If you’re applying for U.S. citizenship, a green card, asylum, investor status, or other immigration benefits, the paperwork just got wider. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have announced plans to start collecting social media identifiers as part of the application process. This change affects popular forms like N-400 (naturalization), I-485 (green card), I-131 (travel document), I-192 (advance permission to enter), and several others. This proposal can be found here . Who is affected? The following programs and forms may soon ask for social media handles: N-400 (Naturalization) I-131 (Travel Document) I-192 (Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant) I-485 (Permanent Residence/Adjustment of Status) I-589 (Asylum/Withholding of Removal) I-590 (Refugee Classification) I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition) I-751 (Remove Conditions on Residence) I-829 (Investor Remove Conditions) Why Is This Happening? USCIS is following new rules aimed at improving identity checks, security, and preventing fraud. The agency will use social media identifiers to help verify the identities of applicants and to screen for security issues, as required by recent executive orders. Executive Order 14161 , Jan 30, 2025, requires USCIS to follow strict identity checks and security screening for anyone applying for immigration benefits. To do this, USCIS will ask for social media handles (like usernames on Facebook or Twitter) from certain applicants as part of the forms and systems used for immigration applications. This extra step is meant to strengthen vetting and help spot risks to national security or public safety Estimate of the total number of affected applicants: Every year, millions of people file these forms, and that’s millions of possible requests for social media info. For example: N-400 citizenship form: about 900,000 annual applicants (0.67 hours each for paperwork) I-485 green card form: over 1 million annual applicants (also 0.67 hours each) I-131 travel document: 1 million annual applicants (1.17 hours each) How Can You Comment on This Change? The government is accepting public comments until October 16, 2025. Concerned applicants, families, and legal professionals can make their voices heard online via the Federal eRulemaking Portal (regulations.gov), mentioning the OMB control numbers listed above. What Does This Mean for My Application? Don’t panic, social media identifiers are just one tool in USCIS’s screening and identity verification process. If you apply using any of the affected forms, be accurate and transparent. Consulting with a qualified lawyer is the best way to avoid delays and confusion.

AI Generated The U.S. Department of State will implement an updated policy on October 1, 2025, regarding eligibility for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview. This new policy update released on September 18, 2025 can be found here . Under the new guidelines, all nonimmigrant visa applicants including those under age 14 and over age 79 will normally require an in-person interview with a consular officer, with certain exceptions. Applicants who may qualify for an interview waiver include: Visa holders classified under the symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1. Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas. Applicants renewing a B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or Border Crossing Card/Foil within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, provided the prior visa was issued for full validity and the applicant was at least 18 years old at issuance. Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration under similar conditions. To qualify for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet the following criteria: Apply in their country of nationality or usual residence (with exceptions for diplomatic and certain official visa applicants). Have never been refused a visa, unless the refusal was overcome or waived. Have no apparent or potential grounds of ineligibility. Consular officers retain the discretion to require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are advised to check specific embassy or consulate websites for updated visa application requirements, procedures, and operating status. Major changes from July 2025 policy update : Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration when the prior visa was issued for full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant was at least 18 years old. Diplomatic and certain official visa applicants are exempted from the requirement to apply in his or her country of nationality or usual residence. This update supersedes the prior Interview Waiver guidance issued on July 25, 2025.

AI Generated Nonimmigrant visa interviews at the U.S. Consulate in Kathmandu were abruptly cancelled last week due to local unrest and a government overturn. Affected applicants are now receiving official email notifications informing them that their interviews have been rescheduled for October 2025. Appointment confirmations can be downloaded from www.usvisrescheduling.com . Applicants are urged to check their emails carefully for new instructions, as failure to attend the rescheduled interview may result in forfeiture of visa fees, requiring applicants to pay again. If possible, applicants can opt to reschedule earlier through the official system to avoid extended delays. This disruption has caused uncertainty for many seeking U.S. visas, but the consulate is working to stabilize the appointment process and assist affected applicants with timely communication.

The Department of State's 9 FAM guidance (402.10-4(E) (U)) for H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas has not yet been updated to reflect the recent DHS changes removing and adding designated countries eligible for the program. The most recent updated date is 09-29-2022 . This gap creates a real risk of visa denials, especially for applicants interviewed at consulates that were not part of the designated list until the new policy took effect on January 17, 2025, where consular officers rely primarily on the current 9 FAM. Such denials can disrupt U.S. employers’ access to vital seasonal and temporary workers, impacting industries dependent on this workforce. References on DHS Policy Removing Designated Countries Effective January 17, 2025 Modernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections Published by the Federal Register on December 18, 2024 DHS announced elimination of the requirement that USCIS may only approve H-2 nonimmigrant petitions for nationals of countries designated as eligible by DHS and DOS. This change aims to improve program efficiency and reduce barriers to legal migration. Full text available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/18/2024-29353/modernizing-h-2-program-requirements-oversight-and-worker-protections USCIS Official Website – H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers DHS regulations effective January 17, 2025, no longer require USCIS to consider whether the beneficiary is a national of a country designated eligible by DHS and DOS for participation in the H-2B program. This regulatory update lifts the country-specific eligibility restrictions for H-2B petition approvals. Source link: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2b-temporary-non-agricultural-workers Important Note on 9 FAM Discrepancy While DHS has updated the policy effective January 17, 2025, the Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 402.10-4(E)) H-2B Nonimmigrants section has not yet been updated to reflect this removal of designated countries. This discrepancy may create confusion among consular officers worldwide, possibly leading to visa denials that would constitute legal error. Current 9 FAM text available at: https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040210.html  ( CT:VISA-1623; 09-29-2022 ) Aligning the 9 FAM with DHS policy is critical to ensure consistent visa adjudication, prevent confusion, and protect U.S. businesses and petitioners alike. Let's urge policymakers to prioritize updating these publicly available guidelines promptly. Consistency in immigration policy is essential for a robust and fair system.

AI Generated Image U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance signaling that individuals applying for citizenship will now face a significantly more rigorous review of their "good moral character" (GMC). This policy change, formalized in August 2025, directs officers away from a simple checklist approach to a more holistic assessment of each applicant's life, conduct, and positive societal contributions. The new USCIS policy memorandum issued on Aug 15, 2015 is available here . Previously, the absence of criminal or disqualifying acts was usually enough to satisfy the GMC requirement. Under the new rules, USCIS will actively look for evidence of positive attributes, such as community involvement, family responsibilities, educational achievement, and compliance with tax obligations. Importantly, the agency will also evaluate negative factors even lawful actions that conflict with civic responsibility, such as habitual traffic violations or aggressive behavior, may now trigger further scrutiny. Naturalization candidates should be prepared to affirmatively demonstrate their alignment with ethical standards and community expectations. Maintaining a clean record is no longer enough; applicants must now establish, often with supporting documentation, that their overall pattern of behavior reflects strong moral character and responsible citizenship. Key Points from the August 15, 2025 Memo Naturalization applicants must affirmatively demonstrate GMC meaning not just the absence of wrongdoing, but positive attributes and contributions to society such as community involvement, educational achievement, family caregiving, stable employment, and financial responsibility. The memo directs officers to follow a case-by-case, holistic approach, considering the full history of the applicant’s conduct and character, instead of relying solely on statutory or regulatory bars. Permanent bars (e.g., murder, aggravated felony) and conditional bars (e.g., certain crimes, repeated DUI convictions) still apply, but positive evidence like rehabilitation, reform, or repayment of obligations can be weighed to support GMC for less severe cases. Officers are told to scrutinize even legally permissible acts that may conflict with community standards (e.g., habitual traffic violations, aggressive behavior), and question applicants about the circumstances if necessary. The intent is for citizenship to reflect allegiance and genuine character that meet or exceed the standards of typical U.S. citizens in the community where the applicant lives. This policy update signals that applicants must document a pattern of responsible and ethical behavior, rather than simply avoid criminal acts, to meet naturalization eligibility under revived GMC standards. This shift in policy could create uncertainty, increase denials, and raise the bar for millions of permanent residents seeking citizenship, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation when applying under these heightened standards. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: I have never committed a crime will I automatically pass? A: No. While no crimes is good, you must also show positive contributions and responsibility (like steady work, helping family, volunteering). Q: What if I paid a traffic ticket late or missed child support? A: Show USCIS you have corrected these issues paid your ticket or made up missed payments. Officers want proof that you have changed your behavior. Q: Can minor legal infractions hurt my application? A: Yes, if they show a pattern (such as repeated traffic violations or other bad conduct). Officers look at your overall behavior, not just single events. Q: What counts as a “positive attribute”? A: Examples include helping in your community, supporting your family, doing well at work or school, and paying taxes on time. Q: Can I fix my past mistakes? A: Yes. USCIS allows positive evidence (rehabilitation, community support letters, paying off debts) to show you are now a responsible person. Q: What actions are automatic denials? A: Certain crimes like murder, aggravated felony, or serious fraud are permanent bars. You cannot be approved if you have committed these offenses. Bottom Line: USCIS now looks closely at your full pattern of life and actions, not just a checklist of crimes. Show that you are a good neighbor and responsible member of your community to meet the new citizenship standards

Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence Last Updated: September 6, 2025 AI Generated The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has dramatically changed its policy for nonimmigrant visa applicants, immediately ending most third-country national (TCN) visa processing. Effective September 6, 2025, applicants must schedule NIV interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates located in their country of nationality or residence. Key Changes and Eliminations Third Country National Processing Eliminated: Scheduling U.S. visa interview appointments in a third country (where you do not reside) is no longer permitted except in rare, tightly defined circumstances. Applicants must now interview in their country of nationality or residence. Designated Posts for Special Circumstances: Nationals from countries lacking routine NIV operations are assigned to specific designated embassies or consulates (e.g., Afghans to Islamabad, Russians to Astana or Warsaw, Iranians to Dubai) Implications for Visa Applicants Residence Requirement Applicants must demonstrate legal residency in the country where they schedule their interview. Attempting to apply from elsewhere, unless required by DOS designation, will make qualification much harder. Fees The visa fee is nonrefundable and non-transferable. Scheduling and paying for an interview outside one’s country of residence or nationality risks denial and loss of fee. The fee paid by applicants at TCN and awaiting to schedule interviews will lose the fee. They must repay the visa fees once the profile is transferred back to their country of residence or nationality. Appointment Wait Times Expect significantly longer wait times for appointments if applying outside the country of residence or nationality. DOS cautions that processing may be substantially delayed in these cases. Existing Appointments Current appointments are generally not being cancelled; however, new applications must follow the updated rules. Applicant's Profiles Must Be Updated Applicants who created profiles or transferred their profiles to the TCN country must transfer the profile back to their country of nationality or residence. Exceptions Exempted Visa Types: Diplomats, UN travelers, NATO personnel, and certain official visas (A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO) retain flexibility and may be processed more broadly. Humanitarian Grounds or Emergencies: Rare exceptions may be made for medical emergencies or urgent humanitarian needs, subject to consular discretion. Designated Processing Posts Country Designated Location(s) Afghanistan Islamabad Belarus Vilnius, Warsaw Chad Yaoundé Cuba Georgetown Haiti Nassau Iran Dubai Libya Tunis Niger Ouagadougou Russia Astana, Warsaw Somalia Nairobi South Sudan Nairobi Sudan Cairo Syria Amman Ukraine Krakow, Warsaw Venezuela Bogota Yemen Riyadh Zimbabwe Johannesburg Next Steps for Applicants Check Consulate Websites: Review embassy and consulate websites for detailed requirements, operating status, and your designated post. Prepare Documentation: Be ready to prove residence where you apply, and ensure you understand your location’s unique requirements. Avoid Unnecessary Third-Country Applications: Unless specifically directed by DOS or qualifying for an exception, apply in your home country or your legal country of residence to avoid significant delays and financial loss. This new guidance supersedes all previous instructions regarding visa application location and processing. For more detailed information, refer to official Department of State communications and embassy announcements. This update can be found here . Applicants who enjoyed shorter wait times under the relaxed Third Country National (TCN) policy, especially those applying for F-1 (student) and B1/B2 (visitor) visas, will be most affected by the policy reversal, as these categories benefited the most from the previous flexibility. It must be noted that DOS eliminated TCN for Immigrant Visa Applications and this can be found here and the current DOS update Eliminating TCN for Nonimmigrant Visa Applications was expected. TCN processing is nearly eliminated. When a specific consular post does choose to accept TCN applications, it is generally for rare humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy exceptions. As a result, applicants pursuing TCN interviews can expect significantly longer wait times.  Given that the DOS is aware applicants often travel to different countries to secure earlier visa interview appointments, it appears unlikely that the policy will simply maintain TCN processing at pre-COVID-19 levels.

Image Source: USCIS USCIS Fee Payment Modernization - ACH debit or credit card payments made compulsory for Form G-1650 from Oct. 28, 2025. The official news can be here . Starting now, applicants have the option to pay USCIS fees via ACH debit. All applicants and petitioners need to do is fill out and sign our new Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, and place it atop your application, petition, or request upon submission. Until Oct. 28, 2025, USCIS will still be accepting paper checks, money orders, and credit/debit transactions. From Oct. 28, 2025, onwards, USCIS will exclusively accept ACH debit transactions with Form G-1650 or credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Applicants and petitioners should ensure their accounts have sufficient funds to cover all filing fees. USCIS may reject any application, petition, or request if the transaction is denied. For further details, check out: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-modernize-fee-payments-with-electronic-funds

The Department of State updated its immigrant visa interview policy on August 28, 2025. Beginning November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants are generally required to interview in the consular district of their place of residence or, upon request, in their country of nationality, with limited exceptions such as humanitarian or medical emergencies. Residents of countries where routine visa operations are suspended or paused should apply at their designated immigrant visa processing post, unless the applicant is a national of another country with ongoing operations.  See the designated posts listed below. The National Visa Center (NVC) will schedule these interviews accordingly. This update can be found here . Existing policy: In general, the immigrant visa interviews are scheduled at the country of residence as indicated in the immigrant visa application/petition. However, applicants had the choice to request NVC to schedule the interview in a third country to avoid backlogs. New Policy: Moving forward (effective Nov 1, 2025) your interview will be scheduled in your country of residence by NVC (National Visa Center), you may request your to be scheduled in your country of nationality, on rare occasions owing to medical or humanitarian grounds you may request for the interview to be scheduled in a third country. Who are affected by this policy updated? Immigrant visa applicants who requested consular processing and attend their immigrant visa interviews at U.S. Consular Posts, as managed by the U.S. Department of State and the National Visa Center, are subject to this policy. Immigrant visa applicants who chose adjustment of status by filing Form I-485 are not affected by this policy. Immigrant Visa Designated Processing Posts RESIDENT OF DESIGNATED POST(S) Afghanistan (except Special Immigrant Visas) Islamabad Belarus Warsaw Eritrea Addis Ababa, Nairobi Haiti Nassau Iran Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Yerevan Libya Tunis Niger Abidjan North Korea Guangzhou Russia Warsaw, Almaty (IR-5), Tashkent (IR-5) Somalia Nairobi South Sudan Nairobi Sudan Cairo Syria Amman, Beirut (for Palestinians with Syrian Travel Documents) Venezuela Bogota Yemen Djibouti Zimbabwe Johannesburg Key points include: Existing appointments mostly will not be rescheduled or canceled. If an applicant wants to transfer their case to another consular district after the appointment is set, they must contact the NVC not the consulate using the NVC’s Public Inquiry Form . For applicants requesting an interview outside their assigned consular district or country of nationality, the NVC may request additional proof of residence or justification for exceptions. Applicants in countries where routine visa operations are suspended should attend appointment at designated posts unless they hold nationality from a country with ongoing operations. Diversity Visa applicants for the DV-2026 program year will also follow these new rules. Applicants should regularly check embassy and consulate websites for detailed visa procedures and operational statuses. This policy supersedes all previous guidance on visa processing locations and aims to streamline consular operations and reduce logistical complications.

Effective August 1, 2025, the third-party/representative passport collection service will be discontinued to ensure the safety and security of applicants’ passports and documents. All applicants will now be required to collect their passports/documents in person. For applicants under the age of 18, passports must be collected by a parent or guardian. An original consent letter signed by both parents must be presented at the time of collection. Scanned or emailed copies of the consent letter will not be accepted. Applicants may also opt to have their passports delivered to their home or office for an additional fee of ₹1200 per applicant. How to Change Your Document Delivery Option You may update your delivery preference up to one day before your Embassy/Consulate appointment by following these steps: Log in to your profile at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/ Click on “Document Delivery Information” under the Visa Application Home page. Select the applicant name. Choose your preferred option. Submit the changes. Log out after completing the process. If you encounter errors while updating your delivery option, please: Take a screenshot of the error. Specify the location where you intend to receive your passport. Share this information through the “Feedback/Requests” option in your profile. In general, you receive a response in a day or two and sometimes find this notification under “Messages” on the Visa Application Home page.

Overview of Proposed DHS Visa Classification Updates The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning significant changes to F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas, and I nonimmigrant visas for foreign media representatives. These changes mark a major shift from the traditional "duration of status" system to fixed admission periods, impacting how international students and exchange visitors maintain lawful status in the United States. The proposed rule can be found here . What Are the New F-1 Student Visa Rules? Fixed Study Period: F-1 students will be admitted for a fixed period aligned with their academic program duration, generally not exceeding four years. Prohibition on Second Degree at Same or Lower Educational Level Programs: F-1 student who has finished a program at one educational level must start a new program at a higher educational level while staying in F-1 status. The student is not allowed to start another program at the same or a lower educational level while still on the F-1 visa. This ensures that the student is progressing academically in a forward direction during their stay in the U.S. under F-1 status. Restrictions on English Language Programs: The maximum stay for English language training is limited to 24 months. Public High School Limit: F-1 students attending public high schools are limited to a total of 12 months. Shortened Grace Period: The post-completion departure grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Transfer and Program Change Restrictions: Students below graduate level cannot transfer schools or change academic majors/programs during the first academic year, unless exceptions are authorized, and graduate students are barred from changing their program once enrolled. Extension of Stay Process: Extensions must be applied for through USCIS with documented, compelling reasons such as academic difficulties or medical conditions. Employment Authorization - OPT or STEM OPT: Work permissions during extensions are limited, notably excluding post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), creating possible gaps in work authorization. "Students who have applied for employment authorization for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, and who were admitted based on the employment end date recommended by their designated school official on their Form I-20, will be considered legally allowed to stay in the U.S. from the date their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires until the fixed expiration date shown on their I-94 arrival record, even if they stop working when their EAD expires before that date. This means students won’t fall out of status during this gap between their EAD expiration and the fixed end date of their authorized stay noted on their I-94." Important Updates for J-1 Exchange Visitors Maximum Stay Limits: J-1 visa holders will have a fixed maximum stay of four years, down from previous allowances that varied by category. Extension Requirements: All program extensions must be approved by USCIS. Continued Program Activities: J-1 participants can continue authorized activities for up to 240 days while extension applications are pending. J-2 Dependent Employment: Employment authorization for J-2 dependents cannot exceed the primary J-1 visa holder’s authorized stay and must follow income restrictions. Changes for I Visa Holders Representing Foreign Media Fixed Admission Period: I visa holders will generally be admitted for up to 240 days, with a reduced 90-day limit for most People's Republic of China nationals. Documentary Requirements: Stricter proof of foreign media affiliation and employment is required. Additional Regulatory Provisions Re-entry and Biometric Collection: New rules on re-entry with pending extension applications and mandatory biometric submissions for stay extensions. Discretionary Admissions: Visa revalidation becomes discretionary rather than automatic. Change of Status Abandonment: Change of status applications are considered abandoned if the applicant leaves the U.S. before approval. Transition Provisions: Current visa holders under the old system get a temporary automatic transition to the new fixed admission system. What This Means for International Students and Exchange Visitors This comprehensive regulatory update will change how international students and exchange visitors manage their stay in the U.S., increasing administrative responsibilities and potentially raising costs. Schools, sponsors, and visa holders should prepare for these proposed changes, which will take effect after a public comment period starting August 28, 2025. Public Comment Period On Proposed Rule Starts on August 28, 2025 The proposed rule allows a 30-day public comment period starting on August 28, 2025. After the comments, the final rule will be implemented 60 days later. This will be the biggest change to student and exchange visitor visa rules in decades, changing how these groups maintain their status in the U.S. and increasing costs and compliance requirements. This is at the proposed rule stage, a rule would not become final until after the DHS reviews public comments on the proposed rule, submits a final rule for OMB review, and then publishes a final rule in the Federal Register with a future effective date. Conclusion: International students and exchange visitors should closely monitor these regulatory changes and consult their designated school officials or sponsors to ensure compliance. We will continue to bring latest updates on these policy changes that impact F, J, and I visa applicants.