If you're planning to apply for a U.S. green card through marriage in 2025, brace yourself for a more demanding process. Under revised USCIS policies influenced by the Trump administration, applicants can expect longer timelines, more detailed checks, and updated paperwork requirements. The I-130 and Adjustment of Status processes—central to securing a green card for spouses of U.S. citizens—are being reshaped, according to Boundless Immigration.
Marriage-based green card applications are taking significantly longer in 2025. From biometrics to interviews and approvals, delays are common—even for those applying within the U.S. USCIS has acknowledged the backlog, but no fixes have been implemented yet. Tougher vetting and background checks are a key cause behind the wait.
Authenticity checks are getting stricter. USCIS officers are spending more time examining evidence of shared finances, cohabitation, social interactions, and communication history. The questions are more pointed, and the Requests for Evidence (RFEs) are more detailed. In one recent case, an applicant faced three home visits, family outreach across multiple states, and repeated demands for personal history—even before legal help was involved. “Foundations like a joint lease or shared bank account are now just the beginning,” an immigration expert noted.
Applicants must now use newly released versions of the I-130 and I-485 forms. Filing fees have also increased. Submitting an outdated form or checklist can lead to rejection, so double-checking requirements before filing is essential.
Those applying for work authorization (EAD) and travel permits (Advance Parole) during their status adjustment face 8 to 14-month wait times. Until these are approved, applicants cannot legally work or leave the country. For some, consular processing may be a faster option.
Where USCIS previously waived interviews for strong marriage cases, that’s now less common. The agency has resumed in-person interviews, especially for applicants with complex immigration histories. Notably, USCIS has publicly shared images of applicants being detained at field offices—including those with prior removal orders. Still, some straightforward applications may qualify for an interview waiver, potentially shaving months off the process.
To demonstrate authenticity, USCIS expects more than a marriage certificate. Supporting evidence may include: joint bank statements, shared mortgage or lease documents, photographs over time, communication records (texts, emails, call logs), and affidavits from friends and family. The bar is higher, and comprehensive documentation is now non-negotiable.
If you're married to a U.S. citizen and planning to apply for a green card in 2025, be prepared for a more complex and time-consuming process. Ongoing policy shifts — still influenced by the Trump-era administration — have led to significant changes in USCIS procedures, particularly for Form I-130 and Adjustment of Status applications.
Marriage-based green card applications are facing extended processing times in 2025. Biometrics appointments, interviews, and approvals are all taking longer — even for applicants filing from within the U.S. While USCIS has acknowledged the delays, no major solutions have been implemented. Heightened security checks and more extensive vetting are contributing to the slowdown, so patience is key.
USCIS officers are now taking a closer look at whether a marriage is genuine. Expect deeper investigations into joint financial accounts, shared living arrangements, social history and public presence as a couple, interview responses and consistency, and requests for additional evidence (RFEs). One recent applicant experienced three unannounced home visits from USCIS officers, repeated calls to family members across multiple states, and invasive requests for private information — including past criminal records. It’s more important than ever to ensure your case is well-documented and legally supported.
USCIS has rolled out updated versions of key forms, including Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), along with increased filing fees. Submitting outdated forms or relying on old checklists could result in rejections or delays. Always use the most recent versions available on the USCIS website and review all requirements before filing.
Processing times for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) have also increased. Many applicants are waiting between 8 to 14 months for these permits. This means some couples must cope with one spouse being unable to work or travel while their green card is pending. For those who cannot wait, consular processing may offer a faster alternative — though it has its own requirements and risks.
Most applicants are now being called in for in-person interviews, even those with seemingly straightforward cases. Keep in mind: an interview doesn’t protect you from enforcement actions. Applicants with prior removal orders or visa overstays remain at risk of detention. Recent USCIS social media posts have shown individuals being detained at the Miami Field Office during routine interviews. That said, if your case is exceptionally strong, you may still qualify for an interview waiver, which can save months of waiting.
To prove your marriage is genuine, a simple marriage certificate won’t be enough. USCIS looks for joint bank accounts and financial records, a shared lease or mortgage, photos together over time, text messages, call logs, emails, and affidavits from family and friends who know you as a couple. The more comprehensive and consistent your evidence, the better your chances of success.
The path to a marriage-based green card in 2025 is more demanding than in previous years. With longer wait times, heightened scrutiny, and stricter procedural requirements, attention to detail is essential. Be thorough, stay informed, and seek professional guidance when necessary. With the right preparation, you can still navigate these changes successfully and achieve permanent residency through marriage.
