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Immigration News Briefs

Provided by Sadia Subhani

September 2025

Visa interview waivers being scaled back

On July 25th, the U.S. State Department announced a significant update to its interview waiver policy. In-person interviews will now be required for most visa categories (including E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, L-1, and O-1). The interview waiver will no longer be available, even for repeat applicants or renewals. Applicants under age 14 or over 79 will also be required to interview in-person. Interview waivers remain available for applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, provided they: Apply within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration; were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance; apply in their country of nationality or residence; have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Expect longer visa appointment backlogs and processing delays at many consulates. Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about post-specific visa application requirements and procedures.

Marriages for green card could lead to removal

In a break from longstanding practices, immigrants seeking green cards through marriage or through immediate relatives can now possibly be put into deportation proceedings, according to a new Trump policy. Federal immigration authorities may begin removal proceedings for immigrants who lack legal status and apply to become residents through a spouse or other family member, according to new guidance issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in early August. Immigrants and the spouse or family who sponsor them “should be aware that a family-based petition accords no immigration status nor does it bar removal,” the USCIS’ policy manual says. The change applies even to pending cases.

The new policy is very broad and seems to empower USCIS to begin removal proceedings for a green-card applicant at any point in the process. Wait times for a green card can vary greatly depending on multiple factors, including where the application was filed and the type of familial relationship the immigrant has in its application. Previously, immigrants were rarely put into immigration court proceedings when applying for marriage-based or immediate relative-based Green Cards, unless serious issues like criminal violations arose.

H-1B’s get notices during 60-day grace period

Reports indicate that some H-1B visa holders who are within their 60-day grace period have received Notices to Appear (NTAs) in immigration court for removal proceedings. Previously, when a nonimmigrant worker, such as an H-1B visa holder, ended employment—either voluntarily or nonvoluntarily—a 60-day grace period was available for remaining in the U.S. and taking steps to change or extend their status. Such actions could include filing for a change of nonimmigrant status, filing an application for adjustment of status, applying for a compelling circumstances employment authorization document, or submitting a nonfrivolous petition to change employers. Prior USCIS guidance, now archived, outlined these options and provided a question-and-answer section.

APPLICATION FINAL ACTION DATES FOR SEPTEMBER 2025

FAMILY	India	Pakistan/Bangladesh
1st	15Jul16	15Jul16
2A	01Sep22	01Sep22
2B	15Oct16	15Oct16
3rd	01Aug11	**01Aug11**
4th	01Nov06	01Jan08

EMPLOYMENT	India	Pakistan/Bangladesh
1st	15Feb22	Current
2nd	01Jan13	15Sep23
3rd	22May13	**01Apr23**
Other	22May13	08Jul21
4th	U	U
5th	15 Nov19	Current1B

DATES FOR FILING VISA APPLICATIONS - SEPTEMBER 2025

FAMILY	India	Pakistan/Bangladesh
1st	01Sep17	01Sep17
2A	01Jun25	01Jun25
2B	01Jan17	01Jan17
3rd	22Jul12	22Jul12
4th	01Dec06	01Jan09

EMPLOYMENT	India	Pakistan/Bangladesh
1st	15Apr22	Current
2nd	01Feb13	15Nov23
3rd	08Jun13	01May23
Other	08Jun13	22Jul21
4th	01Feb21	01Feb21
5th	01Apr22	Current1B