September 2025 Immigration Bulletin: Latest USCIS & Visa Updates
Index
Throughout August 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced major policy updates, fee increases, new vetting practices, and other regulatory changes. Alongside these developments, the September 2025 Visa Bulletin has been released.
This bulletin summarizes the updates that may affect your immigration journey in the coming months.
Headlines
USCIS Expands Social Media Reviews: Anti-American rhetoric, anti-Semitic content, and posts showing ties to terrorism are now considered serious negative factors.
55 Million Visa Holders Under Continuous Vetting: A new vetting system will monitor existing visa holders and their social media activity.
Is the "Duration of Status" for F, J, and I Visas Coming to an End?: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes fixed stay periods for students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives.
Mandatory Consular Interviews for Most Nonimmigrant Visas: Starting September 2025, waiver eligibility will be narrowed.
CSPA Age Calculation Changed: Age will now be determined based on "final action dates."
Stricter Scrutiny and Denials in Family-Based Filings: USCIS can deny incomplete or incorrect applications without prior notice.
Expanded “Good Moral Character” Requirement: Citizenship decisions will now consider financial obligations, community reputation, and family responsibilities.
Neighborhood Investigations Return in Naturalization Cases: USCIS is reintroducing field checks for citizenship applicants.
Fee Increases for Immigration Filings: All applications submitted after July 22, 2025, must be submitted under the new fee schedule.
September 2025 Visa Bulletin Released: There is limited movement in family and employment categories, and the DV-2026 cut-off numbers have been published.
Passport Requirement Proposed for DV Lottery: Applicants may soon need a valid passport number to enter the lottery.
Visa Applications May Require Bonds up to $15,000: A pilot program targets certain countries with high overstay rates.
H-1B FY2026 Cap Reached and Wage-Based Selection Rule Back in Play: High salaries may soon be prioritized in future lotteries.
Birthright Citizenship Limitations Put on Hold: The Ninth Circuit blocked a Trump-era executive order, reaffirming the constitutional right.
I-860 Asylum Closures Challenged in Federal Court: A class action lawsuit is seeking to reopen improperly terminated asylum cases.
News Details
USCIS Expands Social Media Reviews
As of August 19, 2025, USCIS officers must examine applicants’ social media accounts to identify anti-American views, antisemitic content, and expressions of sympathy toward terrorist groups. Such content is now considered a "heavily adverse factor" in applications for green cards, work permits, or citizenship.
However, civil rights advocates warn that this policy could lead to "thought policing," which could expose politically active applicants to higher risks.
Official Source: USCIS Policy Manual Update
55 Million Visa Holders Under Continuous Vetting
As of August 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that over 55 million current visa holders are subject to a new "continuous vetting" program. The program covers not only new applicants, but also individuals inside or outside the United States who currently hold valid visas.
The vetting process monitors a wide range of issues, including:
- Visa overstays
- Criminal activity
- Threats to public safety
- Support for or ties to terrorist organizations
Social media activity is also part of the review. During visa interviews, applicants may be asked to disable the privacy settings on their electronic devices and submit them for inspection, if required.
Additionally, work visas for truck drivers have been temporarily suspended. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that this measure aims to protect road safety and safeguard jobs for American drivers.
Taken together, these steps significantly increase the risk of visa revocation for even minor violations.
Is the "Duration of Status" for F, J, and I Visas Coming to an End?
On August 27, 2025, DHS proposed a rule replacing open-ended “duration of status” with fixed stay periods. Students, exchange visitors, and media representatives would need to apply for extensions and and undergo biometric screening if they overstay their visas.
This could drastically increase unlawful presence risks for overstays, triggering 3- and 10-year re-entry bars.
Official Source: U.S. Federal Register Proposed Rule Notice
Mandatory Consular Interviews for Most Nonimmigrant Visas
Effective September 2, 2025, most applicants (B1/B2 tourists, F/J students, H/L workers) must attend in-person consular interviews. Waivers are now limited to narrow humanitarian or diplomatic exceptions.
This change will likely increase appointment wait times, so applicants are advised to plan ahead and expect longer processing at U.S. embassies and consulates.
CSPA Age Calculation Changed
Starting August 8, 2025, USCIS will use only the Final Action Dates chart to calculate age under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
This change will create a more consistent approach between USCIS and the Department of State and reduce confusion over which chart applies. However, it may also negatively impact families facing long backlogs, as children may "age out" (turn 21 and lose eligibility) more quickly than under the previous system.
Official Source: USCIS Policy Manual Update - August 8, 2025
Stricter Scrutiny and Denials in Family-Based Filings
Starting on August 1, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may deny family-based green card applications that are incomplete or contain errors without issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs).
Even minor mistakes may result in rejection, requiring the applicant to refile and pay new fees. Additionally, marriage-based petitions will undergo closer fraud screening and more detailed interviews.
Although this change aims to expedite clearly eligible cases, it also increases the risk of denial for families who make minor errors.
If you are preparing for a USCIS interview in a family-based case, check out our practical tips in this blog post.
Expanded “Good Moral Character” Requirement
According to a USCIS policy update issued on August 15, 2025, the “good moral character” requirement for naturalization applications is no longer limited to an applicant’s criminal record.
Officers are now instructed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation that considers community ties, family obligations, and contributions to society.
Positive factors may include:
- Community service and volunteer work
- Caring for family dependents
- Education and stable employment history.
- Consistent tax compliance
- Long-term lawful residence in the U.S.
At the same time, the new policy broadens the scope of negative factors. Beyond serious crimes such as murder, terrorism, or violent offenses, certain behaviors that reflect poorly on a person’s character may also weigh against approval. Examples include:
- Multiple DUIs (driving under the influence)
- Repeated traffic violations
- Harassment or abusive conduct toward others.
Importantly, the update leaves room for rehabilitation and second chances. Applicants who have resolved past issues, such as paying off tax debts, making child support payments, or complying with probation requirements, may submit supporting documents, such as employer references or community letters, to demonstrate rehabilitation and positive character.
However, legal experts note that this change gives immigration officers greater discretion, which could lead to inconsistent or subjective decision-making.
Offical Source: Policy Memorandum - August 15, 2025
Neighborhood Investigations Return in Naturalization Cases
On August 22, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reinstated neighborhood (field) investigations for naturalization applications. This practice had not been used since the 1990s, though it was originally authorized under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.
Under this policy, officers may visit applicants' neighborhoods or workplaces and speak with neighbors, employers, or colleagues to gather information about their character.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that the goal is to preserve the integrity of the naturalization process and confirm an applicant’s good character, attachment to the Constitution, and commitment to public order.
However, immigration attorneys and advocates warn that this practice introduces subjectivity and bias. Personal opinions, misunderstandings, or prejudice could influence outcomes that should rely strictly on official records.
Offical Source: Policy Memorandum - August 22, 2025
Fee Increases for Immigration Filings
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), new filing fees took effect on July 22, 2025.
Any filings submitted with old fees after August 21, 2025, will be rejected.
Official Source: USCIS Fee Schedule
September 2025 Visa Bulletin Released
The U.S. Department of State released the September 2025 Visa Bulletin on August 13. For September, USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart for family-based cases and the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based cases.
F-2A (spouses and children under 21 of green card holders): advanced 2 months, from April 1, 2025, to June 1, 2025. Eligible applicants may now file I-485, work permit, and travel permit applications.
F-3 Philippines: advanced 5 months.
EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3: no changes.
EB-4: category is oversubscribed. Unavailable until October 1.
DV-2026 Lottery: October cut-off numbers announced, Europe/Turkey: 7,750.
For full charts and detailed analysis, see our blog post: September 2025 Visa Bulletin: Key Updates & What to Know.
Passport Requirement Proposed for DV Lottery
On August 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued a proposed rule introducing an additional requirement for Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) applications.
According to the proposal, applicants may be required to:
- Provide a valid, unexpired passport number,
- Upload a scan of the biographic page of their passport (the page with their photo and identifying information).
This is intended to prevent fraudulent entries and third-party submissions. Exemptions would apply only to stateless individuals and nationals of countries that do not issue passports.
This rule has not yet been finalized. If approved after the public comment period closes on September 19, it will take effect for the DV-2026 lottery.
Official Source: U.S. Federal Register
Visa Applications May Require Bonds up to $15,000
On August 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of State launched a new pilot program requiring Malawian and Zambian nationals applying for B1/B2 tourist visas to post a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
This measure aims to reduce high visa overstay rates from these countries and encourage compliance with U.S. immigration rules. The bond will be refunded once the applicant leaves the U.S. on time.
Consular officers will have limited discretion to grant exemptions in humanitarian circumstances.
The pilot program is expected to last about 12 months and currently applies only to these two countries.
Official Source: U.S. Federal Register
H-1B FY2026 Cap Reached and Wage-Based Selection Rule Back in Play
On July 18, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the regular annual H-1B cap of 65,000 and the 20,000 master's degree exemption cap had been reached. Therefore, new cap-subject H-1B petitions for fiscal year (FY) 2026 will not be accepted, and applicants must wait until the FY 2027 lottery.
Additionally, the Trump administration has revived a proposed wage-based selection system that would prioritize applicants with higher salary offers. If implemented, this change could make high-paying positions in fields such as technology and engineering much more competitive in future lotteries.
Official Source: USCIS Announcement
Birthright Citizenship Limitations Put on Hold
Despite the Trump administration's attempts to restrict it, the right to birthright citizenship in the United States remains constitutionally protected.
On January 20, 2025, Executive Order 14160 sought to limit this right. However, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals halted its implementation, reaffirming the protections guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment.
This decision is a critical development, especially for immigrant families planning to have children in the U.S.
USCIS is currently drafting an "implementation plan" that will outline possible policy directions, but no new measures are in effect yet.
For a detailed analysis, see our blog post: Is Birthright Citizenship in the U.S. in Jeopardy?
I-860 Asylum Closures Challenged in Federal Court
On July 24, 2025, a class action lawsuit involving approximately 12 asylum seekers was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The plaintiffs claim that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) improperly closed their asylum applications by issuing incomplete, unsigned, or procedurally deficient I-860 Notices of Termination.
The plaintiffs are seeking to reopen their asylum cases, preserve their employment authorization, and protect themselves against the risk of removal.
A critical hearing is expected in early September.
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