Major US Visa Policy Changes Take Effect November 2025
Significant visa policy changes in November 2025 are reshaping the US immigration landscape, with new interview location requirements, a controversial $100,000 H-1B fee, and elimination of EAD automatic extensions. These changes affect millions of visa applicants worldwide and represent the most substantial immigration policy shift in years.
The State Department and USCIS have implemented multiple new rules that impact both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories. Applicants must understand these changes to avoid delays and denials in their visa applications.
8 Key Visa Policy Changes You Must Know
Here are the most critical visa policy changes taking effect in November 2025:
- Interview Location Requirement: As of November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants must interview at a consulate 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 beneficiary is outside the US
- EAD Extension Eliminated: The 540-day automatic EAD extension was removed effective October 30, 2025
- Interview Waivers Restricted: Most nonimmigrant visa categories no longer qualify for interview waivers since September 2
- Diversity Visa Changes: Undisclosed modifications to DV-2027 program announced November 5, 2025
- TPS Terminations: Temporary Protected Status ended for Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Haiti as of October 3
- Public Charge Rule Expansion: Proposed changes would count SNAP and Medicare in immigration decisions
- Electronic Payments Only: USCIS no longer accepts paper checks as of October 27, 2025
These changes are part of broader efforts to tighten immigration rules and increase in-person vetting of applicants. The policies affect everyone from skilled workers to family-based immigrants.
Who Is Affected by These Visa Policy Changes
The November 2025 visa policy changes impact several distinct groups of applicants. Understanding which rules apply to you is essential for proper preparation.
For H-1B Workers and Employers
The new $100,000 H-1B proclamation fee creates significant costs for employers sponsoring foreign workers. This fee applies when the beneficiary is outside the US without a valid H-1B visa. The US Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit on October 16, 2025, challenging this fee's legality.
For Immigrant Visa Applicants
Anyone applying for a green card through consular processing must now interview in their country of residence or nationality. This eliminates the flexibility to choose more convenient interview locations. Diversity Visa applicants beginning with DV-2026 must also follow these new location requirements.
For EAD Holders
Workers relying on Employment Authorization Documents face uncertainty with over 900,000 applications pending more than six months. The elimination of automatic extensions means applicants may experience work authorization gaps while waiting for renewals.
For International Students
New enrollment at US institutions dropped 17% in fall 2025—the largest non-pandemic decline in 11 years. Enhanced vetting of credentials and stricter review processes have created additional barriers for student visa applicants.
How to Prepare for These Visa Changes - Step by Step
Follow these steps to navigate the new visa policy changes successfully:
- Confirm Your Interview Location: Check which consulate serves your country of residence and ensure your case is scheduled there
- File EAD Renewals Early: Submit renewal applications at least 6-9 months before expiration due to processing backlogs
- Budget for H-1B Fees: Employers should account for the $100,000 fee when planning sponsored worker petitions
- Prepare for In-Person Interviews: All visa categories except certain B visa renewals now require interviews
- Update Passport Photos: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements before your interview appointment
- Set Up Electronic Payment: Register for USCIS electronic payments since paper checks are no longer accepted
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for the November 2025 visa policy changes:
- September 2, 2025: Interview waivers eliminated for most nonimmigrant visa categories
- September 21, 2025: $100,000 H-1B proclamation fee takes effect
- October 3, 2025: TPS terminated for Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Haiti
- October 27, 2025: USCIS stops accepting paper check payments
- October 30, 2025: 540-day EAD automatic extension eliminated
- November 1, 2025: New interview location requirements for immigrant visas begin
- November 5, 2025: DV-2027 program changes announced
- November 12, 2025: Religious workers category extended to January 30, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new $100,000 H-1B fee?
The H-1B proclamation fee is a new $100,000 payment required for H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. It applies when the beneficiary is outside the United States without a valid H-1B visa. This fee is in addition to standard filing fees and has sparked legal challenges from business groups.
Can I still get a visa interview waiver?
Interview waivers are now limited to certain B visa renewals and diplomatic applications only. H-1B, L, and F visa applicants must appear for in-person interviews regardless of prior visa history. This change took effect September 2, 2025.
How do interview location requirements affect my application?
You must now interview at a US consulate in your country of residence or, if requested, your country of nationality. You can no longer choose a more convenient location in another country. This applies to all immigrant visa categories including Diversity Visa applicants.
What happens if my EAD expires while waiting for renewal?
With the 540-day automatic extension eliminated, you may face a gap in work authorization if your renewal isn't processed before expiration. File early and consider filing for expedited processing if you have urgent circumstances.
What You Need to Know Now
The November 2025 visa policy changes represent a significant tightening of US immigration rules across multiple categories. From the $100,000 H-1B fee to eliminated EAD extensions, applicants face new costs, requirements, and processing challenges that demand careful planning.
Stay informed about these evolving requirements and ensure all your documentation is in order. Before your visa interview, verify that your visa application photos meet specifications for your destination country and document type. Visit VisaPics to check the exact photo requirements for over 950 document types across 172 countries and ensure compliance with official government standards.
Sources: - [Holland & Knight - Immigration Recent Changes](https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/11/immigration-recent-changes-and-new-regulations) - [US State Department Visa Bulletin November 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-november-2025.html) - [Boundless - This Week in Immigration](https://www.boundless.com/blog/boundless-weekly-immigration-news) - [Boundless - Interview Location Requirements](https://www.boundless.com/blog/us-tightens-rules-on-where-immigrant-visa-applicants-can-interview) - [Newsweek - US Visa Applications Update](https://www.newsweek.com/us-visa-apllications-update-change-november-2122729)