Breaking Visa Policy Changes for October 2025
October 2025 marks a pivotal month for international travelers as multiple visa policy changes take effect across the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. The release of the October 2025 Visa Bulletin on October 1, 2025, brought significant movement in green card priority dates for thousands of applicants. Meanwhile, the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system continues to evolve, and travelers face an approaching Real ID deadline.
These changes affect millions of travelers worldwide, from employment-based immigration applicants to tourists planning short-term visits. Understanding these new requirements is crucial for anyone with upcoming travel plans or pending visa applications.
Key Visa Policy Changes Taking Effect Now
Here are the most important visa and travel authorization updates you need to know about in October 2025:
- October 2025 Visa Bulletin Released: The fiscal year 2026 begins with new priority date movements for family-sponsored and employment-based green card categories, offering renewed hope for thousands of applicants waiting in the queue.
- UK ETA Price Increase: The cost of UK Electronic Travel Authorisation jumped from £10 to £16 effective April 9, 2025, and is now mandatory for all non-European visa-exempt travelers entering the UK since January 8, 2025.
- ETIAS Launch Delayed: The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been postponed again, now expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026 rather than May 2025 as previously announced.
- Real ID Deadline Approaching: May 7, 2025 is the final deadline for US domestic air travelers to obtain Real ID-compliant identification or use an acceptable alternative like a passport for boarding flights.
- Religious Worker Visa Expires: The Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category became unavailable October 1, 2025, following the September 30, 2025 expiration date set by H.R. 1968.
Additionally, the DV-2026 Diversity Visa program allocation has been reduced to approximately 52,000 visas due to NACARA provisions and National Defense Authorization Act amendments. This represents a decrease from typical years and increases competition for diversity visa applicants.
Who Is Affected by These Visa Changes
These October 2025 visa policy changes impact diverse groups of international travelers and immigration applicants. Here's how different groups are affected:
For Employment-Based Green Card Applicants
The October 2025 Visa Bulletin shows significant advancement in several employment-based categories. Second preference (EB-2) employment-based visas advanced to December 1, 2023, while third preference (EB-3) moved forward to April 1, 2023. This movement means thousands of applicants with earlier priority dates can now file for adjustment of status or receive their immigrant visas. Applicants should use the Dates for Filing chart published by the Department of State for all filing purposes in October 2025.
For International Travelers to the UK
All non-European nationals traveling to the UK for short stays must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure. The ETA costs £16, permits multiple journeys over two years, and applications typically receive decisions within minutes through the UK ETA app. US citizens, Canadians, Australians, and nationals from Argentina, Taiwan, and dozens of other countries must comply with this requirement when traveling to the UK since January 8, 2025.
For US Domestic Air Travelers
Anyone 18 years or older flying domestically within the United States after May 7, 2025 must present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative such as a US passport. State-issued IDs marked "federal limits apply" will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints. Travelers without compliant identification may face significant delays or denial of boarding.
How to Prepare for These Visa Changes - Step by Step
Take these actionable steps to ensure compliance with the latest visa policy changes:
- Check Your Priority Date: Employment-based and family-sponsored applicants should immediately review the October 2025 Visa Bulletin to determine if your priority date is now current and you can proceed with adjustment of status applications.
- Apply for UK ETA Before Travel: Non-European travelers to the UK should apply for their £16 Electronic Travel Authorisation at least three working days before departure using the official UK ETA app for fastest processing.
- Obtain Real ID by May 2025: US residents planning domestic air travel after May 7, 2025 should visit their state DMV immediately to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license, which costs approximately $50 and requires a social security number plus two proofs of address.
- Monitor ETIAS Updates: European-bound travelers from visa-exempt countries should bookmark the official EU ETIAS website and check for updates as the anticipated late 2026 launch date approaches.
- Verify Passport Validity: Ensure your passport meets all requirements for your destination, including the three-month validity rule for European Schengen Area travel and proper passport photo specifications.
- Consult Immigration Attorneys: Applicants with complex cases or questions about how priority date movements affect their applications should schedule consultations with qualified immigration attorneys before taking action.
Important Dates and Timeline for Visa Changes
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to avoid travel disruptions:
- October 1, 2025: Fiscal year 2026 begins; October 2025 Visa Bulletin takes effect with new priority dates for family-sponsored and employment-based categories.
- October 1, 2025: Religious Worker (SR) visa category becomes unavailable after expiring September 30, 2025; no new SR visas can be issued.
- January 8, 2025 (Already in Effect): UK ETA requirement became mandatory for all eligible non-European visitors; £16 application fee applies since April 9, 2025.
- May 7, 2025 (Approaching Deadline): Real ID enforcement begins for all US domestic flights; non-compliant state IDs will no longer be accepted at TSA security checkpoints.
- Last Quarter 2026 (Projected): ETIAS expected to launch for European travel requiring €20 travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals from 59 countries including the US, Canada, and Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About October 2025 Visa Changes
What Does the October 2025 Visa Bulletin Mean for My Green Card Application?
The October 2025 Visa Bulletin marks the beginning of fiscal year 2026, bringing fresh visa number allocations and priority date advancement in several categories. If your priority date is earlier than the dates listed in the bulletin, you may now be eligible to file for adjustment of status. Check the Dates for Filing chart published by the Department of State, as USCIS has confirmed applicants should use this chart for October 2025 filing purposes. Contact an immigration attorney to review your specific case.
Do I Need a UK ETA if I'm Just Transiting Through a UK Airport?
Yes, travelers transiting through UK airports need an Electronic Travel Authorisation even if not entering the country. The £16 ETA is required for all eligible non-European nationals arriving at UK airports, including those in transit. Apply at least three working days before your flight, though most applicants receive instant decisions through the UK ETA app. The authorization is valid for two years or until your passport expires, allowing multiple UK visits.
Can I Still Fly Domestically Without Real ID After May 7, 2025?
Yes, but you must present an acceptable alternative form of identification. US passports, permanent resident cards (green cards), Global Entry cards, and enhanced driver's licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are all acceptable alternatives to Real ID at TSA checkpoints. Without Real ID or an alternative, travelers may face additional screening, significant delays, or denial of boarding. The TSA recommends arriving at airports extra early if using alternative documentation.
When Will ETIAS Actually Launch for European Travel?
The European Commission announced on March 5, 2025 that ETIAS is now expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026. This represents another significant delay from the previously announced May 2025 timeline. Once operational, ETIAS will require travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries to obtain a €20 travel authorization before visiting 30 European countries in the Schengen Area. A six-month transitional period will follow the launch, during which travelers without ETIAS won't be refused entry if they meet other requirements.
What Happens to Religious Worker Visa Applications After September 30, 2025?
The Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category expired on September 30, 2025, as mandated by H.R. 1968 signed on March 15, 2025. No SR visas may be issued overseas, and no adjustment of status cases can reach final action after midnight September 29, 2025. The SR category appears as "Unavailable" for all countries in the October 2025 Visa Bulletin. Religious workers should explore alternative visa categories with qualified immigration counsel.
What You Need to Know About Future Visa Policy Changes
The October 2025 visa changes represent just the beginning of evolving international travel requirements. Employment-based green card applicants should monitor monthly Visa Bulletin updates closely, as priority dates can advance or retrogress based on visa availability and demand. The fiscal year 2026 allocation includes 226,000 family-sponsored preference visas and at least 140,000 employment-based visas.
International travelers must stay informed about changing requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Before booking any international trip, verify all entry requirements including visa policies, electronic travel authorizations, and passport photo specifications. Ensure your passport photos meet the specific requirements for your destination country using services like VisaPics that offer compliant photos for 172 countries and over 952 document types. Taking proactive steps now helps avoid costly delays and ensures smooth travel in 2025 and beyond.