As of early 2025, couples seeking permanent residency through marriage are subject to heightened scrutiny and more rigorous adjudication processes. While there haven’t been headline-making policy changes, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has quietly rolled out several procedural revisions that are now reshaping how marriage-based green card petitions are handled.

If you plan to apply for a marriage-based green card in 2025, either from within the United States or from another country, it is essential to understand some of the nuances and changes to the process to avoid delays or rejections of your application.

Separate Payments for Each USCIS Form

One significant change in 2025 impacts the payment of filing fees for your green card application. In the past, applicants were allowed to combine the fees into one payment. The USCIS now requires that each form be paid separately. This means you must submit a separate check or money order for each form you file.

To avoid delays or denials, make sure:

• Each form has its own separate payment (Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), and Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
• The payment amount must be correct for each individual form.
• Make sure to follow the current USCIS fee schedule carefully to avoid rejection.

Careful Assessment of Your Options

When submitting a marriage-based green card petition carefully choose one processing option in your Form I-130:

• Adjustment of Status – This option is available if the beneficiary is already residing in the United States and intends to apply for a green card without leaving the country. It is important to carefully consider the timing of your filing, particularly in relation to your family member’s most recent entry into the U.S., as it may affect eligibility and processing.
• Consular Processing – This path applies when the beneficiary is living outside the United States and will pursue the green card through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The process involves attending an interview abroad before being granted entry as a lawful permanent resident.

(Leaving this section blank or selecting both options will lead to confusion, potential delays, and even rejection.)  

Earlier Submission of Medical Examination Results Encouraged

Another notable shift involves the medical documentation required for green card applicants. In the past, applicants could submit Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) at a later stage.  Now, it is better to submit this with the initial filing.

This change aims to reduce delays that often occur when applicants are later asked to provide missing medical records. It’s important to schedule your medical examination with a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon before you submit your green card forms. Including the signed Form I-693 in the original, unopened application packet can prevent unnecessary Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and keep your case moving smoothly.

If the medical records expire before a case is adjudicated, the USCIS may raise an RFE (Request for Evidence) asking for a fresh medical report. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Records No Longer Required

Effective January 22, 2025, the USCIS no longer mandates that green card applicants show proof of COVID-19 vaccination as part of the medical exam. This policy change reflects updated public health recommendations and aligns with reduced federal emphasis on pandemic-era requirements.

(While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer necessary, applicants must still comply with other health-related requirements, including proof of routine immunizations and tests for communicable diseases.)

Ensure Accurate Editions of Forms

The USCIS has released updated versions of the key forms required for the marriage-based green card process. Submitting an outdated form or combining pages from different form editions can result in rejection. To avoid delays, applicants must ensure they are using the most current version of each form throughout the entire application.

• Form I-485: Only the 01/20/2025 edition is accepted as of April 3, 2025.
• Form I-129F: The 01/20/2025 version became mandatory on May 1, 2025.
• Form I-130: The 04/01/2024 version remains valid but now includes stronger fraud warnings and more clarity around consular processing options.

Always download the latest forms directly from the USCIS (.gov) website just before submission. Old versions may appear similar but could contain outdated instructions, additional or omitted questions or formatting that no longer comply with current requirements. Your case will be rejected if your form is not the current edition. 

Enhanced Focus on Marriage Fraud

In a subtle but meaningful shift, the USCIS has updated the tone of its public-facing communications, particularly on the Form I-130 webpage. The agency now clearly encourages users to report suspected marriage fraud, using direct language that was not previously included on the website. This addition suggests a heightened focus on fraud detection in marriage-based green card applications.

While legitimate couples have no cause for concern, to strengthen the integrity of their case, couples should consider including:

• Joint financial statements (bank accounts, insurance policies, tax filings)
• Shared lease or mortgage agreements
• Photographs documenting the relationship over time
• Communication logs showing the progression of the relationship
• Affidavits from friends, family, or community members who can attest to the marriage’s authenticity

At the same time, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has archived its longstanding “Stop Marriage Fraud” campaign. Although the material remains accessible, it now carries a disclaimer that it “may not reflect current practice.” This move suggests that fraud detection may now rely less on public-facing campaigns and more on internal scrutiny, including:

• Enhanced background checks
• Cross-referencing of government databases
• Pattern analysis across multiple cases
• Closer examination of inconsistencies in application materials

Increased Backlogs

In addition to these procedural changes, applicants should be aware that processing times for marriage-based green cards are on the rise. Government data from early 2025 indicates longer wait times for both Form I-130 and Form I-485, with cases pending significantly longer than in previous years.

This rise in delays may be due in part to the USCIS’s stricter case reviews and evolving internal workflows. If your case appears stalled beyond normal processing timelines, legal remedies may be available.

Legal Tools to Address Delays

Applicants whose cases have been pending for extraordinarily long periods, may consider filing a writ of mandamus. This is a federal lawsuit to compel the USCIS to decide on a long-pending petition. While this doesn’t guarantee approval, it does legally require the government to take action on your case.

An experienced immigration attorney can assess whether your case qualifies for such action and help determine the best strategy to reduce wait time and move your petition forward.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Strengthen Your Case:

• Tailored Strategy for Marriage-Based Petitions: If either spouse has a complex immigration history, an attorney can structure your marriage petition to address prior visa issues, unlawful presence, or past denials effectively.
• Identifying and Addressing Fraud Risk Factors: USCIS closely examines marriages with short dating periods, large age gaps, or prior filings. A lawyer can guide you in presenting genuine, detailed evidence to support the legitimacy of your relationship.
• Applying Legal Insights to Changing USCIS Trends: Attorneys track how USCIS interprets new rules and policies specific to marriage-based cases. This allows them to prepare your petition in a way that aligns with current enforcement priorities.
• Responding to Delays and Government Inquiries: If your marriage petition faces delays or additional review, a lawyer can communicate with USCIS, respond to RFEs, and take legal steps like filing a writ of mandamus to compel action if necessary.