Major US Visa Policy Changes Take Effect November 2025
Visa policy changes in November 2025 have introduced significant new requirements for US immigration applicants. Effective November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants must now attend interviews in their country of residence or nationality, ending the practice of third-country visa processing.
These changes affect both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories, with additional updates to Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), H-1B visa fees, and the Diversity Visa program. Understanding these requirements is essential for anyone planning to apply for a US visa.
Key Visa Policy Changes in November 2025
The US Department of State and Department of Homeland Security have implemented multiple changes affecting visa applicants nationwide.
- Interview Location Requirement: Effective November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa interviews must be conducted at a US consulate in the applicant's country of residence or nationality
- EAD Extensions Ended: As of October 30, 2025, automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents have ended for many renewal applicants
- H-1B Fee Increase: New $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee required for petitions filed after September 21, 2025 under certain conditions
- Diversity Visa Delays: DV-2027 registration period postponed pending implementation of undisclosed changes to the entry process
- Biometric Collection: DHS will begin collecting photographs and fingerprints from noncitizens starting December 26, 2025
- Travel Bans: Citizens from 12 countries remain banned unless they held valid visas before June 9, 2025
Additionally, nonimmigrant visa applicants must now also apply at embassies in their country of residence or nationality. Exceptions are granted only for humanitarian or medical emergencies.
Who Is Affected by These Visa Changes
These November 2025 visa policy updates impact several categories of applicants. Here's what you need to know based on your situation.
For Immigrant Visa Applicants
You must now schedule your interview at a US consulate in your country of residence or nationality. Third-country processing is no longer permitted except in rare emergencies. Plan additional time for travel arrangements if you previously relied on embassies with shorter wait times.
For Employment-Based Green Card Applicants
The November 2025 Visa Bulletin shows no movement in priority dates for most categories. EB-2 India remains at December 1, 2013, while EB-1 India stays at April 15, 2023. Consider maintaining valid nonimmigrant status while waiting for your priority date to become current.
For H-1B Workers and Employers
The new $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee applies to petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Additionally, administrative processing delays of 60-90 days are common after interview completion. Employers should file petitions early and plan for extended timelines.
For EAD Renewal Applicants
Without automatic extensions, you may experience work authorization gaps while your renewal is pending. File your EAD renewal application at least 180 days before expiration to minimize disruption to your employment status.
How to Prepare for New Visa Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your visa application complies with the November 2025 changes.
- Verify Your Interview Location: Confirm that you're applying at a US consulate in your country of residence or nationality before scheduling any appointment
- Gather Updated Documentation: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements and all supporting documents are recent and properly formatted
- Check Processing Times: Visit the Department of State website to review current wait times for your specific consulate and visa category
- File EAD Renewals Early: Submit Employment Authorization Document renewals at least 180 days before expiration to avoid work authorization gaps
- Prepare for Biometrics: Be ready to provide photographs and fingerprints at your appointment, especially for appointments after December 26, 2025
- Monitor Visa Bulletin Updates: Check monthly for changes to priority dates that may affect your filing eligibility
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with current visa policy requirements.
- November 1, 2025: New interview location requirements take effect for immigrant visa applicants
- November 12, 2025: Religious Workers (SR) category extended until January 30, 2026
- November 15, 2025: Visa Waiver Program updates take effect with new country eligibility
- November 21, 2025: TPS for Syria scheduled to end
- December 26, 2025: DHS begins mandatory biometric data collection for noncitizens
- January 30, 2026: Religious Workers category extension expires
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Apply at Any US Embassy I Choose?
No. As of November 1, 2025, you must apply at a US embassy or consulate in your country of residence or nationality. Exceptions are limited to humanitarian emergencies, medical situations, or specific foreign policy considerations. Contact the consulate directly if you believe you qualify for an exception.
What Happens If My EAD Expires Before My Renewal Is Processed?
Without automatic extensions, you cannot legally work until you receive your new EAD. To avoid gaps, file your renewal application at least 180 days before your current document expires. If you experience a gap, consult an immigration attorney about maintaining your status.
How Does the $100,000 H-1B Fee Work?
The H-1B Proclamation Fee applies to certain petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Check USCIS guidance to determine if your specific petition requires this fee. Employers are typically responsible for this cost, not the beneficiary employee.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?
The Department of State has not announced a start date for DV-2027 registration. They are implementing undisclosed changes to the entry process. Monitor the official Diversity Visa website for updates and avoid unofficial sources claiming to have registration information.
Are Passport Photo Requirements Changing?
While photo specifications remain standard, the increased scrutiny on documentation means ensuring your passport photo meets all technical requirements is more important than ever. Photos must be recent, properly sized, and meet background and lighting standards.
What You Need to Know
The November 2025 visa policy changes represent the most significant updates to US immigration procedures in recent years. The elimination of third-country processing, ended EAD automatic extensions, and new fee requirements create additional compliance burdens for applicants.
To navigate these changes successfully, start your application early, ensure your passport photo meets official requirements, and verify that all documentation is current. Consider using VisaPics to guarantee your visa photo complies with exact specifications for your destination country and document type. Stay informed about monthly Visa Bulletin updates and check official government sources for the latest processing times at your designated consulate.