U.S. Imposes Stricter Green Card Regulations for Married Couples

U.S. Imposes Stricter Green Card Regulations for Married Couples

Effective August 1, 2025, the marriage green card tightened rules are official – and these are significant procedural changes. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made an overhaul to application policies and will apply immediately to all pending and future marriage-based green card petitions. Whether you’re just getting started or your petition is already in line, the rules have just changed for you.

Let’s walk through what’s new — and what it means for real couples trying to build a future in the US.

What’s Changed Under the New USCIS Marriage Rules?

USCIS now demands much more from marriage-based green card applicants — and not just during the paperwork phase.

Some of the key changes:

More Documentation for Marriage Green Card Applicants

You will be required to show that your marriage is real. You will now need:

• Joint financial documents (bank accounts, lease/mortgage, tax returns)
• Photos of you together over time (not just at your wedding)
• Personal affidavits from family and friends

Love may be blind, but USCIS wants written documentation – notarized, dated, receipts too.

Mandatory In-Person Interviews

Interviews will now be required for most marriage-based applicants. Officers will ask direct questions about your relationship history, your daily life as a couple, and your future — all to prove that you are not just married to gain immigration benefits.

Closer Review of Immigration History

If the applicant is currently in the US (for example, with a student or work visa), USCIS will now conduct a much closer examination of their legal status, travel history, and previously filed applications.

Scrutiny of Past Petitions

Refiled or duplicate applications? USCIS will begin to scrutinize prior applications and filings to search for indications of abuse or patterns of fraudulent behavior.

These changes were prompted in part by the publication of the updated USCIS Green Card Marriage Fraud Procedures, which emphasize efforts to identify fraudulent marriage applications, whether due to intent or poor instruction.

What If My Petition Was Already Filed?

You are still in the loop.

Whether your application was filed yesterday or a year ago, the new system applies. USCIS has clarified it will use the amended vetting process for all pending and new family-based petitions.

So if your file is under review, this might be the time to:

• Make sure your documents are all correct
• Update or send in another file with better evidence
• Get ready for the interview even if it wasn’t previously scheduled

Can I Still Be Deported After Approval?

Surprisingly — yes.

Once the I-130 petition is approved, it does not prevent someone from being deported. If an applicant is removable for some other reason (e.g., overstaying a US visa), USCIS can issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) and remove the applicant even if the green card petition is approved.

Why Is USCIS Doing This?

USCIS said the rise in fraudulent or frivolous petitions has “undermined family unity” and public trust in the immigration process. A recent case of forged documents and false reports of domestic abuse caused the agency to change the review process and enforce tighter policy.

This new policy:

• Combines and streamlines older rules
• Clarifies eligibility requirements
• Aims to catch fraudulent claims before they advance

What Should You Do Now?

If you applied or have already submitted your application, consider these priorities:

• Organizing all of your documentation — and double- or maybe even triple-check it
• Don’t take the interview for granted — Prepare as if it’s a job interview
• Be truthful and consistent — inconsistencies raise red flags
• Seek help from an expert if you need it — the process just became more technical

How VisaExperts Can Help

Understanding and navigating the shifting landscape is not simple — especially mid-process when things begin to change. At VisaExperts, we help couples with documentation, interview preparation, and immigration strategy. We help ensure that your application is as strong as possible — and distinguishes itself — considering the new procedures.

In Summary

The new USCIS guidelines are clear: only real, documentable marriages will continue. From mandatory interviews to more intense document checks, these changes are an increase in the standard for all family-based immigration.

They are real, and these updated rules for green cards for married couples are now in effect — couples will need to adjust their understanding of staying compliant, meeting processing timelines, and reducing legal risk.

Marriage equals love. A green card equals paperwork. And in 2025, the paperwork just got a lot more detailed.