Plain English summaries of the latest U.S. immigration policy changes — sourced from USCIS.gov, the Federal Register, and official government announcements. Updated manually when significant changes occur.
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 stating that Adjustment of Status — the process of applying for a green card while already inside the United States — will only be approved under "extraordinary circumstances." Most applicants are now expected to leave the U.S. and apply through Consular Processing at the U.S. Embassy in their home country instead.
USCIS has received enough petitions to reach both the regular 65,000 H-1B cap and the 20,000 master's degree exemption cap for fiscal year 2027.
On July 17, 2026, USCIS announced it has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 regular H-1B cap and the 20,000 U.S. advanced degree ("master's cap") exemption for fiscal year 2027.
Why this matters for green card seekers: Many employment-based green card pathways start with H-1B status. If you weren't selected in this cycle, you'll need to wait for the next fiscal year's registration period (typically opening in the following spring) or explore alternative visa categories in the meantime.
What to do: If you have an H-1B petition already pending or approved from an earlier cap season, this announcement doesn't affect you — it only closes the door on new cap-subject registrations for FY2027. If you weren't selected, talk to an immigration attorney about alternative status options while you wait for the next registration window.
USCIS's SAVE system has moved from issuing short work-authorization extensions to posting actual "Termination of TPS" notices for Syria, South Sudan, Haiti, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Burma — superseding the July 1 extension guidance.
Following the Supreme Court's June 25, 2026 decision in Mullin v. Doe, USCIS spent early July issuing short, repeated extensions of TPS-based work authorization for seven countries rather than a single longer extension. That situation has now moved a step further: USCIS's SAVE system is posting "Termination of TPS" guidance for Syria, South Sudan, Haiti, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Burma, explicitly superseding the earlier July 1 extension messages for those countries.
What changed: Where the early-July guidance framed this as "limited relief" while courts caught up with the Supreme Court's decision, the newer SAVE postings frame it as termination rather than a further extension — a meaningful shift for anyone relying on TPS-based work authorization from these countries.
What to do: If you or someone you know holds TPS from Syria, South Sudan, Haiti, Yemen, Ethiopia, or Burma, check your specific country's page in the SAVE system and at uscis.gov directly — don't rely on the July 1 or July 17 guidance, since it's been superseded. This remains an actively evolving legal situation; consulting an immigration attorney is strongly recommended given how quickly it's shifted.
DHS issued a final rule on July 16, 2026 rescinding the 2022 public charge regulation, aligning policy with the position that immigrants should be self-reliant rather than dependent on public benefits.
On July 16, 2026, DHS issued a final rule rescinding the 2022 Biden-era public charge regulation, explicitly framing the change as aligning immigration law with the position that immigrants in the U.S. should be self-reliant rather than dependent on taxpayer-funded government benefits.
Why this matters: Public charge is one of the grounds USCIS evaluates during I-485 adjustment of status — it affects how officers may weigh benefits history and the sufficiency of a sponsor's Form I-864 Affidavit of Support. A change to the underlying regulation can shift how this ground is applied going forward.
What to do: If your case involves any public-benefits history or a marginal Form I-864 sponsor, this is worth discussing with an immigration attorney before your interview, since the practical standard officers apply may be shifting.
DHS finalized a rule on July 17, 2026 replacing open-ended "Duration of Status" for academic students and exchange visitors with a fixed admission period and new extension procedure, effective September 15, 2026.
On July 17, 2026, DHS published a final rule establishing a fixed time period of admission — replacing the current open-ended "Duration of Status" — for nonimmigrant academic students (F-1), exchange visitors (J-1), and representatives of foreign information media (I visa). The rule also creates a new extension of stay procedure. It takes effect September 15, 2026.
Why this matters for green card seekers: If you or a family member is in the U.S. on F-1 or J-1 status while a family- or employment-based green card case is pending, this changes how your underlying nonimmigrant status works — from status tied to program completion, to a fixed admission date requiring a formal extension request.
What to do: If this applies to you, review your program's end date against the new fixed-period rules well before September 15, 2026, and confirm with your school's international student office or an immigration attorney whether an extension filing will be needed.
USCIS will use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based filings in July. EB-3 (all countries/Mexico) advanced to August 2024, China EB-3 advanced nearly five months to December 2021, and India EB-3 advanced to January 2014. EB-1 India retrogressed to October 2022.
The State Department's July 2026 Visa Bulletin is out, and USCIS confirmed employment-based adjustment of status filers must use the Final Action Dates chart this month (not Dates for Filing). Key movement:
EB-3: All chargeability areas and Mexico advanced two months to August 1, 2024. China EB-3 advanced nearly five months to December 22, 2021. India EB-3 advanced two weeks to January 1, 2014. Philippines EB-3 holds steady at August 1, 2023.
EB-1: China advanced two months to June 1, 2023. India retrogressed two months to October 15, 2022. All other countries remain current.
EB-2: China remains at September 1, 2021. Most other countries remain current, though India remains unavailable for the rest of FY2026 (see separate update).
Family-based: F2A is current for filing this month for most countries.
A recent Supreme Court ruling gives border officers more room to question the admissibility of lawful permanent residents re-entering the U.S., particularly when there's a past arrest, charge, or conviction on record.
The Supreme Court issued a ruling that makes it easier for border officers to treat a returning green card holder as if they were seeking admission for the first time — rather than simply returning home — when there's a past criminal issue involved. This matters because being treated as a first-time applicant for admission opens up additional grounds for inadmissibility review at the port of entry.
What this means: Green card holders with any arrest, charge, or conviction on their record — even old, resolved, or minor ones — may face more scrutiny than in the past when re-entering the U.S. after international travel.
What to do: If you're a permanent resident with any criminal history, however minor or long ago, talk to a qualified immigration attorney before your next international trip. Don't assume a past issue is "settled" just because it didn't cause problems on previous trips — this ruling changes how officers can treat that history.
A newly proposed DHS rule could nearly double the cost of filing Form N-400 and eliminate the reduced fee option for lower-income applicants. The current fee remains in effect until a final rule is issued, following public comments through August 24, 2026.
DHS has published a proposed rule that could nearly double the current N-400 naturalization filing fee and eliminate the reduced-fee option currently available to some lower-income applicants. This is separate from, and larger than, the roughly 75% increase floated earlier in 2026 — this newer proposal goes further.
What this means: Nothing has changed yet. The current N-400 fee schedule remains fully in effect while the proposal goes through the formal rulemaking process.
What to do: The public comment period runs through August 24, 2026. If you're eligible to naturalize and have been putting it off, filing before any final rule takes effect could save you a meaningful amount — but don't file based on rumor alone, and don't rush a case that isn't ready. Confirm current fees directly at uscis.gov before submitting.
On June 30, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Trump v. Barbara that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to children born in the United States, rejecting the 2025 executive order that sought to deny citizenship based on parents' immigration status.
On June 30, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Trump v. Barbara that the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship to nearly everyone born on U.S. soil remains in full effect. The ruling rejects the January 2025 executive order that attempted to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. to parents who are undocumented or in the U.S. on a temporary visa.
What this means: Children born in the United States continue to be U.S. citizens at birth, regardless of their parents' immigration status, exactly as has been the case under longstanding constitutional interpretation. The 2025 executive order is permanently blocked, not just paused.
What to do: No action is needed for existing birthright citizenship claims. If you previously delayed applying for a passport, Social Security number, or other proof of citizenship for a U.S.-born child due to uncertainty from the executive order, you can proceed with those applications as normal.
On June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled in Mullin v. Doe that the administration can proceed with terminating Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria while the underlying lawsuit continues.
On June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled in Mullin v. Doe that the administration may proceed with terminating Temporary Protected Status for nationals of Haiti and Syria while litigation over the terminations continues in lower courts. This does not end the lawsuit — it means the terminations are not blocked during the appeal process.
What this means: TPS holders from Haiti and Syria should not assume their status will continue on the same timeline as before this ruling. Work permits and protection from removal tied to TPS for these two countries are now at greater risk of ending sooner than previously expected.
What to do right now: If you hold TPS from Haiti or Syria, consult an immigration attorney promptly about your specific status, any alternative forms of relief you may qualify for, and your options if your TPS designation ends. Do not wait for a final court decision to explore alternatives.
A new DHS rule took effect July 10, 2026, giving USCIS broader authority to reject or deny applications that lack a valid signature — even after they've already been accepted for processing.
On July 10, 2026, an interim final rule from the Department of Homeland Security took effect, giving USCIS broader authority to reject or deny applications over technical filing errors — most notably, a missing or invalid signature.
What changed: Previously, a missing signature typically resulted in a Request for Evidence (RFE), giving applicants a chance to correct the mistake. Under the new rule, USCIS can deny the application outright instead — and this can happen even after the case has already been accepted and is being processed, not just at initial intake.
The financial risk: If your application is denied for this reason, USCIS may retain your filing fee. You would need to submit an entirely new application and pay the fee again to continue.
What to do: Before submitting any form, verify every required signature is an actual physical or valid electronic signature in the correct location — not a typed name or initials. Double-check this on every form in your package, not just the main application.
The Senate passed a $70 billion funding package for ICE and Border Patrol through the end of President Trump's term. The bill now heads to the House. This signals a major expansion of immigration enforcement across the U.S.
On June 26, 2026, the U.S. Senate approved a $70 billion funding package for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. The bill provides funding through the end of President Trump's term and now heads to the House of Representatives.
What this means practically: More ICE agents, more detention capacity, more enforcement operations. For immigrants with pending cases or undocumented family members, this signals a significantly more aggressive enforcement environment.
What to do: If you or a family member has an unresolved immigration issue, consult an immigration attorney as soon as possible.
DHS announced an interim final rule implementing new immigration fees and requirements from the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Act of 2025. New fees may affect multiple immigration applications.
The Department of Homeland Security announced an interim final rule implementing immigration fees from H.R. 1, the Reconciliation Act of 2025 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). The rule implements new fees and requirements affecting multiple application types.
What to do now: Before filing ANY immigration application, check uscis.gov/forms for the most current fee. Submitting an application with the wrong fee will result in rejection.
Beginning July 8, 2026, the Atlanta Asylum Office will conduct interviews for affirmative asylum applicants at three locations in Georgia and Alabama.
Effective July 8, 2026, USCIS opened a new asylum office in Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta Asylum Office will conduct interviews for affirmative asylum applicants at three locations: a new temporary asylum office in Atlanta, the USCIS Atlanta Field Office, and the USCIS Montgomery Field Office in Alabama.
The Atlanta Asylum Office covers applicants in Georgia and Alabama. If you applied for asylum and are under this jurisdiction, carefully review your interview notice for the specific location of your interview. The office is expected to move to a permanent location in 2027.
Mailing address for all three locations: USCIS Atlanta Asylum Office, 401 W. Peachtree St. NW, Suite 2400, Atlanta, GA 30308.
The July 2026 Visa Bulletin warns that EB-3 Philippines (currently August 2023) may retrograde before the fiscal year ends September 30, 2026. Filipino EB-3 workers with approved I-140s should consult an attorney immediately.
The July 2026 Visa Bulletin contains an explicit warning that EB-3 Philippines, currently at August 1, 2023, may retrograde (move backward) before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2026. This happens when demand for visas in a category exceeds the remaining annual supply.
What retrogression means: If the EB-3 Philippines date moves backward, applicants whose priority dates were previously current may no longer be able to file or receive approval until the new fiscal year begins October 1, 2026.
Who is affected: Filipino nationals with approved I-140 petitions in the EB-3 category whose priority dates are on or before August 1, 2023.
What to do right now: If your EB-3 Philippines priority date is current and you have an approved I-140, consult an immigration attorney immediately about filing I-485 before any retrogression occurs. Time is critical — the fiscal year ends September 30, 2026.
Additionally, India EB-1 has already retrogressed in July 2026, and the Bulletin warns further retrogression is possible. China EB-2 also faces possible retrogression in coming months.
The July 2026 Visa Bulletin confirms India's EB-2 category has reached its annual limit and is now Unavailable — no I-485 or immigrant visa applications in this category can be filed or approved until at least October 2026.
The July 2026 Visa Bulletin confirms that demand for India EB-2 visas has reached the category's annual limit for FY2026. As a result, India EB-2 is now listed as "Unavailable" on both the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts.
What "Unavailable" means: No adjustment of status (I-485) or immigrant visa applications in India EB-2 can be filed or approved for the remainder of the fiscal year, regardless of priority date.
When it reopens: The category is expected to reopen when the new fiscal year begins October 1, 2026, likely at or near the Final Action Date last published in the May 2026 Visa Bulletin — though the exact cutoff depends on demand and the FY2027 annual limit.
What to do right now: If you have an approved I-140 in the India EB-2 category, there is nothing to file until the new fiscal year opens. Continue monitoring the Visa Bulletin each month and consult an immigration attorney about your specific timeline.
DHS published a proposed rule that would narrow eligibility for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). People with parole, deferred action, or final orders of removal could lose work permit eligibility if the rule is finalized.
On June 5, 2026, DHS published a proposed rule that would narrow eligibility for certain discretionary Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). The proposal could affect people who currently receive work authorization based on parole, deferred action, or final orders of removal.
Who could be affected: People with humanitarian parole, people with deferred action (including some DACA-adjacent cases), and people with final orders of removal who currently have work permits.
DHS estimates the rule could significantly reduce the number of people eligible for work authorization and create substantial economic impacts for affected individuals and their employers.
Is this final? No — this is a proposed rule. A public comment period is open. Monitor uscis.gov for the final rule publication date.
What to do: If you have a work permit based on parole or deferred action, consult an immigration attorney to understand how this proposed rule may affect your specific situation.
USCIS fraud detection assisted in convicting Jung Hoon Song and Bonnie Jo Quichocho for faking a marriage to fraudulently obtain a green card. A reminder that USCIS actively investigates marriage fraud.
On July 2, 2026, USCIS announced it provided key assistance to an investigation that led to the conviction and sentencing of Jung Hoon Song and Bonnie Jo C. Quichocho for faking a marriage as a scheme to fraudulently obtain lawful permanent residence.
What is marriage fraud? Marriage fraud occurs when two people enter into a marriage solely to obtain an immigration benefit — not as a genuine couple. It is a federal crime under 8 U.S.C. § 1325(c), punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
How USCIS detects it: USCIS officers conduct in-depth interviews, review financial records, check social media, and visit homes to verify that marriages are genuine. Red flags include couples who cannot describe daily life together, have no shared finances, or live at separate addresses.
What this means for legitimate couples: Nothing — if your marriage is real, you have nothing to worry about. Be honest and thorough in your documentation. Bring photos, joint financial records, and evidence of shared life to your interview.
USCIS screening and vetting uncovered an immigration fraud scheme resulting in an 18-month federal sentence for visa fraud. A reminder that USCIS actively investigates fraud — always use legitimate, licensed immigration help.
On June 1, 2026, USCIS announced that its robust screening and vetting program uncovered an immigration fraud scheme, resulting in a federal conviction and 18-month sentence for visa fraud. This case is a reminder that USCIS actively investigates immigration fraud and that fraudulent applications carry serious criminal consequences.
What is immigration fraud? Immigration fraud includes submitting false documents, misrepresenting facts on an application, using fake sponsors or employers, paying someone to falsely claim a relationship, or working with unlicensed "notarios" or immigration consultants who are not authorized to provide legal advice.
Consequences of fraud: Criminal prosecution and imprisonment, permanent bar from the U.S., deportation, and denial of all future immigration benefits.
How to protect yourself:
Only work with licensed immigration attorneys or accredited representatives. Never pay someone who is not a licensed attorney to "file papers" for you. Do not sign documents you do not understand. Report suspected fraud to USCIS at uscis.gov/report-fraud.
How to find legitimate help: Check if an attorney is licensed at your state bar association website. Accredited representatives can be found through BIA-approved organizations. Avoid "notarios" — in the U.S., a notary is NOT the same as a licensed immigration attorney.
The State Department paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries effective January 21, 2026. Philippines is NOT included — Filipino applicants are not directly affected by this policy.
Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State indefinitely paused immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, citing public charge concerns. Most affected countries are in Africa and parts of Asia. The Philippines is NOT on this list — Filipino green card applicants are not directly affected. The pause affects family-based, employment-based, and diversity visa cases processed at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. It does NOT affect non-immigrant visas such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, F-1, or J-1. Legal challenges to the policy are ongoing.
DHS extended Temporary Protected Status for Lebanon through November 27, 2026 and El Salvador through September 9, 2026. Eligible holders can continue living and working in the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security extended Temporary Protected Status for eligible nationals of Lebanon through November 27, 2026 and El Salvador through September 9, 2026. In both cases eligible beneficiaries can continue living and working in the United States. Certain Employment Authorization Documents have been automatically extended — TPS holders do not need to apply for a new EAD immediately. TPS holders should monitor DHS announcements for further updates on their specific country designation.
A federal judge ruled the $100,000 H-1B fee unlawful on June 8, 2026, but days later paused that ruling pending appeal. The fee currently still applies to qualifying petitions while the case moves through the courts.
On June 8, 2026, a federal judge in Boston ruled that the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions was an unlawful tax that Congress never authorized, and vacated the policy in its entirety. The fee had applied since September 2025 to new H-1B petitions for beneficiaries outside the U.S. who require consular processing.
But the relief was short-lived: just days later, on June 12, 2026, the same judge paused his own ruling, reinstating USCIS's authority to collect the fee while the government appeals to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The government filed that appeal on schedule.
Current status: as of this writing, the $100,000 fee still applies to qualifying H-1B petitions. The pause remains in place while the First Circuit considers the government's request for a longer stay during the full appeal. A separate court in Washington, D.C. previously upheld the same fee in a different lawsuit, creating a conflict between courts that may eventually reach the Supreme Court.
What to do right now: if your H-1B petition would be subject to this fee, assume it still applies and budget accordingly. Do not rely on the June 8 ruling alone — court orders on this issue have already changed within days once. Confirm current status with an immigration attorney before filing.
A federal court vacated USCIS policies that had paused immigration benefit processing for people from 39 countries. Final judgment entered June 11 — some green card and EAD applications may now resume.
On June 5, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island blocked four USCIS policies that had paused immigration benefit processing for applicants from 39 countries covered by the presidential travel ban. The court entered final judgment on June 11, 2026. As a result, some affected cases — including employment authorization and green card applications — may now move forward. USCIS stated it will follow the court order while potentially pursuing further judicial review. The government may appeal the ruling.
USCIS confirmed the May 21 Adjustment of Status policy remains active. Officers decide case-by-case whether applicants must leave the U.S. and apply at a consulate instead of filing I-485 here.
The USCIS policy memorandum issued May 21, 2026 on Adjustment of Status remains in effect. USCIS officers are reviewing I-485 applications on a case-by-case basis to determine whether applicants must instead complete the process through consular processing with the U.S. Department of State outside the United States. This is not an automatic denial — officers evaluate individual circumstances. Legal challenges are ongoing and the situation remains fluid.
DHS proposed a more restrictive framework for certain work permit categories tied to parole and deferred action. This is NOT a final rule yet — public comments accepted until August 4, 2026.
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a more restrictive framework for discretionary employment authorization categories — specifically those tied to parole, deferred action, and certain supervised-release categories. This is a proposed rule, NOT a final rule. Standard green card EADs and H-1B work authorization are not affected by this proposal. The public comment period closes August 4, 2026. DHS will review comments before issuing any final rule.
USCIS clarified that the new AOS policy applies case-by-case. Not all I-485 applications will be denied — officers will evaluate individual circumstances.
Following widespread confusion after the May 21 announcement, USCIS updated its guidance on June 1, 2026 to clarify that the new policy will be applied on a case-by-case basis — meaning not all I-485 applications will automatically be denied. Officers will evaluate individual circumstances. The situation remains fluid and legal challenges are expected.
The 2024 fee schedule remains active. I-485 is now $1,440 for adults. I-130 is $675 paper or $625 online. Online filing saves $50 on most forms.
The USCIS fee schedule that took effect April 1, 2024 remains in effect in 2026. Key changes include increases to I-485 (now $1,440 for adults), I-130 ($675 paper / $625 online), I-140 ($715 paper / $665 online), and N-400 ($760 paper / $710 online). Online filing saves $50 on most forms. Always verify the current fee at uscis.gov before filing.
F2A moved forward to January 2025 for most countries. EB-3 Philippines improved to August 2023. F4 Philippines remains at July 2007.
The State Department published the June 2026 Visa Bulletin with updated Final Action Dates for all family and employment preference categories. F2A (spouses of LPRs) moved forward significantly to January 2025 for most countries. EB-3 Philippines improved to August 2023. F4 Philippines remains at July 2007. Check the Priority Dates tool on this site for your specific category and country.
FY2027 H-1B lottery registration is closed. Petitions for selected registrations are being processed. Those not selected should explore O-1, L-1, or EB-2 NIW options.
The FY2027 H-1B cap lottery registration period has closed. USCIS conducts a random lottery when registrations exceed the annual cap of 85,000. Petitions for selected registrations are currently being processed. Those not selected should explore O-1, L-1, or EB-2 NIW self-petition.
USCIS reports K-1 processing times of 6–12 months. Total time from filing to U.S. entry is typically 9–18 months. The 90-day marriage requirement applies after entry.
USCIS currently reports K-1 fiancé visa (Form I-129F) processing times of approximately 6–12 months from filing to approval. Embassy interview scheduling adds additional time. Total time from filing to entry is typically 9–18 months. After entry, the 90-day marriage requirement and I-485 process add another 12–18 months to receive a green card.
USCIS is issuing redesigned green cards and EADs with enhanced security features. If your card looks different from older versions, it is valid. Older cards remain valid until expiration.
USCIS has been issuing redesigned Permanent Resident Cards and EADs with enhanced security features including updated photos, new holographic overlays, and machine-readable zones. If you receive a card that looks different from older versions, this is expected and the card is valid. Older cards remain valid until their expiration date.
All immigrant visa holders must pay the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee at uscis.gov/pay before or after entering the U.S. Failure to pay can delay your green card.
All immigrant visa holders must pay the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee at uscis.gov/pay before or shortly after entering the United States. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing the green card. Failure to pay this fee can delay or prevent receipt of your green card.