This Week in Immigration: March 20, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

April Visa Bulletin Shows Strong Movement in Family-Based Green Cards

The State Department released the April Visa Bulletin, showing strong forward movement in family-based categories. F-1 advanced by about six months across most countries, with steady gains in F-2B and F-3. F-2A also returned to “current” worldwide. Employment-based categories were more mixed, with limited movement in EB-1 and EB-2, slight progress for EB-2 India, and EB-3 advancing and now “current” for most countries. We break down all the changes here. 

U.S. Slashes Citizenship Renunciation Fee by 80%

The cost to renounce U.S. citizenship has dropped from $2,350 to $450, effective immediately under a new federal rule. The move reverses a 2015 fee hike that critics said made it too expensive to give up citizenship. Officials said the change comes after public pressure and aims to make the process more accessible. Renouncing citizenship still requires an in-person appointment, a formal oath, and months of processing. The update does not change eligibility for U.S. citizenship or green cards.

U.S. Adds 12 Countries to $15,000 Visa Bond Program

The Trump administration is expanding its visa bond program by adding 12 countries, including Cambodia, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Nicaragua. Starting April 2, travelers from 50 countries will be required to post a $15,000 bond when applying for B-1 or B-2 visitor visas. The policy is designed to reduce visa overstays, according to a State Department official. The bond is refundable if travelers comply with visa terms or choose not to travel. Officials say the program has already helped lower overstay rates.

Bipartisan Bill Targets $100K H-1B Fee for Healthcare Workers

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers has introduced a bill to waive the $100,000 H-1B visa fee for foreign healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses. The fee, imposed in 2025, raised concerns among hospitals that rely heavily on international medical graduates, especially in rural and underserved areas. Supporters say removing the cost could help ease staffing shortages and protect patient access to care. The American Medical Association has urged swift action, warning the U.S. could face a shortfall of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036.

Immigrants Claimed 5 Oscars in Strong Showing for Hollywood Talent

Immigrants won five of the 25 Oscars awarded Sunday, with a sixth going to the daughter of an immigrant. Among the winners were cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw for Sinners, composer Ludwig Göransson, and songwriter EJAE for “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters. Overall, immigrants received 22 of 125 nominations, or 17.6%, far above their 11.2% share of the U.S. film industry workforce.

How Long Does It Currently Take to Get a K-1 Visa?

The K-1 fiancé visa process currently takes about 9–11 months from start to finish. Most of this time is spent waiting for USCIS to approve Form I-129F, which alone can take close to a year. After approval, the remaining steps, including National Visa Center processing and the visa interview, typically add another 1–2 months. Learn more in our detailed guide. 

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