USCIS Announces Stricter Rules for Marriage-Based Immigration Petitions – Effective August 1, 2025

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new policy guidance to tighten the review process for family-based immigration petitions, particularly those based on marriage. These updates, which take effect on August 1, 2025, aim to detect fraudulent applications, verify the authenticity of claimed marriages, and ensure compliance with immigration law.

What’s Changing?

Under the updated guidance, couples filing for marriage-based green cards should expect:

1. Stronger Documentation Requirements

Couples must now provide more comprehensive, detailed proof of a bona fide marriage. USCIS will place greater weight on:

• Long-term proof of shared residence
• Extensive joint financial records
• Evidence showing the couple’s relationship history over time

2. Mandatory In-Person Interviews

While USCIS has always had the discretion to require interviews, the updated policy expands the circumstances where interviews are mandatory, even for couples who may have previously qualified for an interview waiver.

2. Closer Scrutiny of Legal Validity

USCIS officers will verify not only that the marriage is genuine but also that it meets all legal requirements in the jurisdiction where it was performed.

Examples of Evidence USCIS Will Expect

Couples should be prepared to provide:

• Joint lease or mortgage agreements
• Joint bank account statements and tax returns
• Photos together over time and with family
• Travel itineraries and tickets showing trips taken together
• Insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries
• Correspondence and communication records

What This Means for Applicants

Even genuine couples can face delays or denials if their documentation is incomplete or inconsistent, or poorly organized. With the new rules, the standard of proving a bona fide marriage is higher than ever making early preparation essential.

How The Ahluwalia Firm Can Help

At The Ahluwalia Firm, we help couples navigate the more demanding USCIS requirements under the August 2025 policy changes. Our services include:

• Case-specific document checklists to ensure no critical evidence is overlooked
• Organizing and presenting evidence in the strongest possible way
• Mock interview preparation using real USCIS-style questions
• Responding to RFEs or NOIDs if additional evidence is requested

We represent clients in San Jose, Santa Clara, Fremont, Sunnyvale, and throughout the Bay Area, as well as nationwide. With our experience and insight into USCIS procedures, we position your case for the best possible outcome under the new marriage-based green card rules.

Call us at (408) 981-7696 or visit www.ahluwaliafirm.com to schedule a consultation and get started on your application today.