A summary of the most important U.S. immigration news from the past few weeks, updated weekly. This roundup highlights policy changes, USCIS updates, court rulings, and other developments that may affect immigrants and their families.
IMMIGRATION NEWS FOR WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
[Top Story] Adjustment of Status Filers Face Several Important Deadlines This Week
Four changes affecting adjustment of status applicants take effect between Sept. 15 and Oct. 1. They were announced separately over the past two months, but they now fall close enough together that anyone preparing a green card application will encounter more than one of them.
Now — new Form I-864 edition. After publishing a new 08/24/26 edition of Form I-864 on Aug. 31 with no transition window, USCIS reversed course and granted a 30-day grace period. The 10/17/24 edition is accepted through Sept. 30, but it makes since to start using the new edition if possible.
Sept. 15 — new Form I-765 edition. USCIS said it will publish a 09/15/26 edition of the EAD application and will reject the 08/21/25 edition if postmarked or electronically submitted on or after that date. There is no grace period. USCIS said the revisions were necessary to apply the fixed-admission-period rule for students, exchange visitors and media representatives.
Sept. 18 — new Form I-485 edition. USCIS announced that the 09/18/26 edition replaces the 01/20/25 edition, again with no grace period. The agency will accept the older edition only if it is postmarked or submitted before Sept. 18.
Sept. 18 — the public charge rule changes. A final rule rescinding the 2022 public charge regulations takes effect the same day. USCIS issued Policy Manual guidance in August describing the five statutory factors officers will weigh and listing which categories are subject to and exempt from the public charge ground. Applications postmarked before Sept. 18 are reviewed under the 2022 standard.
What it means for immigrants:
If your application is close to ready, the calendar matters more than usual this month. Verify the edition date in the lower left corner of your form and understand whether your timing affects how your case is reviewed. To see how the new rule may affect you, see CitizenPath's guide on New Public Charge Rule 2026: What Green Card Applicants Need to Know →
Other Key Immigration Updates
Students Get a Clock Instead of a Program
"Duration of status" ends Sept. 15 for F, J and I nonimmigrants under a DHS final rule. F and J admissions run up to four years from the program start date, the F-1 grace period drops from 60 days to 30, and extensions require Form I-539.
Court Keeps Tax Records Away From ICE
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Sept. 9 upheld an injunction blocking the IRS from sharing taxpayer data with ICE. Judge Cornelia Pillard wrote that the arrangement automated review of millions of records without individual review.
Diversity Visa Cases Ordered Back Into Motion
A federal court in the Northern District of California temporarily vacated the USCIS memo that had frozen Diversity Visa adjustment applications. USCIS was ordered to resume ordinary adjudication of the plaintiffs' pending applications for the remainder of the DV fiscal year.
H-2B Cap Closes for the Winter Half
USCIS announced Sept. 11 that it received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year 2027. Sept. 4 was the final receipt date for petitions requesting start dates before April 1, 2027.
What It Means for Immigrants
- Students face a real expiration date: If you hold F, J or I status, find the end date on your new I-94 and plan any extension well before it arrives.
- Tax filing is a little safer for now: The ruling limits one channel of information sharing, though it can still be appealed and does not change other enforcement tools.
- Diversity Visa applicants may see movement: Pending adjustment cases that were on hold should begin moving again, though the order is temporary and tied to ongoing litigation.
- Seasonal workers must look to spring: Employers who missed the Sept. 4 cutoff will need to target start dates on or after April 1, 2027.
NEWS FROM THE WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
[Top Story] USCIS Replaced the Affidavit of Support Overnight — and Old Forms Are Being Rejected
USCIS released a new 08/24/26 edition of Form I-864, effective August 31, adding sponsor credit-report authorization and eliminating acceptance of the prior edition.
Internship Rules Tighten for Student Visas
Reuters reported the administration moved to restrict Curricular Practical Training for international students. An August 24 memo tells schools CPT must be an integral, required part of the curriculum. Several universities paused CPT approvals while reviewing the guidance.
Citizenship Officers May Now Ask Your Neighbors
USCIS issued policy guidance dated August 25 reinforcing neighborhood investigations under INA 335(a). Officers may contact neighbors, employers, or coworkers to verify a naturalization applicant's residence, employment, and character. Waivers remain available case by case.
Body Cameras Ordered as Agents Deploy
Newsweek reported that USCIS purchased body-worn cameras ahead of deploying newly authorized special agents. USCIS has not said how many cameras were bought, which offices receive them, or which personnel will be assigned to wear them.
The Public Charge Deadline Is Two Weeks Out
The new public charge guidance applies to Forms I-485 postmarked or filed on or after September 18, 2026. Applications filed before that date are decided under the 2022 policy. USCIS says receiving a benefit does not automatically make someone inadmissible.
NEWS FROM THE WEEK ENDING AUGUST 28, 2026
[Top Story] Family Green Card Lines Jump Years in the September Visa Bulletin
The September 2026 Visa Bulletin delivered major family-based advances, especially in F1, F2B, F3 and F4, while employment-based categories remained largely frozen and face possible retrogression.
Judge Voids 75-Country Visa Ban
A federal judge in Manhattan struck down the January policy suspending immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, ruling it exceeded the Secretary of State's statutory authority and conflicted with the immigration law's bar on nationality-based discrimination in immigrant visa issuance.
State Department Pauses Visa Interviews Worldwide
Days after that ruling, the State Department paused immigrant visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, saying consular officers need training on identifying applicants likely to become dependent on public benefits. Scheduled applicants were emailed that their interviews would be rescheduled.
DHS Proposes $103,265 H-1B Fee
DHS posted a proposed rule adding a $103,265 fee to cap-subject H-1B petitions, including workers already in the United States. Universities, hospitals, and research institutions would be exempt. Reuters reported the rule could be finalized by year's end.
Citizenship Fee Increase Moves Closer
The comment period on the DHS proposal to raise Form N-400 fees closed August 24. The rule would move the paper fee from $760 to $1,330 and the online fee from $710 to $1,280, and would end the reduced fee and fee waiver options for most applicants.
NEWS FROM THE WEEK ENDING AUGUST 21, 2026
[Top Story] New Work Permit Form Arrives September 15 — and There's No Grace Period
USCIS will issue revised Forms I-765 and I-539 on September 15, 2026, rejecting older editions filed from that date. The updates reflect new nonimmigrant admission and extension rules.
New Public Charge Rule Hits September 18
USCIS will publish a revised Form I-485 on September 18 aligned with the new public charge final rule, and will reject the 01/20/25 edition on or after that date. Under the rule, officers may weigh a broader range of public benefits when deciding green card cases, according to the USCIS alert.
September Visa Bulletin Still Missing
As of August 21, the State Department had not posted the September 2026 Visa Bulletin. This is later than the mid-month timing of most recent years. The bulletin archive still lists August as the most recent edition. The fiscal year ends September 30, when annual visa limits reset.
$750 Buys a Faster Visitor Visa Interview
A State Department temporary final rule, effective July 1 through December 31, created an optional $750 fee letting B-1/B-2 applicants at participating posts secure an interview within 10 business days. The pilot initially launched in Mexico and has since expanded.
DHS Moves to End the 60-Day Grace Period
DHS sent a proposed rule to White House review on August 6 that would eliminate the 60-day grace period for nonimmigrant workers, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN and E-category holders, who lose their jobs. Bloomberg Law reported the text has not been published.
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Immigration rules and policies change frequently. Staying informed helps families avoid mistakes, missed deadlines, or unexpected consequences. This weekly roundup focuses on developments that have practical, real-world impact. Sign up for the free CitizenPath newsletter and empower your journey with timely, trustworthy support.
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