Key Changes for Marriage-Based Green Card Applicants in 2025

In the initial quarter of 2025, U.S. immigration agencies have implemented a series of subtle yet consequential adjustments to the application process for marriage-based green cards. Despite the absence of a broad, publicly declared policy overhaul, a careful examination of recent modifications to official application forms, alterations in filing regulations, and shifts in agency communication reveals a discernible trend towards increased scrutiny and procedural tightening. These changes indicate a heightened emphasis on detecting and preventing fraudulent marriage-based applications, suggesting that immigration authorities are actively refining their methods to ensure the integrity of the system. This quiet yet significant shift in approach underscores a commitment to rigorous vetting, potentially leading to more stringent requirements and a more thorough examination of spousal relationships during the green card application process.

If you’re a couple applying for a marriage-based green card in 2025, it’s crucial to be aware of the following updates:

New Mandatory Form Editions:

USCIS is implementing new, mandatory editions of several key forms used in the marriage green card application process. Using outdated forms will result in application rejection.

• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): Effective April 3, 2025, USCIS will only accept the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-485. Ensure you are using the correct version on or after this date. This form is used for applicants who are already in the United States and seeking to adjust their status to that of a permanent resident.
• Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)): Starting May 1, 2025, only the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-129F will be accepted. This form is used when a U.S. citizen wishes to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of marriage.
• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The current 04/01/24 edition of Form I-130 remains valid. However, this edition now includes explicit and prominent marriage fraud warnings. Applicants should carefully review these warnings to understand the legal consequences of providing false information.

Additionally, Form I-130 now includes clearer reminders regarding consular processing choices. This means that applicants are prompted to carefully consider and indicate their preference for how the beneficiary will obtain their immigrant visa (through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad). This choice influences the subsequent steps in the immigration process.

To avoid application rejection, it is imperative that all pages within each form submission correspond to the same edition date. Submitting forms with a mix of outdated or mismatched pages will result in your application being rejected.

USCIS has recently updated a significant number of immigration forms, extending beyond those related to marriage-based petitions. These updates affect forms used for various purposes, including naturalization, humanitarian protections, employment authorization, and travel documents. Notably, the majority of these updated forms share the same edition date: 01/20/25.

Imposed More Stringent Filing Requirements

USCIS has implemented or reinforced several key filing rules across all three marriage-based green card forms:

• Separate Payments Required:
  • Applicants must pay for each form individually. Combining payments, such as submitting a single check for multiple forms, will lead to the rejection of the entire application package. This rule emphasizes the need for distinct payment transactions for each form.
• Explicit Processing Type Selection:
  • Applicants are now required to clearly and definitively indicate whether the beneficiary will pursue adjustment of status (within the U.S.) or consular processing (outside the U.S.). Ambiguous responses, such as leaving the field blank or selecting both options, can cause processing delays or misrouting of the petition.
• Mandatory Inclusion of Medical Form:
  • Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) must be included at the time of filing for most marriage based green card cases. This rule tightens the previous flexibility, ensuring that medical records are submitted upfront.
• COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption:
  • Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination as part of the I-693 medical form submission.

These changes are consistent with USCIS’s overarching objectives to digitize its systems, minimize filing errors, and promote uniformity in adjudication processes.

Granted Grace Period After Initial No-Grace-Period Policy:

Initially, when USCIS released updated forms in January 2025, they stated the changes were immediately effective. This caused confusion and application rejections for those who hadn’t switched to the new editions.

However, USCIS subsequently reversed their decision and implemented grace periods:

• Form I-485: Older editions were accepted until April 2, 2025.
• Form I-129F: Older editions were accepted until April 30, 2025.

This policy change highlights the necessity for applicants to meticulously track USCIS announcements and verify form edition dates before submission to avoid potential application issues.

Rising Processing Times

The implementation of these stricter procedural changes coincides with a noticeable increase in processing times for all family-based immigration petitions. Analysis of government data by Boundless reveals a recent surge in average wait times for Form I-130 and Form I-485, particularly affecting marriage-based applicants.

This trend of extended processing times and heightened scrutiny has historical precedent. Similar delays and increased examination occurred during periods of intensified enforcement under the Trump administration. This historical pattern suggests that the current procedural shifts may foreshadow a continuation of extended processing times and stricter scrutiny for marriage-based green card applications throughout 2025 and beyond.

Increased Focus on Marriage Fraud Prevention

USCIS has recently intensified its messaging regarding marriage fraud prevention. On the I-130 form webpage, a new section now explicitly encourages the public to “report suspected immigration benefit fraud and abuse, including marriage fraud.” This direct appeal, absent in late 2024, signals a more assertive stance, reminiscent of enforcement-heavy periods.

Conversely, in March 2025, ICE quietly updated its “Stop Marriage Fraud” campaign page, labeling it as “archived” and adding a disclaimer that it “is not reflective of current practice.” While the content remains accessible, its archived status suggests a potential shift in ICE’s operational approach.

These combined actions—USCIS’s amplified fraud reporting encouragement and ICE’s archival of its campaign—may indicate a renewed emphasis on combating marriage-based immigration fraud. This trend potentially mirrors the heightened enforcement priorities observed during the Trump administration’s initial term.

Implications for Marriage-Based Green Card Applicants

While the fundamental eligibility criteria for marriage-based green cards have not been altered, the USCIS filing landscape is undergoing significant transformation:

• Heightened Scrutiny:
  • Applicants should anticipate a more rigorous evaluation of their form completeness, internal consistency, and the strength of evidence provided to demonstrate a genuine marital relationship. This is especially pertinent for those submitting applications in 2025.
• Meticulous Documentation:
  • It is imperative to prepare documentation with exceptional care, particularly when providing proof of a bona fide marriage. This includes evidence of shared financial responsibilities, joint housing arrangements, shared parenthood, or credible third-party affidavits.
• Increased Enforcement Awareness:
  • Applicants should remain vigilant for indications of increased enforcement activities, particularly in cases involving prior visa overstays, previous marital histories, or applicants originating from regions with historically high application denial rates.

The evolving landscape of USCIS marriage green card procedures can be complex and challenging. With stricter filing rules, increased scrutiny, and potential enforcement changes, it’s crucial to have expert guidance. “L for Law” provides comprehensive support and up-to-date information, ensuring your application meets all current requirements. Contact us to receive personalized assistance and avoid costly delays or rejections.