So, you have discovered your American dream spouse and dream of a life together in the US? That is beautiful! Hence, if you are considering applying for a marriage-based green card, be careful: the route to United States Citizenship has become more difficult.
Current adjustments in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes imply couples must be more prepared for a potentially tricky ride. This article will break it down for you, as aspiring residents and travelers, to understand so you can navigate the procedure easily in 2025.
Table of Contents
Prolonged Wait Durations Across The Board
The processing duration for marriage-based green card requests increased instantly in 2025. Every step takes an extended time, from biometrics bookings to last interviews and authorizations, even for candidates already settling in the United States.
Major Points
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) delays impact many cases.
- Couples are required to anticipate 1 to 2 years for complete processing.
- EAD (Job permit) and Advance Parole (tourist permit) delays range from 8 to 14 months.
Note: Track your case status often on the USCIS Case Tracker to prevent skipping updates.
High Examination On Marital Validity
Ascertaining your marriage is more crucial than ever in 2025. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials perform profound checks of your private life, including funds, travel records, and personal communications.
Anticipate USCIS to request:
- Joint bank account declarations
- Rent or mortgage with the two names
- Pictures of the past as a couple
- Social media evidence, emails, and text logs.
- Signed affidavits from relatives and colleagues
- Proof of cohabitation or joint duties
Most candidates have also accounted for home visits and family checks across various states; therefore, get ready to offer strong, consistent evidence of your life together.
Up-To-Date Forms And Increased Filing Fees
Another significant adjustment is the condition to use up-to-date versions of Forms I-130 and I-485. Older forms will no longer be approved.
Key Reminders
- Filing charges for Form I-130 have risen
- Make use of only the current versions from the USCIS forms site.
- Outdated checklists or incomplete forms may lead to instant refusal.
Recommendation: Check USCIS’s current fee calculator and form manuals before presentation.
Delays In Work And Travel Permits (EAD/AP)
Applying for a work permit or travel document as an aspect of your Change of Status? Get ready for a long wait.
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Present Processing Durations
- Employment Approval Document (EAD): 8 to 14 months.
- Advance Parole (AP): 9 to 13 months.
Until you get an AP, you cannot leave the United States. If you go, your green card request will be regarded as abandoned. This has resulted in some candidates choosing consular processing overseas as a quicker option.
Fewer Interview Waivers, Additional In-Person Reviews
Several candidates were previously awarded interview waivers for properly documented marriages. In 2025, that is no longer a criterion.
What Is Changing
- The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) needs more in-person interviews.
- Even robust cases may experience unanticipated interview calls
- Candidates with initial immigration offenses are at risk of detention during interviews.
What Is A Bona-Fide Marriage For USCIS
To specify if a marriage is genuine, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service anticipates a multi-layered submission of proof. Below is what boosts your case:
Types Of Proof And Examples
- Financial: This includes joint bank accounts, tax returns, and insurance policies
- Residential: This includes shared lease, utility bills, and mortgage
- Social: This includes wedding pictures, vacations, affidavits, and social media posts.
- Communication: This includes text messages, emails, and call logs
- Legal: This includes children’s birth certificates, wills, or trusts.
Updates Of The Current United States Immigration Policy (2025)
Furthermore, in addition to green card processes, many wider immigration policies have been presented or tightened:
- Fee hike: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services fee hikes begin in April 2024 and proceed to 2025.
- Digital filing extension: More forms currently need online presentations through the USCIS online account.
- Public charge law implementation: More stringent assessments of financial self-sufficiency have come back.
- Detention threat alerts: Candidates with immigration offenses are flagged more seriously during biometrics and interviews.
- Expedited processing limitations: Fewer cases are qualified for premium or expedited processing.
Navigating a marriage-based green card request in 2025 is possible; however, it requires careful preparation and a precise knowledge of the new laws.
To enhance your prospects:
- Maintain your documents, detailed and arranged.
- Remain updated on policy modifications.
- Contemplate legal assistance if your case has difficulties
- Prevent outdated checklists and unofficial web pages.
With prolonged processing durations, tougher investigations, and high costs, 2025 is the year to approach your green card request with adequacy and patience.
