Major Immigration Policy Changes Take Effect October 2025
The United States immigration system is undergoing significant changes in October 2025, with new policies affecting citizenship applicants, H-1B visa holders, and temporary protected status beneficiaries. The most impactful change is the completely overhauled naturalization civics test taking effect October 20, 2025, which expands from 100 to 128 questions and requires applicants to answer more questions correctly.
These policy changes come alongside the controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee announced in September 2025 and ongoing reviews of TPS designations that could affect hundreds of thousands of immigrants. Understanding these changes is critical for anyone navigating the US immigration system in 2025.
Key Immigration Policy Changes in October 2025
Several major policy shifts are reshaping the immigration landscape this month. Here are the most important changes you need to know:
- New Citizenship Test (October 20, 2025): USCIS implements 2025 naturalization civics test with 128 questions (up from 100), requiring 12 correct answers out of 20 questions asked
- H-1B Visa Fee Increase (September 21, 2025): New $100,000 fee applies to H-1B petitions for workers outside the US, not affecting renewals or existing visa holders
- TPS Extensions: Venezuela TPS extended to October 2, 2026, while Syria TPS ends November 21, 2025
- Agricultural Worker Streamlining: New rule effective October 2, 2025, simplifies filing process for temporary agricultural worker petitions
- H-1B Program Overhaul Coming: Additional H-1B rule changes expected by December 2025 to tighten eligibility and expand employer oversight
Additionally, the civics test changes represent the first phase of what USCIS describes as a "multi-step overhaul" of American citizenship standards. More policy updates are expected in the coming weeks and months, affecting various immigration categories.
Who Is Affected By These Immigration Changes
These October 2025 policy changes impact different groups in distinct ways. Understanding whether you're affected is essential for proper planning and compliance.
For Citizenship and Green Card Applicants
Anyone filing Form N-400 (naturalization application) on or after October 20, 2025, must take the new 128-question civics test and answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly to pass. Applications filed before October 20 will use the previous 100-question test format. Green card holders planning to apply for citizenship should carefully consider their filing timeline and ensure their passport photos meet current requirements.
For H-1B Visa Holders and Employers
The $100,000 fee applies only to new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, for workers currently outside the United States. Current H-1B holders, renewal applications, and petitions filed before the deadline are exempt from this fee. However, employers should prepare for additional H-1B rule changes expected in December 2025 that may further restrict eligibility and increase oversight requirements.
For Temporary Protected Status Beneficiaries
Venezuelan nationals with TPS can continue working legally until October 2, 2026, while Syrian TPS holders face status expiration on November 21, 2025. TPS holders from other countries should monitor USCIS announcements closely, as the administration is reviewing all current TPS designations and may not renew protections when they expire.
How to Prepare for the New Citizenship Test - Step by Step
If you're planning to apply for US citizenship, follow these steps to prepare for the 2025 naturalization test:
- Check Your Filing Timeline: Determine whether you'll file Form N-400 before or after October 20, 2025, to know which test version applies to you
- Study the Correct Materials: Download the appropriate study guide from USCIS.gov - either the 100-question (2008) or 128-question (2025) version based on your filing date
- Practice with Mock Tests: Take practice tests regularly, aiming to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly for the new format (60% passing rate)
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents including green card, passport, tax returns, and compliant passport photos for your application
- Consider Professional Help: Consult an immigration attorney if you have any complications in your immigration history or concerns about eligibility
Important Dates and Timeline for 2025 Immigration Changes
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with new immigration policies:
- September 19, 2025: H-1B $100,000 fee proclamation signed by President Trump
- September 21, 2025: H-1B fee increase takes effect at 12:01 AM EDT for new petitions
- October 1, 2025: USCIS announces implementation of new civics test via Federal Register notice
- October 2, 2025: Agricultural worker petition streamlining rule becomes effective
- October 20, 2025: New 128-question citizenship test becomes mandatory for all naturalization applications filed on or after this date
- November 21, 2025: Temporary Protected Status for Syria ends - beneficiaries must find alternative legal status
- December 2025 (Expected): Additional H-1B program rule changes anticipated, including tighter eligibility requirements
- October 2, 2026: Venezuela TPS extension expires - re-designation possible depending on country conditions
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Policy Changes
Will the New Citizenship Test Be Harder to Pass?
Yes, the 2025 citizenship test is more challenging than the previous version. Applicants must now answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly (60% passing rate) from a pool of 128 questions, compared to the previous requirement of 6 out of 10 questions from 100 total. However, the English language portions (reading, writing, speaking) remain unchanged, and officers will only ask as many questions as needed to determine pass or fail status.
Does the $100,000 H-1B Fee Apply to Visa Renewals?
No, the $100,000 fee only applies to new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, for workers currently outside the United States. It does not affect H-1B renewals, extensions, or existing visa holders already in the US. Any petitions submitted before September 21, 2025, are also exempt from this fee.
What Happens If My TPS Expires and Isn't Renewed?
If your TPS designation expires and USCIS doesn't extend it, you'll lose work authorization and protection from deportation. You should consult an immigration attorney immediately to explore alternative options such as asylum, adjustment of status through family members, or other visa categories. Some TPS holders may qualify for other forms of relief depending on their individual circumstances.
What You Need to Know About 2025 Immigration Changes
The October 2025 immigration policy changes represent the most significant overhaul to US immigration procedures in years. Whether you're pursuing citizenship, working on an H-1B visa, or maintaining TPS status, these changes require immediate attention and careful planning. The expanded citizenship test, substantial H-1B fee increase, and TPS uncertainty all point to a more restrictive immigration environment.
If you're planning to apply for citizenship, file your Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, to take the easier version of the civics test, and ensure your passport photo meets all current requirements for visa applications. For H-1B workers and employers, prepare for additional rule changes expected in December 2025 by consulting immigration counsel now. Stay informed by regularly checking USCIS announcements, as more policy changes are expected throughout 2025 and into 2026.
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