2025 has arrived, and in the past 2024, the visa policy in the United States has experienced many twists and turns and adjustments. Especially in the election year, immigration policy has become a hot topic of discussion among everyone. So, what changes have occurred in US immigration policy over the past year?

Cost adjustment

The comprehensive increase in application fees for occupational immigration in the United States has increased the economic cost of immigration. In addition, some non immigrant visas, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc., have also been raised to varying degrees. This reform has also added a new category of fees, namely asylum fees.

EB1A simplification

The content of this adjustment mainly involves four application proposals, including awards, association membership, academic articles, and art exhibitions: individual team awards meet the standards; Membership in associations or professional organizations that have been previously joined can serve as evidence of meeting the application criteria; Removed the requirement for media reports to demonstrate personal work and contribution value; Although exhibitions are defined as any form of public display, they generally refer to art exhibitions.

Simplified naturalization

Starting from November 14, 2024, the immigration department has made significant adjustments to the naturalization application for green card holders. The new policy will only review the legal status of applicants when they first become permanent residents (i.e. obtain a green card), and the entry and exit records during their previous green card period will no longer be the core content of naturalization review. As long as the green card is obtained through legal means, there is no need to provide a "legal entry certificate" for each international trip.

Medical Examination Report

When submitting I-485, it is necessary to submit the I-693 medical examination report at the same time. On December 2, 2024, the US Immigration Service updated the I-485 policy, requiring some applicants to submit the I-693 medical examination report at the same time as submitting I-485. Otherwise, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has the right to reject their I-485 application. According to this policy change, immigration applicants who need to apply for I-485 will need to submit the I-693 medical examination report filled out and signed by a doctor recognized by the immigration bureau, as well as their vaccination records, in the I-485 application package.

EB5 scheduling warning

The US State Department has updated the January 2025 US occupational immigration schedule announcement, and EB5 has issued a schedule warning. Although there are currently no signs of schedule regression, this reminds investors to seize the current opportunity.

US immigration applicants need to be aware of the latest policies and plan their immigration path carefully. At the same time, it should be noted that immigration policies will constantly change with the domestic situation in the United States, so it is important to constantly monitor policy developments, reduce information gaps, and flexibly adjust plans.