Release Date 10/28/2025 WASHINGTON — As previously announced , on Oct. 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will only accept electronic payments for paper-filed forms. Payments may be made either via credit card or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions , or ACH debit transactions from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH transactions . By requiring electronic payment, USCIS eliminates the need for benefit requestors and third-party payors to bring funds into field offices. This practice also complies with the transition to government-wide electronic payments required by Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account. “Modernizing financial transactions to and from the federal government is a priority for the Trump administration,” said USCIS Spokesman Matthew Tragesser. “Over 90% of our payments come from checks and money orders, causing processing delays and increasing the risk of fraud and lost payments. This is a no-brainer move.” USCIS continues to accept online payments for forms filed online. USCIS encourages benefit requestors and their accredited representatives to use their USCIS account to file online through the guided process or the electronic PDF intake process, if either of these filing options is available for their form type. Benefit requestors and accredited representatives filing online have access to helpful instructions and tips on completing their forms. They can also pay their fees online using the secure pay.gov platform. In limited instances, benefit requestors and third-party payors may be exempt from submitting electronic payments with their application, petition, or request. See Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment , for a list of exemptions. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and LinkedIn . Last Reviewed/Updated: 10/28/2025

Release Date 10/15/2025 The Department of Homeland Security is publishing a Federal Register notice to implement a new immigration parole fee required by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill. The fee is $1,000 for FY 2025 and is subject to annual adjustments for inflation. You must pay this fee when you are paroled into the United States, unless you qualify for an exception. Our critical work does not stop during the Democrats’ government shutdown. We remain steadfast in protecting our homeland by upholding lawful immigration. The Federal Register notice explains when the immigration parole fee takes effect, exceptions to the fee, and consequences if you do not pay. USCIS will collect the immigration parole fee if you are physically present in the United States and we are granting you parole or a new period of parole (also known as re-parole). Beginning on Oct. 16, 2025, if we determine that we can approve your request for parole or re-parole and that it requires payment of the immigration parole fee, we will notify you that you must pay this fee before we can approve your request. The notice will have payment instructions and a deadline. We will not grant parole unless you pay the immigration parole fee as instructed and within the specified time period. Do not pay the immigration parole fee when you submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records . The immigration parole fee will be collected when you are paroled into the United States. For more information about when Customs and Border Protection or Immigration and Customs Enforcement will collect the immigration parole fee, see the Federal Register notice . For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn . https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-implements-new-immigration-parole-fee-required-by-hr-1 Last Reviewed/Updated: 10/15/2025

ALERT: On Oct. 1, 2025, we began sending notices to all aliens with a pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, who are required to pay the new Annual Asylum Fee (AAF). We also sent notices to any representatives of these aliens listed on Form G-28. If you have a pending Form I-589, Public Law 119-21 (P.L. 119-21) requires you to pay an AAF of $100 for each calendar year your application is pending, in addition to any other fee. You cannot get a waiver for the AAF. If you receive a notice, you should pay the fee within 30 days. If you do not pay this fee, it may negatively affect your application, including, but not limited to, a delay in processing. You must pay this fee online at https://my.uscis.gov/accounts/annual-asylum-fee/start/overview . You will need your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and the Receipt Number at the top of your notice to pay the fee. ALERT: On July 18, 2025, USCIS announced new fees required by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill. Applicants must submit the new fees with benefit requests postmarked on or after July 22, 2025. USCIS will reject any form postmarked on or after Aug. 21, 2025, without the proper fees. For more information about these fees, please visit our Fee Schedule page and our web alert . ALERT: On Oct. 2, 2025, we published a new edition of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule. The new edition, 10/02/25: Adds Online Filing Fee for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, H-2A Classification Removes filing fee exemptions that expired September 30, 2025 Includes Annual Asylum Fee, which is due upon receipt of Notice Use this form to verify fee information for immigration forms. Each application, petition, or request must be accompanied by the correct fee(s) unless you are exempt from paying the fee(s) or are eligible for a fee waiver. If the fee is incorrect, your application, petition, or request will be rejected. Fees for applications, petitions, or requests can be paid by check, money order, Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit, or credit card. Additional Fees required under Public Law 119-21 (Pub. L. 119-21) Certain forms require additional fees along with any filing fee. Additional fees are not eligible for fee waivers and must be paid by separate payment concurrent with any filing fee. If your form does not have a filing fee or you have applied for a fee waiver for the form’s filing fee, you must still pay the new fee mandated by Pub. L. 119-21. NOTE: Pub. L. 119-21 fees adjust each year as required by law. For specific information regarding the form you are filing, please see the Additional Fee for the form you are filing. Fee Waivers Certain filers may qualify for a fee waiver for certain forms. To determine your eligibility for a fee waiver, please review Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver . If you are not eligible for a fee waiver, you must submit the correct fee(s). For most forms, you cannot request a fee waiver when filing online. You must file a paper version of Form I-912, or a written request for a fee waiver, and the form for which you are requesting a fee waiver. You may not request a fee waiver of the additional fees required by Pub. L. 119-21. However, you may request a waiver of the filing fee set by USCIS, if otherwise eligible, while submitting the additional fee required by Pub. L. 119-21. Fee Exemptions Fee-exempt forms and filing categories list $0 as the Filing Fee. You do not need to file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver , or make a formal request to qualify for a fee exemption. However, the fee exemptions in this schedule only indicate that the form is free to file. They do not indicate eligibility to file those benefit requests in all circumstances. Eligibility to file a particular benefit request is set forth in the applicable regulations and form instructions. Edition Date 10/02/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule. Downloads USCIS Fee Schedule If you need help downloading and printing forms, read our instructions . https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055

Release Date 08/19/2025 WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the factors that officers consider in certain benefit requests where an exercise of discretion is required, including factors relating to aliens’ past requests for parole and any involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations, as well as the use of discretion in adjudication of certain benefit requests where evidence of antisemitic activity is present. Separately, USCIS has expanded the types of benefit requests that receive social media vetting, and reviews for anti-American activity will be added to that vetting. Anti-American activity will be an overwhelmingly negative factor in any discretionary analysis. “America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible,” said USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser. “Immigration benefits—including to live and work in the United States—remain a privilege, not a right." USCIS is reiterating its guidance that an alien’s compliance with immigration laws is a relevant factor when determining if a favorable exercise of discretion is warranted and updating the Policy Manual to provide additional guidance in circumstances where an alien has endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused the views of a terrorist organization or group, including aliens who support or promote anti-American ideologies or activities, antisemitic terrorism and antisemitic terrorist organizations, or who promote antisemitic ideologies. When conducting a discretionary analysis, USCIS officers will consider whether an alien’s application for admission or parole was made in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies in effect at the time. This update will also clarify how an exercise of discretion is applied when adjudicating an EB-5 investor petition or application in cases involving threats to the national interest, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, and criminal misuse. This guidance , contained in Volume 1 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after the publication date. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-consider-anti-americanism-in-immigrant-benefit-requests Last Reviewed/Updated: 08/19/2025

We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 4 , on valid marriages between a principal asylee or principal refugee and their claimed spouse. Under the updated guidance, all marriages between principal asylees or principal refugees and their claimed derivative spouses must be legally valid under the law of the jurisdiction where the marriage was celebrated in order to be considered valid for immigration benefit purposes. This guidance is effective March 3, 2025, and applies to requests pending or filed on or after that date. This updated guidance is consistent with applicable Board of Immigration Appeals case law and other USCIS adjudications. It also aligns our policies with President Trump’s Executive Order 14148, Initial Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions , and Executive Order 14163, Realigning the United States Refugee Admission Program . The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-validity-of-alien-refugee-and-asylee-marriages Last Reviewed/Updated: 06/24/2025

Release Date 06/13/2025 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance to enhance the integrity of the review process for Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. Under this guidance, USCIS is changing how we process Form N-648 by focusing greater attention on the veracity of medical certifications and identification and prevention of fraud, thereby enhancing the integrity of the process. Across the country and over the decades, there have been numerous instances where the medical certification process has been exploited. When a medical professional provides a false certification, it not only undermines the purpose of the disability exception but also weakens the credibility of the entire naturalization system because it causes USCIS to naturalize aliens who have not established eligibility for naturalization. Generally, aliens applying for naturalization must demonstrate understanding of the English language and knowledge and understanding of the civics fundamentals of the history and principles and form of government of the United States. Aliens applying for naturalization who are seeking an exception to the English and/or civics requirements because of a medically determinable physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months, must submit Form N-648 attesting to the medical condition, which must be completed and certified by a medical professional. The guidance confirms that the medical professional completing Form N-648 must explain how the disability or impairment leaves the alien unable to meet the English and civics requirement for naturalization (the presence of a disability alone is not sufficient). This guidance also provides that submitting multiple Forms N-648 concurrently may raise concerns about the credibility of the disability or impairment claim and could be subject to further review. This guidance, contained in Volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual , supports Executive Orders 14148 Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions and 14159 Protecting the American People Against Invasion . It is effective immediately, and applies to all naturalization applications and associated Forms N-648 filed on or after June 13, 2025. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/update-to-policy-on-disability-exceptions-to-naturalization-requirements Last Reviewed/Updated: 06/13/2025

Release Date 05/12/2025 WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan. The TPS designation for the country expires on May 20, 2025, and the termination will be effective on July 14, 2025. At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, is required to review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met, and if so, how long to extend the designation. “This administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent,” said Secretary Kristi Noem . “We’ve reviewed the conditions in Afghanistan with our interagency partners, and they do not meet the requirements for a TPS designation. Afghanistan has had an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevent them from returning to their home country. Additionally, the termination furthers the national interest as DHS records indicate that there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security. Reviewing TPS designations is a key part of restoring integrity in our immigration system.” After consultation with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Afghanistan no longer meet the statutory requirements. The Secretary’s decision was based on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the country conditions and in consultation with the Department of State. The Secretary determined that, overall, there are notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to ongoing-armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions. She further determined that permitting Afghan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States. Additional information is available in the Federal Register Notice (PDF) . https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-terminating-temporary-protected-status-for-afghanistan Last Reviewed/Updated: 05/12/202

What is Alien Registration Pursuant to a 1940 law, every foreign national who will be in the U.S. for 30 days must be registered and fingerprinted. They are also required to carry proof of such registration at all times. This law has not been regularly enforced. However, a new process to register is set to begin on April 11, 2025 which requires that all immigrants who did not enter the United States with a visa are required to register with the federal government. Who needs to register? Many immigrants, including some who lack formal legal status, are already considered registered (see “Who is considered to have already registered,” below.) Any other immigrant who enters the United States and plans to stay for 30 days or longer must register before the expiration of the 30 days. This includes: Canadians who enter at a land border and are not issued a Form I-94 Individuals who entered without inspection and have not yet registered Children who turn 14 years old while in the United States, who must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday. Parents or legal guardians are required to register their children who were not registered upon visa application and who will remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. What if You Are Undocumented? If you entered the U.S. without inspection and do not have legal status, you are required to register as a non-citizen. Registering does not grant legal status and may result in the registrant being detained and placed in removal proceedings. Failure to register may result in civil and criminal penalties. You should consult with an immigration attorney prior to registering in order to understand the registration process, your rights, and any potential legal risks. Keeping Your Registration Documents Safe Always carry your registration documents with you. Who is considered to have already registered? Immigrants who have already registered include the following: Lawful permanent residents; People paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired; People admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired; All people present in the United States (except those under the age of fourteen) who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival; People whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings; People issued an employment authorization document; People who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, and provided fingerprints (unless waived), even if the applications were denied; and People issued Border Crossing Cards. Individual Who are Exempt from the Requirement Visa holders who have been already registered and fingerprinted through their application for a visa; A visa holders; G visa holders; Those in U.S. for less than 30 days; If an LPR is outside of the U.S. when he turns 14, the individual must apply for registration and provide a photograph within 30 days of return; American Indians born in Canada who possess atleast 50% blood of the American Indian race who are present in the US under the authority of 8 USC 1359 How and Where to Register USCIS has established a new form, G-325R, Biometrics Information (Registration). Form G-325R is submitted online through an account created on the USCIS website. Steps to register: Create an online USCIS account at my.uscis.gov . Complete and submit Form G-325R. Attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center, at which time a statement is signed under oath reaffirming to the information provided. Receive a proof of alien registration document, after completion of background checks. The Proof of Alien Registration document will be available in the USCIS online account. What does Form G-325R require? Current Legal Name Contact Information Physical Address and Address History for past 5 years Immigration History Biographic Information Police/Criminal Record Family Information What documents count as proof of registration? The “proof of alien registration” document counts as proof of registration. So do the following documents: I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) which covers: People admitted with non-immigrant visas. People paroled into the U.S. under 212(d)(5) of INA. People who have been granted permission to depart without the institution of deportation proceedings. I-95, Crewmen's Landing Permit—Crewmen arriving by vessel or aircraft. I-181, Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence—Noncitizens presumed to be lawfully admitted. I-184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card—Crewmen arriving by vessel. I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card—Citizens of Canada or British subjects residing in Canada. I-186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card—Citizens of Mexico residing in Mexico. I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing—People against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted. I-221S, Order to Show Cause, Notice of Hearing, and Warrant for Arrest of Alien—People against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted. I-485, Application for Status as Permanent Resident. I-551, Permanent Resident Card—Lawful permanent residents of the United States. I-590, Registration for Classification as Refugee- Escapee. I-687, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident. I-691, Notice of Approval as a Temporary Resident. I-698, Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident. I-700, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident. I-766, Employment Authorization Document— People with work permits. I-817, Application for Voluntary Departure under the Family Unity Program. I-862, Notice to Appear—People against whom removal proceedings are being instituted. I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge— People against whom removal proceedings are being instituted. Deadline to Register There is no specified date by when registration must occur except that anyone who is in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register and that noncitizen children who turn 14 must register within 30 days of the 14th birthday. What Happens If You Don’t Register or Carry Proof? Those who are 18 years or older must carry proof at all times of their registration and fingerprinting. Failure to do so could amount to a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both. This is a misdemeanor criminal offense. There is a separate criminal offense and removal ground for registering using false documents. If you do not register and later apply for an immigration benefit or visa, the government might deny the benefit or visa for failing to register. Everyone living in the U.S. still has basic rights under the Constitution. You have the right to remain silent and to refuse to speak to immigration officers. You have the right to speak to a lawyer if arrested. See AILA’s Know Your Rights Flyer on being stopped in a public place: https://www.aila.org/aila-files/AC3EB4AE-0276-41C7-B53A-E165B250CBD5/KYR_public.pdf Change of Address Requirement If you move, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $5000 and/or up to 30 days imprisonment and may result in removal. It is essential that individuals who may be affected by this policy consult with a competent and reputable immigration lawyer, if at all possible, to receive the most appropriate advice for their circumstances. If you have questions about the naturalization process, we encourage you to contact our office at [NAME] at [NUMBER]. This flyer is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this flyer without seeking the advice of a competent, licensed immigration attorney.

Release Date 04/09/2025 WASHINGTON — Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin considering aliens’ antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests. This will immediately affect aliens applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and aliens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity. Consistent with President Trump’s executive orders on Combatting Anti-Semitism , Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism and Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats , DHS will enforce all relevant immigration laws to the maximum degree, to protect the homeland from extremists and terrorist aliens, including those who support antisemitic terrorism, violent antisemitic ideologies and antisemitic terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, or Ansar Allah aka: “the Houthis.” “There is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers, and we are under no obligation to admit them or let them stay here,” said DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin. “Sec. Noem has made it clear that anyone who thinks they can come to America and hide behind the First Amendment to advocate for anti-Semitic violence and terrorism – think again. You are not welcome here.” Under this guidance, USCIS will consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity as a negative factor in any USCIS discretionary analysis when adjudicating immigration benefit requests. This guidance is effective immediately. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn . https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-to-begin-screening-aliens-social-media-activity-for-antisemitism