Immigration Roundup: Asylum Fee Paused, Biometric Expansion, & DV-2027 Delay

Welcome to your essential briefing on the latest news from NepYork. Time is ticking on TPS, EADs, and DV Lottery plans. Since November 1, critical alerts have dropped—including delays, new fees, and key USCIS rulings. This edition cuts through the noise with only what you need to act now. Knowledge is your visa—read on and stay ahead.

USCIS Pauses Annual Asylum Fee Notices Following Court Order

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed it has paused the mailing of notices for the Annual Asylum Fee (AAF). This action follows a temporary stay issued by a federal court in Maryland.

• What it means: Applicants who already received a notice directing them to pay the $100 AAF are advised to disregard that instruction for now.
• Crucial Note: Any annual asylum fees paid before the pause are non-refundable, and applicants should keep their receipts secure. USCIS plans to issue updated instructions as the legal proceedings continue.
  • Read More: USCIS Begins Annual $100 Fee for Pending Asylum Cases; Individual Payment Notices to Be Issued

Proposed Rule Seeks Massive Expansion of Biometric Data Collection

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a sweeping new proposed rule that would dramatically expand the collection and use of biometrics across USCIS, ICE, and CBP.

• Expanded Data: Collection could expand beyond fingerprints and photos to include voice prints, DNA, palm prints, and iris/retina scans.
• Broader Scope: The rule proposes removing the current age restriction, allowing DHS to collect biometrics from children under the age of 14 for the first time. It would also explicitly authorize collection from U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents when associated with an immigration benefit request.
  • Read More: Proposed New Immigration Rule Seeks Expanded Biometric Data Collection, Including Voice and DNA, Across All Age Groups

Green Card Eligibility Clarified for TPS and U Visa Holders

USCIS has issued a new policy alert clarifying that a grant of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or U nonimmigrant status does not count as an “admission” for the general Green Card adjustment of status under INA 245(a).

• Impact: This primarily affects individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection and later obtained U status, making them ineligible for the standard adjustment pathway.
• The Alternative Path: U visa holders remain fully eligible to adjust status under the specialized INA 245(m) provision after maintaining valid U status for three years.
  • Read More: USCIS Pauses Annual Asylum Fee Notices Following Court Order 

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Registration Delay

The U.S. Department of State has confirmed a delay in the launch of the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery registration for the DV-2027 cycle.

• Status: The registration period, which typically opens in early October, has been pushed back.
• New Requirement: The Department is moving forward with a new $1 electronic registration fee for all entrants. The official start date will be announced “as soon as practicable.”
  • Read More: “We Will Announce the Start Date for the DV-2027 Registration Period as Soon as Practicable,” Announces U.S. Department of State

Warning Issued to P-3 Visa Artists

Immigration attorneys are cautioning Nepali artists traveling on P-3 visas (Culturally Unique Artists) about strict compliance rules.

• The Risk: Engaging in illegal payments or performing unscheduled gigs not listed in the approved itinerary can jeopardize their visa status and lead to severe penalties, including re-entry bans.
  • Read More: “Illegal Payments and Unscheduled Gigs Jeopardize U.S. Status,” Immigration Attorneys Warn Nepali P-3 Visa Holders

Nepal to Implement Foreign National Tracking System

The Department of Immigration in Nepal is preparing to implement the Foreign National Registration and Tracking System (FNRTS), a measure to systematically register and manage foreign citizens.

• Timeline: The mandatory implementation has been delayed until January 2026 following requests from stakeholders due to recent protests and technical issues.
  • Read More: Nepal’s Foreign National Tracking System to Be Implemented After January 2026