Fee and source checks
Use the USCIS fee schedule or fee calculator before filing because form fees can differ by filing method, applicant category, fee waiver, or exemption.
Free Guide
Stay informed about the latest immigration policy updates, fee changes, and processing trends that affect your case.
The U.S. immigration landscape continues to evolve with new fee structures, updated income requirements, shifting enforcement priorities, and fluctuating processing times. This guide covers the five most impactful policy areas for immigrants and their families in 2026. Each section includes practical impact statements so you understand exactly how these changes affect your case and your budget.
Use the USCIS fee schedule or fee calculator before filing because form fees can differ by filing method, applicant category, fee waiver, or exemption.
Compare household size against the current HHS poverty guideline and USCIS I-864P table before signing an Affidavit of Support or asking a joint sponsor.
Check the main USCIS TPS page, country-specific notices, and processing-time tool before relying on any deadline, renewal window, or estimated case milestone.
Treat USCIS notices, court dates, address updates, and travel planning as urgent when any case, status issue, or removal-history concern is pending.
Fees, poverty-guideline tables, TPS country windows, and processing estimates can change. Confirm details on these official pages before filing, paying a fee, traveling, or missing a deadline.
Verify the current filing fee for each immigration form before filing.
Confirm form fees by filing category, filing method, and fee exemption status.
Check designated TPS countries, registration windows, and country-specific updates.
Look up current case processing estimates by form, category, and office.
Confirm the income table USCIS applies to Affidavit of Support filings.
Review the January 15, 2026 Federal Register notice for the annual HHS poverty guideline update.
Use the USCIS G-1055 Fee Schedule and Fee Calculator for every filing package. Fees can differ for online and paper filing, age-based categories, reduced-fee categories, fee exemptions, and fee waivers. If the required fee is wrong, USCIS may reject the filing instead of opening the case.
The 2026 Federal Register HHS poverty guideline for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. is $21,640 for a household of 2, $33,000 for a household of 4, and $44,360 for a household of 6. Many I-864 sponsors use 125% planning figures, which are $27,050, $41,250, and $55,450 for those household sizes. Always confirm the USCIS I-864P table before signing an Affidavit of Support.
TPS holders and applicants should use the main USCIS TPS page as the starting point, then open the country-specific page for registration periods, re-registration periods, work authorization notes, and Federal Register notices. Missing a country-specific window can affect status and employment authorization.
To reduce preventable delays: (1) check current processing estimates by form, category, and office, (2) file with complete evidence, (3) keep copies of every submission, (4) respond promptly to USCIS notices, (5) update your address when required, and (6) seek individualized guidance if a case is outside normal processing time.
Protect your case by keeping current immigration documents organized, saving copies outside your home, reading every USCIS or court notice immediately, and getting individualized guidance before travel when any application, removal history, or status issue is pending. Do not sign documents you do not understand.
Get the complete guide with detailed breakdowns, comparison tables, and action steps for each policy area.
Download Full GuideOur bilingual team can review your specific situation and help you navigate these policy changes. Call us today for a consultation.
Book a Free Consultation