If you are planning to apply for a marriage-based green card in 2025, prepare for a significantly more challenging and time-consuming process. The changes, largely influenced by the revised policies during the Trump administration, are causing delays across various stages, including biometrics, interviews, and approvals. USCIS has not implemented fixes to these delays yet, and applicants can expect longer processing times as well as more stringent documentation checks.

A marriage-based green card is typically sought by spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The two key steps in the process—the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and the I-485 Adjustment of Status—have seen major changes. These adjustments have led to extended waiting times for approval and stricter vetting procedures. As of 2025, many applicants are already experiencing significant delays in receiving approvals, and the backlog continues to grow.

Processing times for marriage-based green card applications are becoming more extended. While applicants applying from within the United States have already reported considerable delays in getting their biometrics appointment and interview scheduled, things are expected to take even longer in the future. The delays are mainly due to tougher background checks, more comprehensive vetting procedures, and more scrutiny on applications from immigration officers.

One of the key changes in the 2025 marriage green card process is the level of scrutiny applied to marriages. USCIS is now conducting deeper authenticity checks, investigating the genuineness of the marriage beyond just reviewing the marriage certificate. Applicants can expect to submit more detailed evidence of their shared life, including joint bank statements, photographs, communication records (texts, emails, and call logs), affidavits from friends and family, and documents that prove cohabitation such as shared lease agreements and bills. The burden of proof is higher, and USCIS has made it clear that they will not take shortcuts when it comes to ensuring that marriages are legitimate.

In addition to stricter marriage verification, applicants are also being asked to submit updated forms. The I-130 and I-485 forms have been revised, and filing fees have increased. Submitting outdated forms or missing documents can result in rejections, so it’s critical that applicants carefully review the latest guidelines before proceeding with their application. The cost associated with marriage-based green cards has risen, which adds another financial hurdle for applicants.

Another significant delay comes in the form of work and travel permits. Those applying for work authorization (EAD) and travel permits (Advance Parole) during their adjustment of status will face wait times of 8 to 14 months. Without these approvals, applicants cannot legally work or leave the country, which can be especially burdensome for those with job responsibilities or family obligations. While some may choose consular processing as an alternative to the lengthy processing time in the U.S., the application for work and travel permits remains one of the major bottlenecks in the green card process.

USCIS has also reduced the number of interview waivers granted. While interviews were previously waived for straightforward marriage applications, especially those with a clean immigration history, in-person interviews are now being required for many applicants. Applicants with complicated immigration histories or previous removal orders will likely need to attend an in-person interview. However, there are still some cases where applicants can qualify for an interview waiver if their case is clear-cut, but these instances are becoming rarer.

To demonstrate the authenticity of a marriage, USCIS now expects a comprehensive collection of documents to prove that the marriage is bona fide. Gone are the days when a marriage certificate alone would suffice. Now, applicants must provide multiple pieces of evidence to back up their claim of a genuine relationship. This could include joint bank accounts, shared leases or mortgage agreements, photographs from various points in time, and personal communication records such as text messages and phone call logs. Affidavits from friends and family vouching for the authenticity of the relationship may also be required.

The marriage-based green card process has become significantly more demanding in 2025, with longer wait times, stricter vetting processes, and higher fees. Applicants must be prepared for these new challenges and ensure they provide all necessary documentation to avoid delays or rejections. It is crucial to stay up to date with the most recent USCIS forms, as submitting outdated versions can lead to serious complications in the application process. Given the length of the waiting period for both work and travel permits, applicants must plan accordingly and be patient throughout the process. In the end, while the process is becoming more challenging, with careful preparation and attention to detail, applicants can still successfully navigate the marriage green card application journey in 2025.

By understanding the updated requirements and being well-prepared with comprehensive documentation, individuals seeking a marriage-based green card can hopefully avoid unnecessary delays and increase their chances of a successful application.