Major US Visa Policy Changes Take Effect November 2025
Visa policy changes in November 2025 have transformed how millions apply for US visas, with new interview location requirements, expanded fees, and stricter eligibility rules now in effect. These immigration policy updates represent the most significant overhaul to US visa procedures in years.
The Department of State and USCIS have implemented sweeping changes affecting immigrant visas, nonimmigrant visas, employment authorization, and the public charge determination process. International travelers, workers, and prospective immigrants must understand these new requirements before submitting their visa applications.
Key Visa Policy Changes for November 2025
Here are the eight most critical visa policy updates you need to know:
- Interview Location Requirement: As of November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants must interview at a consulate in their country of residence or nationality
- Interview Waiver Elimination: Most nonimmigrant visa applicants now require in-person interviews, including those under 14 or over 79 years old
- $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee: Required for H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, when beneficiary is outside the US without valid H-1B visa
- New $250 Visa Integrity Fee: Charged to all nonimmigrant visa applicants upon visa issuance
- Public Charge Rule Expansion: Proposed rule would consider SNAP and Medicare benefits in green card decisions
- EAD Extensions Ended: Automatic Employment Authorization Document extensions terminated for many renewal applicants as of October 30, 2025
- TPS Terminations: Temporary Protected Status ended for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, and other countries
- Biometric Collection: DHS to collect photographs and fingerprints from noncitizens starting December 26, 2025
These changes apply across all immigrant visa categories, including Diversity Visas, family-based immigration, and employment-based green cards. Applicants should verify current requirements before scheduling appointments.
Who Is Affected by These Visa Policy Updates
The November 2025 visa policy changes impact virtually every category of visa applicant. Understanding which rules affect your specific situation is essential for a successful application.
For H-1B Workers and Employers
The new $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee dramatically increases costs for employers sponsoring workers from abroad. This fee applies to every petition filed on or after September 21, 2025, when the beneficiary lacks a valid H-1B visa. Employers should factor this substantial cost into their hiring budgets.
For Immigrant Visa Applicants
The interview location requirement means you can no longer schedule your immigrant visa interview at any convenient US consulate worldwide. You must now appear at the embassy in your country of residence or nationality. Planning travel accordingly and ensuring your passport photo meets requirements before your appointment is critical.
For Work Authorization Holders
The end of automatic EAD extensions could create gaps in work authorization for renewal applicants. File your renewal early—at least 180 days before expiration—to minimize the risk of losing work authorization while waiting for processing.
For TPS Beneficiaries
If you hold TPS from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, or other terminated countries, you must explore alternative immigration status options immediately. Consult with an immigration attorney to understand your options before your TPS expires.
How to Apply for a US Visa Under New Rules
Follow these steps to navigate the updated visa application process successfully:
- Verify Your Interview Location: Confirm which US embassy or consulate has jurisdiction over your country of residence or nationality before scheduling
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all documentation including valid passport, compliant passport photos, and supporting evidence for your visa category
- Pay All Required Fees: Budget for the visa application fee, $250 integrity fee, and any category-specific fees like the H-1B proclamation fee
- Complete DS-160 or DS-260: Submit your online application form accurately and save your confirmation page
- Schedule Your Interview: Book your appointment through the embassy website and prepare for in-person appearance (waivers no longer available for most categories)
- Attend Biometrics Appointment: Complete fingerprinting and photograph requirements as scheduled
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for visa policy changes:
- September 2, 2025: Interview waiver eliminations took effect for nonimmigrant visas
- September 21, 2025: $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee became effective
- October 30, 2025: Automatic EAD extensions ended for many categories
- November 1, 2025: Immigrant visa interview location requirements began
- November 5, 2025: Diversity Visa DV-2027 registration delayed pending system changes
- November 17, 2025: New public charge rule proposed
- December 26, 2025: Biometric data collection begins for noncitizens
- January 30, 2026: Religious Workers (SR) category extension expires
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for a visa interview waiver?
Interview waivers have been eliminated for most visa categories as of September 2, 2025. Even applicants under 14 or over 79 years old must now attend in-person interviews. Only limited exceptions exist for specific diplomatic or official visa categories.
What is the new $100,000 H-1B fee?
The H-1B Proclamation Fee of $100,000 applies to every H-1B petition filed on or after September 21, 2025, when the beneficiary is outside the United States and does not hold a valid H-1B visa. This fee is in addition to standard filing fees and premium processing costs.
How does the public charge rule affect my green card application?
The proposed November 2025 public charge rule would expand which government benefits are considered in green card decisions. If finalized, receipt of SNAP (food stamps) or Medicare could negatively impact your application. The rule is currently in the comment period and not yet in effect.
What happened to the Diversity Visa lottery registration?
The State Department announced on November 5, 2025, that DV-2027 registration has been delayed while they implement undisclosed system changes. The new start date will be announced when ready. Monitor the State Department website for updates.
Do these changes affect the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program remains in effect for citizens of 42 eligible countries, including newly added Romania. However, the ESTA fee increased from $21 to $40 on September 30, 2025. Travelers should apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure.
What You Need to Know About Visa Policy Changes
The November 2025 visa policy changes represent a significant tightening of US immigration procedures. Key takeaways include stricter interview requirements, substantially higher fees for H-1B visas, and potential expansion of public charge considerations. Applicants must plan further ahead and budget for increased costs.
Before submitting your visa application, ensure all documentation is complete and your passport photo meets current specifications. Stay informed about ongoing policy changes by monitoring official government sources, and consider consulting an immigration attorney for complex cases. Acting quickly on these updates can mean the difference between approval and denial.
Sources: - [Holland & Knight - Immigration: Recent Changes and New Regulations](https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/11/immigration-recent-changes-and-new-regulations) - [Boundless - This Week in Immigration: November 21, 2025](https://www.boundless.com/blog/boundless-weekly-immigration-news) - [US Department of State - Visa Bulletin for November 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-november-2025.html) - [Visa Lawyer Blog - New U.S. Visa Rules](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/) - [NILC - Public Charge Proposed Rule](https://www.nilc.org/resources/public-charge-what-advocates-need-to-know-about-the-november-2025-proposed-rule/)