If you’re married to a U.S. citizen and planning to apply for a green card in 2025 in Trump era, you’ll notice that some important things have changed in the I-130 and Adjustment of Status process. Looking to get your 2025 bona fide marriage green card approved faster by USCIS? Here’s what you need to know to avoid surprises and keep your case on track:

Longer Processing Times – Again

In 2025, the wait time for marriage-based green card cases has increased across the board. Even couples filing from inside the U.S. are waiting longer for biometrics appointments, interviews, and approvals. USCIS has acknowledged the delays but hasn’t fixed them yet. Prepare for a slower journey. This is because of longer vetting processes and tougher checks.

Proving a Bona Fide Marriage to USCIS in 2025: What They Look For

Officers are taking extra time to assess whether your marriage is real. Expect more detailed interview questions, more requests for evidence (RFEs), and more emphasis on shared finances, living arrangements, and social history. Weak documentation can lead to denials. We had a client this week who had the assigned USCIS officers make 3 field visits and call the US Spouse’s siblings in other states, as well as speak several times to his mother. The USCIS officer has also been texting the US Citizen spouse asking him to submit his criminal record and some other confidential information. It gets really tricky and hard! This is even before they hired us.

Updated Forms and Filing Fees

Recently, USCIS released a new version of Form I-130 Family Petition and increased the filing fees. You must use the latest version of the I-130 and I-485 forms. If not, your case risks rejection. Double-check all requirements before submitting anything, and don’t rely on old checklists.

Work Authorization and Travel Permits Taking Longer

If you’re adjusting status in the U.S., you’re probably applying for work and travel permits (EAD/Advance Parole) too. Unfortunately, these are now taking 8–14 months to arrive. Many applicants find themselves unable to work or travel while their green card is pending. We have to tell clients daily that they cannot leave the US after filing their marriage-based case until they hold their Advance Parole in hand. Not everyone can wait like this. For those people consular processing is a better, more suitable option.

Fewer Waived Interviews

At one point, USCIS was waiving many marriage green card interviews and approving green cards on papers alone. Now, USCIS is back to calling many couples in in person. We have to note that being inside USCIS for a marriage interview may not protect you from getting detained by ICE if you have status overstay or a prior removal order. Last week, USCIS posted on their official Instagram and Facebook accounts photos and videos of applicant detentions inside the Miami USCIS Field Office when they visited that USCIS office. However, the good news is that if your marriage green card case is well-documented, clean, and low-risk, you might skip the in-person interview entirely. You could still have the interview waiver. That can save months of waiting.

What Counts as a Bona Fide Marriage for USCIS?

To prove your marriage is real, USCIS looks at:

Joint bank accounts
Shared lease or mortgage
Photos together over time
Text messages, emails, and call logs
Affidavits from friends and family

Avoid relying solely on your marriage certificate—it’s not enough.

Final Thoughts and FAQ

The marriage green card process in 2025 is still doable—but it’s more important than ever to be thorough, organized, and honest. A small mistake can lead to delays, RFEs, or even denials. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the new rules and avoid unnecessary risks.

FAQ: Marriage Green Cards in 2025

Q: What is a bona fide marriage for USCIS? ❓

A: A bona fide marriage means your relationship is real and not just for immigration purposes. USCIS looks for:

Joint financial accounts (bank, credit card)
Shared lease/mortgage
Photos over time
Affidavits from family/friends
Children together (if any) A marriage certificate alone is not enough.

Got more questions about your marriage green card case? Reach out to Shepelsky Law Group’s incredible immigration attorneys—we’re here to help.