FGI UPDATE: This Week’s Summary of U.S. and Global Immigration News Fakhoury Global Immigration

November 26, 2025

US Immigration Updates

Reminder: USCIS Now Accepting Only Electronic Payments for Benefit Request – With Exceptions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a reminder that as of October 28, 2025, it is accepting payments only through Pay.gov for benefit requests filed electronically, with some exceptions.

Key Points

For benefit requests mailed to USCIS, USCIC will only accept ACH debit transactions using Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, or credit, debit, or prepaid card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
Those qualify for an exemption from the requirement to use an electronic payment method should mail the benefit request, with the correct fee payment and a completed and signed Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment, to the appropriate lockbox. Practitioners recommend placing the form on top of the packet (including the cover letter) so USCIS sees the form first.
USCIS said that those requesting an exemption must certify that electronic payment and collection methods are not possible and they meet one or more of the following requirements:
They do not have access to banking services or electronic payment systems;
Electronic disbursement would cause them undue hardship, as discussed in 31 C.F.R. Part 208;
Non-electronic transactions are necessary or desirable for national security or law enforcement reasons; or
There are other circumstances as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, as reflected in regulations or other guidance.

SOURCE: ABIL Immigration Insider, November 23, 2025.

TSA Launches Alternative ID Verification Program and Fee

On November 20, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it is launching a “modernized alternative identity verification program” at TSA checkpoints for those without the required acceptable form of identification, such as a REAL ID or passport.

Key Points

For participants in the optional program, TSA will check the traveler’s “biographic and/or biometric identification to verify identity and match the individual to their Secure Flight watch list result” and will charge a nonrefundable $18 fee.
TSA said that collection of the fee “will begin when TSA announces that individuals may register for the modernized alternative identity verification program on the TSA website gov.
TSA noted that those who use the alternative identity verification program may still be subject to additional screening or experience delays.

SOURCE: Federal Register, November 20, 2025: www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-11-20/pdf/2025-20474.pdf

Department of State Updates Global Visa Wait Times

On November 20, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) issued an update to its global visa wait times.

Key Points

Posted average wait times are not guarantees and applicants may not secure an interview within those exact periods.
S. embassies and consulates often add new appointment slots, so applicants seeking an earlier interview should monitor the scheduling system regularly and reschedule to an earlier opening if one becomes available.
The “Next available appointment” column in the table below provides an estimate of when an appointment may be available at that location. Because new slots are released regularly, applicants may be able to secure an earlier date.
After scheduling an interview, applicants can continue checking the appointment system and reschedule to an earlier slot if one opens.

Embassy/ Consulate	Interview required B-1/B-2 visas next available appointment	Interview required F, M, J visas next available appointment	Interview required petition-based H, L, O, P, Q visas next available appointment
Beijing	<0.5 months	<0.5 months	1.5 months
Chennai (Madras)	3 months	2 months	1 month
Guangzhou	1 month	<0.5 months	<0.5 months
Hyderabad	5 months	2.5 months	2 months
New Delhi	10 months	0.5 months	N/A
Shanghai	3 months	1 month	3 months

The updated chart is available at DOS’s website: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/global-visa-wait-times.html

Global Immigration Updates

Costa Rica – Updated Visa Guidelines

There have been recent updates to the Visa Guidelines for Costa Rica. This guideline establishes the groups of countries whose nationals require a Consular Visa, a Restricted Visa, or do not require a visa at all to enter Costa Rica.

This update is important, as it serves as a guide for the entry of non-resident individuals (Tourists) and outlines the procedures that must be followed for their proper admission into the national territory.

United States & Canada

Nationals of countries that require a Visa and who hold a U.S. or Canadian Residence or Visa may not remain in Costa Rica for a period longer than the remaining validity of the Residence or Visa they hold in the United States or Canada.

Schengen

Individuals holding a Schengen Area Category C or D visa (Multiple Entries), valid for up to 90 days, are exempt from requiring a Consular or Restricted Visa—even if their nationality normally requires one—provided that their stay in Costa Rica does not exceed the validity of the Schengen visa.

The countries that make up the Schengen Area are as follows: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Sweden, and Switzerland.
• Under no circumstances will Category C or D visas be accepted if the visa’s activation date is after the intended date of entry into Costa Rica.

Diplomatic Agents

Two points were added to the Scope section regarding Diplomatic Agents, Accredited Consular Officials in Costa Rica, and other members of diplomatic missions—such as officials, representatives, and delegates—who are not subject to this Visa Directive.

Honduras

Honduras is now part of the Second Group (Visa-Free Entry). Previously, it belonged to the third group, which required a Consular Visa. However, when entering Costa Rica by land, Immigration Authorities will request Unapostilled Criminal Background Certificates for all individuals over 18 years old.
If entering by air, Honduran nationals are exempt from this requirement.

Nicaragua

The section “Issuance of Two Visas for Nicaraguan Nationals” was removed from the Specific Regulations for Nicaragua and moved to Chapter V: Issuance of Two Visas for tourists of any nationality belonging to the group that requires a Consular Visa.

Colombia

Multiple-Entry Visas for Colombian nationals traveling as tourists or businesspersons have been eliminated.

Venezuela

In the section of regulations for Venezuela, acceptance of the first page of the valid passport without Apostille was added for consular or exceptional visa applications.

Travel Documents

In Section Six of Other Considerations, the following points were incorporated:

Entry into Costa Rica with a Travel Document.
Entry into Costa Rica with a travel document issued by the United Nations (UN), known as a Laissez-Passer.

SOURCE: https://migracion.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Directrices-Generales-de-Visas-Noviembre-2025-Alcance-148-Gaceta-N%C2%B0-216-17-11-2025.pdf?fbclid=IwZnRzaAONgbNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEela-cc9pyIyhn42VzhPcmJaDc6qXx7ORpHDZAHr6hOCA0KtXPvwKrklqQGRg_aem_vmATIuu0mzlPBk9g_BWxJg

The content of this article is intended only to provide a general guide to the subject matter. It should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact FGI at info@employmentimmigration.com or (+1) 248.643.4900 for guidance if you have specific questions

U.S. Immigration Alerts