USCIS Tightens Immigration Scrutiny Over Anti-American Activity
On August 19, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its Policy Manual to expand discretionary review in immigration benefit adjudications. The revised guidance applies to benefits such as parole, adjustment of status, and employment-based petitions (including EB-5). Read more on Envoy Global.
USCIS Tightens ‘Good Moral Character’ Review in Naturalization Applications
On August 15, 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum detailing an update to the evaluation of “good moral character” in the naturalization process. The revised guidance introduces a broader and more individualized approach to assessing applicants, supplementing existing rule-based criteria. Read more on Envoy Global.
September 2025 Visa Bulletin Update
The US Department of State (DOS) has released the September 2025 Visa Bulletin. US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based filings and the Dates for Filing chart for family-sponsored filings this month, as outlined on its Adjustment of Status Filing Charts page. Read more on Envoy Global.
August 2025 DOL PERM & Prevailing Wage Processing Updates
The United States Department of Labor (DOL) has released updated processing times for Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) and Permanent Labor Certifications (PERMs) as of August 2025. Read more on Envoy Global.
US Advances Passport Rule Overhaul for Diversity Visa Entries
On August 5, 2025, the United States Department of State (DOS) published a proposed rule to amend regulations governing the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program), aiming to strengthen program integrity and reduce fraud. Read more on Envoy Global.
US Begins Process to Restore Visa Waiver Access for Argentina
On July 28, 2025, the United States and Argentina signed a statement of intent to initiate Argentina’s potential reentry into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The agreement was signed in Buenos Aires by US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, and Argentine Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich. Read more on Envoy Global.
USCIS Issues New Guidance on Family-Based Immigration
On August 1, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated policy guidance aimed at strengthening the integrity of family-based immigrant visa petitions. The changes, now incorporated into the USCIS Policy Manual, are effective immediately and apply to both pending and newly filed petitions. Read more on Envoy Global.
USCIS Announces Introduces New Immigration Fees Under HR 1
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a Federal Register Notice implementing new immigration-related fees mandated by the HR 1 Reconciliation Bill. These fees apply to benefit requests postmarked on or after July 22, 2025. Forms submitted without proper payment after August 21, 2025, will be rejected. Read more on Envoy Global.
USCIS Reaches FY 2026 H-1B Cap
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially reached the congressionally mandated H-1B visa cap for fiscal year 2026. Read more on Envoy Global.
Federal Judge Delays TPS Termination for Select Foreign Nationals
On July 31, 2025, US District Judge Trina L. Thompson of the Northern District of California issued an order delaying the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Nepal, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Read more on Envoy Global.
