Marriage-Based Green Card 2025: New USCIS Rules & How to Prepare

In 2025, individuals seeking lawful permanent residency in the United States through marriage to a U.S. citizen are facing a notably more complex and demanding process. Recent procedural updates and policy shifts within the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — many still reflecting the influence of prior administrative frameworks — have led to increased scrutiny, longer processing times, and elevated documentation standards.

As a result, applicants must now navigate a more rigorous pathway, requiring thorough preparation and a comprehensive understanding of the evolving requirements. This article outlines the key developments affecting marriage-based green card applications in 2025 and provides practical guidance for those embarking on this journey.

1. Processing Times Are at an All-Time High

Applicants are experiencing longer wait times across the board. From biometrics appointments to interviews and final approvals, delays have become the new norm — even for those applying from within the United States.

USCIS acknowledges the backlog, but concrete solutions remain elusive. Increased vetting procedures and enhanced security checks are adding months to the timeline. Patience, now more than ever, is essential.

2. Marriage Authenticity Under a Microscope

Marriage fraud prevention is a major focus in 2025. USCIS is digging deeper to determine whether a marriage is genuine.

Officers are evaluating:

• Joint bank accounts and shared financial responsibilities
• Cohabitation evidence (leases, mortgages, utility bills)
• Social presence as a couple (public photos, social media)
• Interview consistency and personal knowledge
• Third-party affidavits and more

In some cases, officers have conducted multiple unannounced home visits, contacted relatives across states, and requested private documentation, including past criminal history.

3. Updated Forms and Higher Filing Fees

In 2025, using outdated forms can lead to immediate rejection.

USCIS has updated Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status). Alongside these changes, filing fees have also increased. Applicants must download the latest forms directly from the USCIS website and carefully follow new instructions to avoid setbacks.

4. Work & Travel Permits: Delayed and Uncertain

Applicants are facing delays of 8 to 14 months for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP). This creates financial and emotional strain, especially for couples relying on dual incomes or planning to travel abroad.

Those who cannot afford to wait might consider consular processing as an alternative, though that path carries its own risks and complications.

5. Marriage Interviews Are No Longer Optional

In past years, many green card applications were approved without interviews. That’s changed. Now, most couples are expected to attend in-person interviews, regardless of how solid their case appears.

In some alarming instances, individuals have been detained during routine interviews due to prior immigration violations or removal orders — incidents USCIS has even highlighted on social media.

While rare, interview waivers are still granted for exceptionally strong applications. But they are now the exception, not the rule.

6. Proving a Bona Fide Marriage in 2025

A marriage certificate alone won’t cut it. To convince USCIS that your marriage is real, you’ll need a wide range of supporting evidence, such as:

• Joint financial accounts
• A shared lease or mortgage
• Photos spanning your relationship
• Texts, emails, and call logs
• Signed affidavits from family and friends

Consistency across all documents is critical. Any discrepancies could lead to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or worse — denial.

While the road to a marriage-based green card has become more challenging in 2025, it’s still navigable with the right preparation.

Stay informed. Use the latest resources. Document everything. And when in doubt, consult an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the complexities of today’s system.