Attention Latinos! USCIS Updates That Impact Your Immigration Situation in February 2026

Every month, the decisions and changes made by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can directly affect thousands of Latino immigrants seeking to regularize their status or move forward with their immigration processes. In February 2026, several important news items have emerged that could change the landscape for many. Here we clearly explain what each one means and how it can affect you and your family.

USCIS office with people waiting for service

March 2026 Visa Bulletin: An Opportunity to File Your Application

Each month, the Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin, which indicates when you can file your application to adjust status to lawful permanent resident (Form I-485). For March 2026, USCIS announced it will use the table called "Dates for Filing" [citation:2]. This is good news for many Latino immigrants because it means you can file your application before your priority date becomes current in the final action table.

What does this mean in practice?

You can submit your adjustment of status application (I-485) before your priority date is "current" in the final action table.

This speeds up the process because USCIS can begin reviewing your case earlier.

There are significant advancements in the EB-2 and EB-3 employment categories for "All Other Countries," which includes most Latin American countries. This means that if you are in these categories, your wait time may be shorter.

For example, if you are a professional with a job offer in the U.S. and your category is EB-2, you now have the possibility to file your application earlier and move faster toward residency.

Resumption of Humanitarian Parole Processing: Good News for Those Already in the U.S.

USCIS has resumed processing work permit applications (I-765) and adjustment of status applications (I-485) for individuals who entered the U.S. on humanitarian parole. This includes people from countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Ukraine, among others, thanks to a recent court order.

What should you know?

This only applies to those already inside the United States on humanitarian parole.

If you entered under this status, you can now apply for your work permit and residency.

This brings relief to many families who were waiting for USCIS to resume these processes.

For example, a Venezuelan person who entered on humanitarian parole can now file their application to work legally and move toward residency without having to leave the country.

New Restrictions and Pauses in Visa Issuance for Some Countries

USCIS and the Department of State have temporarily paused the issuance of immigrant visas for certain countries, including Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil. This measure mainly affects processes carried out at consulates outside the U.S.

What does this mean for you?

If you are outside the United States and waiting for an immigrant visa at a consulate, you may experience delays or additional reviews.

For those already inside the U.S. and adjusting their status, this pause does not directly apply.

It is important to stay alert for updates, as these pauses may be extended or changed.

For example, a Colombian awaiting their consulate interview may face a longer wait, while a Colombian already in the U.S. who has filed their I-485 should not be affected by this pause.

What can you do today?

• Check your category and priority date on the Visa Bulletin to see if you can file your adjustment of status application.

• If you entered on humanitarian parole, prepare your documents to apply for a work permit and residency.

• Stay informed about visa issuance pauses if you are outside the U.S., and consult with a trusted lawyer or advisor.

• Organize your papers and important dates so you don't miss opportunities when USCIS opens or advances processes.

• Consult official sources like USCIS and the Department of State to avoid false information or rumors.

This February brings changes that may open doors for many Latino immigrants, but also challenges that require attention and preparation. Stay informed and act in time to take advantage of opportunities and protect your immigration status.