Policy

High-signal items · last 90 days

What to watch

Ranked by impact: rule changes, fee updates, open comment periods, executive actions, and processing shifts. Not just newest: most consequential.

• Published  State Dept
  Executive actionTravel / entry
  Suspension of Visa Issuance to Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States

  The White House has announced a suspension of visa issuance to foreign nationals to protect U.S. security. This is a broad action affecting multiple visa categories and classes of admission. Details on scope, duration, and specific visa types impacted are expected to follow.

• Published  USCIS
  Executive action
  Update on USCIS’ Strengthened Screening and Vetting

  USCIS announced that the Trump administration is implementing heightened screening and vetting procedures for foreign nationals applying for entry or immigration benefits, citing national security and public safety priorities. These changes are based on recent executive orders…

• Published  Fed. Register
  Open for commentsProposed rule
  Electronic Bond Transmission

  CBP is proposing a requirement that most bonds be transmitted electronically through a specialized system, rather than in paper form. Sureties or cash-secured principals would submit bonds via this new electronic system. This change aims to streamline bond processing and improve…

• Published  Fed. Register
  Open for commentsFinal rule
  Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer Electronic Filing

  The Executive Office for Immigration Review is requiring electronic filing and document submission for all cases before the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO), effective immediately. The interim final rule updates service of process methods and filing…

• Published  State Dept
  ProcessingEmbassy / posts
  Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Applicants in Their Country of Residence

  USCIS is updating procedures to allow consular officers to adjudicate nonimmigrant visa applications in applicants' countries of residence rather than requiring attendance at a specific consular post. This change reduces travel requirements and streamlines the visa interview and…

• Published  Fed. Register
  Open for commentsProposed rule
  Electronic Export Manifest for Vessel Cargo

  CBP is proposing a requirement that vessel cargo export manifest information be submitted electronically in advance, before cargo is loaded or the vessel departs. The rule identifies which parties may submit this data and sets specific transmission timeframes. This change…

• Published  Fed. Register
  Open for comments
  Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Request for Fee Waiver

  USCIS is extending a currently approved information collection related to fee waiver requests without any changes to the form or process. The agency is seeking public feedback on the collection burden and respondent categories. Public comments accepted until June 22, 2026.

  Public comments accepted through  .

• Published  Fed. Register
  Open for comments
  Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Application for Civil Surgeon Designation

  USCIS is seeking public comments on an extension of its information collection procedures for civil surgeon designations. Civil surgeons are medical professionals who conduct required medical examinations for immigration applicants. The agency is not proposing substantive…

  Public comments accepted through  .