August 19, 2025

USCIS has implemented stricter policies regarding the issuance of marriage-based Green Cards

As of the fourth month of 2025, U.S. immigration agencies have implemented a series of subtle yet impactful changes affecting the marriage-based green card application process. Although no major policy overhaul has been officially announced, recent revisions to official forms, updates to filing procedures, and shifts in agency communications indicate a move toward more stringent protocols and an increased emphasis on fraud prevention.

USCIS has revised a wide array of immigration forms beyond those related to marriage-based petitions, including applications for naturalization, humanitarian relief, employment authorization, and travel documentation. Most of these updated forms bear the edition date of January 20, 2025.

USCIS has implemented notable updates across all three forms associated with marriage-based green card applications. These changes reflect the agency’s broader efforts to modernize processes, minimize filing errors, and enhance consistency in adjudications. Key updates include:

• Separate payments required: Each form must be submitted with an individual payment. Bundling payments—for example, by submitting a single check for multiple forms—may result in the rejection of the entire application package.
• Mandatory selection of processing pathway: Applicants are now required to clearly specify whether the beneficiary will pursue adjustment of status within the United States or consular processing abroad. Failure to indicate a selection, or selecting both, may lead to delays or misrouting of the petition.
• Stricter medical form submission rules: In most cases, Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) must now be submitted concurrently with the initial filing, rather than at a later stage.
• COVID-19 vaccination no longer required: Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS has removed the requirement to include proof of COVID-19 vaccination with Form I-693.

Processing times increase

These procedural changes come at a time when processing times for family-based immigration petitions are already on the rise. According to a Boundless analysis of government data, average wait times for both Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) have increased in recent months, with marriage-based applicants particularly affected.

This trend mirrors previous periods of heightened enforcement—most notably under the Trump administration—when increased scrutiny led to similar delays. The current trajectory suggests that 2025 and beyond may see continued tightening in adjudication processes.

How can this affect your case?

While the underlying eligibility requirements for marriage-based green cards remain unchanged, the current USCIS filing environment appears to be shifting. Applicants should anticipate heightened scrutiny and take proactive steps to ensure strong, complete submissions.

• Increased attention to form accuracy and supporting documentation: USCIS is expected to more closely examine application completeness, internal consistency, and the strength of evidence demonstrating a genuine marital relationship—particularly for green card applications filed in 2025.
• Thorough preparation is essential: Applicants should compile comprehensive documentation, including evidence of shared finances, joint housing arrangements, children, and affidavits from third parties attesting to the authenticity of the relationship.
• Heightened enforcement for certain cases: Closer review may be applied to cases involving prior visa overstays, previous marriages, or applicants from regions with historically high denial rates.

Boundless will continue to track updates to immigration forms, adjudication timelines, and enforcement trends to help applicants stay informed and well-prepared.

If you’re unsure about filing and want to know you qualify for a green card, call our office at 503-224-0950 for a free consultation. Bailey Immigration is open Mondays to Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm.