Major Visa Policy Changes Taking Effect October 2025
October 2025 marks a significant month for international travelers and immigration applicants worldwide, with three major policy changes affecting millions of people. The European Union launches its new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, replacing traditional passport stamps across 29 countries. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State released the October 2025 Visa Bulletin showing substantial forward movement in green card priority dates for both employment and family-based categories, marking the start of the new fiscal year.
Additionally, the controversial H-1B visa $100,000 fee restriction that took effect September 21, 2025, continues to impact new visa applicants. These changes require immediate attention from travelers, visa applicants, and anyone planning international travel or immigration to the United States or Europe.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch: Key Changes for Travelers
The most significant change for European travel begins October 12, 2025, when the EU officially launches its Entry/Exit System.
- Biometric Registration Required: All non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area must provide fingerprints and facial photos at border crossings starting October 12, 2025
- Passport Stamps Eliminated: Traditional passport stamping ends completely by April 9, 2026, replaced by digital records of entry and exit dates
- No Pre-Registration Needed: Travelers register at the border upon first entry - there is no cost and no advance action required
- 29 Countries Covered: The system applies to all Schengen Area countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Netherlands, and 23 other nations
- Children Under 12 Exempt: Fingerprints not required for children below age 12, though photos may still be taken
- Valid Passport Required: Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date and issued within the last 10 years
The EES is not a visa and does not change existing visa requirements - it simply modernizes border control through digital record-keeping. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens who previously enjoyed visa-free travel for short stays continue to do so, but must now complete biometric registration.
October 2025 Visa Bulletin: Significant Green Card Movement
The U.S. Department of State released the October 2025 Visa Bulletin with substantial forward movement across multiple categories, bringing hope to thousands of applicants.
Employment-Based Green Card Advances
Employment-based categories saw dramatic priority date movements, especially for India and China. The EB-1 category advanced 6 months for China and more than a year for India, while EB-2 moved ahead by nearly a full year for all countries. Most notably, the EB-5 category for India experienced the biggest progression, advancing more than two years.
Family-Based Category Updates
Family-sponsored green card applicants also benefited from significant movement. The F-2B category for Mexico progressed more than 8 months, and the F-1 category for Mexico advanced over 4 months. The F-2A category moved ahead nearly 4 months across all countries, while the F-3 category moved forward 3 months for the Philippines.
EB-4 Religious Workers Category
With the start of the new fiscal year in October 2025, the EB-4 category became available again, reopening with a February 15, 2021 priority date for all countries. However, the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category extension expires September 30, 2025, unless reauthorized by legislation.
Who Is Affected by These October 2025 Changes
These visa policy changes impact distinct groups of travelers and applicants in different ways.
For European Travelers and Tourists
Anyone from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or other non-EU countries visiting Europe after October 12, 2025, must complete EES biometric registration. First-time registration may add 5-10 minutes to border crossing time, though subsequent entries will be faster. Plan extra time at airports and land borders, especially during the initial rollout period.
For Green Card Applicants
If your priority date is now current or close to current based on the October 2025 Visa Bulletin, you can file or complete your adjustment of status application. Employment-based applicants should check both the "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing" charts, as USCIS announced that applicants must use the "Dates for Filing" chart for October 2025. This is particularly important for EB-1, EB-2, and EB-5 applicants from India and China.
For H-1B Visa Applicants
The $100,000 fee that took effect September 21, 2025, applies only to new H-1B petition submissions, including the 2026 lottery. Current visa holders and anyone who participated in the 2025 lottery are not affected. If you're currently outside the US on a new H-1B petition submitted after September 21, 2025, entry is restricted unless the $100,000 fee was paid.
How to Prepare for EES Registration - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure smooth border crossing under the new EU Entry/Exit System.
- Check Your Passport Validity: Verify your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date and was issued within the last 10 years
- Arrive Early at Border Crossings: Add an extra 30-60 minutes to your travel time, especially during the first few months after October 12, 2025
- Prepare for Biometric Capture: Be ready to provide fingerprints and have your photo taken - remove gloves, hats, and sunglasses before reaching the border officer
- Have Your Travel Documents Ready: Bring your passport, return ticket confirmation, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- Keep Passport Photo Requirements in Mind: If you need to renew your passport before travel, ensure your passport photo meets requirements for your country's standards
Important Dates and Timeline for October 2025
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with the latest visa changes.
- October 1, 2025: New U.S. fiscal year begins - EB-4 category reopens, $250 Visa Integrity Fee takes effect for most nonimmigrant visas
- October 2, 2025: New USCIS rule streamlining H-2A agricultural worker petition process becomes effective
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launches across Schengen Area countries - biometric registration begins
- September 30, 2025: Deadline for EB-4 Certain Religious Workers (SR) category unless reauthorized by Congress
- April 9, 2026: Traditional passport stamps completely eliminated at all Schengen external borders
- 2026 (Expected): European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launches, requiring €20 pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Register for EES Before Traveling to Europe?
No, there is no pre-registration process for the EU Entry/Exit System. You will register at the border when you arrive for the first time after October 12, 2025. The process is free and completed during the standard border control procedure. However, you should ensure your passport meets the 3-month validity requirement and allow extra time for biometric capture.
Will the $100,000 H-1B Fee Affect My Current Visa?
No, the H-1B restriction that began September 21, 2025, only applies to new visa petitions submitted after that date. If you already have an H-1B visa approved, you can continue to travel to and from the US without paying the additional fee. The fee also does not apply to visa renewals - it is a one-time charge for new petitions only, scheduled to expire after 12 months unless extended.
How Do I Know If My Green Card Priority Date Is Current?
Check the October 2025 Visa Bulletin on the U.S. Department of State website and compare your priority date (the date your petition was filed) against the dates listed in your category and country of chargeability. For October 2025, USCIS announced that applicants must use the "Dates for Filing" chart rather than the "Final Action Dates" chart. If your priority date is earlier than the date shown in the bulletin, you can move forward with your application.
Can I Still Travel to Ireland and Cyprus Under the EES?
The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area, so the Entry/Exit System does not apply when traveling to these countries. You will continue to go through traditional border control procedures with passport stamping when visiting Ireland or Cyprus, even after October 12, 2025.
What You Need to Know About These Visa Changes
October 2025 brings the most significant visa and border control changes in years, affecting travelers and immigrants worldwide. The EU's Entry/Exit System modernizes European border security while potentially adding processing time during initial implementation. Meanwhile, the October 2025 Visa Bulletin offers welcome relief to thousands of green card applicants with substantial priority date movements across employment and family-based categories.
If you're planning international travel or have a pending immigration application, stay informed about these changes and their specific impact on your situation. For European travel, ensure your passport photo meets requirements well in advance of your trip - VisaPics can help you create compliant passport photos for over 172 countries. For green card applicants, review the latest visa bulletin carefully and consult with an immigration attorney to understand how the October 2025 movements affect your case timeline and filing options.