The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented new screening procedures for family-based immigrant visa petitions effective August 1, 2025. The revised policy introduces enhanced vetting mechanisms to ensure that only legitimate family ties lead to lawful permanent residence.
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Expanded fraud checks on multiple petitions
According to USCIS, the move targets fraudulent or non-meritorious petitions that undermine public trust in the immigration system. The agency will now apply increased scrutiny when petitioners file multiple applications for different relatives or when petitions are related. Officers are instructed to evaluate these collectively for inconsistencies or signs of fraud.
The updated rules also clarify eligibility criteria and the documentation required. In cases where U.S. citizens submit more than one petition, the agency will examine patterns and potential misuse of the process.
Clearer guidelines for overseas filers and interview mandates
US citizens living abroad, including certain military personnel and government employees, are now allowed to file family-based petitions directly from overseas in specified situations. This change offers more flexibility for service members and diplomatic staff stationed outside the U.S.
Additionally, the revised guidance outlines when in-person interviews will be required for both the petitioner and the beneficiary. Previously, such interviews were not always mandated, especially in cases considered straightforward.
USCIS has reiterated that approval of a petition does not automatically grant legal immigration status. An individual can still face removal proceedings if later found ineligible, regardless of a prior approval. The agency emphasised that these steps are essential to protect national security and uphold the integrity of family reunification channels.
Once a petition is approved, but the applicant cannot adjust status within the U.S., the case will be transferred to the National Visa Centre (NVC) for consular processing. The NVC serves as an additional checkpoint to verify claims before a visa is issued.
These procedural changes form part of a broader push to reinforce lawful pathways to immigration while deterring misuse of the system.