In a major shift effective August 1, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rolled out updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to tighten scrutiny of marriage based green card petitions. These changes apply to all new and pending family sponsored applications.
What’s Changed
- Stronger documentation required: Couples must now provide comprehensive evidence of their genuine relationship, including:
- Shared financial documents (joint bank statements, utility bills)
- Photographs together over time
- Personal affidavits or statements from relatives or friends
- More mandatory interviews: USCIS will conduct in-person interviews more frequently. They’ll probe the couple’s shared life details to confirm authenticity.
- Deeper immigration-history review: Officials will examine previous petitions, visa records (e.g. H‑1B visas), and even multiple filings by the same sponsor or beneficiary looking for patterns that suggest abuse.
- Approval ≠ immunity from removal: Even if a family-based petition is approved, USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) and begin removal proceedings if the applicant is found to be otherwise removable. A green card approval alone does not guarantee legal status.
Special Filing Provisions for U.S. Citizens Abroad
- U.S. citizens working in the military or government abroad may now file the I‑130 petition directly with the Department of State, particularly during emergencies or large-scale disruptions.
- USCIS may also forward approved petitions to the Department of State’s National Visa Center if an applicant becomes ineligible to adjust status within the U.S.
Form Updates & Administrative Fine‑Tuning
Earlier in 2025, USCIS quietly released updated versions of key marriage‑based forms (I‑485, I‑129F, I‑130). Now, only the latest editions are accepted, and applicants must file payments separately with clearly selected processing types (adjustment of status vs. consular processing). Improper submissions or outdated editions risk rejection.
Why It Matters
USCIS has stated that fraudulent or trivial petitions “erode confidence in family based pathways” and undermine family unity. These measures are part of a broader enforcement push amid a backlog of over 11 million immigration cases.
What Couples Should Do Now
- Gather strong evidence: Joint financial records, photos, shared residential documents, affidavits from close acquaintances.
- Be interview-ready: Expect detailed questions about your life together.
- Cross-check your forms: Ensure you use the correct editions and pay appropriately per form.
- Avoid timeline surprises: USCIS decisions no longer guarantee protection from removal keep documentation airtight.
- Get professional help if needed: Immigration attorneys can help you anticipate Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and avoid common mistakes.
Summary Table
| Area | New Guidance Highlights |
|---|---|
| Documentation | Stronger, multi-type proof required |
| Interviews | Now customary and often more probing |
| Immigration history | USCIS will inspect previous filings and visa statuses |
| Legal status | Approved petitions no longer guarantee protection from deportation |
| Form submission | Must use updated editions, separate payments, and clear processing type |
| Filing abroad options | U.S. government Personnel may file directly with the State Department |
These changes represent a significant tightening of the marriage-based green card process. If you’re applying as a married couple, thorough preparation and compliance with the new requirements are essential to avoid delays or denials. If you have personal insights, tips, or experiences to share, feel free to write for us and help other couples navigate the process.
Let me know if you want help organizing your supporting documentation or understanding the interview process!