Starting fiscal year twenty twenty-six, U.S. travel fees increased. I-94 at land borders rose from six to thirty dollars, ESTA went from twenty-one to forty, and EVUS for Chinese travelers now costs thirty. These fees will rise annually with inflation.

After lawmakers failed to pass funding, the government shut down. USCIS remains open since it is fee-funded, so green cards, naturalization, and work permits continue. But Department of Labor filings pause, E-Verify goes offline, and immigration courts face delays.

Starting October 20, 2025, the civics test pool expands from 100 to 128 questions. The test may ask up to 20 questions, and applicants must answer 12 correctly to pass. Those who file before the deadline keep the current test.

A federal judge in Arizona temporarily stopped deportation of 69 Guatemalan and Honduran children, ages three to seventeen. The judge cited missing parental coordination and lack of judicial oversight. The case continues in court.

Districts in Los Angeles and Miami report falling attendance, with thousands missing or withdrawing. Schools are adding mental health services, legal aid, and safety protocols to keep students in class and protect families.

With the new fiscal year, several priority dates advanced. Mexico’s F-2B moved ahead by eight months. India’s EB-5 jumped nearly two and a half years. More applicants can now move forward with their green card steps.

From October 16, 2025, Diversity Visa applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee. Officials estimate about $25 million in annual revenue. The fee is small but may deter some low income applicants.

Top U.S. firms, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple, increased H-1B approvals this year. Amazon alone rose from 9,257 in 2024 to 10,044 in 2025, showing persistent demand for skilled foreign workers.

The Supreme Court allows agents in Los Angeles to stop and detain people based on appearance, language, or work type. Critics warn this could unfairly target Latinos and even U.S. citizens.

More than 300 South Korean workers detained at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will soon be flown home. The raid involved 475 people, mostly subcontractors, and raised diplomatic concerns.

USCIS officers may consider “anti-American” views when reviewing green cards and other cases. Director Joseph Edlow stressed it targets terrorism, while new H-1B rules and stricter citizenship tests are also under review.

The State Department now requires nonimmigrant visa applicants to attend interviews in their country of nationality or residence. This affects work, student, and tourist visas, but not diplomats. Existing appointments generally remain valid.