Major Immigration Policy Updates for October 2025
October 2025 marks a pivotal month for U.S. immigration policy with five significant changes affecting visa applicants, workers, and green card seekers nationwide. On October 28, 2025, USCIS implemented a complete transition to electronic payments, eliminating checks and money orders for all immigration applications. Additionally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a landmark lawsuit on October 16 challenging the administration's controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee.
These changes come alongside the release of the October 2025 Visa Bulletin showing substantial priority date movement and new streamlined processes for agricultural workers effective October 2. Understanding these updates is critical for anyone navigating the U.S. immigration system this fall.
Key Immigration Policy Changes in October 2025
Five major policy shifts are reshaping the immigration landscape this month. Here's what changed and when:
- October 2, 2025: New streamlined H-2A agricultural worker petition process launched with electronic Form I-129H2A filing
- October 16, 2025: U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed lawsuit challenging $100,000 H-1B visa fee as unlawful
- October 1, 2025: Expanded visa interview waiver eligibility took effect for certain low-risk nonimmigrant applicants
- October 28, 2025: USCIS eliminated check and money order payments, requiring electronic payments only
- October 2025 Visa Bulletin: Significant priority date advances across employment-based and family-sponsored categories for fiscal year 2026
These changes align with Executive Order 14247 aimed at modernizing government payment systems and reflect broader immigration enforcement priorities. The updates impact processing times, costs, and accessibility for millions of applicants nationwide.
Who Is Affected By These Immigration Changes
These October 2025 policy updates impact diverse groups across the immigration system. From tech workers to agricultural employers, understanding your specific situation is essential.
For H-1B Visa Holders and Employers
Companies hiring skilled foreign workers face unprecedented challenges with the proposed $100,000 annual H-1B fee. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce lawsuit argues this fee exceeds congressional authority and would price out startups and small businesses. Until the court rules, employers should monitor this case closely as it could fundamentally reshape tech and engineering hiring practices.
For Green Card Applicants
The October 2025 Visa Bulletin brings welcome news with priority dates advancing 1 week to 7 months across most employment-based categories. EB-5 India applicants saw nearly 15 months of progress, while F-2B Mexico advanced over 8 months. Check your priority date against the current bulletin to determine if you can file for adjustment of status this month.
For All USCIS Applicants
As of October 28, 2025, paper checks and money orders are no longer accepted for any USCIS applications. All applicants must now use electronic payment methods via Form G-1650 (ACH debit) or Form G-1450 (credit card). Limited exemptions exist for those without U.S. bank accounts who can file Form G-1651 for paper payment authorization.
How to Submit USCIS Payments After October 28 - Step by Step
Adapting to the new electronic payment requirement is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Download the Correct Form: Get Form G-1650 for ACH debit payments or Form G-1450 for credit card payments from the USCIS website
- Gather Banking Information: Have your routing number and account number ready for ACH, or credit card details for card payments
- Complete the Payment Form: Fill out all required fields including applicant information, payment amount, and banking/card details accurately
- Attach to Your Application: Include the completed payment form with your paper-filed immigration application package
- Alternative for Non-U.S. Accounts: If you lack a U.S. bank account, purchase a prepaid credit card or file Form G-1651 for exemption approval
Important Dates and Timeline for October 2025
Mark these critical immigration deadlines on your calendar to stay compliant:
- October 1, 2025: Expanded visa interview waiver policy effective - more applicants must attend in-person interviews
- October 2, 2025: H-2A agricultural worker streamlined petition process begins with electronic filing available
- October 16, 2025: U.S. Chamber of Commerce files lawsuit against $100,000 H-1B fee - case ongoing
- October 18, 2025: Cutoff date for using 2008 naturalization civics test - applications filed after use 2025 test version
- October 27, 2025: Expected court ruling on DACA work authorization access in Texas
- October 28, 2025: Final day for check/money order payments - electronic payments required thereafter
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Mail a Check to USCIS After October 28, 2025?
USCIS will reject your entire application and return it unprocessed if you include a check or money order after October 28, 2025. You must resubmit with the correct electronic payment form (G-1650 or G-1450) to avoid processing delays. This could set your case back by weeks or months, so transition to electronic payments immediately.
Will the $100,000 H-1B Fee Actually Take Effect?
The legal status of the $100,000 H-1B fee remains uncertain as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce lawsuit proceeds through federal court. The lawsuit argues the fee violates the Immigration and Nationality Act and exceeds presidential authority. Until the court issues a ruling, employers should prepare contingency plans while monitoring case developments closely.
How Much Did Visa Bulletin Priority Dates Move in October 2025?
October 2025 marked the start of fiscal year 2026 with significant priority date advances across categories. Employment-based applicants saw 1 week to 7 months of movement, with EB-5 India advancing nearly 15 months. Family-sponsored categories showed similar progress, with F-2B Mexico moving forward over 8 months and F-1 Mexico advancing more than 4 months.
What You Need to Know About October Immigration Changes
October 2025 represents a watershed moment for U.S. immigration policy with modernization efforts clashing against controversial fee increases and ongoing litigation. The electronic payment transition aims to reduce fraud and processing delays, while the H-1B fee dispute could reshape employment-based immigration for years to come.
Whether you're applying for a work visa, pursuing a green card, or helping family members immigrate, staying informed about these policy shifts is essential. Before submitting any USCIS application, ensure your passport photo meets requirements and review current processing times for your specific visa category. Visit VisaPics for compliant photo specifications across all 952 document types we support worldwide.