunció el “FIFA Pass”, un sistema que acelerará las citas de visa para los portadores de boletos del Mundial. Read the full story →

USCIS may deny Green Cards to immigrants who previously used public benefits under a new DHS proposal. Learn what this rule could mean. Read the full story →

U.S. embassies are speeding up visa appointments for World Cup ticket holders. Learn about FIFA Pass and what travel documents to bring. Read the full story →

The U.S. is adding a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for nonimmigrant travelers. Find out who pays, when it applies, and how refunds may work. Read the full story →

USCIS quietly reopens online I-140 filing for EB-1A and EB-2 NIW applicants. Plus: new biometric rules, and consular guidance shifts. Read the full story →

A new State Department cable may let consular officers deny visa applicants with chronic health conditions like obesity. Read the full story →

The 2025 government shutdown has ended. Find out how federal agencies and visa processing times may be affected. Read the full story →

USCIS has quietly reopened online I-140 filing for EB-1A and EB-2 NIW petitions. Early users report glitches and file size limits. Read the full story →

Starting December 26, DHS may require all noncitizens, including Green Card holders, children, and seniors, to provide biometrics. Read the full story →

As of October 28, 2025, most applicants have to pay through ACH, debit, or credit card. Learn about the new rules and its exceptions. Read the full story →

A new proposal would broaden biometric screening, allowing DHS to collect more data from immigrants and related applicants. Read the full story →

Catch up on this week’s U.S. immigration developments, from LCAs resuming to USCIS imposing biometrics expansions. Read the full story →

The Department of Labor is letting employers to file LCAs, PERMs, and prevailing wage requests again after a shutdown pause. Read the full story →