USCIS Strengthens Guidance on Marriage-Based Green Cards

On October 17, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released Policy Alert PA-2025-23, refining its Policy Manual on how the agency evaluates marriages for immigration purposes. While this update doesn’t rewrite the law, it changes how USCIS applies it — tightening fraud prevention and clarifying standards for what counts as a valid spousal relationship.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters

The heart of this policy update is clarity and consistency. USCIS reorganized its existing guidance to help officers more effectively review whether a marriage qualifies under U.S. immigration law. It emphasizes that all marriages — whether opposite-sex, same-sex, virtual, or by proxy — must meet the same legal requirements, particularly the “place of celebration” rule. This means a marriage must be legally valid in the jurisdiction where it took place, regardless of how or where the ceremony was conducted.

USCIS also made it clear that the intent behind the marriage is just as important as its legality. Couples must show that the marriage is bona fide, meaning it was entered into for genuine reasons, not simply to obtain immigration benefits. The updated guidance highlights that anyone who previously attempted or entered into a fraudulent marriage to evade immigration laws can face a statutory bar, preventing future petitions from being approved.

Another key change is timing. USCIS now plans to identify potential fraud earlier in the process instead of waiting until the adjustment of status or consular interview stages. Officers are instructed to scrutinize evidence more carefully at the petition stage to ensure only legitimate cases move forward. The update also streamlines instructions about documentation, eligibility, and interviews, aiming for more uniform adjudications across USCIS offices.

While these refinements may sound procedural, they have real impact. Couples will likely experience closer review of their cases earlier on, which means preparation and consistency matter more than ever.

What This Means for Couples Applying for a Green Card

For most couples, these updates don’t create new requirements but do raise the bar for presentation. USCIS now expects clearer, better-organized petitions that demonstrate a real, ongoing marital relationship. Even small inconsistencies — like unclear timelines or incomplete information — could trigger additional scrutiny.

This is where professional guidance becomes essential. A skilled immigration attorney can help you understand how your specific circumstances fit within USCIS’s updated framework, ensure your forms and evidence align with current expectations, and prepare you for any follow-up questions or interviews. Instead of worrying about which exact documents to include or how much is “enough,” it’s best to work with an attorney who can assess your situation and build a strategy tailored to your case.

We Can Help

At Tran Flores Law, we understand that applying for a marriage-based green card can feel overwhelming, especially with USCIS introducing new fraud-prevention measures. Our team carefully reviews each client’s situation, prepares detailed petitions that clearly demonstrate eligibility, and guides couples through every step—from filing to interviews and beyond.

We stay updated on policy changes so that our clients don’t have to. Every adjustment by USCIS, no matter how small, can impact how your case is handled. That’s why having a knowledgeable immigration attorney by your side can make all the difference. We help you avoid common mistakes, anticipate potential issues, and ensure your story is told accurately and convincingly.

If you and your spouse are preparing to file, be proactive and seek legal guidance early. Our team at Tran Flores Law is here to help you build a strong, well-prepared case that meets these new expectations. Call us today at (512) 894-9984 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward bringing your family together.