Mayzel Law Group

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/09/2026-11513/schedule-of-fees-for-consular-services-department-of-state-and-overseas-embassies-and

DOS Creates Fee to Expedite B-1/B-2 Visa Interview Appointment
Today, DOS issued a temporary final rule establishing a $750 fee for expedited B-1/B-2 visa interview appointments at selected consular posts. The rule is effective July 1 through December 31, 2026. Applicants who pay the fee may secure an interview appointment within 10 business days, offering a new premium processing option for certain visitor visa applicants. Comments on the rule are due July 9, 2026.

Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa and Citizenship Services Fee Changes This temporary final rule (TFR) temporarily amends the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (Schedule) to create a $750 fee for an expedited B1/B2, business and tourism, nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview appointment. This new fee will allow B1/B2 visa applicants who pay the fee to secure an...

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a new policy memo reiterating the fact that, consistent with long-standing immigration law and immigration court decisions, aliens seeking adjustment of status must do so through consular processing via the Department of State outside of the country. Officers are directed to consider all relevant factors and information on a case-by-case basis when determining whether an alien warrants this extraordinary form of relief.

“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly. From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances. This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes. When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency,” said USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler.

“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over. Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process. Following the law allows the majority of these cases to be handled by the State Department at U.S. consular offices abroad and frees up limited USCIS resources to focus on processing other cases that fall under its purview, including visas for victims of violent crime and human trafficking, naturalization applications, and other priorities. The law was written this way for a reason, and despite the fact that it has been ignored for years, following it will help make our system fairer and more efficient.”

Yesterday, USCIS announced that it has commenced reexamining thousands of refugee cases approved between January 21, 2021, and February 20, 2025, through an operation called PARRIS (Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening). It initially focuses on 5,600 refugees in Minnesota, and once those cases are complete, it will be expanded to other areas. According to USCIS social media, at least two refugees have already been detained as a result of this review

DHS Launches Landmark USCIS Fraud Investigation in Minnesota The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have launched Operation PARRIS in Minnesota, a sweeping initiative reexamining thousands of refugee cases through new background checks and intensive verification of refugee claims.

Visa Bulletin For December 2025

Number 9
Volume XI
Washington, D.C

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A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS

This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during December for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.

Unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at
www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo, individuals seeking to file applications for adjustment of status with USCIS must use the “Final Action Dates” charts below for determining when they can file such applications. When USCIS determines that there are more immigrant visas available for the fiscal year than there are known applicants for such visas, USCIS will state on its website that applicants may instead use the “Dates for Filing Visa Applications” charts in this Bulletin.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-december-2025.html

Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin | USCIS If USCIS determines there are more immigrant visas available for a fiscal year than there are known applicants for such visas, we will state on this page that you may use the Dates for Filing chart. Otherwise, we will indicate on this page that you must use the Final Action Dates chart to determine....