Marriage-Based Green Card in 2025: Key Changes and What Applicants Should Know

Since the Trump Administration took office earlier this year, USCIS and DHS have introduced sweeping reforms that have significantly impacted marriage-based green card applications. Effective August 1, 2025, USCIS has issued updated guidance regarding family-based immigration adjudications, granting officers greater discretion in case evaluation and decision.

We have assisted numerous clients through these new challenges, and we want to share key insights based on 1) recent USCIS family based green card policy update, and 2) up-to-date real client experiences.

Whether you are preparing to file your own marriage petition, or already awaiting your green card approval, it’s crucial that you understand the recent trend: a much stricter adjudication process.

1️⃣ Increased Discretion and Risk of Direct Denial

Under the new guidance, USCIS officers now have broader authority to deny cases outright if they determine that the submission is incomplete or insufficient.

• If required evidence is missing, USCIS may skip issuing an RFE (Request for Evidence) or NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) and directly deny the application.

• If the applicant is out of status, USCIS may issue an NTA (Notice to Appear) after a denial of I-485, initiating removal proceedings.

🚨 Anyone who has experienced prior status issues or immigration violations should consult an experienced immigration attorney before filing. Legal review can help identify and resolve potential risks before submission.

2️⃣ Strict Requirements on Form Versions, Filing Fees, and Signatures

Given the increased discretion under the new policy, even minor filing errors can now result in immediate rejection or denial. Please double-check the following before submitting your application:

✅ Form Versions and Filing Fees: Always use the most current USCIS form version  and posted filing fee; both available on USCIS website.

✅ Payment Method: Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept checks or money orders. All payments must be made using Form G-1450 (Credit Card Authorization) or Form G-1650 (USCIS Online Payment Authorization).

✅ Signatures: USCIS requires wet ink signatures in black pen. No e-sign!

3️⃣ Stricter Interviews Have Become the Norm

In the past, many of our marriage-based AOS clients were approved without an interview, often with no Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and sometimes receiving a green card in as little as three months.

Now, nearly every applicant must attend an interview. Officers are also asking far more detailed questions to test the authenticity of the marital relationship. Several of our clients reported that officers asked highly sensitive questions, many of which we had practiced during our interview preparation sessions with the clients. Thanks to the careful training, they were able to answer confidently instead of being caught off guard.

4️⃣ Interview Notices Are Faster

Previously, applicants often waited six months or longer before an interview was scheduled. Now, many interviews are being scheduled within 2–3 months of filing.

Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and Combo Cards are still being approved at a steady pace, with many clients receiving work permits within about two months of their biometrics appointment. However, one trend to note is that when an EAD is issued first, advance parole may take longer to arrive.

5️⃣ Longer Wait Times After the Interview

Another new trend we have observed is extended review periods after the interview. Before, case decisions are usually issued within 1-3 weeks after the interview. Now, In several cases, clients have had to wait more than 120 days for a decision. In one case, we received approval only after contacting USCIS on the case status on the client’s behalf.

Some say that USCIS may now be scheduling interviews first, and conducting background checks later. This means that a delay does not necessarily indicate a problem with your case; it may simply be part of the new review process.

💡 General recommendation:

• It’s possible that RFE is issued AFTER your interview. Watch for it!

• If more than 120 days have passed after the interview → Submit an inquiry with USCIS.

• If there is still no progress → Consider seeking assistance from your Congressman.

How Our Firm Can Help

At Ding Babb Law Group, we have extensive experience navigating marriage-based green card applications under the latest USCIS practices. We provide:

✅ Comprehensive document checklists covering both required and recommended supporting evidence

✅ Meticulous case preparation to ensure all filings comply with USCIS standards

✅ Personalized interview preparation designed to help each couple answer confidently and consistently

✅ Strategic filing guidance to reduce risks and avoid unnecessary delays

✅ Ongoing case monitoring with proactive follow-up throughout the process

Whether you are planning to file on your own or seeking professional representation, we encourage you to contact our team to discuss your options and prepare the strongest possible case.