The United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) quietly tightened the marriage green card process on multiple immigration forms. The changes significantly affect the application process for marriage-based green cards. Compliance with each form’s updates will be mandatory after a specific date.
In total, the USCIS updated three forms pertaining to the marriage green card process, Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), Form I-129F (Fiancé Visa), and Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). The changes in question were first introduced in January 2025 and meant to be effective immediately before being granted a grace period due to backlash.
The changes in question apply to all three forms and are as follows:
- The end of combined payments. Now each form must be paid separately, not doing so will result in rejection.
- Clear selection of processing type. Form applicants must explicitly state whether the beneficiary plans to pursue adjustment of status or consular processing. Leaving this part blank or attempting to apply for both may result in a delay in processing or rejection.
- Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) must be included at the time of filing each form.
- The USCIS will no longer request proof of COVID-19 vaccination with the I-693 medical form.
Originally, these changes were made on January 20, 2025, and meant to be effective immediately. After a period of backlash, the USCIS granted a grace period for each form. Each of the three forms has a different expiration date:
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): As of April 3, 2025, only the 1/20/25 edition will be accepted.
- Form I-129F (Fiancé Visa): As of May 1, 2025, only the 1/20/25 edition will be accepted.
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The edition introduced on April 1, 2024, is still valid, but now includes a marriage fraud warning and reminders about consular processing choices.
Individuals seeking marriage green card status are encouraged to adhere to the updated guidelines to maximize chances of acceptance.
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