November 2025 Brings Sweeping US Visa Policy Changes
The latest visa policy changes in November 2025 represent some of the most significant shifts in US immigration law in recent years. From new interview location requirements to substantial fee increases, these updates affect millions of visa applicants worldwide.
Whether you're an H-1B worker, international student, diversity visa applicant, or green card seeker, understanding these changes is critical for maintaining legal status and planning your immigration journey.
8 Key Visa Policy Changes for November 2025
Here are the most important updates that took effect this month:
- Interview Location Requirement (November 1): Immigrant visa applicants must now attend interviews at consulates in their country of residence or nationality
- $100,000 H-1B Fee: New proclamation fee required for H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, when beneficiaries are outside the US
- EAD Extension Termination (October 30): Automatic Employment Authorization Document extensions ended for many renewal categories
- Interview Waivers Eliminated: Nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants must now attend in-person interviews as of September 2
- USCIS Payment Changes (October 27): Paper checks no longer accepted; all payments must be electronic
- Public Charge Rule Expansion: Proposed changes would consider SNAP and Medicare usage in immigration applications
- TPS Terminations (October 3): Temporary Protected Status ended for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, and other countries
- $250 Visa Integrity Fee: New fee charged to all nonimmigrant visa applicants when visas are issued
Additionally, the Diversity Visa (DV-2027) registration has been delayed while the State Department implements undisclosed changes to the entry process.
Who Is Affected by These Visa Policy Changes
These November 2025 immigration updates impact virtually every category of visa applicant and current status holder.
For H-1B Workers and Employers
The new $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee applies to petitions where beneficiaries are outside the United States or require consular notification. Employers sponsoring workers should factor this substantial cost increase into their hiring budgets.
For International Students
New enrollment at US institutions dropped 17% in fall 2025—the largest non-pandemic decline in 11 years. F-1 students face proposed rules limiting "duration of status" admissions to fixed periods requiring regular reassessment.
For Green Card Applicants
The new interview location requirement means you must schedule appointments in your country of residence or nationality. The proposed public charge rule changes could affect approval if you've used certain government benefits like SNAP or Medicare.
For Work Permit Holders
The termination of automatic EAD extensions creates urgency for renewal applicants. Gaps in work authorization are now more likely, so plan accordingly and file renewals early.
How to Navigate the New Visa Application Process
Follow these steps to ensure your visa application meets the new requirements:
- Verify Your Interview Location: Confirm which consulate handles applications for your country of residence or nationality before scheduling
- Prepare for In-Person Interviews: No more interview waivers for most categories—ensure your passport photo requirements are met and documents are ready
- Set Up Electronic Payments: Create accounts for online USCIS payments since paper checks are no longer accepted
- File EAD Renewals Early: Submit at least 180 days before expiration to avoid work authorization gaps
- Document Benefit Usage: Prepare explanations for any public benefits received if applying for a green card
- Budget for New Fees: Account for the $250 integrity fee plus any category-specific increases like the H-1B proclamation fee
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for current and upcoming visa policy changes:
- October 27, 2025: USCIS stopped accepting paper check payments
- October 30, 2025: Automatic EAD extensions terminated for many categories
- November 1, 2025: Interview location requirements for immigrant visas took effect
- November 5, 2025: DV-2027 registration delayed pending State Department changes
- December 26, 2025: DHS begins collecting biometric data from noncitizens
- TBD: Public charge rule finalization expected in coming months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for a visa at any US consulate?
No. As of November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants must interview at the consulate in their country of residence or nationality. Nonimmigrant visa applicants have faced similar restrictions since September 6, 2025. Limited exceptions exist for countries where visa operations are suspended.
Do I need an in-person interview for my visa renewal?
Most likely yes. Interview waivers were eliminated for nearly all nonimmigrant categories effective September 2, 2025. Only certain B visa renewals and diplomatic applications may still qualify for waivers. Plan for longer processing times and ensure your visa application photos meet current specifications.
How much will the H-1B visa cost with the new fees?
If the $100,000 proclamation fee applies to your petition (beneficiary outside US or requiring consular notification), this is in addition to standard filing fees. Not all H-1B petitions require this fee—consult an immigration attorney to determine if it applies to your situation.
What happens if my EAD expires while my renewal is pending?
With automatic extensions terminated for many categories, your work authorization may lapse. File renewals as early as possible—USCIS recommends 180 days before expiration. Check if your specific category still qualifies for any remaining automatic extension provisions.
Is the Diversity Visa Lottery cancelled?
No, but the DV-2027 registration period has been delayed. The State Department announced on November 5, 2025, that it's implementing changes to the entry process. Registration dates will be announced when ready. Monitor official State Department communications for updates.
What You Need to Know Now
These visa policy changes for November 2025 significantly tighten US immigration procedures while increasing costs across multiple categories. The elimination of interview waivers, new location requirements, and terminated EAD extensions create additional burdens for applicants at every stage.
Take immediate action to review how these changes affect your immigration status or pending applications. Ensure your passport photos meet all current requirements—VisaPics can help you create compliant photos for any visa type. Stay informed by checking official government sources regularly, and consider consulting an immigration attorney for complex situations involving the new public charge rules or substantial fee requirements.
Sources: - [Immigration: Recent Changes and New Regulations - Holland & Knight](https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/11/immigration-recent-changes-and-new-regulations) - [This Week in Immigration: November 21, 2025 - Boundless](https://www.boundless.com/blog/boundless-weekly-immigration-news) - [Visa Bulletin For November 2025 - US Department of State](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-november-2025.html) - [Interview Waiver Elimination - Fragomen](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-starting-september-2-state-department-eliminates-nonimmigrant-visa-interview-waivers-for-most.html) - [New Visa Rules - Visa Lawyer Blog](https://www.visalawyerblog.com/new-u-s-visa-rules-applying-at-u-s-embassy-in-your-place-of-residence-or-country-of-nationality-now-required/)