USCIS clarifies rules for family immigration visas in the US.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a new guide in its Policy Manual on August 1, 2025, to improve the evaluation process for family-based immigrant visa petitions. This update aims to strengthen the integrity of the immigration system and ensure that applications reflect genuine and verifiable family relationships.

With this measure, USCIS intends to combat the misuse of family-based pathways to obtain lawful permanent residence (LPR), reinforcing the review of fraudulent, frivolous, or non-compliant petitions. The guide provides more detailed instructions on eligibility criteria, document submission, interviews, and final decisions.

What’s covered in this new guide?

The update incorporates and clarifies several key aspects of the family immigration process, including:

• General Eligibility Requirements: USCIS reiterates the criteria that applicants must meet for their petitions to be considered valid, as well as the necessary documents they must submit.

• Handling Multiple or Related Petitions: Greater clarity is provided on how applications are evaluated when submitted alongside other petitions of the same type or for different family members.

• Filing Petitions Abroad: The guidance explains the circumstances under which U.S. citizens can file Form I-130 directly from outside the country, including situations involving military personnel and government officials stationed abroad. It also covers temporary authorization in the context of large-scale disruptive events.

• Submission to the National Visa Center: The guide specifies when an approved petition is forwarded to the Department of State for processing and what happens if the beneficiary is ineligible to adjust their status in the United States

• Interview Requirements: USCIS clarifies the criteria under which an interview may be required to proceed with the evaluation of the petition.

• Potential for Notice to Appear: The guidance establishes that if the beneficiary is found to be deportable, USCIS may issue a notice to initiate removal proceedings, as an approved petition does not equate to legal immigration status or automatic relief from deportation.

Takes effect immediately

This update is already in effect and will be applied to both pending applications and those submitted after August 1, 2025.

With this guide, USCIS reaffirms its commitment to national security and strengthening immigration processes, ensuring that only legitimate family relationships are granted the benefits provided by U.S. immigration law.

Source: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-issues-guidance-regarding-family-based-immigration-policy