Subjects
USCIS Policy
USCIS policy refers to the rules, guidance, and procedures the agency uses to decide immigration applications, which can change and affect how cases are handled.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security, decides applications such as green cards, work permits and naturalization. Its official guidance is published in the USCIS Policy Manual and in policy alerts, and a change can apply to applications already pending as well as to new ones. The articles below follow those changes; our guides on work authorization, adjustment of status and naturalization explain the underlying rules.
Related articles
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DHS Proposes a $103,265 Fee on Every H-1B Cap-Subject Petition
A DHS proposed rule would add a $103,265 fee to every H-1B cap-subject petition, on top of all other fees. Who would pay, what is exempt, and what is next.
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New DHS Rule: Children Born to Foreign Government Employees Can Register as Permanent Residents
A DHS interim rule, effective Sept. 4, 2026, lets U.S.-born children of foreign government employees register as permanent residents on Form I-485.
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USCIS Can Now Send Asylum Cases to a Judge Without an Interview
A USCIS interim final rule, effective immediately, lets asylum officers refer affirmative asylum cases to an Immigration Judge without an interview first.
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Court Pauses Some USCIS Policies on TPS Work Permits and the Asylum Fee
A federal court stayed parts of USCIS's H.R. 1 rollout: extended TPS work permits keep their prior expiration, but the annual asylum fee is still due.
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DHS Rescinds the 2022 Public Charge Rule — New Form I-485 Coming
DHS rescinded the 2022 public charge rule, so officers weigh all factors case by case. It takes effect Sept. 18, 2026, and requires a revised Form I-485.
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Who Must Register With DHS — and How to Use Form G-325R
A DHS final rule confirms the alien registration requirement under INA 262. Who must register, how Form G-325R works, and the penalties for not complying.
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USCIS Calls Adjustment of Status Rare
USCIS now directs most green-card seekers inside the U.S. toward consular processing abroad instead. What the new policy means for your case.
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DHS Proposes Tighter Asylum Work Permits
DHS proposed tightening work-permit rules for pending asylum applications on Feb. 20, 2026. What the proposal would do and what to watch for.
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DHS Drops 1-Year Wait for R-1 Workers
A new rule drops the one-year foreign-residency requirement for R-1 religious workers at the 5-year maximum stay. What changed and who it helps.
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H-1B Lottery Replaced by Wage-Based Pick
A DHS rule replaces the random H-1B lottery with wage-weighted selection starting the FY 2027 cap season. What it means for petitioners.
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USCIS Cuts Work Permit Validity to 18 Months
USCIS cut maximum EAD validity from 5 years back to 18 months for several categories, effective Dec. 5, 2025. What it means for renewals.
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USCIS Adds Vetting for 19 Countries
USCIS now weighs country-specific factors for applicants from 19 designated countries, effective Nov. 27, 2025. What it means and how to prepare.
