New USCIS policy raises scrutiny for spousal visa applications, effective August 1, 2025
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced new policy guidance to strengthen the review process for marriage-based green card applications, increasing the focus on detecting and preventing fraud, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
The revised rules apply to both new and pending family-based petitions from August 1, 2025.
According to USCIS, the changes have been incorporated into the USCIS Policy Manual and will impact all spousal petitions for lawful permanent residence, whether newly filed or still under review
The agency stated that the updates are aimed at verifying the authenticity and legality of marital relationships, ensuring they are genuine and fully compliant with US immigration laws.
In its announcement, USCIS highlighted that fraudulent or unfounded applications damage the integrity of the family-based immigration process and undermine the principle of family unity. The enhanced measures will require applicants to provide robust evidence of a legitimate marriage, as part of efforts to protect the system from abuse.
