In this month’s newsletter, we cover the current status of U.S. visa services by country — important information if you have family members abroad who are waiting to apply. We also share what naturalized citizens should know about a new executive order on elections, and include key reminders about USCIS payment requirements, work permit renewals, and the 2025 Civics Test.
Current Status of U.S. Visa Services by Country
If you have family members living abroad, their ability to apply for a U.S. visa depends on where they are located. U.S. embassies and consulates around the world do not all operate the same way. Some have fully resumed services. Others are suspended, operating with limited staff, or affected by a visa ban that took effect on January 1, 2026.
Staying informed about the status in your family member’s country can help you plan ahead and avoid unexpected delays.
Click here to view the full Visa Status by Country table
Note: Visa policies can change without advance notice. Always verify the most current information at travel.state.gov before filing or making travel plans. If you have questions about how these updates may affect your case, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
What Naturalized Citizens Should Know About the New Election Order
A new executive order could change how states verify voter eligibility before federal elections. The order is already facing legal challenges but even proposed changes can cause confusion, especially if your records do not match across government systems.
What the Order Does
The order would direct DHS and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to create a federal list of confirmed U.S. citizens. States could use this list to verify citizenship before elections. It would also introduce new requirements for mail-in ballots, including delivery restrictions based on state voter rolls.
Why Naturalized Citizens Should Pay Attention
Federal databases are not always accurate. Errors are more common if you naturalized recently, changed your name, or have records across multiple agencies. If your citizenship status is not correctly reflected in federal systems, it could affect your ability to receive or cast a mail-in ballot.
What You Can Do Now
- Confirm your citizenship status is correctly updated with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If not, visit your local SSA office with your Certificate of Naturalization.
- Verify your voter registration through your state’s official election website.
- Keep your Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. passport accessible.
Your right to vote has not changed. Naturalized citizens have the same voting rights as anyone born in the United States.
Additional Reminders
Electronic Payments Only. As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts personal checks or money orders. All filing fees must be paid electronically using a U.S. bank account (Form G-1650) or credit/prepaid card (Form G-1450).
Work Permit Renewals. Automatic work permit extensions are no longer available. You may file for renewal up to 180 days (6 months) before your expiration date. Filing early is strongly recommended.
2025 Civics Test. If you applied for naturalization on or after October 20, 2025, you will be tested on the new 2025 Civics Test. Official study materials are available at uscis.gov — 2025 Civics Test Resources.
We Are Here to Help
Immigration rules can change without warning, and small errors or missed deadlines can have serious consequences for your case. At the Law Office of Christine Contreras, we are here to guide you through every step of the process with clarity and care.
Schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Christine Contreras today.