US to Hike Immigration Fees, Tighten Visa & Green Card Rules from Jan 2026

• US to raise select immigration fees from January 1, 2026, under an inflation-linked revision by USCIS.
• Applications postmarked after January 1, 2026, must include revised fees or face rejection; fees to be updated annually.
• New entry bans for citizens from 12 countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Iran) and partial restrictions for 7 others (e.g., Cuba, Venezuela) from Jan 1, 2026.
• Heightened scrutiny for Green Card applicants from 19 countries identified as posing security concerns.
• Administration plans scaled-up workplace enforcement and a $170 billion funding surge for border agencies through Sept 2029.

Why It Matters: Trump administration tightens immigration rules, hikes fees, and increases enforcement from January 2026.