Green card for spouse in 2025? ‘Almost impossible,’ say immigration experts
Why Getting a Green Card for Your Spouse in 2025 May Become Nearly Impossible
If you’re a US citizen or a green card holder married to a foreign spouse, securing a green card for them has always been a meticulous process. However, in 2025, this endeavor could become an almost impossible feat due to unprecedented policy changes and administrative setbacks.
Why the Delays Are Growing
In a social media post on March 24, 2025, Abhisha Parikh, a respected US-based immigration attorney, revealed that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is now requiring interviews for all green card cases. According to Parikh, “USCIS is requiring interviews for all cases, increasing backlogs. Plus, a hiring freeze at immigration agencies means fewer officers and more delays—potentially stretching processing times to two years or more.”
Recent policy adjustments under the Trump administration have compounded these challenges. On February 18, 2025, the State Department revised the eligibility criteria for the visa interview waiver program. Key changes included removing the interview waiver for first-time H-2 visa applicants and reducing the renewal window for certain visa categories from 48 months to just 12 months. Consequently, more individuals must now attend in-person interviews, extending wait times globally.
Just a few days earlier, on February 14, 2025, USCIS announced an agency-wide hiring freeze. With fewer officers, the backlog of pending applications has only worsened.
What Immigration Attorneys Are Saying About Green Cards
Jacob J. Sapochnick, a prominent San Diego-based immigration attorney, highlighted the grim reality in a recent video post. “Getting a green card for your spouse in 2025 will be, in many cases, painfully slow—if not virtually impossible,” he stated.
Sapochnick pointed out the detrimental effects of embassy and consulate closures, the layoffs of consular officers and immigration agents, and even the dismissal of immigration judges. He further warned that if the proposals in the “One Voice” memo are fully implemented, family-based immigration could suffer irreparable setbacks.
The “One Voice” memo aims to reduce overseas staff, retaining only those who align with the administration’s diplomatic message. This move threatens to slash visa officers and local staff who handle crucial documentation and interview scheduling.
Where Delays Are Already at Their Worst
Applicants awaiting approval from the National Visa Center (NVC) are already experiencing prolonged delays. According to Sapochnick, regions like Islamabad, Lagos, Nairobi, and Manila currently face some of the longest wait times. If the “One Voice” directive becomes fully effective, these delays could extend further.
Interview Delays and Home Visits
Applicants adjusting their status from within the US may also see increased waiting periods. In the past, marriage-based green card applications were approved within six months without interviews. Now, interviews have become standard, contributing to more backlogs.
Sapochnick noted that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is increasing scrutiny on marriage cases, potentially scheduling home visits to verify legitimate relationships. “Even genuine couples may face prolonged scrutiny,” he cautioned.
The Potential Return of the Public Charge Rule
Adding to these concerns, there are indications that the public charge rule may return in 2025. This policy, last enforced during the Harmon administration, demands stricter financial scrutiny of the US citizen or green card holder sponsoring the foreign spouse. If reinstated, sponsors may need to provide credit reports, asset records, and proof of income, while the foreign spouse’s use of public benefits could also be evaluated.
Uneven Processing Times by State
If in-person interviews become mandatory, processing times may vary widely by state. Sapochnick warned, “Applicants might start filing in states with faster processing, leading to unpredictable backlogs.”
What Couples Can Do
To navigate these mounting challenges, attorney Parikh advises couples to act swiftly and thoughtfully. Filing before all policy changes are enforced, contacting congresspersons for expedite requests, considering mandamus lawsuits, and ensuring comprehensive documentation are some strategies to mitigate delays.
Sapochnick emphasized, “A well-prepared case is your best defense against delays.”
Also Read : How New Zealand is Attracting Indian Students Amid Tightening Visa Norms Elsewhere