Major Visa Policy Changes Transform Global Immigration in December 2025
Visa policy changes announced in December 2025 represent some of the most significant immigration reforms in decades. From new biometric requirements for green card holders to expanded travel bans affecting nationals from 39 countries, these updates will impact millions of travelers entering the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security and USCIS have implemented sweeping changes that affect everyone from tourists to permanent residents. Additionally, the UK and Canada have announced their own substantial immigration reforms taking effect this month.
Key US Visa Policy Changes You Need to Know
The United States has introduced multiple new requirements that take effect between December 2025 and January 2026.
- Biometric Entry-Exit System (December 26, 2025): All non-US citizens, including green card holders, must submit facial recognition photography at every US entry and exit point
- Expanded Travel Ban (January 1, 2026): Visa issuance suspended fully or partially for nationals of 39 countries under Presidential Proclamation 10998
- H-1B Visa Overhaul (February 27, 2026): New merit-based selection replaces random lottery, prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid workers
- $100,000 H-1B Fee: Employers must pay this fee through Pay.gov for new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025
- Social Media Screening: Mandatory reviews of all H-1B and H-4 applicants' social media accounts effective December 15, 2025
- EAD Validity Reduced: Work permit validity cut from 5 years to 18 months for many adjustment-of-status applicants as of December 5, 2025
These changes mark a dramatic shift toward stricter vetting procedures. The social media screening requirement has already caused significant delays, with many December and January visa appointments rescheduled to March through August 2026.
Who Is Affected by the New Travel Ban
Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, imposes the most comprehensive travel restrictions since 2017. Understanding whether you're affected is critical for travel planning.
For Nationals of Fully Restricted Countries
Citizens from countries with full restrictions face suspension of most immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories. This includes nationals from Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and several others who may be denied entry entirely.
For Nationals of Partially Restricted Countries
The State Department is partially suspending visa issuance to nationals of 19 additional countries—including Angola, Nigeria, Cuba, and Venezuela—for B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, and most immigrant visas.
For Green Card Holders from Designated Countries
USCIS will conduct intensive reviews of green cards issued to citizens from 19 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
How to Prepare for the New Biometric Requirements
Starting December 26, 2025, all non-US citizens must comply with enhanced biometric data collection at US ports of entry.
- Expect Longer Processing Times: Facial recognition photography will be conducted at all airports, land crossings, and seaports—plan for potential delays
- Carry Updated Documentation: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements by using a professional service like VisaPics
- Verify Green Card Status: If you're from one of the 19 designated countries, confirm your documentation is current and complete
- Register Biometrics Cooperatively: CBP officials will photograph all travelers at entry and exit—compliance is mandatory
- Track Your Travel History: The new system records entries and exits, so ensure your visa validity covers your intended stay
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for the latest visa policy changes taking effect:
- December 5, 2025: EAD validity reduced to 18 months for many applicants
- December 15, 2025: Mandatory social media screening begins for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants
- December 16, 2025: UK Immigration Skills Charge increases by 32% for employers
- December 26, 2025: US biometric entry-exit system takes effect for all non-citizens
- December 31, 2025: Canada closes Start-Up Visa Program to new applicants
- January 1, 2026: Expanded US travel ban affecting 39 countries takes effect at 12:01 AM EST
- January 8, 2026: UK requires B2 English level for Skilled Worker visas (upgraded from B1)
- February 27, 2026: New merit-based H-1B selection process takes effect for FY 2027
ESTA Changes: New Selfie Requirements Coming
Visa Waiver Program travelers from 42 countries will face new ESTA requirements designed to enhance identity verification.
On December 10, 2025, CBP proposed requiring all ESTA applicants to submit a live selfie photograph in addition to their passport photo. The proposal also mandates disclosure of five years of social media history and 10 years of phone and email history. CBP plans to eventually transition ESTA applications entirely to a mobile app platform.
These proposed changes are currently in a 60-day public comment period. If implemented, travelers should ensure their selfie clearly shows their face—using the same photo as your passport will result in application cancellation.
UK and Canada Immigration Updates
Major changes aren't limited to the United States. Both the UK and Canada have announced significant immigration policy shifts.
United Kingdom
The Immigration Skills Charge increased on December 16, 2025: large employers now pay £1,320 per sponsored worker per year (up from £1,000), while small businesses pay £480 (up from £364). The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 received Royal Assent on December 2, expanding illegal working penalties to cover gig economy workers and contractors.
Canada
Canada's Start-Up Visa Program closes December 31, 2025, with a new entrepreneur pathway launching in 2026. Bill C-3, which took effect December 15, 2025, expands citizenship eligibility for those affected by the first-generation limit. Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets 380,000 new permanent residents annually with a 50% reduction in new international student admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the new visa policy changes affect current valid visas?
Existing valid visas generally remain valid until their expiration date. However, holders of visas from designated countries may face enhanced screening upon entry. USCIS is also reviewing previously issued green cards for nationals of 19 specific countries.
How will the H-1B lottery changes work?
Starting February 27, 2026, the random lottery will be replaced with a merit-based system that prioritizes applicants with higher skills and higher wages. This means candidates with advanced degrees and higher salary offers will have better selection chances.
Will I need to submit a selfie for ESTA?
The selfie requirement has already begun rolling out gradually on the ESTA website. Soon, all Visa Waiver Program travelers will need to submit a live selfie that differs from their passport photo. Make sure your photo is current and meets official passport photo specifications.
How long will visa processing take with new security measures?
Processing times have increased significantly due to enhanced vetting. Many H-1B and H-4 visa appointments originally scheduled for December and January have been pushed back to March through August. Plan applications several months in advance.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The visa policy changes taking effect in December 2025 and January 2026 represent a fundamental shift toward stricter immigration controls and enhanced vetting. Travelers, green card holders, and visa applicants should prepare for longer processing times, new biometric requirements, and expanded documentation needs.
Before applying for any visa or traveling internationally, ensure your passport photo meets the latest requirements. VisaPics offers guaranteed-compliant passport and visa photos that meet official specifications for the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen countries. Stay informed about evolving requirements, and start your visa application process well in advance to avoid delays.