Major Visa Policy Changes Reshape International Travel in 2025
Visa policy changes in late December 2025 have introduced the most significant immigration reforms in recent years. From expanded US travel bans affecting 39 countries to new biometric screening requirements for green card holders, these updates demand immediate attention from travelers worldwide.
Whether you're applying for a work visa, planning to visit family abroad, or maintaining your permanent residency status, understanding these changes is critical. Here's everything you need to know before January 1, 2026.
US Travel Ban Expansion: 39 Countries Now Affected
Presidential Proclamation 10998, signed on December 16, 2025, dramatically expands entry restrictions for foreign nationals.
- Full ban countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen
- Newly added to full ban: Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria, and Palestinian Authority document holders
- Partial visa suspension: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote D'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Affected visa types: B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F/M/J student and exchange visas, and most immigrant visas
This proclamation takes effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026. Travelers from these countries should consult their nearest US embassy immediately.
New Biometric Entry-Exit System for All Non-Citizens
Effective December 26, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security activated enhanced biometric screening at all US entry points.
- Affected travelers: All non-US citizens, including green card holders and permanent residents
- Requirement: Photographs taken by CBP officials at every entry and exit point
- Coverage: All airports, land crossings, and seaports
- Enhanced scrutiny: Green cards from 19 specific countries face intensive reviews
This represents a fundamental shift in how the US monitors international travel. Ensure your passport photo and travel documents meet current specifications before any trip.
H-1B Visa Changes: Merit-Based Selection Replaces Lottery
The DHS has fundamentally restructured the H-1B work visa program with changes effective for FY 2027 registration (February 27, 2026).
- New selection process: Merit-based system replaces random lottery, prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid workers
- New fee requirement: $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions (filed through Pay.gov)
- Social media screening: As of December 15, 2025, all H-1B and H-4 applicants must set social media profiles to public
- Interview delays: Many December and January appointments pushed to March-August due to enhanced screening
- EAD validity reduced: Employment Authorization Documents cut from 5 years to 18 months for many categories
Additionally, F, J, and M visa holders can no longer use interview waivers for renewals—all must attend in-person interviews at US consulates.
Who Is Affected by These Visa Policy Changes
These visa policy changes impact virtually every category of non-citizen traveler to the United States.
For Green Card Holders
Lawful permanent residents now face biometric screening at every entry and exit. Those from the 19 enhanced-scrutiny countries should carry additional documentation proving continuous US residency.
For Student Visa Applicants
F, M, and J visa holders must attend in-person interviews for all renewals—no exceptions. Plan for significantly longer processing times, especially from high-demand countries.
For Work Visa Applicants
H-1B applicants face the new $100,000 fee requirement and social media reviews. The merit-based system favors higher salaries and advanced degrees. Prepare your visa photo requirements well in advance.
For Visitors from Restricted Countries
Nationals of the 39 affected countries should consult immigration attorneys immediately. Limited exceptions exist for diplomatic and emergency travel.
Europe Entry/Exit System Rollout Continues
The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) advances toward full implementation.
- October 12, 2025: EES launched in phases across Schengen borders
- December 2025: Biometric checks (facial scans and fingerprints) now active at participating borders
- January 2026: Half of all border points should operate EES
- April 10, 2026: Full EES implementation expected
- ETIAS launch: Pushed to late 2026 (US citizens currently exempt)
Romania and Bulgaria achieved full Schengen membership on January 1, 2025, ending land border controls with other member states.
UK Immigration Updates December 2025
The United Kingdom has also implemented significant visa policy changes.
- December 16, 2025: Immigration Skills Charge increases 32% (small sponsors: £364 to £480/year; large sponsors: £1,000 to £1,320/year)
- December 2, 2025: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act receives Royal Assent, expanding illegal working penalties
- January 8, 2026: English language requirement rises from B1 to B2 for Skilled Worker visas
- February 25, 2026: Carriers enforce "No permission, no travel" policy for ETA holders
- Settlement changes: Consultation proposes extending qualifying period to 10 years (currently 5 years)
The graduate visa duration reduction to 18 months (from 2 years) takes effect for applications from January 1, 2027.
How to Prepare for Visa Policy Changes – Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with new requirements.
- Check your country's status: Verify whether your nationality is affected by travel bans or enhanced screening using the State Department website
- Review visa expiration dates: Renew visas well before expiration to avoid new requirements or longer processing times
- Update travel documents: Ensure your passport photo meets current biometric standards—VisaPics can help verify compliance
- Prepare social media profiles: H-1B applicants should review and clean up LinkedIn and social accounts before applications
- Document residency: Green card holders should maintain clear records of US ties, including tax returns, employment records, and utility bills
- Consult professionals: Complex cases involving restricted countries or enhanced scrutiny should seek immigration attorney guidance
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar.
- December 15, 2025: Social media screening begins for H-1B/H-4 applicants
- December 16, 2025: UK Immigration Skills Charge increases 32%
- December 26, 2025: US biometric entry-exit system goes live
- December 30, 2025: EU visa suspension mechanism enters into force
- January 1, 2026: US travel ban on 39 countries takes effect
- January 8, 2026: UK English requirement rises to B2 for Skilled Workers
- February 25, 2026: UK carriers enforce ETA verification
- February 27, 2026: H-1B merit-based selection begins for FY 2027
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System expected fully operational
Frequently Asked Questions
Do These Visa Policy Changes Affect Green Card Holders?
Yes. Green card holders now face biometric screening (photographs) at every US entry and exit point. Those from the 19 enhanced-scrutiny countries may experience additional questioning about their residency and travel patterns.
Will the $100,000 H-1B Fee Apply to All Applicants?
The fee applies to new H-1B petitions for beneficiaries outside the US without valid H-1B visas. Extensions, amendments, and renewals are currently exempt. The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit challenging this requirement.
Can I Still Travel to the US from a Restricted Country?
Limited exceptions exist for diplomatic visas and certain emergency situations. Partial-ban countries (like Nigeria and Venezuela) face restrictions on B-1/B-2 visitor and F/M/J student visas specifically, not all visa categories.
When Does ETIAS Start for Travel to Europe?
ETIAS launch has been pushed to late 2026. US citizens currently do not need ETIAS or any fee to enter the Schengen Area. However, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is actively rolling out and will require biometric registration at borders.
How Do I Prepare My Passport Photo for New Biometric Requirements?
Ensure your passport photo meets strict biometric standards: proper lighting, neutral expression, correct dimensions, and appropriate background. Use a reliable passport photo service like VisaPics to verify compliance before submitting applications.
What You Need to Know: Key Takeaways
The visa policy changes of late 2025 represent a fundamental shift toward enhanced security screening and merit-based immigration systems. The US, UK, and EU have all implemented stricter requirements that demand proactive preparation from travelers.
Before submitting any visa application, verify that your passport photo requirements meet current standards and that all documentation is complete. Check your visa application status regularly and plan for extended processing times. With proper preparation, you can navigate these changes successfully and maintain your travel flexibility in 2026.