November 2025 Visa Policy Changes: What You Need to Know
November 1, 2025 marked a major shift in U.S. visa policy as the State Department implemented significant changes affecting millions of visa applicants worldwide. The most impactful change requires all immigrant visa applicants to attend interviews at U.S. consulates or embassies in their country of residence or nationality, with limited exceptions. This follows a similar rule implemented on September 6, 2025 for nonimmigrant visa applicants.
These changes come alongside several other critical updates including a new $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee, the elimination of paper check payments, and modifications to the Diversity Visa program. Immigration attorneys report increased scrutiny across all visa categories, with enhanced vetting procedures and longer processing times becoming the new normal.
Key Visa Policy Changes Effective November 2025
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and State Department announced seven major policy updates that impact visa applicants across all categories:
- Mandatory Interview Location Rules: All visa applicants must now interview at embassies in their country of residence or nationality (effective November 1, 2025)
- H-1B Proclamation Fee: New $100,000 fee applies to H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, when specific conditions are met
- Religious Worker Extension: SR visa category extended until January 30, 2026 under H.R. 5371 signed November 12, 2025
- Payment Method Change: Paper checks no longer accepted as of October 27, 2025 - electronic payments via Form G-1650 or G-1450 required
- Diversity Visa Updates: DV-2027 registration period delayed with undisclosed changes announced November 5, 2025
- Enhanced Vetting Procedures: Increased social media reviews, credential checks, and workplace visits by federal agents
- EB-5 Fee Stay: Court decision on November 12, 2025 temporarily halted certain EB-5 related fees from the 2024 Fee Rule
The November 2025 Visa Bulletin shows no movement in employment-based categories, with China EB-1 remaining at May 15, 2023, and India EB-1 at April 15, 2023. USCIS announced that filings for all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart.
Who Is Affected By These Visa Policy Changes
These sweeping changes impact multiple groups of visa applicants, from temporary workers to permanent residence seekers. Understanding how each change affects your specific situation is crucial for successful visa applications.
For H-1B Visa Applicants
Employers filing H-1B petitions after September 21, 2025 may face the new $100,000 Proclamation Fee if specific conditions are met. Additionally, all payments must now be submitted electronically, and applicants must interview at consulates in their home countries. USCIS has provided detailed guidance on when this substantial fee applies.
For Green Card Applicants
Employment-based green card applicants face continued backlogs with no movement in the November 2025 Visa Bulletin. China EB-1 and India EB-1 categories remain severely backlogged, while the EB-5 program received temporary relief from certain fees due to the Colorado court decision. Applicants must prepare for enhanced scrutiny including social media reviews and detailed credential verification.
For Diversity Visa Participants
The DV-2026 program registered approximately 129,516 selectees and their families, but the DV-2027 registration has been delayed due to undisclosed program changes. Prospective participants should monitor the State Department website closely for the announcement of new registration dates and updated procedures.
How to Navigate the New Visa Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these critical steps to ensure compliance with the latest visa policy changes:
- Verify Interview Location: Confirm your visa interview must be scheduled at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence or nationality - third-country processing is now severely limited
- Prepare Electronic Payment: Obtain Form G-1650 or Form G-1450 for electronic fee payment - paper checks are no longer accepted as of October 27, 2025
- Calculate H-1B Fees: If filing H-1B petitions, review USCIS guidance to determine if the $100,000 Proclamation Fee applies to your case
- Ensure Photo Compliance: Verify your passport photo meets current requirements using professional visa photo services to avoid application delays
- Gather Enhanced Documentation: Prepare for increased scrutiny by organizing comprehensive credential verification, work plans, and social media information
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with new visa regulations:
- September 21, 2025: H-1B $100,000 Proclamation Fee requirement took effect for qualifying petitions
- October 27, 2025: USCIS stopped accepting paper checks - electronic payments now mandatory
- November 1, 2025: New interview location requirements implemented for immigrant visa applicants
- November 12, 2025: Religious worker visa extension signed, EB-5 fee stay issued by Colorado court
- January 30, 2026: Current religious worker (SR) visa category extension expires - renewal decision pending
- TBD 2026: DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration period to be announced with new procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Apply for a U.S. Visa in a Third Country?
As of November 1, 2025, third-country visa processing is severely restricted. Both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants must now interview at U.S. embassies or consulates in their country of residence or nationality, with only limited exceptions granted. Contact the specific embassy for exception requests.
How Do I Pay USCIS Fees Without Paper Checks?
Since October 27, 2025, all USCIS fees must be paid electronically using Form G-1650 (credit/debit card) or Form G-1450 (ACH transfer from bank account). Paper checks and money orders are no longer accepted. Electronic payments provide faster processing and instant confirmation.
What Is the $100,000 H-1B Fee and Who Has to Pay It?
The H-1B Proclamation Fee of $100,000 applies to certain H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, when specific conditions are met. USCIS has published detailed guidance on which petitions trigger this fee. Consult with an immigration attorney to determine if your petition qualifies for this substantial additional cost.
What You Need to Know About These Visa Changes
The November 2025 visa policy changes represent the most significant overhaul of U.S. immigration procedures in recent years. The mandatory interview location requirements, electronic payment mandate, and enhanced vetting procedures signal a shift toward stricter enforcement and centralized processing. Applicants should expect longer processing times and increased documentation requirements across all visa categories.
If you're planning to apply for any U.S. visa, start preparing now by gathering all required documents, ensuring your passport photo meets requirements, and consulting with immigration professionals about your specific situation. Professional visa photo services can help avoid common application delays caused by non-compliant photos. Stay informed by regularly checking official government websites for the latest updates to visa policies and procedures.
--- **Sources:** - [U.S. Department of State - Visa Bulletin for November 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-november-2025.html) - [Holland & Knight - Immigration: Recent Changes and New Regulations](https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/11/immigration-recent-changes-and-new-regulations) - [USCIS - All News](https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/all-news) - [Travel Off Path - 8 Countries That Have New Entry Requirements In 2025](https://www.traveloffpath.com/8-countries-that-have-new-entry-requirements-in-2025/)