Major Immigration Policy Changes Take Effect October 2025
October 2025 marks a significant turning point for U.S. immigration policy, with multiple rule changes affecting travelers, visa applicants, and aspiring citizens. Starting October 20, 2025, citizenship applicants face a more challenging naturalization test, while border crossing fees have tripled for most travelers. Additionally, the DACA program may reopen to new applicants for the first time since 2021.
These policy shifts come as the federal government navigates budget negotiations and responds to years of immigration system backlog. Understanding these changes is essential for anyone planning to travel to the United States, apply for citizenship, or renew their immigration status.
Key Immigration Changes Effective October 2025
Here are the most significant policy updates taking effect this month:
- New Citizenship Test (October 20, 2025): USCIS implements a revised civics test with more questions and a higher passing threshold for N-400 applicants
- I-94 Fee Increase: Land border entry fees jump from $6 to $30, affecting millions of Canadian and Mexican travelers annually
- ESTA Fee Increase: Visa Waiver Program authorization rises from $21 to $40 for travelers from 40+ eligible countries
- DACA Reopening Proposal: Federal court considers allowing new DACA applications nationwide after four-year closure
- H-1B Visa Restrictions: New $100,000 payment requirement for specialty occupation worker petitions (effective September 21, 2025)
- Agricultural Worker Rule: Streamlined filing process for temporary agricultural worker petitions takes effect October 2, 2025
These changes represent the most comprehensive immigration policy overhaul since early 2025. The fee increases alone are expected to generate over $200 million in additional revenue annually for USCIS operations.
Who Is Affected By These Immigration Policy Changes
These October 2025 rule changes impact multiple categories of travelers and immigrants. Here's how different groups are affected:
For Citizenship Applicants
Anyone filing Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025 must take the new version of the naturalization civics test. The revised test includes more potential questions and requires applicants to answer more questions correctly to pass. If you're planning to apply for citizenship, filing before October 20 allows you to take the current, easier version of the test.
For Border Crossers and International Travelers
Canadian and Mexican citizens crossing U.S. land borders now pay $30 for I-94 forms, up from $6—a 400% increase. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries face ESTA fees of $40, nearly double the previous $21 cost. Chinese nationals with 10-year B1/B2 visas must pay $30 for EVUS enrollment, which was previously free.
For DACA-Eligible Individuals
More than one million people could become eligible to apply for DACA protection if a federal judge approves the reopening proposal. However, Texas residents would be barred from receiving work permits under the current proposal. Advocates estimate this could be the most significant expansion of immigration relief since the program's creation in 2012.
For H-1B Workers and Employers
Companies sponsoring H-1B specialty occupation workers must now pay an additional $100,000 per petition under restrictions that took effect September 21, 2025 and expire after 12 months. This requirement significantly increases the cost of hiring foreign skilled workers and may reduce the number of H-1B petitions filed in fiscal year 2026.
How to Prepare for the New Citizenship Test - Step by Step
If you're planning to apply for U.S. citizenship, follow these steps to navigate the new test requirements:
- Check Your Filing Timeline: Determine whether you'll file your N-400 before or after October 20, 2025 to know which test version you'll take
- Access Official Study Materials: Visit USCIS.gov to download the updated list of civics questions and correct answers for the new test format
- Prepare Your Passport Photo: Ensure your passport photo meets USCIS requirements before submitting your application—VisaPics can help you create compliant photos instantly
- Gather Required Documentation: Collect all necessary documents including green card, tax returns, and travel history before filing Form N-400
- Consider Professional Assistance: If English is not your first language, consider taking citizenship preparation classes to improve your chances of passing the more difficult test
Important Dates and Timeline for October 2025 Changes
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with new immigration rules:
- October 1, 2025: Fiscal Year 2026 begins, resetting annual visa limits and implementing new fee structures
- October 2, 2025: Streamlined agricultural worker petition process takes effect
- October 3, 2025: I-94 fees ($30) and ESTA fees ($40) officially in force at all ports of entry
- October 20, 2025: New citizenship civics test becomes mandatory for all N-400 applicants filing on or after this date
- Pending Judicial Approval: DACA program reopening awaits federal court decision with potential implementation in late 2025
- September 21, 2026: H-1B $100,000 payment requirement expires after 12-month period
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Government Shutdown Affect My Immigration Application?
Most immigration processes continue during government shutdowns because USCIS is fee-funded and remains operational. Green card applications, naturalization petitions, and work permit renewals should proceed normally. However, Department of Labor systems for Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) and PERM filings may pause, and E-Verify will likely go offline during the shutdown.
Can I Still Apply for DACA If I Missed the Original Deadline?
If the federal court approves the reopening proposal, you may be able to apply for DACA for the first time even if you missed previous application periods. More than one million people could become newly eligible. However, the proposal currently excludes Texas residents from receiving work permits. Monitor USCIS announcements for the final court decision and implementation timeline.
How Much More Will I Pay for Border Crossings in October 2025?
I-94 fees for land border entries increased from $6 to $30—a $24 increase. ESTA fees rose from $21 to $40—a $19 increase. EVUS for Chinese nationals jumped to $30 from free. These increases took effect October 1, 2025, and apply to all travelers regardless of citizenship or visa type.
Is the New Citizenship Test Harder Than the Old Version?
Yes, the new citizenship civics test implemented October 20, 2025 includes more potential questions and requires applicants to answer more questions correctly to pass. USCIS designed the updated test to ensure citizenship applicants have a deeper understanding of U.S. history and government. Preparation is essential for success.
What You Need to Know About Immigration Changes This Month
October 2025 represents a watershed moment for U.S. immigration policy with fee increases, testing changes, and potential program expansions. The I-94 fee increase to $30 and ESTA fee jump to $40 affect millions of travelers annually, while the new citizenship test raises the bar for naturalization applicants. Most significantly, the potential DACA reopening could provide relief to over one million eligible individuals.
If you're planning to apply for citizenship, travel to the United States, or renew your immigration status, staying informed about these changes is essential. Make sure your passport photo meets all current requirements—tools like VisaPics ensure your documentation complies with the latest visa photo specifications. Additionally, check the visa bulletin monthly for updates on priority dates and category availability as fiscal year 2026 begins.