April 4, 2025 • Miami, FL • Family-Based Immigration
Couples applying for U.S. green cards through marriage in 2025 are encountering a more complex and time-consuming process. Due to updated immigration procedures, applicants should prepare for longer wait times, more detailed interviews, and increased filing costs.
Processing Delays Continue to Grow
Applicants across the country are reporting delays at nearly every stage of the green card process, including biometrics, interview scheduling, and final decisions. These delays stem in part from heightened background checks and document verification efforts. Even individuals applying from within the U.S. are experiencing extended timelines.
Stricter Marriage Validity Checks
USCIS is now applying stricter standards to prove marital authenticity. Officers are reviewing:
• Joint financial records
• Lease or mortgage documents
• Photographs of the couple over time
• Call logs, messages, and emails
• Testimonies from family or friends
In some cases, applicants have faced home visits and extensive personal questioning before being allowed to proceed.
Updated Forms and Filing Requirements
New versions of Form I-130 and Form I-485 are now mandatory. Using outdated forms can result in rejection. Filing fees have also increased, and applicants must be careful to follow updated instructions closely when submitting materials.
Longer Wait for Work and Travel Permits
Those applying for work permits (EAD) and travel documents (Advance Parole) during their Adjustment of Status process may face 8 to 14 months of waiting. During this time, applicants are not authorized to work or leave the U.S., which can be a major hurdle for many families.
Fewer Interview Waivers
Interview waivers are now rare, even for well-documented, bona fide marriages. USCIS has reinstated in-person interviews for most applicants, especially those with prior immigration complications. Reports show that even applicants with pending green card cases have been detained at interviews if underlying legal issues exist.
What Counts as a Bona Fide Marriage?
A marriage certificate is not enough. USCIS now expects robust supporting evidence, including:
• Shared bank accounts
• Joint lease or mortgage
• Photos from different periods of the relationship
• Communication records
• Affidavits from people who know the couple personally
The standard of proof has been raised, and applicants should prepare thoroughly before filing.
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This summary reflects current trends in family-based immigration processing as monitored by BenEzra & Katz.