USCIS Tightens Marriage Green Card Procedures in 2025

Across three months of 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services started new procedures for green card applications based on marriage. Although no major policy changes have been released USCIS is strictly enforcing requirements and increasing fraud prevention efforts. The changes follow longer application processing and match earlier government action to protect the citizenship system. To succeed in this demanding system, applicants must know about these current changes.

This article explains the new USCIS procedures in depth and shows their effects on applicants, plus guidance to make the process more efficient.

Mandatory Form Updates and Deadlines

One of the most significant changes introduced by USCIS in 2025 is the mandatory use of updated editions of critical forms. These forms include.

All submission pages for the forms must use one and only one correct edition date. Any forms submitted with old information or errors will be denied automatically. Checking form instructions before filing becomes essential due to this change.

USCIS now rejects any form editions from past dates starting from their announced deadlines. On April 3, 2025 USCIS will accept only Form I-485 with its January 20, 2025 edition number. People who violate USCIS's form rules will have their applications automatically denied which leads directly to prolonged immigration processing.

Also Read: The Rise of 'Invest and Migrate': Rich Indians' Path to Global Citizenship

Key Procedural Changes

USCIS performed multiple procedural updates as well as form enhancements to simplify and minimize errors in its operations. These include:

• USCIS now demands applicants to pay for each form individually when submitting their application package. Joint payment methods make the application invalid.

• Most people seeking immigration status must turn in their Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record Form I-693 when they submit their initial visa application package. Before this change an applicant could submit Form I-693 after filing but USCIS implemented this update to stop the delays from missing documents.

• COVID-19 Vaccination Proof is Eliminated from Medical Examinations Starting January 22, 2025. The modification supports recent public health standards and makes medical evidence demands simpler for people who apply.

• Now applicants need to choose clearly between domestic adjustment of status and consular processing of their applications. The new selection box helps applications move to their proper handling system at the start of processing.

USCIS makes these procedure modifications to boost its operations and maintain strict enforcement of rules.

Red Flags for Applicants

USCIS places fraud protection at the forefront of its operations in the year 2025 and targets marriage-based green card applications for special security actions. USCIS implemented different strategies to find and stop marriage fraud when immigrants use this tactic to gain immigration benefits.

1. USCIS added a clear warning to the new I-130 forms that ask applicants to report suspected marriage fraud to immigration authorities. USCIS is trying to make the public part of its fraud detection activities.

2. March 2025 information frozeICE's previously marketed organisation's "Stop Marriage Fraud" content despite the fact that the page shows current authorities. The agency continues to prioritise fraud prevention operations despite reducing its public advertising focus.

3. An applicant from a high-denial visa region or someone who violated their past immigration rules will receive a stronger inspection when they submit their papers.

The better approach for applicants is to present complete evidence to prove the truth about their marriage bond. The application needs evidence such as combined bank statements and living arrangements plus approved documents from those who witnessed their bond.

Longer Wait Times Across Categories

Client green card marriages face lengthened application processing because USCIS now enforces security checks more strictly.

• The agency now takes 14 to 28 months to process Form I-485 adjustments, which is 18% longer than in 2023.

• The USCIS now handles Form I-130 applications for alien relatives in a 22% longer time. The average time to process this form has reached 12 to 24 months.

The present processing delays match patterns seen when immigration enforcement increased during earlier government administrations. Spouses awaiting long visa processing times can best serve their cases by responding fast when USCIS sends Requests for Evidence.

Confusion Over Implementation Dates

USCIS made new form requirements take effect right when they came out in January 2025 and then created postponement periods due to the problems applicants and legal practitioners had to find these changes:

• You could use Form I-485 editions from previous times through April 2, 2025.

• USCIS will approve forms I-129F published before April 30, 2025.

The grace periods help applicants who found out too late about new requirements but demonstrate that people must stay aware of USCIS changes.

Also Read: Trump Administration Halts Immigration Applications for Biden-Era Migrants

Documentation Checklist

You need to deliver a full and properly documented application to handle these current challenges better. Key steps include:

• Show USCIS your marriage is real by presenting joint account and home documents plus proof of attending family events together.

• Examine all application forms to confirm they carry the current USCIS-approved dating format.

• You should attach medical results from the government-sealed Form I-693 when you first submit your application documents unless USCIS gives different instructions.

• You must submit one payment per filing fee because mixing payments could cause USCIS to reject your fees.

• Get an immigration lawyer or try Boundless to help you check your application before you send it.

Because of USCIS's growing effort to detect fake applications, you should prepare all aspects of your filing carefully.

Conclusion

In 2025, USCIS needs us to handle form editions properly while having all needed documents plus process rules ready. New and stronger fraud prevention measures make it easier for unsophisticated applicants to fail their applications. Couples need to keep their records in order and confirm current form versions before sending their applications to the USCIS process, along with legal help when needed. An extended review period and increased checks require proper and detailed preparation to achieve positive results.

To learn more about the latest immigration news, you must contact TerraTern right away!