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USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees Starting March 1, 2026

The U.S. immigration landscape will see an important update in 2026. According to an official announcement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Premium Processing fees will increase for several immigration benefit categories, effective March 1, 2026. This change applies exclusively to Premium Processing requests filed with Form I-907 and reflects USCIS’s regular fee adjustments […]

DHS Reduces Wait Times for Religious Workers Abroad: What the New Rule Means

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a new rule aimed at reducing wait times for thousands of religious workers abroad, providing relief to religious organizations and communities across the United States. What changed? Previously, certain religious workers were required to remain outside the United States for one full year before resuming religious […]

US Temporarily Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries: Key Updates Effective January 21, 2026

The U.S. Department of State has announced a temporary pause in immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This measure is part of an ongoing review of immigration screening procedures and eligibility standards, including assessments related to financial self-sufficiency and public-charge considerations. What does the pause apply to? The policy […]

USCIS Limits Photo Reuse to 3 Years: More Applicants Now Required to Attend Biometrics Appointments

Policy Update Overview U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially updated its biometric photo reuse policy. Effective immediately, USCIS will only reuse previously collected identity photos if they were taken within the last 36 months. Applicants whose photos exceed this timeframe will be required to attend a new biometrics appointment. What Photos Does This […]

U.S. Introduces $1 Million Gold Card Residency: What Global Investors Should Know

The U.S. government has announced a new fast-track residency pathway commonly referred to as the “Gold Card”, offering permanent residency to foreign nationals who make a $1 million qualifying investment in the United States. This initiative marks a notable shift in U.S. immigration policy—moving away from job-creation-based models toward wealth-based residency eligibility. What Is the […]

USCIS Q2/2025: Green Card Delays Hit Record High, Processing Times Surge Across Key Petitions

USCIS’s second-quarter data for fiscal year 2025 reveals unprecedented delays and backlogs across key immigration petitions. From green card renewals (Form I-90) to work permits (Form I-765) and EB-1A petitions, the report highlights severe strain on the U.S. immigration system amid growing demand and limited processing capacity. Case Completions Drop Sharply as Pending Workload Surges […]

Record-High USCIS Backlogs in Early 2025: What Immigrants Need to Know

According to the latest data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. immigration system is experiencing an unprecedented backlog as of the first quarter of 2025. Over 11.3 million immigration cases are pending, with more than 34,000 unopened cases, causing delays even at the initial processing stage. Which immigration applications are most affected? […]

New Pacific Immigration Office in Stockton: Helping Your Family’s American Dream

Your Trusted Partner in U.S. Immigration is Growing to Serve You Better We are excited to share wonderful news with our Pacific Immigration family: We are officially moving to a bigger, brighter office starting in July 2025! 📍 New Address: 7746 Lorraine Ave, Suite 203, Stockton, CA 95210 This move is not just about a […]

O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Are you a scientist, artist, entrepreneur, educator, or athlete with exceptional achievements? The O‑1 visa may be the ideal U.S. nonimmigrant pathway for you. Designed for individuals of extraordinary ability or achievement, this visa offers greater flexibility and a smoother path toward long-term success in the United States. What Is the O‑1 Visa? The O‑1 […]

Born Outside the U.S.? You May Already Be a U.S. Citizen — Here’s How to Prove It

If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you might already be a U.S. citizen without even knowing it. This is a reality for many in the Vietnamese American and Latino communities, especially children of parents who lived in the U.S. but later gave birth overseas. The key to unlocking your rights as […]