USCIS Policy Alert 2025-12 on Family-Based Immigrants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to explain requirements associated with the screening, vetting, and adjudication of family-based immigrant visa petitions to include eligibility criteria, filing, interviews, and decisions.

This updatestreamlines existing policy to provide clear and consistent guidance for officers and provides guidance related to family-based immigrant visa petitions approvals and denials. It also clarifies certain eligibility and adjudication requirements, including when USCIS requires an interview for family-based immigrant visa petitions and that USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) if the benficiary is otherwise removable.

The policy is effective 8/1/25. Feedback is due 9/1/25.