If you have a green card and are thinking about applying for U.S. citizenship, now may be the time to act. The Department of Homeland Security proposed a dramatic increase to the cost of naturalization that could take effect as soon as August 2026.

What Is Being Proposed?

The proposed rule would raise the N-400 Application for Naturalization fee from $760 to $1,330 for paper filing — a 75% increase. Online filing would increase from $710 to $1,280. The fee for appealing a denial (Form N-336) would also nearly double from $830 to $1,475.

Fee Waivers Are Being Eliminated

Currently, low-income applicants can pay as little as nothing through a fee waiver, or pay a reduced fee of $380 if their household income is below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines. Under the proposed rule, both options would be eliminated. Only active and former military members would remain exempt.

This is a significant shift. For generations, the U.S. government deliberately kept citizenship application fees low to encourage immigrants with green cards to naturalize. This administration is reversing that policy, calling it a "full-cost, beneficiary-pays" model.

Is This Final?

Not yet. This is a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026. A 60-day public comment period is open through August 24, 2026. You can submit your comments at regulations.gov under docket USCIS-2026-0265.

However, proposed rules frequently become final rules. It is safer to plan as if this increase will take effect later this year.

What Should You Do Right Now?

• If you are eligible for citizenship and can afford the current fee of $760, consider filing your N-400 now before any increase takes effect
• If you currently rely on a fee waiver, file as soon as possible — waivers may be eliminated
• Check your eligibility — you need 5 years as a green card holder, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
• Submit a public comment at regulations.gov if you oppose the fee increase

On May 22, 2026, USCIS announced a major policy shift that affects anyone in the United States on a temporary visa who was planning to apply for a green card without leaving the country.

What Changed?

USCIS issued a new policy memo stating that Adjustment of Status — the process of applying for a green card inside the U.S. using Form I-485 — is now considered an "extraordinary" form of relief. Officers are directed to evaluate each application individually and determine whether the applicant must instead go through Consular Processing outside the United States.

In plain English: most people who are temporarily in the U.S. on tourist, student, or work visas and want a green card will now be told to return to their home country and apply at a U.S. Embassy, rather than filing I-485 here.

Who Is Most Affected?

• People in the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa who are married to a U.S. citizen and wanted to file I-485
• F-1 students who have employer or family sponsorship and planned to adjust status
• H-1B or other work visa holders whose families want to file I-485
• Anyone who entered the U.S. without inspection or overstayed a visa

Who May Still Be Eligible for Adjustment of Status?

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 — who entered the U.S. lawfully and maintained their status throughout their stay may still be eligible. However, each case is now evaluated individually at officer discretion. There are no guarantees.

What Should You Do?

If you have a pending I-485 or were planning to file one, consult an immigration attorney immediately. Do not file without professional guidance under the current policy environment. The risk of denial or unfavorable action is higher than it was before this policy change.

If you are a U.S. citizen petitioning a brother or sister from the Philippines, you have probably heard the wait is long. Here is exactly what to expect in 2026 — and why the wait is so extended.

Current Wait Time

As of July 2026, the F4 category (siblings of U.S. citizens) for the Philippines has a priority date cutoff of September 2007. That means USCIS is currently processing petitions filed before September 2007 — roughly an 18 to 19 year wait from filing to approval.

Why Is F4 So Backlogged?

The Philippines consistently has one of the highest rates of family-based immigration petitions in the world. The annual visa allocation for F4 is the same for every country, but demand from the Philippines far exceeds what is available each year. This creates a compounding backlog that grows faster than it clears.

F4 also has a lower annual allocation than other family categories like spousal visas (Immediate Relatives), which have no annual cap. This makes the F4 wait one of the longest of any immigration category for Philippine nationals.

What Can You Do While Waiting?

• Check the Visa Bulletin every month at travel.state.gov — dates move forward slowly but consistently
• Keep the petitioner's U.S. citizenship status active and current
• Make sure USCIS and NVC have your current address and contact information
• Use the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) if your sibling's children are at risk of aging out
• Respond promptly to any requests from NVC when your priority date becomes current

If you checked your USCIS case status online and saw the message "Case Is Being Actively Reviewed by an Officer," you are probably wondering what it means and what comes next. Here is a plain English breakdown.

What This Status Actually Means

This status means your application has moved past the initial intake and receipting stage. A USCIS officer has been assigned to your case and is actively reviewing your application, the evidence you submitted, and your immigration history. It does not mean there is a problem with your case.

Is This Normal?

Yes — this is a completely standard part of the immigration process. Almost all applications go through this stage. Seeing this message is actually a positive sign that your case is moving through the system.

How Long Does This Stage Last?

The duration varies widely depending on your case type, the workload at your local field office, and whether your case is straightforward or requires additional review. In general, this stage lasts anywhere from a few weeks to several months. During high-volume periods or under enhanced vetting policies (as in 2026), it can take longer.

What Happens After This Stage?

After active review, your case will typically move to one of these outcomes:

• Interview Scheduled — for most family-based and some employment-based cases
• Request for Evidence (RFE) — if the officer needs additional documentation
• Case Approved — for cases that do not require an interview
• Case Denied — less common, but possible if the officer determines you do not meet the requirements

What Should You Do While Waiting?

• Keep your mailing address current with USCIS
• Do not travel internationally without proper authorization (Advance Parole if you have a pending I-485)
• After 30 days of no movement, you can submit an e-Request at egov.uscis.gov
• After 6 months with no update, contact your local U.S. congressman for a congressional inquiry

These two forms come up constantly in family-based green card cases and are often confused. Here is a simple, plain English explanation of what each one does and when you need it.

Form I-130 — Petition for Alien Relative

Form I-130 is the first step. It is filed by a U.S. citizen or green card holder (the petitioner) to establish a qualifying family relationship with the person they want to sponsor for a green card. Filing I-130 does not give anyone a green card — it simply gets you into the queue.

Who files it: The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor.

Current fee: $675 by paper or $625 online.

Processing time: 6 to 48 months depending on the relationship category and country of birth.

Form I-485 — Application to Register Permanent Residence

Form I-485 is filed by the person who actually wants the green card. It is the application to officially become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It can only be filed once a visa number is available and, for most family categories, once the I-130 has been approved.

Who files it: The intending immigrant (the person seeking the green card).

Current fee: $1,440 for most adult applicants.

Processing time: 8 to 48 months depending on case type and field office.

Can They Be Filed at the Same Time?

Yes — for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21), both forms can be filed at the same time as a "concurrent filing." This speeds up the overall process significantly since there is no annual cap on immediate relative visas.

For preference categories (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4), I-485 can only be filed once a visa number becomes current on the Visa Bulletin — which can take years or even decades for some categories and countries.

One of the most common questions from people who have filed Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence) is how long it will take. The honest answer is: it depends. But here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect in 2026.

Average I-485 Processing Times in 2026

USCIS processing times for I-485 vary significantly depending on your visa category, your local field office, and whether additional vetting is required. As of mid-2026, under enhanced security vetting policies effective April 27, 2026, many I-485 cases are taking longer than historical averages.

• Immediate Relatives (spouse, parent, child of U.S. citizen): 12 to 24 months on average in 2026. Some field offices are faster; others are running 24+ months.
• Family preference categories (F2A, F2B, F3, F4): After the priority date becomes current, add 12 to 36 months for I-485 processing.
• Employment-based (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3): 12 to 48 months depending on country of birth and category.

The I-485 Process Step by Step

• Step 1 — File I-485: Submit your application with all required documents. You receive a receipt notice (I-797) within 2-4 weeks.
• Step 2 — Biometrics: USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, signature) typically 4-8 weeks after filing.
• Step 3 — Background checks: FBI and other security checks run in the background. Under 2026 enhanced vetting policies, this step is taking longer than before.
• Step 4 — Interview (if required): Most family-based I-485 applicants are called for an interview at their local USCIS field office. Employment-based applicants sometimes skip this step.
• Step 5 — Decision: After the interview (or background check completion), USCIS approves, issues an RFE, or denies.
• Step 6 — Green card mailed: Your green card arrives by mail within 2-4 weeks of approval.

What Is Causing Delays in 2026?

Several factors are adding time to I-485 cases in 2026. Enhanced FBI fingerprint checks effective April 27, 2026 require officers to complete additional vetting before approving cases. The new Adjustment of Status policy (May 22, 2026) also means officers are conducting more thorough reviews of each applicant's immigration history before approving cases inside the U.S.

What Can You Do While Waiting?

• After 30 days of no movement, submit an e-Request at egov.uscis.gov
• After 6 months past the published processing time, contact your congressman for a congressional inquiry
• Keep your address updated with USCIS at any time through your online account
• Do not travel internationally without Advance Parole (Form I-131)

If you are a green card holder (lawful permanent resident) trying to bring a child to the United States, you will hear about F2A and F2B. These are two different family preference categories with very different wait times. Here is exactly what each one means.

F2A — Spouses and Unmarried Children Under 21 of LPRs

F2A covers the spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). This category has a shorter backlog than F2B because there is a higher annual visa allocation and it is considered a closer family relationship.

Current F2A cutoff date (July 2026): January 2025 for most countries. This means USCIS is processing petitions filed before January 2025 — a much shorter wait than other family categories.

F2B — Unmarried Sons and Daughters 21 or Older of LPRs

F2B covers unmarried sons and daughters who are 21 years old or older at the time their visa number becomes available. Once a child "ages out" of F2A (turns 21), they automatically move to the F2B category, which has a significantly longer wait time.

Current F2B cutoff date (July 2026): November 2017 for most countries — a wait of approximately 8 to 9 years from filing. For the Philippines, it is May 2013 — over 13 years.

The Age-Out Problem

One of the biggest concerns for LPR families is what happens when a child who was filed under F2A turns 21 before their visa becomes available. They automatically shift from F2A to F2B, which can add years to their wait.

The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) was designed to help with this problem by freezing a child's age for immigration purposes in certain situations. However, CSPA calculations are complex and the protections do not always apply. Consulting an immigration attorney is strongly advised if your child is approaching 21.

Quick Reference

• F2A: Spouse or child under 21 of green card holder. Shorter wait — currently around 1-2 years for most countries.
• F2B: Unmarried child 21 or older of green card holder. Longer wait — currently 8-13+ years depending on country.

The monthly Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State is one of the most important documents in the immigration process — and one of the most confusing. Here is a step-by-step guide to understanding it in plain English.

What Is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State. It shows the cutoff dates for each family-based and employment-based immigration category for each country. If your priority date is earlier than the cutoff date shown, you may be eligible to move forward with your green card application.

Step 1 — Know Your Priority Date

Your priority date is the date USCIS received your I-130 petition (or your employer's I-140 petition). It is printed on your receipt notice (Form I-797). This date is your place in line — the earlier it is, the better.

Step 2 — Know Your Category

There are two main sections of the Visa Bulletin — Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based. Within each section, there are preference categories:

• Family: F1 (unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens), F2A (spouses and children under 21 of LPRs), F2B (unmarried adult children of LPRs), F3 (married children of U.S. citizens), F4 (siblings of U.S. citizens)
• Employment: EB-1 (priority workers), EB-2 (advanced degree), EB-3 (skilled workers), EB-4 (special immigrants), EB-5 (investors)

Step 3 — Find Your Country Column

The Visa Bulletin has separate columns for China, India, Mexico, Philippines, and "All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed" (which covers all other countries). Find the column for your country of birth — not your citizenship or residence.

Step 4 — Compare Your Priority Date to the Cutoff

If the Visa Bulletin shows "C" (Current) for your category and country, it means no waiting — you can file immediately. If it shows a date, your priority date must be earlier than that date for you to proceed. If it shows "U" (Unavailable), no visas are available in that category right now.

Step 5 — Check Which Chart to Use

There are two charts each month — the Final Action Dates chart and the Dates for Filing chart. USCIS announces each month which chart can be used for I-485 filings. Always check USCIS.gov to confirm which chart applies for your case type that month.

You just finished your green card interview at a USCIS field office. Now what? The period after your interview is one of the most anxious parts of the whole process. Here is exactly what to expect.

What Happens Right After the Interview

At the end of your interview, the USCIS officer will typically tell you one of three things:

• Approved on the spot: The officer tells you your case is approved. You will receive a stamp in your passport or a notice that your green card is being produced.
• Decision pending: The officer does not make a decision at the interview. This is very common and does not mean anything is wrong. Your case requires additional review or background checks.
• Request for additional evidence: The officer asks you to bring additional documents or submit them within a certain timeframe.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision After the Interview?

If your case was not approved on the spot, typical post-interview processing takes 30 to 90 days. However, in 2026, under enhanced vetting policies, many applicants are waiting 3 to 6 months or longer after their interview with no update. This is frustrating but unfortunately normal under current USCIS policy.

What Does "New Card Is Being Produced" Mean?

If your USCIS case status changes to "New Card Is Being Produced," congratulations — your green card has been approved and is being printed. You should receive it by mail within 7 to 14 business days. Track it using the USPS tracking number in your approval notice.

What to Do If You Are Still Waiting

• After 30 days: Submit an e-Request at egov.uscis.gov asking for a status update
• After 90 days: Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to request an infopass appointment or status update
• After 6 months: Contact your local U.S. congressman or senator's office for a congressional inquiry — this often speeds things up significantly

Can You Travel After Your Interview?

If you have a pending I-485, you still need Advance Parole (Form I-131) to travel internationally after your interview — even if the interview went well. Do not travel without it until you have your actual green card in hand, as doing so could be considered abandoning your application.

If you are in the United States on an H-1B work visa and want to get a green card, you are in one of the most common and well-established immigration pathways. Here is everything you need to know about the H-1B to green card process in 2026.

Can H-1B Holders Get a Green Card?

Yes — H-1B visa holders are one of the most common groups to obtain employment-based green cards in the U.S. The most common green card categories for H-1B holders are EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals) and EB-3 (Skilled Workers), though some may also qualify for EB-1 (Priority Workers).

Step 1 — PERM Labor Certification

For most H-1B holders, the employer must first complete the PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) labor certification process with the Department of Labor. The employer must demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position. PERM typically takes 6 to 18 months to complete in 2026.

Note: EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) and EB-1B (Outstanding Researcher) do not require PERM, which is why they are popular choices for highly accomplished H-1B holders.

Step 2 — File Form I-140

Once PERM is certified (if required), your employer files Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. This establishes your eligibility for an employment-based green card and locks in your priority date. Premium Processing is available for I-140 for an additional fee, typically resulting in a decision within 15 business days.

Step 3 — Wait for Your Priority Date

For workers born in countries other than India or China, EB-2 and EB-3 green cards are often current or close to current — meaning the wait can be relatively short. For workers born in India, EB-2 is currently Unavailable for the rest of FY2026, and EB-3 India has a cutoff of January 2014 — meaning a very long wait. China-born workers also face significant backlogs.

Step 4 — File I-485 or Consular Processing

Once your priority date becomes current, you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status inside the U.S. (if you are already here on H-1B) or go through Consular Processing at a U.S. Embassy abroad. Under the new 2026 AOS policy, USCIS officers are more carefully reviewing I-485 applications — consult an attorney before filing.

H-1B Extensions While Waiting

One major benefit of being on H-1B is that you can extend your H-1B status beyond the normal 6-year maximum if you have an approved I-140 or a PERM that has been pending for 365 days or more. This is critical for Indian-born workers who may need to wait many years for their priority date to become current.

Can Your Spouse Work While You Wait?

Yes — H-4 visa holders (spouses of H-1B workers) may be eligible for an H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if the H-1B holder has an approved I-140. This allows the spouse to work legally in the U.S. while waiting for the green card. Note that H-4 EAD eligibility has faced legal challenges — verify current status at uscis.gov.