If you’re planning to file a marriage-based green card application in 2025, you need to be aware of several significant changes that could affect how your case is processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Department of State.
At NPZ Law Group, we’ve been closely monitoring these developments. Here’s a breakdown of what applicants and their spouses should know.
Updated Forms Now Mandatory
Beginning this year, updated versions of Form I-130 and Form I-485 are required for all new filings. Failing to use the new forms will result in rejection of your application. That’s not just a minor inconvenience—if you’re out of status and your case is rejected, you may risk being placed in removal proceedings.
Separated Interviews Are Increasing
Interviews are back for nearly all marriage-based green card cases, and they are becoming more rigorous. In several USCIS field offices across the U.S., we’re seeing a trend where officers conduct separate interviews with each spouse—even in bona fide marriages. This trend is especially common in high-volume offices like New York, Phoenix, and Seattle.
Stricter Evidence Requirements
USCIS now expects you to submit thorough and well-documented evidence of your marital relationship at the time of filing—not just at the interview. This includes:
- Joint financial records
- Shared lease or mortgage
- Photos dating back to the beginning of your relationship
- Travel itineraries, communication records, and more
Medical exams must also be submitted at the time of filing. Failure to include required documentation can result in delays, requests for evidence (RFEs), or outright rejections.
Separate Payments Now Required
Previously, one check could cover all the filing fees (e.g., work permit, travel document, adjustment of status). That’s no longer allowed. Each application must have its own check or money order. Mistakes in payment are leading to rejected packages—and in today’s climate, a rejected case can mean serious consequences.
Consular Interviews Getting Tougher
For applicants going through a U.S. consulate abroad, expect deeper scrutiny and longer interviews. Officers are asking more questions and requesting additional evidence even after interviews are completed. This is particularly true for couples with limited documentation or short courtships.
Delays Are Growing
Green card processing timelines are stretching. Cases that used to take 6–8 months are now taking 10–14 months—or longer, depending on the jurisdiction. If your spouse is a green card holder (not a U.S. citizen), processing could take upwards of 20 months.
Heightened Risk of Removal Proceedings
One of the most serious updates: if your application is denied and you’re not in lawful status at the time of denial, you may be referred to immigration court. This change significantly raises the stakes for those filing without experienced legal counsel.
Final Thoughts: Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Whether you’re adjusting status in the U.S. or applying through a U.S. consulate abroad, the 2025 marriage-based green card process demands careful preparation and strong legal guidance. Avoiding mistakes—such as submitting outdated forms, incorrect payment, or incomplete evidence—is critical to preventing delays, denials, or worse, removal proceedings.
If you’re preparing to apply, contact the NPZ Law Group for experienced support. We assist clients nationwide and internationally in preparing strong, well-documented green card applications.
Call us today at 201-670-0006 or visit www.visaserve.com to schedule a consultation.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.