Major U.S. Visa Policy Changes Take Effect October 2025
The United States has implemented significant visa policy changes as of October 2025, marking one of the most substantial immigration policy overhauls in recent years. The new regulations affect H-1B work visas, nonimmigrant visa interviews, and application procedures for millions of international travelers and workers. These changes coincide with the start of fiscal year 2026, which began on October 1, 2025.
The most controversial change includes a $100,000 fee requirement for certain H-1B visa petitions, which took effect September 21, 2025. Additionally, new country-specific visa application requirements and expanded interview mandates are now in force, fundamentally changing how foreign nationals apply for U.S. visas.
Key Visa Policy Changes for October 2025
Here are the most critical immigration policy updates that took effect in recent weeks:
- $100,000 H-1B Fee Requirement: Effective September 21, 2025, new H-1B specialty occupation worker petitions require a $100,000 payment, up from $2,000-$5,000 previously
- Mandatory Visa Interviews: As of September 2, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews, eliminating most interview waivers for applicants under 14 and over 79
- Country-Specific Application Rules: Effective October 9, 2025, visa applicants must apply in their country of nationality or residence, with designated locations for countries without routine U.S. visa operations
- New Citizenship Test: Starting October 20, 2025, N-400 citizenship applicants will take an updated civics test with more questions and higher passing requirements
- Agricultural Worker Streamlining: October 2, 2025 brought a simplified filing process for temporary agricultural worker petitions (H-2A visas)
- October 2025 Visa Bulletin: New fiscal year allocation of 226,000 family-sponsored and 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas, with updated priority dates
These changes represent the Trump Administration's continued effort to restrict immigration pathways and increase vetting procedures. Immigration advocates have criticized the $100,000 H-1B fee as effectively eliminating the program for most employers, while the State Department maintains that stricter interview requirements enhance national security.
Who Is Affected by These Visa Changes
These immigration policy updates impact several distinct groups of visa applicants and international travelers:
For H-1B Workers and Employers
Any new H-1B petition filed after September 21, 2025 requires the $100,000 fee, excluding renewals and previously filed petitions. Employers must pay this fee unless the Department of Homeland Security grants a national interest waiver for individuals, companies, or industries deemed essential. The restriction expires 12 months after the effective date unless extended.
For Tourist and Business Visa Applicants
Nearly all B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa applicants must now attend in-person interviews, regardless of age. Previously, children under 14 and seniors over 79 were often exempt. Applicants must schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence, with fees non-refundable if scheduled at non-designated locations.
For Green Card Applicants
The October 2025 Visa Bulletin marks the start of fiscal year 2026 with fresh visa number allocations. Employment-based categories show forward movement, with EB-1 (priority workers) current for most countries, EB-2 at December 1, 2023, and EB-3 at April 1, 2023. Family-based categories also received new numbers, with F-2A (spouses/children of permanent residents) at February 1, 2024.
How to Navigate the New Visa Application Process - Step by Step
Follow these steps to successfully apply under the new requirements:
- Determine Your Application Location: Check the State Department's designated processing locations to confirm where you must apply based on your nationality or residence
- Prepare for In-Person Interview: Schedule your visa interview appointment and gather all required documentation, including passport photos that meet current U.S. requirements
- Check Visa Bulletin Priority Dates: If applying for immigrant visas, review the October 2025 Visa Bulletin to determine if your priority date is current
- Assess H-1B Fee Requirements: For employers filing new H-1B petitions, determine if the $100,000 fee applies or if you qualify for a national interest waiver
- Ensure Passport Photo Compliance: Verify your passport photo meets all current specifications, as photo compliance remains a common cause of visa application delays
- Submit Application at Designated Location: File your application only at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate designated for your country to avoid fee forfeiture
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines and effective dates on your calendar:
- September 2, 2025: Mandatory in-person interviews for nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants took effect
- September 21, 2025: $100,000 H-1B fee requirement became effective at 12:01 a.m. EDT
- October 1, 2025: Fiscal year 2026 began, resetting annual visa number allocations
- October 2, 2025: Streamlined agricultural worker petition process took effect
- October 9, 2025: Country-specific visa application location requirements became mandatory
- October 20, 2025: New citizenship civics test applies to all N-400 applications filed on or after this date
- September 21, 2026: Current H-1B fee restriction set to expire after 12 months (subject to extension)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the $100,000 H-1B Fee Apply to Visa Renewals?
No, the $100,000 fee only applies to new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. If you're renewing an existing H-1B visa or your petition was filed before the effective date, the standard fees of $2,000-$5,000 still apply. Additionally, the fee doesn't affect already-issued H-1B visas or approved petitions submitted before the deadline.
Can I Still Apply for a U.S. Visa in a Third Country?
Generally, no. As of October 9, 2025, nonimmigrant visa applicants must apply in their country of nationality or residence. However, for countries without routine U.S. visa operations (such as Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, and Iran), the State Department has designated specific locations where nationals of those countries must apply. Applicants must demonstrate residence in the country where they're applying.
Are Children and Seniors Still Required to Attend Visa Interviews?
Yes, as of September 2, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews with a U.S. consular officer, regardless of age. This eliminates most interview waivers that previously exempted children under 14 and seniors over 79. Limited exceptions exist for diplomatic, official, and certain UN-related visa types.
What Documents Do I Need for the New In-Person Interview Requirement?
You'll need your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa appointment confirmation, application fee receipt, and a compliant passport photo. Additionally, bring supporting documents specific to your visa category, such as employment letters for work visas or travel itineraries for tourist visas. Ensure your passport photo meets all U.S. State Department specifications to avoid delays.
How Does the October 2025 Visa Bulletin Affect My Green Card Application?
October marks the beginning of fiscal year 2026, when new visa numbers become available. If your priority date is now current or earlier than the dates listed in the October 2025 Visa Bulletin, you may be eligible to file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or receive final immigrant visa processing. Check both the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts to determine your eligibility.
What You Need to Know About These Visa Changes
The October 2025 visa policy changes represent the most significant immigration policy shift in years, with far-reaching implications for foreign workers, students, tourists, and green card applicants. The $100,000 H-1B fee effectively restricts this visa category to high-value positions, while mandatory interviews and country-specific application rules add complexity to the nonimmigrant visa process.
If you're planning to apply for a U.S. visa, act promptly to understand how these changes affect your specific situation. Ensure your passport photo meets all current requirements using services like VisaPics to avoid application delays. For green card applicants, the October Visa Bulletin may open new opportunities as fiscal year 2026 begins with fresh visa number allocations. Stay informed about immigration policy updates by regularly checking the State Department's visa news page and USCIS announcements.