Important Changes to U.S. Green Card Process: What Applicants Need to Know in 2025

New Era for Green Card Applications

A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is the document that allows individuals to live and work permanently in the United States. As we progress through 2025, several significant changes have been implemented to streamline and improve the application process.

Key Updates and Changes

A new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, was published on October 24, 2024, with updated questions and instructions. Starting February 10, 2025, USCIS will only accept this latest edition, rejecting all older versions.

Notable changes include a new requirement for applicants to submit medical examinations alongside their applications, and the streamlining of the public charge assessment process through the elimination of Form I-864W.

Processing Improvements

USCIS, in coordination with the Department of State (DOS), has revised procedures for determining visa availability for adjustment of status applicants. This revised process better aligns with procedures used at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad, enhancing DOS’s ability to predict overall immigrant visa demand more accurately when determining cut-off dates.

Employment-Based Updates

For fiscal year 2024, the employment-based annual limit was set at 160,791 visas, with an additional 10,874 visas available in the EB-5 category. Preliminary data shows that all employment-based immigrant visas were used, except for approximately 7,700 EB-5 visas which will carry over to the next fiscal year.

Looking Ahead

2025 is expected to bring transformative changes to U.S. immigration policies, particularly concerning Green Cards and visa programs. Staying informed will be crucial during this period of transition. Applicants are advised to consult with immigration professionals and regularly review official updates from USCIS and DHS.