US makes it harder for married couples to get ‘green cards’ in 2025, see key changes at a glance

Washington: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has unveiled a sweeping set of policy and procedural updates that significantly tighten the marriage-based green card process for couples. The move, which took effect August 1, is part of a broader effort to curb immigration fraud and ensure only legitimate marriages qualify for permanent residency

Key Changes at a Glance:

1. Mandatory Use of Updated Forms

USCIS now requires applicants to use the exact latest editions, such as the 01/20/25 versions of Form I‑130, Form I‑485, and Form I‑129F. Submission of outdated forms may lead to automatic rejection of the application.

2. Higher Fees and Payment Restrictions

Filing fees for marriage-based green cards have increased. Importantly, each form must now be paid with a separate check or money order—bundled payments are no longer accepted and can jeopardize the entire application packet.

3. Stricter Evidence Requirements

USCIS has enhanced its examination of relationship authenticity. Couples must submit robust documentation at the time of filing—joint bank statements, lease agreements, insurance documents, photos, affidavits, and more—to prove a bona fide marriage. Partial or vague evidence will likely trigger delays or denials.

4. Intensified Interviews and Fraud Detection

Marriage fraud prevention is front and center. Nearly all applicants are now required to undergo in-person interviews, with agencies increasingly using Stokes interviews, where spouses are interviewed separately to check for consistency in answers. Interview waivers have been largely eliminated across the board

5. Longer Processing Times & Impact on Travel/Work

The processing window for Work Authorization (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) is now extended, typically between 8 to 14 months, sometimes up to 20 months, depending on the applicant’s status or geographic location. During this period, travel and employment opportunities are restricted, requiring careful planning

6. Policy Manual Updates

On August 1, 2025, USCIS issued policy manual updates to further tighten screening protocols and vetting language related to marriage‑based petitions, reinforcing the agency’s stance on fraud prevention.

Why These Changes Matter

1. Vetting Integrity: USCIS is signaling a zero‑tolerance approach toward marriage fraud, reflecting heightened concern over imposter marriages.
2. Zero Margin for Error: Even minor mistakes—outdated form versions, misfiled documents, or improper fee payments—can lead to outright rejection or referral to removal proceedings
3. Elevated Risk for Delay: Extended waiting periods have serious implications for work, travel, and plans tied to immigration timelines.

What Couples Should Do to Navigate the New Rules

1. Download & Use the Correct Forms: Verify you are using USCIS-approved editions (e.g., Form I‑485 01/20/25 edition).
2. Make Separate Payments: Submit individual payments per form to avoid package rejection.
3. Assemble Strong, Diverse Evidence: Organize visible proof of shared life together—financial, residential, familial, and social.
4. Prepare for Interview Rigour: Practice thorough, consistent responses, including preparing for separate interviews (Stokes).
5. Plan Based on Delays: Hold off on non-critical travel or employment transitions until EAD/AP approvals are secure.
6. Consult Immigration Experts: Legal assistance is increasingly essential to avoid missteps. Professionals can help audit forms, evidence, and assist through interviews.

Final Takeaway

With USCIS’s August 1, 2025, policy changes, the landscape for marriage-based green card applicants has shifted dramatically. The threshold for documentation, form accuracy, payment compliance, and interview rigor has been raised. While genuine couples remain eligible, the procedural path is now more demanding and unforgiving. Careful preparation and expert support are no longer optional—they are crucial for navigating the tightened rules successfully.

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